Internship: Freshwater Conservation Research - Invertebrate Communities in Restored Wetlands
Season: Fall 2022 (Approx Oct-Dec)
Location: Onsite
Application Deadline: Monday August 22 at 9am CST
 
Internship Overview: 

Invasive plants can dramatically alter wetlands and negatively affect the species that rely on these sensitive habitats. Shedd Aquarium is working with community volunteers and local partners to remove invasive vegetation from around wetlands in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. This restoration work falls under Shedd’s Conservation Priority Area to Revitalize Habitat.  

As part of the Conservation Research Department, the intern will work closely with the Wetland Biologist to document the wildlife that use these habitats and monitor species abundances in response to restoration efforts; special focus is given to amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. These efforts will help us understand how removing invasive buckthorn and restoring temporary wetlands can benefit aquatic animals. This research also will help inform management strategies to best protect wetlands.   

Learning Objectives: 

• Gain skill in data collection for aquatic invertebrate research 
• Demonstrate understanding of how to conduct scientific research: study design, data collection and analysis, and presentation of results 
• Develop and strengthen presentation and public speaking skills 
• Gain working knowledge of restoration and wetland ecology in Chicago 

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 
• Assist with laboratory work for aquatic invertebrate research 
  • Laboratory work will include use of a dissecting microscope to sort, identify, and count macroinvertebrates samples 
  • Laboratory work may also include processing frog-call recordings and wildlife-camera images 
• Present research findings to the Shedd community at the end of the project 
• Data entry and other office work 
• There may be occasional days in the field to monitor sites and equipment 
• Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: 

• Conservation Biology 
• Wildlife Biology  
• Entomology 
• Habitat Restoration 

Skills/Characteristics: 

• Self-motivated and enthusiastic to work hard 
• Good organizational, written, and oral communication skills 
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team 
• Willingness/desire to learn about freshwater conservation research 
• Able to work in front of a microscope / computer screen for long periods of time. 
• Able to obtain transport to/from Shedd 
• Have a high school diploma or GED. 

Time & Compensation: 

• This is a non-exempt, temporary position that pays $15.40 per hour
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 24 hours per week for 10 weeks, pending business needs and individual performance.
• Preferred schedule: 3 days per week within a Monday-Friday schedule.  8:30am-4:30pm ideal but half days also acceptable.
• Set schedule based on intern availability. 

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships. 
 
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. 
 
If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).