University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Lincoln Park Zoo, Urban Wildlife Institute 

Key Details

Location: Chicago, IL
Duration: 12 weeks
Scheduling: Full time (up to 40 hours/week)
Housing: Not provided
Intended start date (contingent): October 1, 2026
Salary: $17/hour
Application deadline for full consideration: September 20, 2026 (applications may also be accepted after this date)

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Position Overview

We seek a Biodiversity Monitoring Research Intern to help prepare, deploy, and maintain passive biodiversity monitoring sensors across a network of rooftops in Chicagoland from October to December 2026. Sensors include acoustic monitoring devices (bats and birds), light pollution sensors, and thermal cameras. Collaborating with teams across the University of Urbana-Champaign (Migration Biology Lab), Lincoln Park Zoo (Urban Wildlife Institute), and the Windy City Bird Lab, the intern will work on tasks that include hardware design and fabrication, computer programming, and lab and field testing. The intern will also be heavily involved in decision-making and problem-solving throughout the project. Finally, they will have the opportunity to work with the data they collect, conduct analyses, draw preliminary conclusions, and contribute to resulting reports and/or peer-reviewed studies. Through this project, the intern will gain diverse and transferable skills and work hands-on with cutting edge sensor technology, while being exposed to varied career paths at the intersection of ecology and engineering. 

This is a 12 week paid, full-time position (up to 40 hours per week) intended to begin in early October of 2026.

Project Background

Animals that use aerial habitats, such as birds and bats, are particularly vulnerable to light pollution because they have evolved to exploit nocturnal periods in the absence of artificial light. Urban areas are strong sources of artificial light and thus represent a conservation threat to aerial habitats. However, a lack of equipment that can comprehensively monitor biology in the atmosphere and document fine-scale variation in light pollution has been a barrier to studying this relationship. This project seeks to address this knowledge gap by leveraging important advances in hardware, methodology, and technological infrastructure. Specifically, the project aims to transform city rooftops across Chicagoland into multi-taxa monitoring stations that collect information on birds, bats, and light pollution through various passive sensors. By creating a network of integrated monitoring systems, we hope to yield new insights into how light pollution influences wildlife use of airspace habitat throughout the Chicago region.  

Learning Objectives

The intern will learn about:

• Urban wildlife ecology and field techniques for studying wildlife, including passive biodiversity monitoring.

• Managing data collection and interpreting collected data

• Designing and conducting a scientific study

• Communicating various ecological principles and research results to the public

Essential Job Functions

• Assembling, organizing, and testing equipment, inventory supplies, and general field work preparations

• Deploying and maintaining passive monitoring sensors across a network of rooftops in Chicagoland

• Local travel across Chicagoland for field projects.

• Attend Migration Biology Lab, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Windy City Bird Lab-related meetings and professional development activities as necessary

• Assist with data processing, analysis, interpretation, and preparation of peer-reviewed manuscript

• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The applicant should:

• Demonstrate an understanding of and genuine passion for ecology and scientific research

• Possess some expertise in field techniques for wildlife research

• Possess strong computer, organizational, and interpersonal skills (written and spoken)

• Be willing to work outside in challenging field conditions and to work early morning or later afternoon/evening hours as necessary

• Be able to interact positively, enthusiastically, and creatively with the public about our research when appropriate

• Work well independently and as part of a team

• Maintain a positive and flexible approach to daily responsibilities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (in progress or recently completed), preferably in biology, ecology, natural resources, or related field

Preferred Experience

We prefer applicants that:

• Have conducted or assisted with wildlife ecological studies and some fieldwork experience

• Have an interest in engineering and technological solutions in ecological research

• Have some familiarity with software including R, Python, and ArcGIS/QGIS

• Possess some familiarity with navigating the Chicagoland area

To Apply

Requested are: (1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications for the position; (2) a CV/resume; and (3) contact information for three references. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Apply by September 20, 2026 for full consideration. Applications may also be accepted after this date.

Contact vandoren@illinois.edu with questions about this position using the email subject "2026 Biodiversity Monitoring Research Intern."

Institutional information: Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a leading public research university with a strong tradition of interdisciplinary scholarship. The campus hosts world-class programs in ecology, evolutionary biology, natural resources, computer science, and data science, providing a rich intellectual environment for collaborative research.