Seasonal Entomology Pre-Professional - May 2025

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure, and recreation of its citizens.

Job Summary

This position assists the Invertebrate ecologist with all invertebrate projects within the Ecology Department, with a main emphasis on the Mosquito Management Program, while receiving on the job training to complement their education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform field sampling and identification of target invertebrate species, including mosquitoes, spongy moths, rusty patched bumble bees, and ticks.
• Ensure proper care and maintenance of field equipment, including insect traps, nets, and monitoring devices.
• Test mosquitoes for viral presence and manage target species using ecologically sound scientific protocols.
• Perform wildlife surveys and native seed collection.
• Control invasive and exotic plants using herbicides and gas-powered tools.
• Collect and enter GPS data related to insect habitats.
• Operate a 4-wheel drive truck and other District vehicles as needed.
• Assist Ecologists in managing the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly and Great Plaines Mudbug captive rearing program as needed.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the District's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older at time of hire.
• Valid Driver's License in good standing.
• Pursuing or recently completed a degree in entomology, ecology, wildlife management, or a related field.
• Must be able to obtain an IL Department of Agriculture Pesticide Operator's license within 1 month of employment.
• Experience working with insects or other wildlife preferred.
• Basic knowledge of insect taxonomy and identification, field research methods, and data collection techniques.
• Comfortable working in wilderness and remote areas.
  

Schedule: Position starts in May 2025. Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM.

Pay: $15 - $16/hour.

Work Environment: Requires working indoors and outdoors. There is exposure to all weather conditions, insects and other wildlife, high vegetation, and uneven terrain.

Location: Based out of the Headquarters facility in Wheaton, work will be conducted at multiple sites across DuPage County.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary : $15 - $16