Job Description: One wildlife technician position is available to assist with the Lake County Forest Preserve District Blanding’s Turtle Recovery Program from May through August 2025 (approximate dates). Field activities include aquatic trapping targeting Blanding's Turtles and tracking movements via radio-telemetry.  The technician will also occasionally assist with the documentation of nesting activities at night and assisting with captive husbandry. Training and equipment will be provided for all job activities.  The technician will work with CAS scientists, forest preserve biologists, wildlife veterinarians, and USDA personnel. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation of the largest population of Blanding’s Turtles in Illinois. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.

Qualifications: Ideal candidates will have familiarity with field techniques and be comfortable working long hours outdoors in difficult terrain, often wading in marshes with little shade and with biting insects, ticks, and poison ivy. The most important qualification is an enthusiasm for fieldwork and wildlife conservation biology.

Additional requirements include:

• S./B.A. in biology, wildlife, ecology, natural resources, environmental biology or related field OR degree in progress with relevant coursework
• Valid driver’s license and insurance
• Following standardized monitoring protocol for aquatic trapping methods, nest monitoring, and radio-telemetry once trained
• Familiarity with or *ability to learn* regional aquatic species (reptiles, amphibians, fish, crayfish)
• Ability to safely handle large and potentially aggressive animals (e.g. snapping turtles)
• Demonstrated experience of physical strength, stamina, and endurance sufficient for full days of strenuous field work (e.g. several miles of hiking in waders while carrying heavy (35 lbs) equipment in hot weather)
• Adherence to and respect for safety, biosecurity, and animal handling protocols
• Reliable data collection and attention to detail during data entry
• Ability to think critically and troubleshoot problems as they arise
• Flexible work schedule including the ability to work occasionally at night during nesting season (June)
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to communicate effectively with CAS scientists, forest preserve agency personnel, and the public regarding project details
• Commitment to a safe, equitable, and inclusive work environment
• Enthusiasm for turtle conservation, passion for wildlife conservation in general, positive attitude, and a sense of humor. Everyone floods their waders, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day.

Essential Job Functions: 

• Tracking turtles using radio-telemetry equipment
• Trapping, handling, identifying, and collecting data on aquatic species (primarily turtles)
• Checking, maintaining, and cleaning aquatic hoop net traps
• Following disinfection procedures and biosecurity
• Maintaining accurate data sheets and data entry
• Traveling among field sampling sites and wildlife facilities
• Communicating with a diverse group of teammates and supervisors

About Us

For 166 years, The Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (‘Nature Museum’) has been connecting Chicagoans to nature and science. As a leader in the field of scientific research, education and community programming, Nature Museum’s mission is to create a positive relationship between people and nature through collaboration, education, research and collections, exhibitions and public forums to grow the region’s urban connection to the world of nature and science. The Nature Museum believes that nature and science should and can be accessible to everyone and seeks to be a spark that ignites and fosters a sense of wonder for nature, an understanding of science and protection of the natural world.

Founded in 1857, the Chicago Academy of Sciences is Chicago’s oldest museum and one of America’s oldest scientific institutions. Created by members seeking to understand the natural world through methodical exploration and study, the Chicago Academy of Sciences became the first private scientific museum founded in the city of Chicago. When the Academy opened its doors to the public in 1869, the institution’s focus expanded to that of a community museum with the goal of welcoming and engaging Chicago residents and visitors. The scientific collections that have been curated and preserved through the Chicago Academy of Sciences have been used to help define human understanding of nature, ecology and the diversity of life in the United States. They are key resources in allowing the scientific community to interpret our present place in history as well as anticipate future conditions.