Position Website and Application Information
Two 6-month wildlife technician positions are available to assist the Lake County Forest Preserve District with its Wildlife Monitoring Program from April through October 2022 (approximate dates). Lake County is located north of Chicago, IL and boasts 55 preserves managed for biodiversity and natural resources, set within a suburban landscape. Technicians will conduct cover-board and live-trap surveys for fish, amphibians, and reptiles; visual and call surveys of breeding birds (optional), camera trap surveys for mesocarnivores, live-trap surveys for small mammals, and telemetry/nest monitoring for endangered Blanding’s Turtles. Training and equipment will be provided for all essential job duties. *This position is ideal for recent graduates looking to develop proficiency in a wide variety of wildlife survey techniques*. Options exist for independent research.
Northern Illinois University is an AA/EEO institution and is an equal opportunity employer. NIU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Qualifications: Ideal candidates will be comfortable working long hours in the outdoors with little shade and with abundant biting insects, ticks, and poison ivy. The most important qualification is an enthusiasm for fieldwork and wildlife biology.
Additional requirements include:
- B.S. in wildlife, natural resources, biology or related field OR degree in progress with relevant course work
- Valid driver’s license
- Familiarity with or *ability to learn* regional vertebrate species and ability to safely handle large and potentially aggressive animals (e.g. snapping turtles, weasels)
- Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and habitats
- Flexibility regarding work schedule and conditions
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to communicate effectively with forest preserve agency personnel and the public regarding project details
- Adherence to safety and animal handling protocols
- Physical strength, stamina, and endurance sufficient for full days of strenuous field work (several miles of hiking in waders while carrying heavy equipment in hot weather)
- Sense of humor. Everyone floods their waders, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day.
Essential Job functions:
- Capturing, handling, and identifying, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals
- Marking and measuring reptiles and mammals
- Setting, baiting, checking, and cleaning live traps for small mammals
- Traveling among field sampling sites and wildlife facilities
- Checking and maintaining camera traps
- Maintaining accurate notes
- Interacting with the public
- Conducting simple vegetation surveys
- Data entry into a field tablet
- Working with a partner without direct supervision
- Be able to start in April (not May, sorry)
