Nature Boardwalk Research Intern Urban Wildlife Institute paid
Nature Boardwalk Research Intern Urban Wildlife Institute paid
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Job Description
As a Nature Boardwalk Research Intern you will gain valuable experience by assisting the Urban Wildlife Institute (UWI) with various wildlife monitoring and research projects based on zoo grounds and at the Nature Boardwalk a naturalized wetland at the south end of the zoo. Your work will include monitoring the colony of state endangered BlackCrowned NightHerons that nests on zoogrounds assisting in taking health samples from juvenile herons surveying various pollinator and plant species monitoring the distribution of birds and other wildlife processing and organizing data and maintaining research equipment. This position will work closely with the Wildlife Management Coordinator to analyze data gathered from the various projects conducted over the summer. While ongrounds work will be the primary focus of this position there will be many opportunities to assist with various offground research projects. These may include our Chicago Rat Project which investigates rat distributions and diseases as it relates to public health our variously biodiversity monitoring projects as well tick surveys. As a senior intern this position will be asked to assist in managing and mentoring other summer research interns (high school and early college age) from time to time. Additionally this intern is encouraged to practice creative public communication skills and participate in relevant environmental outreach opportunities COVID protocols allowing. These may include LPZ camp programs university tours or nonLPZ outreach events in which UWI may be asked to participate and will involve learners of many ages backgrounds and knowledge levels. The Nature Boardwalk research intern should be selfmotivated collaborative and enthusiastic to work both in the field and in front of a computer. They will have the opportunity to create and execute a unique project of interest provided the essential job functions are met. This is a 12 week paid fulltime position 35 hours per week) beginning in lateMay early June 2025.
Learning objectives
The intern will learn about
- Urban wildlife ecology and field techniques for studying wildlife including trail cameras and acoustic recording devices nest surveys wildlife capture & handling
- Identifying images of common urban wildlife species
- Managing data resulting from a broadscale longterm study and interpret collected data
- Designing and conducting a scientific study
- Communicate various ecological principles and research results to the public
Essential Job Functions
- Conduct wildlife surveys at Nature Boardwalk and on zoo grounds COVID
protocols allowing - Perform data entry with high attention to detail and enthusiasm
- Assist with organizing data test field equipment inventory supplies and field
work preparations - Occasional local travel in Chicago for field projects (provided transportation will depend on COVID restrictions and vehicle availability)
- Attend Lincoln Park Zoo and/or Urban Wildlife Instituterelated meetings and activities as necessary
- Local travel in Chicago for field projects
- Serve as a credible source of information about general ecosystem functions pertaining to Nature Boardwalk
Additional Responsibilities
- Complete a personal project that is mutually agreed by the intern and staff.
- Assist in managing and mentoring volunteers and junior interns when appropriate
- Assist with literature reviews related to urban wildlife research projects
- Write a blog post(s) related to a topic learned during the internship (an observation an interesting result new ecological information about a species)
- Participate in intern program activities such as career panels with staff and other interns at the zoo
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Skills & Abilities
The applicant should
- Demonstrate an understanding of and genuine 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)
- Be willing to work outside in challenging field conditions (i.e. summer and winter) and to work early morning or later afternoon/evening hours as necessary
- Be able to interact positively enthusiastically and creatively 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
Educational Requirements
- Bachelors Degree (in progress or recently completed) preferably in biology ecology natural resources or related field
Preferred Experience
We prefer applicants that:
- Have conducted or assisted with wildlife ecological studies including use of remotetriggered cameras experience in ornithology or some fieldwork experience
- Have some familiarity with software including Microsoft Excel Microsoft Access program R program MARK and ArcGIS
- Possess some knowledge of Illinois fauna
Additional Requirements
- Proof of full COVID19 Vaccination defined as twoweeks after second vaccination of a twodose vaccine series (Pfizer or Moderna) or twoweeks after a singledose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson)
Duration: 12 weeks
Scheduling: Full time 35 hours/week
Reports to: Wildlife Management Coordinator; Urban Wildlife Institute
OUR PROMISE
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.
LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS
In addition to such standard benefits Blue Cross Blue Shield) as medical dental vision life and disability coverages and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):
- Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
- Free onsite parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park Lakeshore Trail and North Avenue Beach
- Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events) attractions dining and retail at the zoo
- Quarterly staff mingle events and LPZooU training and educational sessions about the zoo wildlife ecology and related subjects
- Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
- A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!
Salary $ 16.40/hr.
Required Experience:
Intern
Employment Type
Full-Time
