Director/Assistant or Associate Research Scientist, Waterfowl/Wetland Bird Ecologist

Forbes Biological Station & Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center

Illinois Natural History Survey

Prairie Research Institute

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas, and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University's commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu.

INHS is seeking a Director/Assistant or Associate Research Scientist, Waterfowl/Wetland Bird Ecologist (assistant or associate level is dependent on qualifications) of the Forbes Biological Station and Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center. The Forbes Biological Station (FBS), located along the Illinois River on Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Havana, IL, was founded by Stephen Forbes in 1894, and is the oldest inland aquatic field station in North America. The station is a premier center for waterfowl and wetland science in North America. Research infrastructure and equipment available at the field station include boats, trucks, all-terrain vehicles, tractors, and a fully functionally laboratory. Excellent collaborative opportunities exist with nearby field stations and offices operated by the Illinois Natural History Survey, The Nature Conservancy, University of Illinois at Springfield, Western Illinois University, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service NWRs, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Director responsibilities:

• Supervise and lead FBS staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both the individual and organizational level. For direct reporting staff, this also includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance monitoring and evaluation, career/position mentoring, and leave/travel approval.
• Conduct a highly visible outreach program including interacting with professionals, the media, and public officials.
• Ensure the continuing financial success of the station, along with its outreach and public education programs.
• Ensure administrative protocols are met, deliverables conveyed to granting agencies, and all university policy and procedures are followed by FBS staff, including all safety concerns (lab, marine, chemical, biological) and personnel management matters.
• Work closely with Survey Director, account managers, and finance staff on budgetary and expenditure issues as well as upkeep and procurement of field station infrastructure and specialized research equipment.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of PRI.

Assistant or Associate Research Scientist, Waterfowl/Wetland Bird Ecologist responsibilities, which will vary depending on position level:

• Strengthen the Forbes Biological Field Station's research program which must include waterfowl ecology, but other study areas such as wading bird/shorebird and wetland ecology, large river habitats, habitat restoration, and conservation and management within a regional agricultural ecosystem are welcome.
• Identify relevant research needs and project opportunities.
• Collaborate with survey scientists, University of Illinois faculty, and external colleagues to provide integrated interpretations and applications to existing and new research programs.
• Develop proposals for external funding and secure funding to support independent research.

• Prepare internal reports, reports to sponsoring agencies, and scientific reports for publication in Survey publications.
• Publish the results of original research in high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific journals and other outlets that have a rigorous review process.
• Interact extensively with land managers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Provide authoritative and current information on the results of research projects for the public, other scientists, industry, and/or governmental agencies, and communicate research results through writing and public speaking.
• Supervise and lead staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both the individual and organizational levels. For direct reporting staff, this also includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance monitoring and evaluation, career/position mentoring, and leave/travel approval.
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
• Contribute in the areas of education, outreach, and/or other service to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
• Pursue adjunct faculty status and mentor graduate students within the University of Illinois and/or other regional universities.
• Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state, national, and international level.
• Actively participate in professional societies and associations and attend scientific conferences and sponsor-led work groups as a technical expert and present papers and results.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of PRI.

Required qualifications for the Director: Ph.D. in scientific discipline relevant to the mission and goals of the Survey, FBS, and PRI. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Demonstrated expertise in specialized area of research. Supervisory and/or team leadership experience. Effective communication, personal relations, organizational, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to make sound value judgments, translate research findings into management recommendations and/or fundamental ecological concepts, both verbally and in writing to granting agencies and to the scientific and lay communities. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases. Valid driver's license.

Required qualifications for the level of Assistant Research Scientist, Waterfowl/Wetland Bird Ecologist: Ph.D. in waterfowl, wetland ecology, or other relevant scientific discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Demonstrated expertise in specialized area of research. Supervisory and/or team leadership experience. Skills and training in waterfowl and wetland ecology. Broad perspective on existing and future directions of waterfowl and wetland bird research. Ability to establish a research program which includes both independent and collaborative research projects. Potential to effectively acquire and manage project funds and resources. Capacity to effectively manage research as a principal investigator and effectively supervise and mentor associated personnel. Early career track record for publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific journals. Effective communication, personal relations, organizational, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to make sound value judgments, translate research findings into management recommendations and/or fundamental ecological concepts, both verbally and in writing to granting agencies and to the scientific and lay communities. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases. Valid driver's license.

Required qualifications for the level of Associate Research Scientist, Waterfowl/Wetland Bird Ecologist: Ph.D. in waterfowl, wetland ecology, or other relevant scientific discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. At least five years' experience in specialized area of research. Supervisory and/or team leadership experience. Background in waterfowl and wetland ecology with a broad perspective on existing and future directions of waterfowl and wetland bird research. Capacity to effectively manage research as a principal investigator and effectively supervise and mentor associated personnel. Has a sustained progression of professional development that includes publishing research findings in high-quality peer-reviewed scientific journals, external funding, mentorship, leadership and service. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to make sound value judgments, translate research findings into management recommendations and/or fundamental ecological concepts, both verbally and in writing to granting agencies and to the scientific and lay communities. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases. Valid driver's license.

This is a regular full-time 12-month academic professional position, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. The starting date is negotiable after the closing date. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Applications must be received by January 18, 2019. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after this date. To apply, please visit https://jobs.illinois.edu/academic-job-board to complete an online profile and to upload 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a resume/CV, 3) a statement of research interests, and 4) the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three professional references. All requested information/documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Lori Walston-Vonderharr, Human Resources, Prairie Research Institute, at lwalston@illinois.edu or 217-244-2401. For technical inquiries, please contact search chair Dr. Craig Miller at craigm@illinois.edu or Aaron Yetter at ayetter@illinois.edu or 217-333-3825. The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

College Name or Administrative Unit: Office of Vice Chancellor for Research
Category: 6-Research
Title: Director/Assistant or Associate Research Scientist, Waterfowl/Wetland Bird Ecologist - Illinois Natural History Survey (105731)
Open Date: 12/03/2018
Close Date: 01/18/2019
Organization Name: Illinois Natural History Survey

PI106089550