Research Intern, Urban Wildlife Institute
Research Intern, Urban Wildlife Institute
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Job Description
Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation animal care and welfare learning and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868 the notforprofit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privatelymanaged membersupported organization and is free and open 365 days a year.
General Summary
The Urban Wildlife Institute Research intern will gain valuable virtual and handson experience by assisting the Urban Wildlife Institute with several field research projects both on the zoo grounds and in the Greater Chicago area. This position will also conduct fieldwork in the Greater Chicago area (transportation provided) on projects related to biodiversity monitoring using cameras and acoustic recorders for birds and bats humanwildlife interactions using surveys as well as projects related to health and stress of urban wildlife including tick surveys and rat trapping and habitat monitoring. The intern will enter the data associated with these projects and maintain related research equipment. Some virtual work will be likely and these projects may include tagging and analyzing images from wildlife cameras uploading and entering fieldcollected data analyzing acoustic recordings for birds and bats as well as literature searches. The intern will have an opportunity to design and execute a unique project of interest under the guidance of UWI staff. In addition to scientific monitoring you will gain experience communicating the importance of urban nature by interacting with learners of various ages backgrounds and knowledge levels and will gain experience training other interns and volunteers. The intern should be selfmotivated adaptable and enthusiastic to work both in the field and in front of a computer and some independent virtual work is expected.
This position requires accessing areas that are off trail on uneven terrain through sometimes thick vegetation and being outdoors in all weather conditions. Must be able to transport equipment of up to 10 lbs from the vehicle to field site at times off pathways and over uneven terrain. This is a yearlong fulltime paid position that begins June 2025. Applications will be reviewed beginning May 10 and will continue until the position is filled. Housing is not provided. Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or resume.
Learning Objectives
The intern will learn:
- about urban wildlife ecology and gain experience with field techniques for studying wildlife;
- how to manage data interpret collected data and design and conduct a scientific study;
- how to communicate science in person and through written communication.
Essential Job Functions
- Assist with virtual projects including trail camera photo review data management literature searches and written scientific communication (e.g. data summaries or blog posts);
- Assist with ongrounds research projects including Blackcrowned Night Heron colony monitoring bird surveys bat surveys and other projects as needed;
- Assist with field research projects in the greater Chicago area including wildlife monitoring using trail cameras and acoustic recorders humanwildlife interaction research tick monitoring and rat trapping and habitat surveys;
- Perform data entry with high attention to detail and enthusiasm;
- Test inventory and prepare field equipment & supplies;
- Local travel in Chicago for field projects (transportation provided); comfortable working accompanied in city alleys and urban green spaces;
- Serve as a credible source of information about our research;
- Complete a personal project that is mutually agreed upon by the intern and supervisor.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with training of other interns and volunteers when appropriate;
- Attend Lincoln Park Zoo and/or Urban Wildlife Instituterelated activities as necessary;
- Participate in professional development and networking activities as part of the zoo intern program;
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Skills & Abilities
- The applicant should demonstrate a passion for and understanding of 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; ability to represent Lincoln Park Zoo in a professional manner at all times;
- Works well in a team environment as well as independently;
- Selfmotivated to stay on task when working virtually;
- Experience with diverse backgrounds and multicultural environments;
- Maintain a positive and flexible approach to daily responsibilities;
- Must possess a valid drivers license;
Educational Requirements
- Bachelors Degree (completed within two years) preferably in biology ecology natural resources or related field.
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)
Preferred Experience
We prefer applicants that:
- Have conducted or assisted with wildlife ecological studies including use of remotetriggered cameras and acoustic recorders or some related fieldwork experience;
- Are familiar with some software programs including program R program MARK ArcGIS/QGIS Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access;
- Possess knowledge of Illinois fauna especially birds and mammals.
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!
DURATION: June 2025May 2026; full time (35hrs/wk)
Salary: $16.80/hr.
Required Experience:
Intern
Employment Type
Full-Time
