Animal Care Intern

 THE MIDWEST MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

425 West State St., Sycamore IL 60178 • www.mmnh.org

 

Job Description: Animal Care Intern

Title: Animal Care Intern

Employment Status: Unpaid Internship

Schedule: Schedule will vary based on availability and project needs

Contact: Cindy Khatri, Executive Director, director@mmnh.org or 815-895-9777

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The mission of the Midwest Museum of Natural History is to encourage our community’s appreciation of natural history using shared experiences through collections, exhibits, and education.

The Museum is seeking an Animal Care Intern for the summer of 2016 to assist in the supervision and care of the live animal collection. The Animal Care Intern will work closely with live reptiles, arthropods, and amphibians; oversee the proper filing of weekly diet and behavior logs; and interact with the public. In addition to contributing to the daily care of the live animal collection, the Animal Care Intern will complete a project based on the needs of the Museum and the intern’s interests.

TIME COMMITMENT:

The internship requires 120 hours over a three month period.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Contribute to feeding live reptiles, arthropods, and amphibians

·         Feed frozen mice to snakes

·         Assist in providing enrichment for the live animals, including target training

·         Recommend habitat improvements or changes, and maintain cleanliness of the enclosures

·         Bathe and clean the animals

·         Properly handle and interact with the animals

·         Present accurate information about the live animals to the public in both formal and informal settings

·         Contribute to the daily operation of the Museum

·         Complete a larger project based off of the current needs of the Museum and the intern’s interests. (Past projects include: creation of animal first-aid binder, researching and practicing enrichment techniques, implementation of cricket breeding program)

·         Other tasks as assigned

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Recently graduated or in pursuit of a degree in biology, zoology, environmental studies or related field

·         Working knowledge of reptiles’, amphibians’, and arthropods’ needs

·         Energetic, independent, creative and detail-oriented

·         Written and oral communication skills

·         Computer proficient; must be able to conduct online research and use Microsoft Word

·         Reliable transportation

 

TO APPLY:

Please email your resume and a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position to Cindy Khatri at director@mmnh.org Application documents may also be mailed to:

Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 West State St., Sycamore IL 60178

Rothblatt Scholarship

2016/2017 Stephen Rothblatt Scholarship The Air & Waste Management Association Lake Michigan States Section (A&WMA-LMSS) will again be awarding a graduate student scholarship in memory of Mr. Stephen H. Rothblatt. Mr. Rothblatt was a long time supporter and contributor to the A&WMA-LMSS, including serving as Chairman of the Board from 1987-1988. In his professional capacity Mr. Rothblatt was the Director of the Air and Radiation Division at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, in Chicago, Illinois. This year, A&WMA-LMSS will be awarding one $1,200.00 scholarship for the 2016/2017 academic year to a graduate student studying in the field of environmental studies. This could include students studying in the department of environmental engineering, environmental science, meteorology, geology, etc. The goal of the scholarship is to ensure adequate human resources and to improve knowledge and skills in the fields of air and waste management. We are currently seeking applicants for this scholarship. Application information can be found on our website. Deadline to apply is April 30th. If you have any questions about the program or the benefits and services of the Association, please contact Debra Jacobson at djacobso@illinois.edu, or 630-472-5019.

Paid Internship: MATTER

MATTER is recruiting an intern to support the Operations team and MATTER members. If you're a people person with a natural talent for making connections and building relationships and have a clear passion for healthcare, entrepreneurship or technology, then check out this position!

The selected student will be offered a stipend through the generous support of the Mike and Kristina McGrath Entrepreneurship Fellowship program and an NIU alumnus.

To learn more, log into Huskies Get Hired and search for Job ID #6558.

Applications due by April 29, 2016.

Outdoor Education Intern - Fall 2016

JOB DESCRIPTION

Outdoor Education Intern – Fall Semester, 2016

Lorado Taft Field Campus

Northern Illinois University

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Outdoor Education Coordinator, this person is primarily responsible for the instruction of resident environmental education experiences for elementary and middle school groups at Lorado Taft Campus, Oregon, Illinois.  This person works closely with other staff to develop and deliver outdoor education programs. This person will also be responsible for creating an educational display for a classroom bulletin board.  Training programs include, but are not limited to, Taft Campus policies and procedures, Taft Campus safety and risk management procedures, writing lesson plans, group management techniques, observing seasoned educators, and co-teaching.

