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  • Amphibian Field Technician, Lincoln Park Zoo (Lake County, IL)

    Feb 14, 2017 4:15 pm by Piper HodsonJobs

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    GENERAL SUMMARY
    The Amphibian Field Technician will assist the Wildlife Disease Ecologist and Endocrinologist, as well as collaborating researchers with collection of demographic data for reintroduced and resident amphibian communities in Lake County, IL Forest Preserves undergoing oak woodland restoration. In addition to population monitoring, the technician will assist with collection of health and stress data for amphibians in six preserves. Field work will occur 5 days per week (M-F), 35 hours per week for 28 weeks from late February/early March through early/mid-September 2017 (with some flexibility of start/end date). This is a paid seasonal position.

    The Amphibian Field Technician will use several monitoring techniques to collect demographic data for various life stages of reintroduced and resident amphibian communities. The technician will deploy automated call recorders for acoustic monitoring of anurans, conduct egg mass surveys for frogs and salamanders, conduct larval sampling via dip net and funnel trapping, and juvenile and adult sampling via drift fence capture. The technician will use photo-ID for individual identification for mark-recapture analysis. The technician will conduct disease sampling via non-invasive swabs. The technician be responsible for data collection and data entry.

    Essential Job Functions: 

    • Identify, handle, measure, and collect non-invasive disease and health swabs from Midwest frogs and salamanders
    • Set, check, and maintain aquatic and terrestrial live traps for amphibians
    • Identify Midwestern amphibian eggs, larvae, and adults to species (training/keys provided as needed)
    • Identify Midwestern frogs by call
    • Deploy and maintain automated call recorders with memory cards, batteries, download call files, and review call recordings
    • Adhere to strict gear disinfection protocol to prevent transmission of amphibian
    • Clean all sampling gear, traps,  and waders/boots between sites
    • Travel independently between six field sampling sites in Lake County, IL
    • Travel between field sampling sites
    • Install, repair, and maintain drift fences as needed (involves digging in clay soils)
    • Maintain legible and accurate data sheets
    • Regularly record environmental conditions, water chemistry data, canopy cover data
    • Regularly complete data entry using Microsoft Excel        

    Additional Responsibilities: 

    Because the position is based in Lake County, Illinois, at multiple field sites, applicants must have a personal vehicle for use for travel to and from sites.  The technician must be willing to use their own vehicle for travel between sites when researchers are unavailable to drive. Mileage reimbursement is available for travel between study sites only.  The ideal candidate will be comfortable working long hours in the outdoors with abundant biting insects, ticks, and poison ivy while wearing waders, and nitrile gloves.  The ideal candidate will effectively communicate with the researchers and Lake County Forest Preserve District personnel regarding project details. Must be able to effectively communicate about the field projects with the public as the field sites are forest preserves. The technician will perform other duties related to the field project as assigned.

    Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

    Must be willing to work independently, off-trail in forest preserves, or as part of a two-person team; must be able to lift and carry at least 35 lbs. through forested wetland habitat by foot; basic knowledge of local amphibian fauna; must be comfortable wearing protective gloves while handling amphibians; must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, rain, heat, cold, etc.; must be tolerant of insect bites (because of its toxicity, DEET-based repellents cannot be used when working with reptiles and amphibians); must be able to navigate off-trail with a GPS unit or aerial photos/maps; proficiency with Microsoft Office Excel and Word; flexibility regarding meetings, and situations as they arise; on occasion; training will be provided as needed for all sampling activities.

    Education Requirements: 

    B.S. in biology, ecology, wildlife,  environmental science sor a natural resources related field

    Experience Requirements: 

    Previous experience working with wildlife and/or conducting scientific research; preference for those that have amphibian field sampling experience; preference for candidates with field identification skills for multiple amphibian life stages; possess a basic knowledge of Illinois fauna and flora; possess a valid driver’s license.

    Additional Requirements: 

    • A strong work ethic and a good sense of humor are ideal!

    All employment queries should be directed to:

    Human Resources
    hrjobs@lpzoo.org

    To complete an application for employment at Lincoln Park Zoo, download and open this PDF, fill in your information, save the form and e-mail it to hrjobs@lpzoo.org. We require a cover letter, resume, and application for all positions. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Lincoln Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer.

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