PURPOSE. The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County is excited to offer its first Wildlife Assistant position within its department of natural resources. The Wildlife Assistant will work with the Wildlife Biologist in conducting biological inventories throughout the preserve system, with an emphasis on documenting threatened and endangered species. A forty-hour work week is not guaranteed and is dependent on weather conditions and workload. Typical workdays are Monday – Friday, 6:00a.m. - 2:30p.m., although occasional evening, Saturday, or overtime work may be required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist staff in conducting surveys for herptiles, birds, mammals and invertebrates
• Trap and handle freshwater turtles and nonvenomous snakes
• Radio telemetry
• Monitor breeding bird activity, including nest box monitoring
• Trail camera surveys and acoustic bat monitoring 
• Data and biological sample collection and organization
• Mitigation of nuisance wildlife issues
• Maintain a working knowledge of and adhere to all risk management and safety programs and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

TRAINING. Over the course of employment, the seasonal wildlife assistant will gain the skills necessary to complete the essential duties and responsibilities, which may include:

• Become familiar with the fauna of Winnebago County and their habitat associations
• Learn techniques of wildlife management, including trapping for a variety of taxa
• Learn safe animal handling practices with herptiles, birds, and mammals of northern Illinois
• Learn to collect biological samples in the field
• Learn how to safely drive a truck and pull a trailer
• Learn how to operate an off-road utility vehicle

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS. 

• Current college student or recent graduate of an accredited university with a degree in wildlife biology, ecology, conservation, natural resources or similar field
• Self-motivated and capable of working alone in the field. Ability to follow established project protocols while working independently
• Basic understanding of Illinois fauna
• Requires a valid Driver’s License. Must be at least 18 years old

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS. 

• Experience with radio telemetry, safe capture and handling of wildlife and driving UTVs
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and members of the public
• Interest in growing professionally in the field of wildlife conservation

PHYSICAL DEMANDS. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions unless undue hardship and/or a direct threat to the health and/or safety of the individual or others would result. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be regularly exposed to biting insects and poisonous plants in all weather conditions.