Field Technician (4 Vacancies)

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.