Keller Science Action Center: Ecology Intern, Birds

The Bird Ecology intern supports our investigation of breeding bird abundance, distribution and diversity on private land in Pembroke Township, IL that supports native habitats for the Keller Science Action Center. This intern will gain valuable knowledge about urban conservation while working at the intersection of field data collection and science communication. The Bird Ecology intern reports to the Senior Conservation Ecologist and also works closely with the other members of the Pembroke Initiative. This position is 20 hours per week for 12 weeks, including project preparation, field data collection, and data analysis. Much of the work time will be in the field, along with time in museum collections.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In collaboration with Field Museum staff, learn to identify by sight and sound breeding birds of savanna and grassland habitats of Kankakee County.
• Perform roadside bird surveys and bird transects; surveys will be on foot 2 - 3 mornings a week, starting at 6 AM
• Enter observational data into e-Bird.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in or recent graduation (within 6 months) of undergraduate or graduate program
• Experience with independent field research and familiarity with biological research methods
• Comfort with being in natural habitats by oneself
• Tolerance of ticks and biting insects
• Interest in learning bird identification and survey methods
• Knowledge of, or interest in, conservation science, ecological and/or social sciences
• Must have access to a car and willingness to travel to Pembroke Township in Kankakee County. Travel expenses will be covered.

Preferred

• Great Lakes Region bird identification skills
• Knowledge of and experience in Kankakee County
• Knowledge of Chicago Region natural areas

Salary of $18 per hour; 20 hours per week for 12 weeks

Applicants must apply through the Field Museum website at www.fieldmuseum.org/careers. Applications through other websites will not be considered.

Applications must be received by Monday, May 6th. Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by Monday, May 13th.

Important Note: In order to protect the health and safety of our employees, guests and their families, the Field Museum is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Requests for exemptions from the vaccine will not be considered as given the nature of this position, we are unable to provide an accommodation for anyone who has not been vaccinated.

The Field Museum is an equal opportunity workplace and employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class. We strive to create a working environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and one that promotes human dignity and mutual respect among all staff. We believe every member of our organization enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, to identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.

The Field Museum strives to ensure that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all. If you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application, or if you require a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to accessibility@fieldmuseum.org