Undergrad Research Opportunities 03/20/2017

March 22, 2017 by armsworth

1) Field technician position: Wild bee research

We are seeking a research assistant to conduct fieldwork this spring for a project on how forest habitat loss affects wild bee species. This project is part of the PhD research of Colleen Smith, who studies in Rachael Winfree’s lab at Rutgers University (https://winfreelab.com/people/).

The successful candidate will sample wild bees at forests throughout New Jersey between April 1 and May 31, 2017. The job requires long days in the field (approximately 13 hours/ day) and extensive driving. The job is full-time (40 hours/ week), and we are offering $13 to $15/hour, depending on experience.

Qualifications: Fieldwork experience, ability to work independently, positive attitude and dedication to doing good-quality work during long field days, bachelor’s degree in Ecology or related field.

The applicant must possess a valid driver’s license and a car. All mileage will be reimbursed.

To apply, please send a cover letter and C.V. with your GPA and contact information for two references to Colleen Smith (colleen.m.smith@rutgers.edu), subject line “Wild bee field technician position.” Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

2) REU Opportunity: disease, climate change, amphibians

The Voyles Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno is seeking an undergraduate student to participate in the NSF-funded REU program studying amphibian disease dynamics. The selected student will spend up to 10 weeks on a combination of lab and fieldwork. The research is focused on host-responses to infection that may help guide amphibian conservation and recovery strategies. The student will work collaboratively with a postdoctoral researcher and graduate students under the guidance of Dr. Jamie Voyles (U. Nevada, Reno) and Dr. Corinne Richards-Zawacki (U. of Pittsburgh).

This project aims to understand the distribution of the amphibian disease chytridiomycosis, which has been linked to global amphibian declines. Fieldwork will involve amphibian call surveys, collecting disease swabs for diagnostic tests, and collecting amphibian skin compounds. Additional work may involve collating climatic data from regional weather stations, producing data summaries, and conducting statistical analyses. The student will also have the opportunity to conduct independent research, be involved with data analysis and writing for publication.

Prospective applicants should note that this position involves considerable physical challenges, that may include hiking long distances with field equipment, working in hot temperature conditions at both day and night, and be able to tolerate extended periods in a vehicle driving between field sites. Some camping and field cooking may be required. The position includes a stipend as well as funds for housing and travel.

Qualifications: Required – United states citizens or permanent residents – Must be enrolled in an undergraduate program for fall of 2017. Students who have received their bachelor’s degrees, will graduate in Spring 2017, or are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible to participate. – Driver’s license and previous experience with 4-wheel drive.

Desired – Prior research experience in microbiology, physiology or ecology, including laboratory and field research. – Experience backpacking and camping. – Patience, a strong work ethic, appreciation for details and strong interpersonal communication skills. – Ability to use GPS and read maps for navigation. – Experience catching and handling amphibians

To apply, please send a Letter of Interest, CV, and contact information for three recommenders to: Jamie Voyles and Mason Ryan (see email contacts below). Deadline to apply: 24 March 2017. For questions, please contact: Jamie Voyles
 jvoyles@unr.edu
http://voyleslab.weebly.com/, Mason Ryan mjryan42@gmail.com

3) Internship Opportunities: DataONE Summer Internship Program

Please be reminded that the DataONE Summer Internship Program is still accepting applications until March 17th 2017. We have six different project opportunities for prospective interns: •     Project 1: Markdown-based Semantic Annotation of Workflow Scripts •             Project 2: DataONE Messaging: Creating Marketing for DataONE Stakeholder Communities •  Project 3: Prospective and Retrospective Provenance Queries Using YesWorkflow, RDF, and SPARQL •             Project 4: Exploration of Search Logs, Metadata Quality and Data Discovery •      Project 5: Improving DataONE’s Search Capabilities Through Controlled Vocabularies •            Project 6: Development of an Open Source Units of Measure Knowledge Graph The DataONE Summer Internship Program runs from May through July for a period of 9 weeks and is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, and postgraduates who have received their degree within the past five years. The internship project can be conducted remotely and offers a stipend of $5000.

For full information and to apply, visit https://www.dataone.org/internships.  You will also find a link to other internship opportunities offered by DataONE leadership and partners.

