Minimum Qualifications
Must possess a bachelor's degree or higher in biology, wildlife management, zoology, environmental sciences or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university and three (3) or more years of professional work experience in wildlife management OR a high school diploma and seven (7) or more years of experience in biology, wildlife management , zoology, environmental sciences or substantially similar field.
Must possess a current, valid driver's license.
Must be willing to obtain an Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification Card within six (6) months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Possession of experience in the collection of blood and tissue samples from wildlife for ongoing disease monitoring program.
OR
Possession of experience and proficiency in blood draw (venipuncture), proper gross necropsy procedure/technique and use of hematological and histopathologic equipment for necropsy.
OR
Possession of experience in terrestrial/aquatic habitat sampling and monitoring which would include such techniques as electro shocking, use of gill nets, seines, trap netting, box traps, snares, foothold traps, mist nets for bird banding, remote chemical immobilization (dart gun).
OR
Possession of experience in presentations involving the dissemination of information about wildlife, wildlife issues, research projects and careers in the area of natural resources.
OR
Possession of an Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification Card.
OR
Graduate of a trapper program.
OR
Possession of at least one (1) season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, OR at least one (1) season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member, OR at least one (1) season of work experience on property of the Forest Preserves District of Cook County with partners such as the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Chicago Botanic Garden, Audubon Great Lakes, Greencorps Chicago, Friends of the Forest Preserves, the Student Conservation Association, Cook County, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the State of Illinois or the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District?
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
Thorough knowledge in all areas related to the preservation, management and conservation of wildlife resources as it applies to the District.
Knowledge of current environmental law and conservation practices as applied to wildlife management, including the Federal Endangered Species Act.
Knowledge of local fauna and ability to identify in the field.
Ability to use science resource materials for classification and identification of wildlife such as identification keys, primary literature and digital resources.
Knowledge of the principles of prescribed burning and wildland fire in relation to its effects on wildlife management.
Knowledge of current methods for monitoring wildlife.
Knowledge of wildlife diseases and abnormalities.
Knowledge of proper sample collection policies and procedures; ability to properly store and catalogue biological samples, minimizing contamination.
Ability to assist in conducting wildlife surveys and inventories.
Ability to conduct tracking and monitoring of wildlife.
Ability to conduct post-mortem assignments with the use of surgical tools.
Ability to collect and interpret GPS and telemetric tracking data and make accurate inferences about animal behavior collected data.
Ability to collect and manage wildlife field and lab data.
Ability to research, compile, and analyze data relating to wildlife management.
Ability to demonstrate a respect for the need for safety in all operations including the operation of boats, motor vehicles, firearms, control devices, and other equipment as needed.
Ability to participate in public information programs related to wildlife management projects.
Ability to work outdoors under adverse conditions, including exposure to fire, natural elements, hazardous plants, and animals, and at times of day/evening required for proper use of protocols.
Knowledge and skill to handle firearms in the management of native wildlife population.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
Veteran's Preference
When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:
Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question "Are you a military veteran?"
Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of the application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).
Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.
Benefits Package
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
Basic Term Life Insurance
Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:
http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/
General District Employment Requirements
PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each bring to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.
