Nature Boardwalk Research Intern, Urban Wildlife Institute (paid)

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year.

Duration: 12 weeks

Scheduling: Full time, 35 hours/week

As a Nature Boardwalk Research Intern you will gain valuable experience by assisting the Urban Wildlife Institute (UWI) with various wildlife monitoring and research projects based on zoo grounds and at the Nature Boardwalk, a naturalized wetland at the south end of the zoo. Your work will include monitoring the colony of state endangered Black-crowned Night Herons that nests on zoo-grounds, assisting in taking health samples from juvenile herons, surveying various pollinator and plant species, monitoring the distribution of birds and other wildlife, processing and organizing data and maintaining research equipment. This position will work closely with the Wildlife Management Coordinator to analyze data gathered from the various projects conducted over the summer. While on-grounds work will be the primary focus of this position, there will be many opportunities to assist with various off-ground research projects. These may include our Chicago Rat Project, which investigates rat distributions and diseases as it relates to public health, our variously biodiversity monitoring projects, as well tick surveys. As a senior intern, this position will be asked to assist in managing and mentoring other summer research interns (high school and early college age) from time to time. Additionally, this intern is encouraged to practice creative, public communication skills and participate in relevant environmental outreach opportunities, COVID protocols allowing. These may include LPZ camp programs, university tours, or non-LPZ outreach events in which UWI may be asked to participate and will involve learners of many ages, backgrounds, and knowledge levels. The Nature Boardwalk research intern should be self-motivated, collaborative, and enthusiastic to work both in the field and in front of a computer. They will have the opportunity to create and execute a unique project of interest provided the essential job functions are met. This is a 12 week paid, full-time position (35 hours per week) beginning in late-May, early June 2026.

Learning objectives

The intern will learn about…

• Urban wildlife ecology and field techniques for studying wildlife, including trail cameras and acoustic recording devices, nest surveys, wildlife capture & handling


• Identifying images of common urban wildlife species


• Managing data resulting from a broad-scale, long-term study and interpret collected data


• Designing and conducting a scientific study


• Communicate various ecological principles and research results to the public

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct wildlife surveys at Nature Boardwalk and on zoo grounds, COVID
  protocols allowing


• Perform data entry with high attention to detail and enthusiasm


• Assist with organizing data, test field equipment, inventory supplies, and field
  work preparations


• Occasional local travel in Chicago for field projects (provided transportation will depend on COVID restrictions and vehicle availability)


• Attend Lincoln Park Zoo and/or Urban Wildlife Institute-related meetings and activities as necessary


• Local travel in Chicago for field projects


• Serve as a credible source of information about general ecosystem functions pertaining to Nature Boardwalk

Additional Responsibilities

• Complete a personal project that is mutually agreed by the intern and staff.


• Assist in managing and mentoring volunteers and junior interns when appropriate


• Assist with literature reviews related to urban wildlife research projects


• Write a blog post(s) related to a topic learned during the internship (an observation, an interesting result, new ecological information about a species)


• Participate in intern program activities such as career panels with staff and other interns at the zoo


• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The applicant should…

• Demonstrate an understanding of and genuine passion for ecology and scientific research


• Possess some expertise in field techniques for wildlife research


• Possess strong computer, organizational, and interpersonal skills (written and spoken)


• Be willing to work outside in challenging field conditions (i.e., summer and winter) and to work early morning or later afternoon/evening hours as necessary


• Be able to interact positively, enthusiastically, and creatively with the public about our research when appropriate


• Works well in a team environment as well as independently


• Experience with diverse backgrounds and multicultural environments


• Maintain a positive and flexible approach to daily responsibilities

Educational Requirements

• Bachelors Degree (in progress or recently completed), preferably in biology, ecology, natural resources, or related field

Preferred Experience

We prefer applicants that:

• Have conducted or assisted with wildlife ecological studies, including use of remote-triggered cameras, experience in ornithology, or some fieldwork experience


• Have some familiarity with software including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, program R, program, and ArcGIS/QGIS


• Possess some knowledge of Illinois fauna

OUR PROMISE

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people.  For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions


• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach


• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo


• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects


• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)


• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!

Salary: $16.60/hr