Nature Boardwalk Reserach Intern, Urban Wildlife Institute
Seasonal
Job Description: The Nature Boardwalk intern will gain valuable hands-on experience by assisting the Urban Wildlife Institute in monitoring wildlife and environmental changes at the Nature Boardwalk. Specifically, you will conduct fieldwork on zoo-grounds such as live-trapping turtles, monitor a colony of state-endangered Black-crowned Night Herons, monitor changes in water quality, enter data and maintain research equipment. The fellow will work closely with the Coordinator of Wildlife Management to analyze data gathered from various projects conducted over the summer. The Nature Boardwalk intern will also have an opportunity to design and execute a unique project of interest provided the essential job functions are met. In addition to scientific monitoring, you will gain experience communicating the role of environmental research and science by interacting with people of various ages, backgrounds and knowledge levels. The research intern should be self-motivated, inventive, and enthusiastic to work both in the field and in front of a computer. This position requires a great deal of walking, occasional physical work and being outdoors in all weather conditions. This is a paid, full-time position (35 hours per week).
Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.
Job Responsibilities:
- Assist with on-grounds research projects including the Black-crowned Night Heron monitoring, bird surveys; painted turtle population project, and other projects as needed (80%);
- Perform data entry with high attention to detail and enthusiasm (10%);
- Test field equipment, inventory supplies, and prepare for on-zoo grounds research projects;
- Local travel in Chicago for field projects;
- Serve as a credible source of information about general ecosystem functions pertaining to Nature Boardwalk (10%);
- Complete a personal project that is mutually agreed by the intern and staff.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Manage volunteers when appropriate;
- Attend Lincoln Park Zoo and/or Urban Wildlife Institute-related activities as necessary;
- Performs other duties as assigned.
The intern will learn:
- about urban wildlife ecology and gain field techniques for studying wildlife, including wildlife handing;
- how to manage data, interpret collected data and design and conduct a scientific study;
- how to communicate science in person and through social media
Job Qualifications:
- The applicant should demonstrate understanding of and real passion for ecology and scientific research;
- Possess some expertise in field techniques for wildlife research;
- Possess strong computer, organizational, and interpersonal skills (written and spoken);
- Willingness to work outside in challenging field conditions (i.e., summer and winter); willingness to work early morning hours as necessary;
- Able to interact positively and enthusiastically with the public about our research when appropriate;
- Works well in a team environment as well as independently;
- Experience with diverse backgrounds and multicultural environments;
- Maintain a positive and flexible approach to daily responsibilities
- Bachelor’s Degree (in progress or recently completed), preferably in biology, ecology, natural resources, or related field.
We prefer applicants that:
- Have conducted or assisted with wildlife ecological studies, including use of remote-triggered cameras, experience in ornithology, or some fieldwork experience;
- Are familiar with software including program R, program MARK, ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access;
- Possess some knowledge of Illinois fauna
To apply: 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.