This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/11846607 Assistant Research Scientist, Hunter Research

Illinois Natural History Survey

Prairie Research Institute

Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace differences. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI\'s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world. Learn more at https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), which 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, is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist who will contribute to the research activities of the Survey by conducting research essential to the Survey\'s Illinois Learn to Hunt Program. This position will contribute to the Regional Recruitment, Retention, and Reengagement of Illinois Hunters. Remote and Hybrid work options are available.

Duties & Responsibilities

Collect data to enhance and improve knowledge and understanding of needs and efficacy of R3 program development and delivery.

Conduct scientific surveys toward identifying motivations, constraints, and behaviors of potential new hunters, existing hunters, and lapsed hunters.

Assess the needs of local clientele. This includes surveying stakeholder needs, networking, and collaborating with relevant groups.

Compile and clean data to ensure quality control/quality assurance.

Assemble data to be utilized in technical reports to granting agencies and peer-reviewed publications.

Evaluate the impact of the program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion. Evaluation plans should focus on short- and long-term impacts and changes.

Maintain and improve upon basic and advanced knowledge in specialized research areas.

Assist with quarterly and annual program reports provided to the granting agency.

Proofread and edited final project reports for granting agencies and constituents.

Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements.

Provide program leadership, interpret, and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource base.

Using research findings, advise in the planning of hunter recruitment workshops, seminars, and outreach activities aimed at educating the Illinois public on the specifics of hunting.

Assist in the development of high-impact programs for diverse audiences aimed at mentoring and educating adults on the specifics of hunting.

Incorporate data in the development of outreach content for a variety of platforms using various media ypes (e.g., webinars, podcasts, infographics, articles).

Prioritize, organize, and plan to ensure projects move forward on time.

Collaborate with Illinois DNR and program partners to meet objectives in the Illinois R3 Strategic Plan.

Develop and implement a strategic plan to reengage the Illinois public in hunting based on research data.

Develop and foster strategic initiatives that focus on creating equity among under-represented groups in the Illinois hunting population.

Provide outreach and service to the public, the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, sponsors, and professional organizations of program research findings.

Advise planners as to the execution of outreach and education events aimed at educating the adult Illinois public on the specifics of hunting.

Identify relevant topics, news, reminders, and other important and timely information that is of interest to Illinois hunters.

Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communication with clientele and utilize social media to provide support for new hunters through relevant content posting, answering questions, and fostering discussion among followers of program social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, YouTube