4) Field tech positions studying plant-pollinator interaction networks in southwestern US

The Ponisio Lab is seeking two field technicians to conduct fieldwork for a new experiment investigating pollinator interactions in the Madrean Sky Islands. This long-term project will explore how interaction patterns at the individual, species, and network levels affect ecosystem resilience and function, and how the assembly history of a community influences those patterns. This is a collaborative project with Shalene Jha at the University of Texas and Terry Griswold at the USDA Logan Bee Lab. Our non-profit partner is Robinson Sudan at New Leaf.

We will be sampling plant-pollinator communities in southeastern Arizona and northern New Mexico from mid-June to August 2017. A typical field day will involve either driving or hiking to sampling sites in high-elevation meadows, collecting pollinators for approximately four hours, and pinning samples back at the campsite. We intend to camp for around five days at a time, then return to one of two field stations (Southwestern Research Station in Arizona and Sevilleta Field Station in New Mexico). We will work in teams of two, and rotate the teams around the sampling sites.

Responsibilities •             Field monitoring and collection of pollinators •   Processing insect specimens in the lab including pinning bees, labeling samples •   Data entry into spreadsheets •             Periodic monitoring of trap nesting surveys or other miscellaneous pollination experiments Qualifications Required •    Interest in botany, entomology, conservation biology and field ecology •          Previous field or lab experience or coursework related to botany and/or entomology •     Attention to detail (will be collecting and working with original data) •               Highly motivated and able to work independently •         Basic computer skills (Word, Excel) • Ability to work in field under sunny conditions for long hours •    Car camping and/or backpacking experience •            Valid Drivers License Preferred •               Bachelors degree in relevant field •  Previous experience studying pollinators, especially native bees and/or monitoring other insect populations •    Previous field experience in the southwestern U.S. The salary for this position is $2641- $3082 monthly, depending on previous experience.

Candidates should apply for this position by March 27, 2017 by emailing Kaysee Tom at kathleen.c.tom@gmail.com with “Field Tech Application – YourLastName” as the subject line, e.g., “Field Tech Application – Ponisio.” Please include a cover letter, C.V., and the names and contact information for 2-3 references.

5) Summer Field Technician: Prescribed burning effects on lowland brush ecosystems

Job Title: Field technician Location: Northern Minnesota, USA Duration: 4-6 months (May 15 – August 31) Job Type: Seasonal Application Deadline: 03/31/2017

Job Description: Two (2) technicians are needed for a study of brushland vegetation response following prescribed burning in northern Minnesota. Our research objective is to examine the effects of season of burning on brushland habitat quality and use. The technicians will join a graduate student researcher to conduct vegetation surveys and fuel assessments. We are looking for applicants who will take pride in collecting high-quality ecological data without supervision, under challenging field conditions (i.e., strenuous hiking in brushy wetlands; long hours of sun, heat, and humidity; ticks, mosquitoes and biting flies galore), with a hard- working, team-oriented attitude, and preferably with a good sense of humor. The season will run from May 15, 2017 through end of August 2017, and there is some flexibility to the start and end dates depending on whether and technician availability. The project will be based out of the UMN Cloquet Forestry Center. While the primary responsibility of the technicians will be work related to the study of brushland vegetation, other projects and field opportunities will likely be available throughout the summer.

Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include a background, or seeking degree, in Natural Resources, Forestry, Ecology, Wildlife or related major or equivalent experience; ability to work in challenging terrain and navigate in the field using GPS; ability to closely follow vegetation survey and fuel assessment protocol and data entering instructions; experience with plant identification in the Lake States; and willingness to spend long days in the field working and hiking through brushy, wet environments. This habitat is difficult to move through, so prior experience working in difficult terrain is a plus. This job requires people who enjoy living and working closely with others, are resourceful and creative, have high attention to detail, are able to follow precise protocol, comfortable going with the flow with a sometimes unpredictable work schedule and possess a positive attitude for long days. Surveys require driving between multiple sites and applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.

Compensation: $12/h @ approximately 40/week from May through August. Housing is provided if needed at a minimal cost (~25$/week).

To Apply: Persons interested in interviewing for a position should email a letter of interest and current CV with names and contact information (phone and email) for two references to Lori Knosalla at knosa003@umn.edu.Please include YOUR LAST NAME and “BRUSHLAND TECH” in the email subject line.

