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: 5 Months
PAY RATE: $20.00/hr.
LOCATION: Onsite - Chicago, IL.
 
POSITION OVERVIEW:   

Work within Shedd’s Urban Freshwaters program focusing on understanding the biodiversity and ecology of the Chicago River ecosystem. We are studying how species diversity and habitats are distributed across the Chicago River as well as how sewer overflows, poor water quality events, or restoration activities can interact to affect these communities. We are looking for a technician to complete a combination of field and laboratory work within the scope of several larger research projects and needs in 2026. It is expected that the technician will develop and execute an independent research project within the scope of the larger program and supervised by the lead Biologist, which will be presented to a general internal audience upon completion of the role. 

The technician will support the Urban Freshwater’s program primarily by assisting in field work necessary to map changes in water quality, algae blooms, submerged habitat, and the locations of invertebrates, turtles, birds, and fish. Field work primarily includes weekly visual surveys via kayak, and from mid-June through July, weekly nighttime larval fish sampling via boat. Fieldwork is focused on the South Branch of the Chicago River, with Park 571 being the primary access site. Throughout the summer season, the technician will help deploy and retrieve passive macroinvertebrate samplers and decomposition monitoring materials. Maintenance of field equipment including instrument calibration is also required. Lab work will consist of using a microscope to isolate macroinvertebrates (including zooplankton) and larval fishes from collected sampling devices or from stomach contents. Taxa will be identified using taxonomic keys and genetic analyses (i.e., sanger sequencing) may be carried out to identify organisms when visual means prove inadequate. Computer work will consist of digitizing and mapping data collected during visual encounter kayak surveys as well as classifying images of fish on iNaturalist into categories based on the presence of disease. There may be opportunities to join other research events such as fieldwork to assess mussel populations, fish tagging and tracking events, 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 October 2026, 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 fieldwork sites 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. 

Salary : $20