WORK ACTIVITIES

1.              Create and deliver lessons to elementary through high school students.

2.       Research relevant information regarding Taft programs in order to have the necessary background knowledge to teach classes on topics such as ecology, cultural history, outdoor skills, and team building.

3.             Participate in training activities and weekly staff meetings (Monday mornings and Friday afternoons).

4.              Research and create a relevant, educational display for a classroom bulletin board.

5.             Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS

High school diploma or equivalent.  Prior experience working with youth in a role such as a camp counselor, mentor, teacher, or coach.  Must possess the desire to work primarily outdoors, in all kinds of weather conditions.  Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to represent Taft Campus and NIU in a knowledgeable and professional manner are essential.  A high degree of initiative, mature judgment, and a strong work ethic required.  A pre-employment criminal background investigation is required.

PREFERRED SKILLS

Prior experience working in a similar environment (outdoor/environmental education facility, summer camp, nature center) preferred.

WORK HOURS

15-20 hours/week.  Weekly schedule varies based on the needs of the schools on site.  Some evenings required.

COMPENSATION

$8.50/hour.  A private, furnished room is provided.   Meals when the dining hall is in operation.

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT

August 16, 2016 to December 9, 2016

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Melanie Costello, Director/Outdoor Education Coordinator, via email (melcostello@niu.edu) or via regular mail (Lorado Taft Field Campus, PO Box 299, Oregon, IL 61061.  Please apply by March 25, 2016.

Collaborate with International Student Projects

Great opportunity for Environmental Studies, Communications, Foreign Language and other interested CLAS majors.

 

Time: Wednesday, April 20th  5:00pm

Place: Reavis 306A

 

Contact: Jack King, Internship Coordinator

jacking@niu.edu

Farmer Meet and Greet

Elmhurst Garden Club Scholarship

Elmhurst Garden Club
College Scholarship Application Information

The Mildred Hartney Scholarship is open to students enrolled in Horticulture and/or Environmental Studies or a related science area such as biology or botany.

Our Goal:
To encourage the advancement and stimulate an interest in horticulture through education; to provide an outlet for creative expression; to further education in horticulture, environmental studies, conservation and landscape design through scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a junior or senior
• Must have a declared major in horticulture, biology/botany, and/or environmental studies.
• Must submit a complete official academic transcript
• Must have a minimum grade point average of "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
• Must submit a photo suitable for publication (if awarded scholarship).
• Must present a short program on your major at a meeting of the Elmhurst Garden Club (if awarded scholarship).

Application Procedures:

• The deadline for the application and all required documentation is due on May 1 to Jean Baldikoski, Scholarship Chair, Elmhurst Garden Club, 440 S. Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126.
•  Must submit two letters of recommendation: one from the majoring department and one from a non-related individual.
•  Must submit a cover letter discussing commitment to chosen career, extra-curricular activities, community service and work-related experiences.
•  Must submit a letter of acceptance (if awarded scholarship).

 Eligibility Requirements

• You must meet all eligibility criteria.
• All parts of the application must be typed or legible in order to be considered.
•  All attachments must contain your full name.
•  Scholarship funding awarded is granted only for tuition at the college/university designated on application during year applied for.

Application Checklist:
_____ Cover Letter describing your interest in horticulture, Environmental Studies and/or a related                science area and providing specific information/evidence of your involvement in these areas.

 _____ Transcript from the University/College
_____  Scholarship Application
_____  Letters of Recommendation

_____  Materials sent to Jean Baldikoski, Scholarship Chair, Elmhurst Garden Club, 440 S. Prospect

             Avenue, Elmhurst IL 60126            

_____  Postmarked by May 1   

Elmhurst Garden Club
College Scholarship Application 2012-2013

Deadline May 1, 2016-  Use additional sheets if needed.

Name_____________________________________________ Date_______________________

Home Address_________________________________________________________________

City and Zip_____________________________Phone Number__________________________

E-mail address___________________________Alternate Phone Number_________________

Date of Birth_______________________

University/College______________________________________________________________

Grade Pt. Avg. to-date:_______

School Address________________________________________________________________

Names of Parents/Guardians and Occupations:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

List all the classes you have taken in Environmental Studies and/or other science related subjects ____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

List organized activities or clubs in which you have participated:_________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Describe your work or volunteer-related activities during the past three years:__________

______________________________________________________________________________

How do you plan to apply your education after you graduate?

