Project Assistant II - Field Survey

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

The Field Museum seeks part-time fieldwork assistants funded by the Walder Biota Award to assist with amphibian and reptile surveys in Will County Forest Preserves (WCFPs). These surveys will contribute to a larger 3-year project to resurvey WCFPs, comparing present data to a historical dataset to examine if, and how herpetofauna have survived, thrived, or been displaced in and around Chicagoland. WCFPs encompass a variety of habitats, including prairie, sands, forest, and urban environments and survey techniques include but are not limited to visual encounter surveys, cover boards, drift fences with box traps, turtle trapping, and acoustic surveys.

The assistants will work under the supervision of S. Ruane (Assistant Curator of Herpetology, Negaunee Integrative Research Center), M. Thompson (SDNHM Conservation Director), contracted biologists, and collaborators at Will County Forest Preserves.

This is a paid, in-person limited term part-time term position during the spring of 2025 and will end no later than June 30, 2025

The work schedule is anticipated to be an average of 20 hours a week, with a maximum of 29 hours per week, and may vary by week; the person(s) hired must have some flexibility here but this will be discussed in advance of any given week as to allow planning for schedules. Applications will be reviewed as received; the position will remain active until the position is filled and our final candidate(s) has accepted the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of supervisors, amphibian and reptile sampling will be conducted in Will County Forest Preserves. You must be comfortable with handling live reptiles and amphibians, euthanasia for taking voucher specimens, and tissue sampling for molecular analysis. You must have previous experience with all of these techniques.
• Follow datasheet templates (both hard copy and digital) to accurately record survey data and do quality control for all data taken by interns.
• Under the supervision of supervisors, assist in the collection of tissue samples and preservation of voucher specimens.
• Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and their own vehicle (sites can include Any preserve in Will County).
• Applicant must have an Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, or Michigan address to be considered.
• Excellent knowledge of Chicago area herpetofauna is required.
• Ability to hike to sites and work outdoors in variable weather conditions (including inclement weather) while carrying field equipment. Most work will occur outdoors over a 6-hour period but this will vary day to day.
• Will encounter mosquitos, ticks, mud, rain, heat, sun, cold, and all other inclement weather conditions expected in the Chicago area as part of the work. The applicant(s) must be comfortable with these conditions.

Applicants must include a resume/cv and a short cover letter highlighting their qualifications and experiences that make them well suited for this role.

Pay: $22.00/ hourly

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The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at [email protected].