Urban Wildlife Institute Research intern

The Urban Wildlife Institute Research intern will gain valuable virtual and hands-on experience by assisting the Urban Wildlife Institute with several field research projects both on the zoo grounds and in the Greater Chicago area. Zoo-based field work will largely be related to monitoring the largest colony of state-endangered Black-crowned night herons in Illinois, which nest at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. This position will also conduct fieldwork in the Greater Chicago area (transportation provided) on projects related to biodiversity monitoring using cameras and acoustic monitors, as well as projects related to health and stress of urban wildlife, including bird mist-netting, tick surveys, and rat 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 field-collected data, as well as literature searches. The 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, as in-person opportunities will be subject to current COVID-19 protocols, 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 20 lbs from the vehicle to field site at times off pathways and over uneven terrain. This is a year-long full-time paid position that begins March 2022. Full details here: https://careers.hireology.com/lincolnparkzoologicalsociety/748986/description