6) Summer Field Technician: Floodplain Forest Restoration

Location: St. Paul, MN, USA Duration: May-August Job Type: Seasonal Application Deadline: 03/22/2017 or until filled

Job Description: One (1) technician is needed for a study of reed canarygrass treatments and floodplain forest tree planting. One goal is to develop more effective reed canarygrass control measures that reduce the grass’s coverage. The second is to study the effects of site treatment across a range of environmental factors. The third is to examine differences in natural tree regeneration across site treatments and the range of environmental factors tested. The fourth is to study tree seedling establishment, survival and growth across different stock types, site treatment strategies, and the range of environmental factors studies. The technician will join a graduate student researcher to collect data including: estimate percent cover of reed canarygrass, record differences in environmental factors, measure tree growth, and enter field data as a team and independently. Our office is based in St. Paul, MN and field sites are in southeast Minnesota. A vehicle will be provided for transportation between the office and field sites. We are looking for applicants who will take pride in collecting and entering high- quality ecological data, are hard-working, and have a team-oriented attitude. May involve occasional work on other projects in Minnesota associated with the Montgomery lab at the University of Minnesota.

Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include undergraduate standing in Natural Resources, Forestry, Ecology, Wildlife or related major or equivalent experience; a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and ability to drive for at least two hours at a time; ability to work in challenging terrain (full sun, high humidity, wet, mucky ground); ability to closely follow tree measurement and percent coverage protocol and data entering instructions; attention to detail and accuracy in data collection; and willingness to spend long days in the field working and hiking through dense ground vegetation and wet environments with biting insects. This job requires people who have high attention to detail, are able to follow precise protocol, and possess a positive attitude. Must be willing to occasionally camp near field site for field work.

Compensation: $12/hour for 40 hours/week. If applicants prefer part-time employment (e.g. <40h/week) please indicate that preference in the application.

To Apply: Persons interested in interviewing for a position should email a letter of interest and resume with names and contact information (phone and email) for two references to Maria DeLaundreau at dela0271@umn.edu. Please include YOUR LAST NAME and “FLOODPLAIN TECH” in the email subject line.

7) Volunteer Field Assitant in Avian Evol Ecol in Sweden May-June

PERIOD:  1.5-30.6.2017 LOCATION: Gotland, Sweden

PROJECT Maternal effects play a key role in shaping offspring development and are a source of phenotypic variation. Understanding the proximate mechanisms underlying maternal effects is crucial. I am looking for a volunteer field assistant/intern to a collaborative project on the role of maternal (egg) hormones shaping offspring development and fitness in the collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis). The work will be conducted in May and June in a nest-box population on the island of Gotland, Sweden. It is also possible to make part of the data collection into an intern project.

DUTIES The field assistant/intern will be conducting nest-box monitoring and capturing, ringing and measuring chicks/ adult collared flycatchers, together with the rest of the team (international). Potentially also blood-sampling. The field work will include long days (sometimes in bad weather) and work during weekends, thus the candidate needs to be prepared for that.

QUALIFICATIONS Suitable candidates should be hard-working, independent and organized, possess good communication skills and fluent English. Candidates should have a valid driving lisence.  Experience in field work with birds, and bird handling/ringing is a definite asset.

WE OFFER We will train the volunteer/student for the fieldwork and bird handling. Travel costs (from Europe) and costs of accommodation (room shared with another assistant/student) will be covered. The candidate will join an enthusiastic team of researchers and students (French, Finnish, Taiwanese). The study populations are located on the beautiful island of Gotland!

If you are interested, please contact me asap and include your CV and a short motivation letter. Suvi Ruuskanen (suvi.ruuskanen@utu.fi)

8) Field Research Positions for post-fire vegetation monitoring in Yosemite National Park

A Crew Lead and one Crewmember positions are available for post-fire vegetation research projects in Yosemite National Park, with some work in neighboring National Forests, with the O’Hara and Stephens labs at UC Berkeley. The crew will collect data on a suite of vegetation characteristics as part of several studies on fire effects. Applicants must be willing to work a flexible schedule that varies between 4 10-hour work weeks and some longer trips of up to 8 10-hour days. The 4-month field season will begin Tuesday May 30th.

