Summer Ecology Project Associate (Midwest)

Overview

RES is currently accepting applications for a Summer Ecology Project Associate in our Chicago, IL or Brodhead, WI offices. This assignment typically runs May-August, but the duration is negotiable based on your schedule. This is a full-time position, meaning you can expect your workweek to be 40 hours, and you will be compensated during this assignment. This opportunity is open to current college students as well as 2025 graduates.

The Mission: The Summer Ecology Project Associate will work with ecology and regulatory personnel to perform all aspects of fieldwork and assist with data entry and compilation of technical reports. The associate will work under the supervision of an experienced member of the Ecology and Regulatory team. You will be part of a fast-paced and rapid-growing company with a mission. And you will be part of a team of like-minded people who are all passionate about our natural resources and are always ready to support you in your learning process!

Your assignment will teach you the foundations of field and wetland ecology and restoration through on-the-job practical learning. You will:

• Delve into the foundational aspects of wetland delineation, distinguishing between upland and wetland areas while exploring the specific criteria defining wetlands in the Midwest, including wetland soil, vegetation, and hydrology.
• Engage in vegetation and hydrology monitoring, where you'll refine your skills in identifying native and invasive species and gain a stronger understanding of wetland hydrology. Utilize specialized apps to seamlessly collect and organize data and other programs to analyze the data.
• Gain exposure to and assist in the implementation and assessment of several large-scale wetland restoration projects.

What your day-to-day might look like?

You will be assisting our Field Ecology team, so expect to be in the field most of the time! You will learn how to collect a variety of field data, including delineating wetlands, monitoring vegetation and hydrology, conducting stream assessments, and collecting and analyzing soil samples.

Please be advised that we perform these tasks come rain or come shine. Working outside under adverse and harsh weather conditions (including both cold and hot environments) is part of the routine. You will also be walking long distances, climbing, bending, lifting heavy objects, and performing other physical activities.

You will spend some of your time assisting in office work. This will include data entry and technical report preparation, as well as other restoration site maintenance and management tasks.  So strong technical writing and communication skills, and attention to detail will be important.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of your duties.

Qualifications

We would love to talk to you if you have:

• Recently graduated or currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resource Management, or related field
• Ability to interpret environmental data, assessments, and mapping
• A love for the outdoors!

What will make you stand out?

• Geologic, soils, or hydrologic experience
• Strong plant identification skills
• Wetland, stream, and other ecological restoration experience
• Biological surveying (Birds, bats, fish, macroinvertebrate or other taxa) experience
• Experience using GPS units and ArcMap

VEVRAA Federal Contractor

RES is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.