Ecology Preprofessional

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County•Wheaton, IL

3d•$15 - $16•Onsite

About The Position

This position assists staff Ecologists with field projects in the Natural Resources Department, with a main emphasis on conducting field studies of flora & fauna. What You'll Do Construct, deploy & maintain trail cameras and drift fences for wildlife observations. Sort, review, and categorize photos of wildlife for future identification. Collect vegetation data to monitor restoration progress in woodlands & prairies. Conduct real-time bat monitoring using mobile audio recording devices. May assist with Natural Resource Department surveys of flora and fauna, including on land and aquatic species. Deploy and maintain turtle submersible-telemetry antenna. Manage, sort, and share data. Maintain and fabricate field sampling gear using power and hand tools. Collect GPS information and enter data. Keep neat and accurate records of survey, field, and reporting data and assist with data entry. Operate and drive a capped or uncapped 4-wheel drive truck, or other district vehicles as assigned. May assist with laboratory aquaculture duties at the Urban Stream Research Center. Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits and supports a clean, organized and hazard-free environment. Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

18 years of age or older at time of hire
Pursuing or recently completed a degree in Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Biology, Botany, Fisheries Management, Entomology, Wildlife Management, or related field.
Valid Driver's License in good standing.
Skilled in working independently while executing tasks with attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships.
Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.
Comfortable working in public and remote areas.
Requires ability to swim and may require wading through water for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience and an interest in Ecology, Botany, Conservation, Wildlife Management, or Entomology, or other disciplines within Natural Resource management is preferred.
Previous experience with wildlife tracking using telemetry, GIS, and power tools preferred.

Responsibilities

Construct, deploy & maintain trail cameras and drift fences for wildlife observations.
Sort, review, and categorize photos of wildlife for future identification.
Collect vegetation data to monitor restoration progress in woodlands & prairies.
Conduct real-time bat monitoring using mobile audio recording devices.
May assist with Natural Resource Department surveys of flora and fauna, including on land and aquatic species.
Deploy and maintain turtle submersible-telemetry antenna.
Manage, sort, and share data.
Maintain and fabricate field sampling gear using power and hand tools.
Collect GPS information and enter data.
Keep neat and accurate records of survey, field, and reporting data and assist with data entry.
Operate and drive a capped or uncapped 4-wheel drive truck, or other district vehicles as assigned.
May assist with laboratory aquaculture duties at the Urban Stream Research Center.
Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits and supports a clean, organized and hazard-free environment.
Perform other duties as required.