Seasonal Natural Resources Preprofessional Aquatics

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens.

This position is based out of the Urban Stream Research Center in Blackwell Forest Preserve. The Urban Stream Research Center is a state-of-the-art aquatic research facility with the primary goal of propagating native freshwater mussels, fish, insects, crayfish, and other aquatic organisms in need of conservation. Staff also perform aquatic field surveys and collections for mussels and fish throughout all DuPage County waterways.

Job Summary

This position assists the Ecology team in the maintenance, observation, and restoration of the District's aquatic ecosystems while receiving on-the-job training to complement their education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory aquaculture duties including propagation of freshwater mussels, fish care, risk/hazard assessment, and general laboratory cleaning and maintenance.

• Conduct sampling of fish stream assemblages, macroinvertebrates, and freshwater mussels to assess the health and biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.

• Collect and analyze water quality data using standard monitoring equipment.

• Operate boats, motors, pickup trucks, and electro-shock equipment.

• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.

• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.

• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older at time of hire.

• Valid Driver's License in good standing.

• Pursuing or recently completed a degree in biology, fish management or aquaculture, ecology, or a related field.

• Basic knowledge of field sampling techniques.

• Knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and the ability to identify common invasive species.

• Proficiency in the safe operation of boats within one month of employment.

• Must have the ability to swim.

• Comfortable working in wilderness and in remote areas.

• Able to work independently or in teams.

Schedule: A 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM schedule Mon-Fri from May to October, followed by 24-32 hour work weeks from October to December.

Pay: $16.

Location: The Urban Stream Research Center in Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville.

Work Environment: Indoors and outdoors in all types of weather conditions and interacting with streams, lakes, and wetlands.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.