The duty station will be at the Sierra Nevada Research Institute Yosemite Field Station in Wawona, California. The field station has bunk-style housing for $300/month (details on the station can be found here). Work will be a mixture of day trips, backpacking trips and a few car camping trips. Must be comfortable camping for extensive periods, working in remote locations without cell coverage, in inclement weather and sometimes uncomfortable conditions (e.g. shrubby burned sites in full sun), all while maintaining a positive attitude and attention to detail! Day-to-day work schedules are likely to include long days when visiting more remote sites. Applicants must be comfortable hiking up to 5 miles off trail per day in rough, uneven terrain, and backpacking with 50lb packs on maintained trails. Hazards include steep slopes, snakes, ticks, falling timber, and illegal marijuana plantations. But it will also be a fun summer outdoors! All employees must complete CPR & Wilderness First Aid on their own time.

Duties and Required Qualifications

Crew lead: $17-18/hour, depending on experience Duties:  Crew lead is responsible for organizing day-to-day work plans, ensuring work plans are accomplished, managing crew safety and logistics, and maintaining good communication with project lead.  Crew lead will also coordinate schedules with other field crews as needed. Required Qualifications –Leadership experience in vegetation data collection –Experience identifying plants to species using dichotomous keys & knowledge of California flora –Experience navigating off trail using map and compass and GPS units –Strong organizational skills –Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Natural Resources or related field

Crewmember: $15-16/hour, depending on experience Duties: Work as a team to collect data using a suite of sampling protocols. Desired qualifications –Previous experience on field crews and/or a field measurements course –Experience identifying plants to species using dichotomous keys & knowledge of California flora

To apply Please compile a single pdf document with: –a one-page cover letter that includes the position you wish to be considered for and dates of availability –a one-page resume –contact information for three references

Send single pdf document to Kristen Shive at rimfire.2014@gmail.com, with the position you want to be considered for in the subject line (Crew lead, Crewmember or Both). Your application will not be considered if these directions are not followed in full.  Applications will be reviewed and the top-rated applicants will be contacted for an interview. Questions should also be directed to rimfire.2014@gmail.com.

9) REU position in desert stream ecology at ASU

We are seeking two summer undergraduate researchers to participate in a project investigating how variation of streamflow affects energy transfer through stream food webs. The goal of the Food Chain Length (FCL) project is to link the mechanisms of temporal variation in streamflow and intensity of disturbance regimes to FCL in aridland streams. Ongoing research conducted in streams across Arizona includes repeated measures of variation in food chain length, ecosystem metabolism, nitrate concentrations, and experimental nitrogen pulse manipulations. Additionally, we are investigating how flood pulses of water and nitrogen stimulate production in the riparian ecosystem by measuring changes in soil processes, primary producers, and consumers.

Students will contribute both to the field campaign and laboratory sample processing. Students will also collaborate closely with the principal investigator, graduate students, and technicians to develop an independent research project that will build on the ongoing research. Fieldwork will consist of traveling to rivers across the state of Arizona for aquatic biological surveys, water quality measurements, sensor maintenance, and requires spending long days in the desert during the Arizona summer, often carrying heavy equipment. Lab work will consist of processing samples for stable isotope analysis, invertebrate sorting, and soil microbial activity and nutrient assays.

Applicant requirements: Students must have demonstrated interest in ecology. The position lasts 12 weeks, preferably starting in early May, though exact dates are flexible and is based at Arizona State University. Application is restricted to currently enrolled undergraduates that graduate no sooner than fall 2017. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Desired qualifications: Previous experience with laboratory or field-based research; coursework in biology, ecology, chemistry, and math/statistics; enthusiasm about conducting both field and lab work, with occasional long days in the field or multi-day field trips; valid U.S. driver’s license. Women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply: 1) letter summarizing research interests and experience, 2) list of relevant coursework, and 3) CV to Dr. Tamara Harms (tkharms@alaska.edu) by March 21, 2017

10) Hiring: Vegetation Monitoring Position in Minnesota

This position serves to assist in a collaborative effort in a statewide vegetation monitoring project being established and led by the Minnesota Biological Survey; a program housed within the MN Department of Natural Resources.  Field work will include driving and hiking to often remote sites, navigating to sites using GPS units, establishing plots according to monitoring protocols, and collecting quantitative data on plant species and other aspects of ecosystems such as soils and coarse woody debris. Plant identification skills, as well as the use of dichotomous keys will be required.

