POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT RESTORATION ECOLOGIST LOCATED IN SPRINGFIELD OR CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. PRI houses 5 large scientific surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology and archaeology. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a large campus with many opportunities and programs. The twin cities offer a variety of features including theaters, museums, restaurants, concert venues, parks, and recreation facilities. The expanding industrial and business commerce throughout the area is an exciting proposition for Urbana-Champaign, yet we still are able to preserve a small-town feel. Even with this growth, the area maintains a sense of community with smaller, established neighborhoods dominating the interior of both towns, while larger suburban housing is available on the outskirts. There are also delightful small towns within 20 miles of campus. The commute to work is not an issue in Urbana-Champaign! Most employees live within a 20 miles radius, and are able to make the trek within 20 minutes. Our area also has the pleasure of experiencing all four seasons, with average winters and summers in comparison to other US locales. The local public schools within C-U and surrounding areas offer a wide range of gifted programs, and there are several private schools within the area. This is a regular, academic professional, full-time grant supported 12- month position, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. The estimated starting date is April 1, 2017 (slightly negotiable). A valid driver's license is required for this position. Primary Position Function/Summary: Conduct research related to optimal decision making with restoration objectives for imperiled freshwater mussels of Illinois, including assisting with development of statistical models of ecological systems and solving conservation problems for restoration of imperiled freshwater mussels of Illinois. Major Duties and Responsibilities: Investigate optimal restoration actions for freshwater mussels in Illinois using a decision web. Contribute to efforts to build a BBN using existing data sets, professional opinion, and newly collected data to guide and inform future steps in the recovery process of freshwater mussels. Supervise assigned staff, which includes task assignment, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, and leave/travel approval. Collaborate regularly with biologists at the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in Springfield, IL, Openlands, and other stakeholders. Under the direction and approval of the Survey Director and/or university official, may participate in outreach activities to benefit the mission and visibility of the Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, and University of Illinois. As time and the contract(s) permits to buy out contract service, may seek and carry out independent research; apply for and obtain extramural funding; report findings in scientific journals and at professional meetings; provide technical information in area of expertise; make presentations to service, nature or science groups, schools, or other public meetings; and serve professional and scientific societies in such duties as reviewing or editing papers, moderating panels, and serving as a committee member or officer. Some travel and field work is anticipated, with occasional overnight stays. Education: Required: Master’s degree in ecology, natural resource management, biometrics, fisheries biology, conservation, or a related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Preferred: PhD, or a combination of Master’s degree with at least 4 years’ experience in aquatic ecology or related field. Experience: Required: Ecological background with some biostatistical experience, including work with R or SAS. Must have experience with management of large data sets, experience with ESRI products, and habitat assessment knowledge. Experience supervising hourly technicians. Preferred: Experience with decision-making networks and related software (e.g., Netica). Experience making presentations at scientific meetings is preferred, along with a proven publication record. Field experience with aquatic systems, particularly sampling for freshwater mussels, is desirable. Training, Licenses or Certifications: Required: Valid driver’s license, ability to swim. Knowledge Requirements: Required: Effective personal relations, organizational, decision-making, and leadership skills. Ability to communicate with multiple stakeholders and agency personnel. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively with a professional demeanor in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities, under minimal supervision. Sound judgment. An attention to detail. Proficiency with commonly-employed software and databases. Salary: $40,000 to $50,000, commensurate with experience Benefits: Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance. Applications must be received by March 10, 2017. To apply, all candidates must submit an online profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu by the close of the posting period. Qualified candidates must upload a cover letter detailing qualifications and skills; curriculum vitae; working e-mail address; and the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete information will not be reviewed. Applications may be reviewed prior to closing. For further information please contact Erica Hanson, Human Resources, Illinois Natural History Survey, 217-333-6897, [email protected]. For technical questions, please contact: Alison Stodola at [email protected]. The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or criminal conviction history. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).
