Organization: Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo
(AZA Member)
Location: Brookfield, Illinois, United States
Job or Internship: Internship
Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is currently accepting applications for our College Experiential Learning Opportunities (CELO) program.
Please visit the following site for specific details on applying and contact interns@czs.org with any other questions you may have: (http://www.czs.org/czs/Educational-Programs/Internships.aspx)
Chicago Zoological Society is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer - M/F/V/D
Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply and to identify themselves.
Title Environmental Quality Intern (unpaid)
Learning Objectives
This position contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society
by providing seasonal support for the Environmental Quality Manager to
monitor the various environments provided for animals at the Zoo using a
variety of instrumentation and techniques, and to report the findings (and
any potential issues) to the appropriate AP Managers and staff. This
includes, but is not limited to, routine water quality sampling and analysis
for all re-circulating aquatic systems, routine air sampling and analysis of
areas of the zoo that may present health issues for animals, the analysis
and assessment of artificial UV lighting used for indoor exhibitry, and the
routine use of a toolkit designed to assess outdoor exhibits to determine if
enough shade or heat had been provided.
Responsibilities
Water Quality Testing, Data Entry, and Reporting, Routine Maintenance
of Instrumentation and Laboratory, Assist the EQM with other
Environmental Quality Monitoring, Other related duties as assigned
Additional
Notes
Week 1 will consist of a general orientation to the CZS culture and
policies, an overview of the Environmental Quality Monitoring Program
and Animal Hospital operations and policies, and a tour of the park for an
overview of the scope of the Environmental Quality Monitoring Program.
This will include tours of all of the major life support facilities (Living
Coast, Seven Seas, and Great Bear Wilderness), a tour of Tropic World to
see the animals that are currently supplemented with artificial sunlight,
and a walking tour of the SSP (Species Survival Plan) animals that are
routinely monitored with the TNZ Kit. Interns will also assist in the
processing of water samples submitted to the WQ Lab for analysis.
Weeks 2-10 will involve intensive hands-on training with the arsenal of
equipment used by the Environmental Quality Manager to monitor
environments around the Zoo. The primary function of the EQ Lab is WQ
analysis, so a majority of the time will be spent analyzing water samples
using wet chemistry and electrochemical techniques. Interns will also be
asked during this time to select a focus for study and/or research during
the internship relating to an aspect of the Environmental Quality Program.
Weeks 11 – 12 will involve be a debriefing about the internship experience
and completion of a report of the results of the selected study and/or
research topic.
Requirements
• Minimum one year of college at an accredited institution; G.P.A.
2.5/4.0, majoring in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science,
or other directly relevant field, or equivalent combination of training
and experience
• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Must be able to commit to a 12 week term, approximately 40 hours per
week
• Familiarity with basic aquarium chemistry and testing methods
preferred
• Must interact positively with Zoo guests, and represent the Society in
a professional manner at all times
• Spanish fluency a plus, but not required.