Wildlife Technician Lake County, Illinois

Wildlife Technician 

Employer: Northern Illinois University 

Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship 

Location: Lake County, Illinois 

Job Description: Two wildlife technician positions are available to assist the Lake County Forest Preserve District with its Wildlife Monitoring Program from April through October 2017 (approximate dates). Technicians will conduct cover-board and live trap surveys of fish, amphibians, and reptiles; visual and call surveys of nesting birds, and live trap surveys of small mammals. Training and all equipment will be provided for all internship activities. 

Qualifications: Ideal candidates will be comfortable working long hours in the outdoors with little shade and with abundant 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 with or ability to learn regional vertebrate species and ability to safely handle large and potentially aggressive animals (e.g. snapping turtles, weasels)

 • Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and habitats 

• Flexibility regarding work schedule and conditions 

• 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: • Catching, handling, and identifying, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals 

• Marking and measuring reptiles and mammals 

• Setting, baiting, checking, and cleaning live traps for small mammals 

• Traveling among field sampling sites and wildlife facilities • Checking and maintaining camera traps 

• Maintaining accurate data sheets 

• Recording environmental conditions • Conducting vegetation surveys 

• Data entry 

Salary: $10/hr, 37.5 hr per week; 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 John Vanek at john.p.vanek@gmail.com with the subject line "Lake County Wildlife Technician Application" Application Deadline: 1 February 2017