Ecological Field Work Technician

Job Summary:

This position will implement intensive monitoring of monarch butterfly habitat and monarch butterflies at each life stage within various selected sites throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.  This individual will be trained by staff from the Field Museum in ecological sampling methodology and monarch biological monitoring protocol in order to collect information at urban sites on a variety of habitat characteristics, including but not limited to: milkweed density and abundance, floristic diversity and distribution, and total habitat acreage.  The technician will perform fieldwork with other staff and volunteers when available for monitoring plots in the Chicago metropolitan area.

This is a full-time term position which will be an active member of our staff for 12 weeks.

Duties:

• Collects and organizes biological field data using standardized collection procedures and equipment. Ensures quality control of data collected. Performs field, and data analysis of collected samples and records data as needed.
• Carries out routine field studies on monarch ecology and plants.
• Work with private landowners, other federal and state agencies, and non-governmental partners to carry out low complexity, non-controversial monitoring projects.
• Will be required to work outside (walk long distances, carrying approximately 10 pounds of gear) for the duration of the summer in heat with exposure to insects, etc.
• Required to operate their own passenger vehicle, and utilize global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), cameras, and a variety of computer programs.
• Basic data entry and some analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

Qualifications:

• Chicago Region plant identification skills are strongly desired
• Experience with ecological sampling and/or invertebrate sampling
• An understanding of monarch biology
• Valid driver’s license and access to a car

Apply online at link included