Monday, March 31, 2025

Student Success: Career Readiness Week April 7-11

 Hello!

 

We're excited to announce Career Services' Career Readiness WeekApril 7-11! This week-long event offers students access to several leading employers, such as Adobe, Amazon, Target, PWC, and Aldi, providing invaluable networking opportunities.

 

To further incentivize student participation and recognize the value of this professional development, we encourage instructors and faculty to consider offering course credit or extra credit for students who attend one or more Career Readiness Week events. Students can easily prove their participation by sharing their points earned through Huskie Career Launchpad, our new digital roadmap to help students acquire the skills and you need for career success via our Suitable app.

 

Why Attend?

  •  Direct access to employers hiring for internships and full-time jobs
  •  Hands-on networking and professional development opportunities
  •  Most importantly, improve interview skills, learn internship tips, and get employer feedback on resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.

 

Featured Events with Employer Participation:

  •  Employer Tips for Successful Internships (Employer-led insights)
    🔗 Event Details
     Mock Interviews (Employer participation, limited to 50 students)
    🔗 RSVP Here
  •  Career Success Clinic (Employer participation, limited to 50 students)
    🔗 RSVP Here

 

Students who attend two Career Readiness Week events will receive an exclusive invitation to a future Employer Mixer, where they can connect directly with recruiters and professionals looking to hire NIU students.



 

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

BIOS 412/ BIOS 512 Mycology

 


Student Opportunity

 The Fort Worth Zoo is offering a Conservation Expedition to Anegada, British Virgin Islands to help the critically endangered Anegada iguana (Cyclura pinguis). This trip is geared toward undergraduate students, helping them get real field experience. 



Scholarships Available

 


Monday, March 24, 2025

Fall 2025 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) Program at Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

 Fall 2025 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) Program at Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences <https://bios.asu.edu/education/research-experiences-undergraduates-reu>




FULLY FUNDED MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS FOR U.S. UNDERGRADUATES IN BERMUDA



The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (ASU BIOS), a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University, has funding from the National Science Foundation, (NSF Award number OCE-2349130), for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program to support undergraduate researchers during the fall semester 2025 (program starts August 25, ends November 14).



An REU internship at ASU BIOS is a great way to gain the experience necessary to embark on graduate studies or careers in science. Participants will conduct research projects under the expert mentorship of BIOS scientists. Potential areas of research for 2025 include:



  *   Coral Ecophysiology
  *   Coral Reef Ecology
  *   Marine eDNA
  *   Marine Invertebrate Physiology
  *   Marine Microbiology
  *   Oceanography
  *   Zooplankton Ecology



Throughout the 12-week semester, participants will give oral and virtual poster presentations that outline their research topic, experimental methods and results and attend a series of professional development workshops and seminars hosted by faculty members. In addition, they will provide a project report at the end of the program. Schedule and weather permitting, all participants will be offered an exciting opportunity to join an oceanographic research cruise aboard R/V Atlantic Explorer. They will also have the option to enjoy field and boat excursions to learn about Bermuda's history, flora and fauna.



Funding includes return air travel (from and to the U.S.), campus accommodation and meals and a competitive stipend. (Medical/travel insurance is the sole responsibility of the student).



Further information, including a link to the online application form, can be found here: https://bios.asu.edu/education/research-experiences-undergraduates-reu



Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, over 18 years of age and enrolled in a program of undergraduate study immediately before and after the program dates. Applicants are ineligible if they have participated in a prior NSF-funded REU in Ocean Sciences.



Application deadline is May 31

Questions? Contact us at bios.education@bios.asu.edu<mailto:bios.education@bios.asu.edu>

ENCAP, Inc. Internship

We are currently hiring for our internship positions this Summer!

 https://encapinc.net/careers/

Summer Help - DeKalb Park District

 Students can apply under the Seasonal Parks Maintenance/Landscaping and mention somewhere that they are interested in native area work.

 https://dekalbparkdistrict.com/employment-opportunities

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

LEED Training Opportunity - Spring Webinars

  

LEED Green Associate (GA) Training - Why Pursue the LEED Green Associate Credential?