Periods of very demanding fieldwork under potentially arduous conditions will be followed by periods of administrative work during the winter months. Tasks such as data entry from field forms, identifying and preparing collected plants for identification, and assisting with preparing data for analyses will take precedent. Other tasks include verifying potential plot locations using GIS, contacting landowners and site managers for permission to collect data, and assisting with data entry or GIS mapping of other ongoing projects.

This position is the first of two temporary positions being posted. The anticipated end date is June 28, 2019. Extension of the position is dependent on funding.

For more information and to apply, go to https://www.mn.gov/mmb/careers/ and click on “External Applicants”.  In the keyword search box, enter the job listing number 11898 and follow the instructions at the bottom of the posting. The closing date for this posting is March 21, 2017. If you have questions about the position, contact Hannah Texler (hannah.texler@state.mn.us; 651.259.5048) or Erika Rowe (erika.rowe@state.mn.us; 651-259-5134).

11) Undergrad Field Research UCR Entomology/Microbiology

The Purcell lab in the Department of Entomology at UCR seeks motivated undergraduate students to contribute to summer research projects.  Members of the Purcell lab study the behavioral, ecological and genetic basis of evolutionary transitions in social organization in insects such as ants.  One project in particular will require 1-2 undergraduate research assistants this summer. Recent research is expanding what we know about the role of the gut microbiome in ecology. Amanda Hale, a PhD student in the Purcell lab, is investigating the role of gut microbiome plasticity in facilitating the success of invasive species.  This project will consist of field collections of ants from different natural and urbanized areas in thesouthern California region, lab maintenance of experimental colonies, and genetic lab work. Collections will be time sensitive, requiring on-site camping in the field and motivated students with strong time-management skills. Experience with camping, hiking and other outdoor activities will be an asset.   Students will gain skills in insect identification, field work, sterile lab technique, dissections, and experimental design.  Exceptional students who demonstrate their skills and work ethic in lab may be able to run their own experiment, earn research credit, or earn a salary as a research assistant.  If interested, please contact Amanda Hale (ahale004@ucr.edu) for more information.  Application materials will include a resume/CV and contact information for two references.  These will be due no later than April 10.

12) Summer Research Positions in Silviculture and Applied Forest Ecology in Northern New Hampshire

Summer Research Positions in Silviculture and Applied Forest Ecology in Northern New Hampshire Project: The University of Vermont, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources is seeking two summer research assistants to assist on a large-scale study in northern New Hampshire examining the effectiveness of different adaptive silvicultural strategies at sustaining northern hardwood forest ecosystems in the face of climate change and invasive species impacts.  These positions would be working on a multi-disciplinary team on a collaborative project between the University of Vermont, Dartmouth College, and the U.S. Forest Service Northern Research Station based in the beautiful landscapes contained within Dartmouth College’s Second College Grant in northern New Hampshire.

Applicant requirements:  Applicants should have a background in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, ecology or biology.  A working knowledge of tree identification and common forest measurements is strongly desired.  Applicants must be willing and able to work efficiently in remote forested settings as part of a research team.  Applicants must also be able to hike through varied terrain to reach study areas and be willing to work long hours outdoors. &#8232;Responsibilities: Work will involve extensive field work, including collection of soil, vegetation, and woody debris data. These positions begin late May/early June 2017 and end mid/late August and will be based out of Milan, NH.  Housing will be provided in the form of cabins within the Second College Grant and hourly wage will vary from $10-$12 depending on work experience.

Interested candidates should e-mail a letter describing their background, qualifications and interests along with a resumé to Matthias Nevins (matthias.nevins@uvm.edu) by March 28, 2017.

13) Recreation Internship – Rawlins, WY: Conservation and Land Management Internship Program

Agency: United States Bureau of Land Management Location: Rawlins, WY Start Date: Mid to Late April 2017 Application Closing Date: Friday, March 26, 2017 Internship duration: 5 months To apply: http://www.clminternship.org/applying Position Reference Code (must be included when applying): WYREC2017

We are looking for a highly qualified individual for a 5-month internship with the Conservation and Land Management (CLM) Internship Program.

