Introduction
In August 2001, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) amended its Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO) to include protection for isolated wetlands. The WDO requires that developments must maintain between 80% and 150% of the pre-development storm runoff volume to preserved isolated wetlands. SMC is conducting an ongoing study of preserved isolated wetlands on a number of post-development sites throughout Lake County, Illinois, to evaluate the effectiveness of the “80-150” hydrology requirement. The latest study report is available for viewing at: http://www.lakecountyil.gov/documentcenter/view/3178. We are seeking one (1) wetland intern to continue the study in summer 2017.
Duties/Responsibilities
The wetland intern will spend about 90% of the study time in the field and 10% of the time in the office under the guidance of SMC’s wetland specialists. This position will allow the intern to apply classroom experiences to real world applications by collecting data for later analysis both by the intern and SMC staff. This position also will expose the intern to various aspects of SMC’s wetland regulatory program. For additional information on SMC and the WDO, see our website at http://www.lakecountyil.gov/stormwater/Pages/default.aspx.
Representative duties will include:
- Collection of field vegetation, soil, and hydrology data in a variety of wetland types. Accurate vegetation data is particularly important for this study; therefore, strong plant identification skills are required for this position. Ideal candidate will be familiar with many of the common wetland and prairie plant species in the Midwest Region, particularly Lake County, IL.
- Compilation and statistical evaluation of the data.
- Preparation of a report to document the study findings.
Qualifications
Applicants must be a United States citizen and a graduate of, or a current student in, a 2- or 4-year college degree program with an emphasis on wetland science, ecology, biology or related natural resource field. Applicants must be able to work both inside and outside, in variable conditions and be willing to engage in limited to moderately strenuous physical activity. Applicants must be able to use Microsoft Office software, particularly Word and Excel. Experience with the ArcGIS geographic information systems (GIS) software is also desirable. A basic knowledge of statistics is required for data evaluation and report preparation. Applicants must have their own transportation for traveling to and from field sites and the SMC office. Class credit may be available for this internship; please check with your academic advisor.
Additional Information
The wetland intern will work approximately 40 hours per week for up to 15 weeks, beginning in approximately mid-May 2017. Pay will be $13.00 per hour. To apply for the internship, please go to the Services-Jobs-Jobs at Lake County Government section of the Lake County website at www.lakecountyil.gov and search all jobs or go directly to http://tinyurl.com/hqwb7ec. The internship is listed under Other. Please be sure to include a cover letter and resume highlighting your related work or classroom experience. Applications will be accepted until February 17, 2017.
ANY OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT IS CONDITIONED ON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A BACKGROUND CHECK, PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREEN, AND MEDICAL EXAM, IF APPLICABLE.
Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
