General Summary
The Nature Boardwalk intern will gain valuable hands-on experience by assisting the Urban Wildlife Institute in wildlife and habitat monitoring at the Nature Boardwalk, a natural wetland ecosystem managed by the zoo. Specifically, you will conduct fieldwork, including live-trapping turtles, monitoring the largest colony of state-endangered Black-crowned night herons in Illinois, camera-trapping for terrestrial mammals, and testing pond water quality. The intern will enter the data associated with these projects and maintain related research equipment. The Nature Boardwalk intern will 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 importance of urban nature by interacting with people of various ages, backgrounds and knowledge levels, and will gain experience training other interns and volunteers. The intern should be self-motivated, adaptable, 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 (lifting/carrying heavy items), and being outdoors in all weather conditions. This is a paid, full-time position (35 hours per week).
Learning Objectives:
The intern will learn:
- about urban wildlife ecology and gain experience with field techniques for studying wildlife, including wildlife handling;
- how to manage data, interpret collected data, and design and conduct a scientific study;
- how to communicate science in person and through written communication.
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;
- 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;
- Be able to lift at least 50 lbs;
- Be able to swim.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree (in progress or recently completed), preferably in biology, ecology, natural resources, or related field.