    

BIOS Seminar: Dr. Milne-Zelman, Ecology of Environmental Sex Determination in Turtles in a Changing Climate

BIOS Seminar Speaker 

Dr. Carrie Milne-Zelman

Thursday, April 21 

3:30 pm, MO 442

Dr. Milne-Zelman is an expert on sex determination in turtles, a group in which the sex of an offspring depends on the temperature at which it develops. Given that 2015 was nearly the hottest year on record (second only to 2014), her talk,Ecology of Environmental Sex Determination in Turtles in a Changing Climate, seems particularly timely.

If you would like to meet with Dr. Milne-Zelman, contact Richard King at rbking@niu.edu with your availability.

Graduate students can meet with Dr. Milne-Zelman over lunch in MO 109. 

Please sign up in the mailroom.

Short Course: Physics of Sustainable Energy, U of C

For additional events as well as other energy-related news sign up here: 

https://epic.uchicago.edu/subscribe-our-mailing-list

Congratulations Melissa Burlingame on Receiving a Presidential Award for Excellence!

Four members of the Supportive Professional Staff (SPS) have been chosen to receive the university’s Presidential Awards for Excellence.

Recipients are Gregory P. Barker, director of Testing Services and Academic Affairs Research Support; Melissa Burlingame, current research associate in the Center for Governmental Studies and former program coordinator for the Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy; William C. McCoy, director of the BELIEF Program in the College of Business; and Mark McGowan, editorial associate in NIU Institutional Communications.

The quartet will be honored at a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in the Duke Ellington Ballroom of the Holmes Student Center. The awards ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. Each will receive a plaque and $1,500 in appreciation for their outstanding contributions to NIU.

- See more at: http://www.niutoday.info/2016/04/11/sps-announces-recipients-of-2016-presidential-awards-for-excellence/#sthash.46EsM96N.dpuf

Book Launch: The Nature of Soviet Power, Andy Bruno

Part-Time EPA Volunteer, Chicago IL

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, located in Chicago, Illinois, seeks the part-time volunteer services of a geology, engineering, or environmental science student for the summer of 2016.  

The selected candidate will protect drinking water from unsafe fluid injection underground.  Specifically, the candidate will enter information on inspection of motor vehicle maintenance facilities and sanitary waste cesspools into a management database, organize and file inspection reports, and catalog and organize references used by career EPA staff.  

The candidate will also complete special projects such as mapping and analyzing geologic fracture gradients and determining whether patterns exist in pressure fall-off tests performed by owners or operators of fluid injection wells.  

Interested students should send a resume and cover electronic mail message to Stephen Jann, Chief, Underground Injection Control Branch, EPA, Region 5 at: jann.stephen@epa.gov.

Meet the New Club on Campus: SERMA

Sustainable, Environmental, Recycling, Management Association

What is it?

SERMA is an organization dedicated to promote sustainable practices on campus.

What do we do?

Through partnerships with staff and faculty on campus, we aim to reduce waste on campus. From promoting recycling to active volunteer work, we are dedicated to making campus cleaner and sustainable.

Who are we looking for?

We are interested in active, dedicated, and hardworking students with a passion for the environment. If you want to make change around campus come to our informational meeting and get involved!

Informational Meeting!

When: April 13, 2016

Where: DuSable 302

Time: 5:10 pm

We will be discussing future projects for the rest of the semester and plans we have for next semester too!

Earth Week Events

Monday, April 18th at 6pm
in Campus Life Building Room 100

Anthropology Club:Indigenous Voices on Climate Change


The NIU Student Association is sponsoring and hosting "Earth Week," a week of environmental awareness put on by the collaborative effort of the NIU Environmental Student Advisory Committee.

As part of Earth Week Anthropology Club is hosting a screening of "Indigenous Voices on Climate Change," a series of short documentaries, filmed and compiled by acclaimed filmmaker Citt Williams.

With today’s rapid climatic changes, the lives of indigenous peoples are being dramatically affected: some are losing homes, livelihoods, cultures and the ecosystems upon which their survival directly depends. As our scientists calculate the increasing climate-induced losses, we also recognize that our indigenous peoples’ perspectives of climatic change are extremely valuable.

