The University of Illinois is conducting collaborative research to understand the movement and stopover ecology of migratory birds in the Midwest. 

Position Overview

We seek a field technician to assist with research on migratory songbirds in forest lands in Central Illinois from April to October 2025. The technician will be responsible for conducting bird banding operations at three field sites in Central Illinois. Duties will include capturing and banding migratory birds, fitting migratory birds with radio transmitters, and collecting blood and fecal samples. The technician will work with a range of migratory bird species, including Wood Thrush, Ovenbird, Swainson’s Thrush, Magnolia Warbler, and Tennessee Warbler.

The University of Illinois is home to a thriving community of ecologists and ornithologists and a diverse array of research. The technician will primarily work with faculty, staff, and graduate students in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, as well as the Illinois Natural History Survey. This research is being directed by Dr. Benjamin Van Doren (https://migrationbiology.org/) and Dr. Mike Ward (https://ward.nres.illinois.edu/).  

Schedule

This position runs from April through October 2025. Fieldwork during the spring and fall migration seasons will focus on migratory bird species passing through Illinois, and work during the summer will emphasize work tracking Wood Thrushes. The position is full time (40 hours/week) and will include some weekend work. 

Housing

Housing is not provided with this position, but we will provide assistance locating suitable accommodations. 

Compensation

The hourly wage is $16-19 per hour depending on experience. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, natural resources, or a related field

• Ability to quickly, confidently, and safely extract songbirds from mist nets (preferably >500 birds extracted)

• Experience handling and banding songbirds (preferably >500 birds banded)

• Experience working with migratory birds outdoors under variable weather conditions 

• Careful attention to detail and organization when collecting scientific data and samples

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a research team

• Ability to record and organize valuable scientific data

• Possession of a driver’s license valid in the US and ability to operate a pickup truck

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience fitting tracking devices to migratory songbirds 

• Experience taking blood samples (brachial venipuncture) and collecting fecal samples from songbirds 

To Apply

Please use the following Google Form to submit your materials: https://forms.gle/pmkmVBxWnV82eMNZ6. Requested are: (1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications for the position; (2) a CV/resume, which should include a section on bird banding experience that includes a summary of capture methods used, species and numbers of individuals extracted and processed, and any special methods (e.g., blood sampling, tracking devices); and (3) contact information for three references.

Apply by 3 February 2025 for full consideration. Applications may also be accepted after this date.

Contact vandoren@illinois.edu with questions about this position using the email subject "2025 Field Technician."