- Globally recognized sustainability credential that enhances your career prospects
- Over 12,000 successful students have passed their exams through our training
- Superior LEED exam passing rates with our USGBC Faculty-led courses
- Exclusive discounts for students in Institute for the Study of Environment, Sustainability and Energy
- Suitable for students at all levels to elevate your resume

- Pass the exam this year before it becomes more challenging in 2026

 

Our workshops focus not only on passing the test, but on providing a deep understanding of the material to ensure that your knowledge is solid and practical. This approach significantly improves your chances of success, especially considering the exam's historically low pass rate.

LEED Green Associate (GA) Training - Webinar and Online self-paced options:

I will be offering live webinars that can be streamed on any of the following dates:

1. March 15 2025 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EDT

2. April 12 2025 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EDT

3. May 31 2025 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EDT     - OR -

4. On-demand recordings completed at your own pace

 

The above options (1-4) are all identical. 

 

Register here for our live webinar or self-paced options - https://leadinggreen.com/online

Explore the easiest method to grasp the material with our comprehensive webinars, practice exams, valuable tips, and effective textbook. Facilitated by a USGBC Faculty member, this is the most cost-effective and efficient way to acquire knowledge without straining your budget!

Cost: $200 with the code 'green' for students (non-students: $300)


Secure your spot by registering here for our live or self-paced options - https://leadinggreen.com/online


For any questions please contact the instructor Lorne at 
info@leadinggreen.com


Monday, March 17, 2025

2025 Community Science Programs and Training Info

 Spring has sprung! Just kidding we are 100% going to get more snow, but seriously the growing season is right around the corner! With spring comes opportunity to participate in the District's many Community Science programs that help collect data on many important indicator species at preserves around Kane County. While our restoration workdays are regularly scheduled and in groups, these unique volunteer opportunities allow you to collect important data solo while you hike local preserves on your time and schedule.



The wide diversity of programs kicks off in Feb with frogs and goes all year with our chloride monitors keeping tabs on road salts all winter. Click on the links below to learn more about the programs and reach out to me with questions or interest in monitoring in 2025!


Our Fungi program is already at capacity for 2025 but every other program has openings and opportunities just waiting for YOU!


Frog Monitoring <https://frogsurvey.org/>

Fungi Monitoring <https://illinoismyco.org/>

Odonate Monitoring<https://illinoisodes.org/>

Butterfly Monitoring <https://ibmn.org/>

Plants of Concern <https://plantsofconcern.org/>

Singing Insect Monitoring <https://singinginsects.net/>

Kestrel Monitoring <https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/american-kestrel/>

Chloride Monitoring <https://theconservationfoundation.org/rivers-streams/winter-chloride-watchers/>


Cheers,

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Congressional Internships Summer 2025 - Illinois District 6

 We are reaching out on behalf of Congressman Sean Casten’s office to let you know about internship opportunities to pass along to your students for both our Washington, D.C. and Lombard offices this summer. As an office representing the 6th congressional district of Illinois, we are excited about the opportunity to recruit students from Illinois colleges and universities for this program. 

 

Applications for our summer internship program will be open from March 3rd through April 1st, 2025. The form to apply can be accessed here.

 

Legislative interns in the Washington, D.C. office will assist with day-to-day operations of the office, including answering calls from constituents, attending committee hearings and briefings, working on projects with legislative and communications staff, scheduling and leading tours of the U.S. Capitol, and assisting with constituent correspondence for our Mail Program. Interns will have the opportunity to gain insight into the legislative process, network with staff, and learn about the inner workings of a congressional office. The Washington, D.C. office is seeking interns with a strong attention to detail and a readiness to learn, who are able to work a full-time in-person schedule, Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm.  

District office interns in the Lombard, IL office will assist with office operations, including answering calls from constituents, assisting caseworkers in helping constituents navigate federal agencies, performing research for our outreach and casework teams, drafting letters, and assisting with various projects. Interns will also have the opportunity to attend virtual webinars hosted by various government agencies and work with staff on district-based projects and events. The Lombard office is seeking interns who are able to work in person, either full or part-time.

 

The summer internship will run from May 27th through July 25th, 2025. Individuals with ties to Illinois’ sixth district are strongly encouraged to apply. 

