Urban Freshwater Research Technician (Part-Time/Temp)

TITLE: Urban Freshwater Research Technician (Part-Time/Temp)
DEPARTMENT: Conservation Research
REPORTS TO: Research Biologist
STATUS: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
DURATION: 5Months
PAY RATE: $20.00/hr.
LOCATION: Onsite - Chicago, IL.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Work withinShedd’sUrban Freshwaters programfocusing on understandingthebiodiversity and ecology of theChicago Riverecosystem.We arestudyinghowspecies diversity andhabitats are distributed across the Chicago Riveras well ashowsewer overflows,poor water quality events,orrestoration activities caninteract to affectthesecommunities.We are looking foratechnicianto complete acombination offieldandlaboratoryworkwithin the scope ofseverallarger research projectsand needsin 2026.It is expected that thetechnician will develop andexecute an independent research project within the scope of the largerprogram and supervised bythe lead Biologist, which willbe presented to a generalinternalaudience upon completion of the role.

Thetechnician willsupport theUrban Freshwater’s programprimarilybyassistingin field work necessary to map changes in water quality, algaeblooms, submerged habitat,andthe locations ofinvertebrates,turtles,birds,and fish.Field work primarily includes weeklyvisual surveys via kayak,and frommid-June through July,weekly nighttimelarval fishsampling via boat. Fieldwork isfocused on the South Branch of the Chicago River, with Park 571beingtheprimaryaccess site.Throughout the summer season, thetechnician will help deploy and retrievepassivemacroinvertebrate samplersand decomposition monitoring materials.Maintenance of field equipment including instrument calibration is alsorequired.Lab work will consist ofusing a microscope to isolate macroinvertebrates (including zooplankton) andlarval fishesfrom collected sampling devices or from stomach contents. Taxa will beidentifiedusing taxonomickeysand genetic analyses(i.e., sanger sequencing)may be carriedouttoidentifyorganisms when visualmeans prove inadequate.Computer work will consist of digitizingand mappingdata collected duringvisual encounterkayak surveysas well as classifying imagesof fishoniNaturalistintocategories based on the presence of disease.There may be opportunities to join other research events such as fieldwork to assess mussel populations, fish taggingand trackingevents,restoration plantings,and others as they become available.

TIME COMMITMENT:
This is a part-time (minimum of 12 but up to 30 hours per week), temporary position (Maximum of 400 hours), with the exact schedule being primarily weather dependent. Priority scheduling will be given to achieving fieldwork goals over lab work and computer needs. The position will start in May 2026 and end in October2026, pending budgets and individual performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.
• Assist in safely collecting detailed notes and data on local fauna via kayaks and boats.
• Assess in collecting water quality data through handheld devices by calibrating devices routinely.
• Assist in the deployment and retrieval of macroinvertebrate samplers within the Chicago Area Waterways from boats.
• Isolate, enumerate, and identify zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, and larval fish using a dissecting microscope.
• Assist with equipment loading, unloading, and calibrating.
• Develop and complete a research project under the guidance of Shedd Research experts.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily conduct each essential duty listed above. Please describe relevant experiences in your application. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education:Have at least a high school diploma or GED.

Experience:

• Comfortable working safely outside from small floating vessels or in and around waterbodies for long periods during various weather conditions, including nighttime
• Keen observational skills to spot and identify elusive, small, or fast Chicagoland fauna, including reptiles and birds
• Comfortable working with microscopes for extended periods to sort and count samples
• Able to walk safely along riverbanks and uneven terrain in low-light conditions
• Familiarity with equipment calibration techniques
• Enthusiasm and critical thinking skills to take ownership of a research project
• Able to transport self to and from fieldworksites along the South Branch of the Chicago River

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD:We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

• Accrued Paid Time Off
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program
• Employee discounts
• Employee Tickets

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org.

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.