Biologist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Recent master's graduates and professionals with relevant zoo, aquarium, conservation, population management, or other relevant experience are welcome to apply.
• Strong computer and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented, able to handle multiple tasks, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong scientific and professional written and verbal communication skills, including comfort speaking publicly to a variety of audiences.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work tactfully, maturely, and flexibly with diverse people in the AZA community.
• Ability to facilitate large meetings with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong background in population biology, use and interpretation of simulation and deterministic models, and broad knowledge of species biologies.
• Ability to professionally represent the AZA PMC at external meetings.
• Commitment to wildlife conservation through management of wild and zoo and aquarium populations.
• Willingness to participate in Lincoln Park Zoo’s team approach to projects.
• Ability to work at a desk or computer for seven hours per day.
• Must be able to occasionally work weekends for conferences or other tasks.
• Must be available to occasionally work Lincoln Park Zoo special events outside the regular schedule, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with zoo- and aquarium-based population management Animal Programs and software such as ZIMS for Studbooks, PMx, or PMCTrack, as well as Microsoft Office and R.
• Experience working with aquatic species, their husbandry, and/or aquariums.

Responsibilities

• Prepare pedigree (studbook) databases for analysis with SSP and SAFE program leaders; complete standard demographic and genetic analyses; collaboratively develop breeding and transfer recommendations for SSPs; and write reports.
• Analyze databases and other records to investigate animal population management issues.
• Lead preparation, writing, and publication of reports on population analyses and breeding and transfer recommendations.
• Facilitate meetings with program leaders and partners.
• Assist SSP and SAFE program leaders by phone, email, internet conferencing, or in person with database analysis and population management questions.
• Provide training on population management topics to zoo and aquarium professionals, Lincoln Park Zoo visitors and staff, and other audiences as needed.
• Travel to AZA conferences and meetings to represent the AZA PMC.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of population management software.
• Depending on background and capabilities, participate in research or projects in population biology, data management, or other aspects of cooperative Animal Programs.
• Participate in the Conservation and Science Department’s team approach to population biology research and data management projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the AZA PMC at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
• 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match.
• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions.
• Free on-site parking anytime, with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach.
• Discounts on event tickets, attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo, including free admission to select events.
• Quarterly staff mingle events and LPZooU training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects.
• Company contribution to a Health Savings Account for Medical PPO participants.
• Working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife.