JOB TITLE: Urban Wildlife Ecologist, Urban Wildlife Institute
DEPARTMENT: Conservation and Science Department, Lincoln Park Zoo
LOCATION: Chicago, IL
GENERAL SUMMARY
Utilizing Lincoln Park Zoos diverse scientific specialties, the Urban
Wildlife Institute studies the interaction between urban development and the
natural ecosystem to develop scientific standards for minimizing conflict
between these overlapping areas. Landscape ecology, population biology,
epidemiology, endocrinology, veterinary medicine and other core disciplines
contribute to an increased understanding of ecosystem health in an urban
setting. The Urban Wildlife Institute aims to use Chicago as a model for
wildlife management (relocation, rehabilitation, disease and conflicts) in
urban areas. This position will be the program coordinator for this
initiative and collaborate with all other LPZ C&S Centers
(http://www.lpzoo.org/conservation/).
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Work with director to coordinate and manage existing and new research
programs in conjunction with all partners.
Develop (design, conduct and publish) new studies (with an emphasis on
field studies) in conjunction with the Urban Wildlife Institutes mission
and strategic objectives.
Contribute, in the form of wildlife ecological expertise, to existing
projects and collaborations within the Urban Wildlife Institute,
Conservation and Science Department and Education Department when appropriate.
Disseminate results at zoological and scientific professional
conferences
and in lay and peer-reviewed literature as appropriate.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Domestic travel for conferences and field projects;
Establish or maintain links with Urban Wildlife Institute partners
including other AZA institutions, university research departments,
governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations where appropriate;
Advise post doctoral fellows, graduate students, and research interns
when
appropriate;
Attend Lincoln Park Zoo and/or Urban Wildlife Institute-related
activities
as necessary;
Perform other duties as assigned by the director of the Urban Wildlife
Institute.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Successful candidates must have a demonstrated ability to design,
conduct
and communicate the results of research and applied programs in wildlife
ecology;
Possess expertise in the specific areas covered in essential job
functions;
Demonstrate a basic understanding of ecology, epidemiology and
endocrinology for collaborative purposes (active research in these
disciplines preferred);
Possess strong computer, organizational (project management), and
communication skills (written and spoken);
Demonstrate a commitment to wildlife conservation through management of
wild and captive populations, and willingness to participate in the
departments team approach to conservation research projects.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Preference of post-graduate training (M.Sc. OR Ph.D.) in Wildlife
Ecology,
Natural Resource Management or a closely related biological discipline.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Experience with wildlife ecological studies. Preference for those that:
- Have conducted field research in urban environment.
- Incorporate GIS applications in their work.
- Possess knowledge of Illinois fauna.
- Integrate epidemiology and/or endocrinology into their studies.
Experience in participating and/or leading large collaborative
projects/workshops.
Experience supervising volunteers, interns and/or assistants.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to work up to 10 weekends per year.
Send resume, copies of college transcripts, and letter of interest to:
Human Resources Department
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
Additional questions and inquiries can be made to the director of the Urban
Wildlife Institute, Eric Lonsdorf (e-mail: ericlonsd...@lpzoo.org or phone:
312-742-7216).
