Environmental Quality Internship- Illinois
Organization: Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo
Position Title: Environmental Quality Internship
Location: 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL, 60513, US
Hours and Compensation: 40 hours/week, unpaid
Application Deadline: October 25, 2013
Dates: January 1- April 30
Organization Overview
Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is currently accepting applications for our College Experiential Learning Opportunities (CELO) program.
Please visit the following site for specific details on applying and contact [email protected] with any other questions you may have: (http://www.czs.org/czs/internships)
Chicago Zoological Society is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/V/D
Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply and to identify themselves.
Title Environmental Quality Intern (unpaid)
Description
Learning Objectives
This position contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by providing seasonal support for the Environmental Quality Manager to monitor the various environments provided for animals at the Zoo using a variety of instrumentation and techniques, and to report the findings (and any potential issues) to the appropriate AP Managers and staff. This includes, but is not limited to, routine water quality sampling and analysis for all re-circulating aquatic systems, routine air sampling and analysis of areas of the zoo that may present health issues for animals, the analysis and assessment of artificial UV lighting used for indoor exhibit, and the routine use of a toolkit designed to assess outdoor exhibits to determine if enough shade or heat had been provided.
Responsibilities
Water Quality Testing, Data Entry, and Reporting, Routine Maintenance of Instrumentation and Laboratory, Assist the EQM with other Environmental Quality Monitoring, Other related duties as assigned
Additional Notes
Week 1 will consist of a general orientation to the CZS culture and policies, an overview of the Environmental Quality Monitoring Program and Animal Hospital operations and policies, and a tour of the park for an overview of the scope of the Environmental Quality Monitoring Program. This will include tours of all of the major life support facilities (Living Coast, Seven Seas, and Great Bear Wilderness), a tour of Tropic World to see the animals that are currently supplemented with artificial sunlight, and a walking tour of the SSP (Species Survival Plan) animals that are routinely monitored with the TNZ Kit. Interns will also assist in the processing of water samples submitted to the WQ Lab for analysis.
Weeks 2-10 will involve intensive hands-on training with the arsenal of equipment used by the Environmental Quality Manager to monitor environments around the Zoo. The primary function of the EQ Lab is WQ analysis, so a majority of the time will be spent analyzing water samples using wet chemistry and electrochemical techniques. Interns will also be asked during this time to select a focus for study and/or research during the internship relating to an aspect of the Environmental Quality Program.
Weeks 11 – 12 will involve be a debriefing about the internship experience and completion of a report of the results of the selected study and/or research topic.
Qualifications
• Minimum one year of college at an accredited institution; G.P.A. 2.5/4.0, majoring in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, or other directly relevant field, or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Must be able to commit to a 12 week term, approximately 40 hours per week
• Familiarity with basic aquarium chemistry and testing methods preferred
• Must interact positively with Zoo guests, and represent the Society in a professional manner at all times
• Spanish fluency a plus, but not required.
How to Apply
All interested candidates must submit a full application by the posted deadline, as noted here: www.czs.org/czs/internships