 

Thank you,

Caroline Nodus (Washington, D.C. Office) and Toni Smertene (Lombard Office)

One year post-bac/ RAMP employment opportunity at The Morton Arboretum for recent graduates

 Hoban lab project at Morton Arboretum: The Tree Conservation Biology team will be hosting a RAMP participant to advance our knowledge about conservation and restoration of the threatened butternut tree, while developing conservation partnerships with indigenous peoples and state, federal and other partners, and engaging with communities, including through citizen science. Butternut is a native tree dying off due to a disease that has been reducing populations for about 70 years, resulting in current populations that are about 95% reduced from their size a century ago. The main research project will focus on assessing individual tree health, habitat suitability, disease progression, seedling growth, and other aspects of the ecology of this system. We will collect data in the field and use genetic tools, forest health assessments, soil ecology, GIS, and spatial statistics, along with traditional knowledge, to better understand why some trees are healthier than others, why some populations have seedlings while many do not, how quickly the disease progresses, and how to foster adult tree and seedling survival. In addition to collecting and analyzing data to test hypotheses developed in collaboration with the mentree, we will engage in youth education and outreach, working with citizen scientists, and sharing our findings with diverse audiences. Success factors include an interest in a combination of field, lab, desk, and computational work; teamwork and communication skills; experience with or an interest in learning and using computational tools including R and GIS; ability to work outdoors in hot, cold and wet conditions; enthusiasm for conservation, restoration and environmental stewardship; passion for trees and forests. Work will take place primarily in the Chicago region but may include trips to other locations.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Boone County Conservation District Summer Seasonal Job Positions

Natural Areas Seasonal Technician – Non-Exempt 

The Natural Areas Seasonal Technician, under the supervision of the Natural Areas Manager, is a 500-hour part

time position responsible for: 

 Manual and mechanical collection and processing of native seeds harvested on District property. 

Approximately 25% of time is spent on this activity.  

 Assisting with prescribed burns (training provided). Approximately 10% of time is spent on this activity.  

 Cutting and removing non-native trees and shrubs with hand tools, including clearing saws and chainsaws 

(training provided). Approximately 30% of time is spent on this activity.  

 Mixing and applying herbicide for management of invasive plant species within managed natural areas. 

Approximately 25% of time is spent on this activity.  

 Planting native seeds and plants by hand and mechanical means in the field. Approximately 5% of time is 

spent on this activity.  

 Other duties as required, e.g., snow removal. Approximately 5% of time is spent on this activity. 

Compensation 

 $14.00 per hour  

Requirements 

 Must be eighteen years of age or older with a valid driver’s license. 

 Ability to work with a minimum amount of supervision and ability to solve problems. 

 Ability to obtain an Illinois pesticide applicator certification within 30 days of start date. 

 Basic knowledge of native and invasive plant species. 

Physical Functions and Equipment Used 

Ability to: 

 Lift and carry, bend and reach. 

 Go up and down stairs. 

 Lift and carry 50 lbs. 

 Carry 30 lbs on your back. 

 Safely operate hand tools and landscaping tools such as: drills, clearing saws, walk behind mowers, hedge 

trimmers, hand pruners, weed eaters, and shovels. 

 Safely operate multiple types of district vehicles including but not limited to tractors, trailers, skid steers, 

UTVs, trucks, and mowers. 

 Use a computer, smart phone, tablet, copy machine, and other office equipment. 

Working Conditions/Environmental Considerations 

Ability to: 

 Work outside in all types of weather conditions. 

 Work in conditions where there are biting and stinging insects. 

 Work in conditions with possibilities of exposure to minor cuts and burns. 

 Work a flexible schedule that may vary from week to week or even daily. 

 Work weekdays, evenings, and/or weekends.   

 Work with proper personal protective equipment. 

 Work as part of a crew. 

Specific Skills 

 English – Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, rules of composition and 

grammar. 

 Speaking -- Talk to others to convey information effectively. 

 Reading Comprehension – Understand writing in work related documents. 

 Writing -- Communicate effectively in writing appropriate for the needs of the audience. 

 Active Listening -- Give full attention to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate. 

 Ability to contact people by phone, email, and letter.  

 Organize, plan, and prioritize work -- Develop specific plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish 

work. 

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job.   

It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. 

All prospective employees must pass a pre-employment drug test, background check, physical, and driving 

history check.  

The Boone County Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a 

diverse staff and maintaining an equitable work environment. We encourage applications from women, minority 

groups, veterans, and people with disabilities for whom a reasonable accommodation can be provided. 

Please send application to:       

Frank Rabbit 

Director of Natural Resources 

Boone County Conservation District 

603 N. Appleton Rd.  

Belvidere, IL 61008 

FRabbit@bccdil.org  

https://www.bccdil.org/about/employment/.