The traditional knowledge of many communities embodies a deeply spiritualize and ancient relationship with the earth’s systems and cycles. Traditional songs and languages, clothing, architecture, foods, motifs, daily rituals and mythological epics are encoded with local survival information. Moreover, the diversity of indigenous cultures provides unique insights and powerful codes on how to live harmoniously within nature.

By sharing these indigenous stories of vulnerability and adaptation, we also share ideas on how ancestral wisdom is being incorporated into adaptation strategies. By cherishing the value of traditional knowledge we can discover how best to adapt to a changing climate.

This series explores indigenous peoples' problems resulting from and responses to anthropogenic climate change and features indigenous peoples from Malawi, Cameroon, Bangladesh, Iran, Papua New Guinea, Tajikistan, Ethiopia, Australia, Kyrgyzstan, Canada, Japan, Kenya, Panama, Peru, Madagascar, Russia, and Indonesian Borneo.

Tuesday, April 19th at 7pm
in Montgomery Auditorium 

Committee for the Preservation of    Wildlife(CPW):

Live Bat Show

ALL AGES AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!

Enjoy a multi-media presentation on Bat Education! See live Egyptian and African Straw-Colored Fruit Bats! Don’t miss the opportunity to see these amazing creatures up close and personal! Also we are selling Bat Boxes for you to give local bats a home. #GoGreenNIU







Wed-Friday, April 20-23 From 10am-3pm
Outside Montgomery Hall


Committee for the Preservation of Wildlife(CPW): Plant Sale

CPW will be holding it annual Earth Week plant sale. Come by to get some native plants or some of our other selections. Friday (4/22), there will be a table at Green Bash selling plants as well as one at Montgomery
.

Thursday, April 21st from 10am-4pm
in Davis Hall

Geology Club: Geoguessr & Geography Club Bake Sale



What is Geoguessr?"
Geoguessr is an online game that uses Google Street View to place you anywhere in the world. You then have to use your surroundings to try and figure out where you are either by looking at the climate, soil type, local signs and license plate shapes, vegetation, etc. The closer to your starting location that you guess, the more points you receive. The 3 people with the highest scores will each win a prize depending on their rank. 

In addition, there will also be a bake sale at the same time so when you're waiting for your turn or browsing the world, you can do with a snack in your hand (common treats include cookies, brownies, and the famous Geography club walking tacos).

"Who is running it?"
Good question! the NIU Geography Club is sponsoring/hosting both the Geoguessr game and the bake sale. We do a lot of geography-related activities to show the students at NIU what Geography is and how it can be, or how you may use it, in everyday life (and we meet Tuesdays at 11am...hint hint).

"Why this week?"
Another good question! This particular week is the first ever Earth Week featuring various environmental clubs throughout campus. Be sure to check out flyers posted around various buildings and other Facebook events to catch some of the great activities and events that will be going on that week. If you're especially enjoying an event or you participate in any sort of green/sustainable/earth friendly practices and, like most people, document them on social media, then be sure to use#GoGreenNIU as a way to encourage others to be green!


Thursday, April 21st from 4pm-10am

at Anderson Hall Communiversity Gardens



Communiversity Gardens: Garden Prep



Come get your paws dirty and help the garden be ready for the planting season! Weeding, tilling, turning compost, and other fun, muddy tasks will be accompanied by food, laughs and music! Participate in sack and wheel barrel races to win Earth Week t-shirts!




Friday April 22nd from 10am-3pm
at MLK Commons

Green Paws Environmental Alliance: Green Bash

clock

Join us on April 22th from 10-3pm @ the MLK Commons for our Third annual Green Bash! Our main goal is to bring together the campus as well as the surrounding community in an effort to promote sustainability. We have local businesses, bands, food, and other campus organizations come together for an all day festival. Between games, a dunk tank, live music, fresh food, artwork, local vendors, sunshine, and some awesome information on how to create a sustainable campus, there’s something there for everyone!



Saturday, April 23rd from 9am-12pm
at Cole Hall Reflection Pond



Illinois Lakes Management Association(ILMA):
Earth Week Clean Up

In honor of Earth Week (and also because the Reflection Pond and creek are really full of trash), Illinois Lakes Management Association is hosting a creek cleanup!

Dress for the weather, and in clothes that can get dirty.

A limited quantity of waders and boots will be provided, so please wear your own water-proof, thick-soled boots if you can.

