Position Description and Application Information
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature.
The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of it's citizens.
Job purpose
This position assists in monitoring aquatic ecosystems and propagating aquatic species.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Aquatic Assistant
• Performs biological sampling of stream fish assemblages, macro-invertebrates and freshwater mussels using standardized sampling methods and procedures
• Operate boats, motors, and electro-shock equipment
• Qualitative/quantitative data collection
• Aquaculture duties involving propagation of freshwater mussels, water quality parameters, fish care, risk/hazard assessments
• Data collection, recording, entry, analysis, and reporting of biological and physical assessments
• Additional duties as assigned
Education and Experience Required
Additional Information: Must be 18 years of age or older by the first day of employment.
Hours: May - December; Up to 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm (may include weekends on occasion).
Preferred Experience: Must have an undergraduate degree in Biology, Fish management/Aquaculture, or related field or equivalent combination of training and experience; Possess field safety and sampling techniques for assessing stream biology; Ability to wade in streams at chest level for up to two (2) hours at a time; Operate vehicles off-road and outboard motors within one month of employment; ability to swim.
Special training or other license, certification, etc.: Must have a valid Driver's License
Skills In: Work independently, capable of hard physical labor including bending, digging, and kneeling for hours at a time.