Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant NOW HIRING with crayfish in background

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is looking to hire an aquatic invasive species (AIS) specialist to conduct research and, especially, engage in outreach regarding AIS pathways. The successful candidate will serve as a full time, 12-month academic professional who works with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and the Illinois Natural History Survey—part of the Prairie Research Institute at University of Illinois—and will work from an office at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.

POSITION DETAILS

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Conduct research into pathways of AIS introductions in the southern Lake Michigan region, particularly related to Organisms in Trade and recreational water users.
  •  Design and implement surveys to collect data on stakeholder knowledge and behaviors regarding AIS prevention.
  • Gather, compile, and analyze survey data for reporting and research projects.
  • Present research findings at local, regional, and international meetings.
  • Develop and conduct outreach activities and events to benefit the mission and visibility of the Survey, PRI, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, and University of Illinois.
  • Design outreach materials for the AIS program and disseminate them to various stakeholder groups.
  • Implement and manage social media and other educational marketing campaigns for the AIS program.

A bachelor’s degree is required and experience engaging in outreach and presenting at conferences, to the public, or at professional settings is preferred.

INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. They are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. University of Illinois participates in the federal e-Verify program and participates in a background check program focused on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history.

We strongly encourage women, minorities, and people from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply. For more on Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s commitment to inclusion, please see our program’s values statement.

TO APPLY

To learn more about the position’s responsibilities and qualifications, visit the job posting on the University of Illinois job board. Applications are due by June 13, 2023.

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When participating in a crayfish participatory science activity, be sure to snap plenty of photos of any crayfish you catch or observe. Not only is it a great way to capture the fun and excitement of the day, but it also helps document the species present. To ensure accurate identification by scientists, it’s important to provide clear photos from multiple angles. Dorsal (top), lateral (side), and ventral (underside) views of the crayfish should always be photographed.To learn more about the specific features to highlight in your photos visit the link in bio or InvasiveCrayfish.org/Management/#Community
Who says “Back to School” means back indoors? While the weather is still warm, take your students on an outdoor science adventure by exploring crayfish in your local waterways.The Invasive Crayfish Collaborative invites grades 2-12 educators to take part in a hands-on participatory science activity. By catching, identifying, and reporting crayfish species in your area, students contribute valuable data that helps scientists better understand where native and invasive crayfish live.Check out what other educators have found and get involved: inaturalist.org/projects/great-lakes-crayfish
Come round up some rusty crayfish and help remove this #invasivespecies from the Fox River at the 7th Annual Rusty Rodeo. Join us at this FREE event and help collect, identify, and remove rusty crayfish from the river using aquatic nets and buckets. Prizes are given to the participant who collects the most, the largest, and the smallest rusty crayfish. Learn more about native and invasive aquatic species at educational pop-up exhibits.Participants will need to provide their own supplies. We suggest bringing an aquatic net, a bucket, and clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. This is a partnership program with: Forest Preserve District of Kane County, St. Charles Parks & Recreation Department, Fox Valley Park District, and Friends of the Fox River. No registration required.More info: https://kaneforest.com/upload/2025RustyRodeoFull-pageFlyer.pdf#CrayWeek #Crayfish #InvasiveSpecies #RustyCrayfish #FoxRive
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