The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (https://nres.illinois.edu) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Visiting Fisheries Research Coordinator (NRES).

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Development, implementation and monitoring of ecology and conservation of sportfish research.
• Collect and analyze data on several aspects of paddlefish conservation, including fecundity and gamete quality, and evaluation of thermal performance and tolerances across latitudes.
• Analysis and management of data using current statistical techniques.
• Participation in the sharing of project findings with relevant stakeholders.
• Supervising (coordination of efforts and schedules) and training of undergraduate technicians.
• Preparing reports, managing, and entering data.
• Maintaining research equipment and facilities: boats, vehicles, fish holding equipment, laboratory workspaces, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife biology or a related field.
• Experience with aspects of standard fisheries techniques including fish handling, fish husbandry and collection of fisheries data.
• Experience with data handling and data analyses using current statistical techniques and programs.
• Ability to safely operate and drive a vehicle, possibly with a boat trailer, including a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in fisheries, wildlife biology or a related field.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
• laboratory techniques including physiological (laboratory) assays
• fish telemetry including surgeries, collection of telemetry data and analysis of telemetry data
• fish performance including generation of data on metabolic rates, thermal tolerance assays or swimming performance assays
• fish care techniques and aspects of fish holding in aquatic facilities/aquaculture facilities
• operation of boats and boat trailers (including a valid driver’s license).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of fisheries ecology and conservation; aquatic ecology and aquatic conservation.
• Knowledge of aspects of fish holding/handling and fisheries techniques.
• Collection of fisheries data; meticulous data recording.
• Good judgement, interpersonal skills and problem solving/critical thinking are essential.
• Committed to safety.
• Able to work in challenging weather conditions, from a boat, and in experimental ponds; as well as working nights/weekends are possible, and extended travel (e.g., up to 2 weeks, at project expense) is likely.
• Organized and be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is between May 1st-July 1st, 2025. The wage for this position is $45,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.