You never know what you'll find at a cleanup--money, weird things, gross things, a mattress (we will probably find a mattress)--so come out and have fun while helping to keep our campus clean!

Check out The Spring Newsletter 2016

https://www.smore.com/8u2dw

Earth Week

WHEN

Sunday, April 17th, 9pm to Saturday, April 23rd, 11pm

WHERE

NIU

Get Directions

The Student Association's First Director of Environmental Affairs

Stuart Nissenbaum is a senior Environmental Studies major with an emphasis in policy. He is currently Student Association's first Director of Environmental Affairs at Northern Illinois University. While having this position this semester, he has initiatied NIU's very first Green Week and has been going from department to department to help in the reduction of printing. He has also coupled this position with the Green Office Initiative in order to reach more people on campus. He believes the next student to take the position will have the basic groundwork laid for them and will have the tools to make a significant change. The next student will also have a full year to promote environmental changes on campus compared to Stuart's one semester.

The new SA administration has not yet been elected, therefore we do not know who will be the next Director of Environmental Affairs. The new SA administration ultimately will hire the directors as part of their cabinet and those applications will be available in a few weeks.

Even though Stuart is leaving us in May, he wants to ensure that whatever he does after graduation puts him in the best position to make a difference.

Green Office Initiative Updates

Stuart Nissenbaum also worked as the Director of the Green Office Initiative this semester. This position will be integrated with the Student Association's Director of Environmental Affairs role for next semester. The Green Office Initiative helps offices around campus become more green by little day-to-day tasks. Last semester, our Marketing Associate and students in an Environmental Management class worked to revamp the program.

With the work on this program from last semester and Stuart's work this semester, eleven offices have been certified at the bronze level, seven offices have been certified at the silver level, and 3 offices at the gold level. If you would like to see which specific offices have reached each level, follow this link:http://www.niu.edu/sustainability/outreach-advocacy/green-offices.shtml

Green Living Community

"The Green Living Community brings together students who are interested in learning more about the environment and sustainability outside of the classroom. Students from any major will benefit by increasing their environmental IQ and networking with environmental professionals from around the region.

The Green Living Community is more than just a place to learn about environmental practices; it offers an opportunity for students to take that knowledge and apply it to the greater community."

The Green Living Community is located in Grant D Tower Floor 8. Check out their website:http://www.niu.edu/housing/halls/llc/green/index.shtml for more information.

Green Garden Update

Facebook

"We invite everyone and anyone, regardless of experience, to come on our work days Tuesdays and Thursdays every week from 4-6PM beginning April 26th. Volunteers can expect to get dirty, have fun, and leave with sense of gratification and even an arm load of fruits and veggies!

The gardens class started a t-shirt fundraiser to collect capital for a new shed to protect and store the garden’s tools. You can help the gardens and receive a hand-drawn designed t-shirt for only $12 by contacting us through email, Facebook, or at one of our events.

The Communiversity Gardens will be participating in NIU Cares Day April 16th to engage students on campus to prepare the beds followed by sowing and transplanting the plants for the upcoming growing season.

The garden serves as a hands-on educational experience for local K-12 schools and for departments at NIU such as Nutrition and Dietetics. Contact us if you or your organization has interest in a workshop in the gardens!"

niucg@niu.eduniu.edu/communiversitygardens/

Goodbye to Seniors

We have 22 Graduating seniors this year: Craig Klein, Ashley Techau, Eric Boewe, Erica Bray, Kelsie Cavanaugh, Stephanie Cosby, John Doran, Evan Dundas, Jessica Fliginger, Brian Fogerty, Michael Goers, Erin Kennedy, Brent Michalski, Stuart Nissenbaum, CarlaOLeske, Michael Payne, Larissa Root, Sam Rorie, Erik Siebold, Benjamin Stone, Armani Thomas, John Wells, and Lakisha Williams.

Congratulations to these Graduation seniors and Best of luck in your future endeavors!

Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy

Facebook

The ESE Institute offers two undergraduate degrees in environmental studies: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. These interdisciplinary programs feature classes and research led by NIU faculty from several different colleges. To further customize your course of study, you can draw from your personal, intellectual, and professional interests to choose from the following six areas of emphasis:

• Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration
• Energy Studies
• Environmental Policy
• Nature in Society
• Non-Governmental Organizations
• Water Sciences