Blanding’s Turtle Field Technician Lake County, Illinois
Blanding’s Turtle Field Technician
Employer: Northern Illinois University
Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship
Location: Lake County, Illinois
Job Description: One or more wildlife technician positions are available to assist the Lake
County Forest Preserve District with its Blanding’s Turtle Recovery Program from May
through July 2017 (approximate dates). Technicians will capture Blanding's Turtles
using baited hoop traps and track movements via radio-telemetry. Technicians will
also assist with the collection of eggs, the care for headstarted juvenile turtles and the
documentation of nesting activities at night. Training and all equipment will be provided
for all internship activities.
Qualifications: Ideal candidates will be comfortable working long hours often wading in marshes with
little shade and may be exposed to biting insects, ticks, and poison ivy.
Additional requirements
include:
• B.S. in biology, natural resources, environmental studies or related field OR degree in
progress with relevant course work
• Valid driver’s license
• Familiarity or ability to learn regional aquatic species (reptiles, fish, crayfish) and ability to
safely handle large and potentially aggressive animals (e.g. snapping turtles)
• Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions across difficult terrain
• Flexible work schedule including the ability to work at night during nesting season (June)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to communicate effectively with forest preserve agency personnel and the public
regarding project details
• Adherence to safety and animal handling protocols
• Physical strength, stamina, and endurance sufficient for full days of strenuous field work
Essential Job functions:
• Trapping, handling, identifying and collecting data on reptiles (primarily turtles).
• Tracking turtles using radio-telemetry equipment
• Traveling among field sampling sites and wildlife facilities
• Checking and maintaining hoop traps
• Maintaining accurate data sheets
• Data entry
Salary: $10/hr, 37.5 hr per week; optional housing in Lake County is available at $210/month;
vehicle or mileage reimbursement is provided
How to Apply: Interested parties should submit a cover letter addressing qualifications listed
above, resume/CV, and contact information of 3 references to Callie Klatt at
cklatt@butler.edu with the subject line “Lake County Blanding’s Turtle Technician
Application”
Application Deadline: 1 February 2017
