Field Technician (4 Vacancies)

Posting Category:

About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu .

Application deadline: 6/19/2026

Minimum Starting Salary: $16.00 per hour

Summary:

The field technicians (four technicians) are field researchers who need to be effective in field data collection, including observing and tracking of ospreys. Field technicians know how to operate and adjust, when necessary, various instruments for data acquisition and are required to communicate effectively the research notes. Successful candidates also need to have excellent interpersonal skills for working effectively with different stakeholders and partners.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Daily Observations: Conducts daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure that each osprey is eating properly and there is no aggression toward each other. In addition, makes notes of all behaviors observed of each osprey as well a presence of other potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking sites.
• Daily Tracking: Conducts daily tracking of ospreys once they fledge; makes notes of their locations with the GPS units as well as the surrounding vegetation/habitat characteristics, including the perch conditions. Makes notes of their behaviors and well-being, in particular their attempts to hunt.
• Food Preparation and Feeding: Conducts daily preparation of fresh or completely thawed fish for the osprey chicks and feed them twice a day. Makes notes of the amount of fish provided each meal, the amount consumed, and the amount of left-over. Cuts fish into small chucks for feeding early on and graduate small chucks into bigger pieces that allow ospreys to exercise grabbing fish with their talons and tearing fish for feeding. Continues to provide fish until all ospreys have migrated.
• Daily Reports: Submits daily reports regarding the behaviors and fish consumption by ospreys, as well as makes notes of any other notable events related to the ospreys on that day. Uploads the GPS points into the GIS database for ospreys.
• Planning and Coordination: Plans and coordinates with the Illinois River Biological Station (IRBS) or Kaskaskia Biological Station (KBS) for obtaining fish for feeding ospreys. Conducts regular pick-ups of fish from the IRBS or KBS. Coordinates with the field personnel at the other hacking site for project purposes when required.
• Maintenance: Assists with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking tower before and after the hacking season, as well as the maintenance and inventory of the field gears and equipment.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in wildlife, environmental science, biology, or related field before start date. The individual must have and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours. Candidates are experienced with kayaking.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates have a minimum of one season of directly related field or professional experience. Experiences working with birds of prey are highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Ability to work outdoors

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment with little supervision

Plans and arranges own work for various tasks, refers only unusual cases to supervisor

Excellent writing and data entry skills that reflect accuracy and attention to detail

Ability to identify raptors and other species

Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Earth, and GPS

Ability to kayak for hours

Ability to cut and prepare fish for feeding

Successful candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail

Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety

Ability to follow the COVID-19 safety protocol and guidelines as directed for the duration of employment.

Physical Demands:

• Standing : Frequently
• Walking : Frequently
• Sitting : Frequently
• Lifting : Frequently
• Carrying : Frequently
• Pushing : Frequently
• Pulling : Frequently
• Climbing : Frequently
• Balancing : Frequently
• Stooping : Frequently
• Kneeling : Frequently
• Crouching : Frequently
• Crawling : Rarely
• Reaching : Frequently
• Handling : Frequently
• Grasping : Frequently
• Feeling : Occasionally
• Talking : Occasionally
• Hearing : Constantly
• Repetitive Motions : Occasionally
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination : Constantly
• Taste/Smell : Rarely
• Performing Manual Tasks : Constantly
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Extreme cold : Rarely
• Extreme heat : Constantly
• Humid : Constantly
• Wet : Constantly
• Noise : Rarely
• Hazards : Occasionally
• Temperature Change : Occasionally
• Atmospheric Conditions : Constantly
• Vibration : Rarely
  
  

Travel Requirements:

5% Possibly drive to the nearby waterbodies to look for the birds.

Employment Policies and other information:

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment .

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility .

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State Universities Retirement System

• You do not pay Social Security taxes and your earnings will not be on your Social Security record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.)
• Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:
• Social Security benefit and
• Social Security benefit as a spouse
• Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***