Urban Wildlife Institute Internship at Lincoln Park Zoo

NRES and the Urban Wildlife Institute at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago have partnered to offer an internship opportunity to an NRES student for the summer of 2011 (June 6-August 19).

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:         Summer Intern, Urban Wildlife Institute
LOCATION:        Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
REPORTS TO:   Urban Wildlife Ecologist, Urban Wildlife Institute
FLSA STATUS:   Exempt
DURATION:       June 6 – August 19, 2011

GENERAL SUMMARY

Utilizing Lincoln Park Zoo’s diverse scientific specialties, the Urban Wildlife Institute studies the interaction between urban development and the natural ecosystem to develop scientific standards for minimizing conflict between these overlapping areas. Landscape ecology, population biology, epidemiology, endocrinology, veterinary medicine and other core disciplines contribute to an increased understanding of ecosystem health in an urban setting. The Urban Wildlife Institute aims to use Chicago as a model for urban areas struggling to deal with wildlife relocation, rehabilitation, disease and conflicts. This is a paid internship that will work as part of this initiative, and contribute to the fields of urban wildlife ecology and conservation science. Specifically, the intern will help with a large, urban survey of mammals using motion-triggered cameras, and help implement research using trapping and radio-telemetry of wildlife populations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist with existing and new Urban Wildlife Institute research programs in conjunction with all partners.
• Help coordinate field work in conjunction with the Urban Wildlife Institute’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Develop new research projects that complement existing studies, under the supervision of Urban Wildlife Institute staff.
• Research new developments in urban ecology through literature searches and reviews.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Domestic travel for field projects and conferences;
• Manage other research interns and volunteers when appropriate;
• Attend Lincoln Park Zoo and/or Urban Wildlife Institute-related activities as necessary;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Urban Wildlife Ecologist.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Successful candidates must possess expertise in field techniques for wildlife research;
• Demonstrate understanding of ecology;
• Possess strong computer, organizational (project management), and communication skills (written and spoken);
• Demonstrate a commitment to wildlife conservation through management of wild and captive populations, and willingness to participate in the department’s team approach to conservation research projects.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Working towards a bachelor’s degree in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Preference for those that:

          - Have conducted or assisted with wildlife ecological studies, including use
            of remote-triggered cameras and radio-telemetry equipment.
          - Are familiar with software including ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel, and
            Microsoft Access.
          - Possess knowledge of Illinois fauna.
          - Possess a valid driver’s license.

*To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Liza Lehrer, Research Coordinator, llehrer@lpzoo.org.
Applications are due by MAY 13th, 2011.