The intern will serve as a developmental trainee Outdoor Recreation Planner for one or more specifically assigned outdoor recreation programs (e.g. Wilderness, National Conservation Lands, Off-Highway Vehicles, Visitor Services, Visual Resources, Travel, Transportation, Wild & Scenic Rivers, Accessibility) in the Rawlins, WY Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Office. The intern will be primarily responsible for carrying out limited planning projects and assignments that involve the application of basic principles, concepts, and methods of outdoor recreation planning. Specifically the intern will be responsible for campground inspections & fee collection, maintaining recreation sites, and answering visitor’s questions through in-person interaction. The intern will receive detailed guidance on specific tasks, as well as training covering critical aspects of each assignment. In some cases, the position may complete segments of an assignment or project of broader scope. The position will provide the intern the opportunity to learn about the implementation of all existing regulations, policies, and directives, as well as with BLM Washington Office (WO) program direction.

Work can be in remote areas in rough terrain for extended periods of time and experience operating 4×4 vehicles is required. Southern Wyoming frequently receives extended periods of high winds and temperatures can change quickly between extreme heat and cold. Individual should have experience in communicating with the public in a customer service setting.

Qualifications: This position requires a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, biology, or related fields with experience in recreation. The selected intern will have to be able to work successfully as an individual or as part of a team. Good communication, equipment, and computer skills will be a necessary and important part of the job. The intern should have experience using handheld GPS devices, and have basic map reading skills. Other experience should include the use hand tools and some basic power tools.

**Please note that you MUST include the Position Reference Code, WYREC2017, when you complete the online application.

14) Summer Job: USGS biological science technician for annual brome research project

The USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Center is seeking biological science technicians for the 2017 summer field season of the Annual Brome Prescribed Fire project. The position begins approximately May 29, 2017 and will end approximately August 19, 2017.  The Annual Brome Prescribed Fire project is an experimental comparison of the effectiveness and costs of various treatments for controlling invasive annual brome grasses in northern mixed-grass prairie. DUTY STATION:  Wind Cave National Park, Hot Springs, SD. DUTIES: The incumbent will perform a variety of tasks to gather and manage field data necessary to meet objectives of an invasive plant ecology research project in the northern Great Plains. The incumbent is assigned to the Center’s Black Hills station, with principal responsibility for collecting data related to cover, composition, and diversity of northern mixed-grass prairie vegetation. Specific study elements involved include measuring plant cover by species; recording species richness; and measuring litter depth and stem density. The incumbent works under the general supervision of a Principal Investigator, who outlines the objectives, responsibilities, and priorities to be met. The incumbent (1) navigates to data collection sites, (2) follows protocols in daily data collection, (3) cares for and maintains equipment, and (4) maintains data. The incumbent acts daily as a member of a field crew and performs correct use of field forms and techniques, organizes field equipment, confirms quality and accuracy of data, and alerts supervisor to procedural, technical, and logistical problems. The incumbent applies and adapts existing methods to accomplish project objectives. The incumbent works independently in most phases of duties and updates the supervisor occasionally to ensure coordination of all phases of the project. The supervisor and other Center staff are available to offer guidance, but the incumbent is responsible for the work. Completed work receives general review by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:  For the GG-4 level:  Beyond high school, 6 months field party experience OR 2 years sub-professional experience OR 1 year college study related to biology. HOW TO APPLY:  By 5:00 p.m. CDT on March 24, 2017, submit a cover letter stating that you are applying for the position in announcement number NPWRC- 2017-08, a resume, and (if applicable) transcripts via email or fax following the directions at https://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/node/3821.

15) Research technician position working with ants

The Invasive Species Research Group at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin is looking to hire a research technician.  The position will involve a mix of field and laboratory based investigations into the ecology and natural enemies of tawny crazy ants and imported fire ants.  Posting number: 17-03-02-01-4480. We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible. The posting will close by March 24th.

LRA III – Salary: Proposed Salary Minimum: $22,884 – Proposed non-published maximum limit: $26,000

General Position Notes: Job is a mixture of field and laboratory based investigation. Job requires frequent overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas. Camping out will be required at some sites. Work will be outside during Texas summer. Experimental protocols will require a non- standard work schedule. Work will often involve long days and short weeks, working evenings, mornings and/or weekends.

Purpose: Technician will follow the direction of the lead investigator to carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy and natural enemies of this ant, including microsporidian pathogens and phorid fly parasitoids. Driving a UT vehicle is an essential function of the position. Essential Functions •     Function 1: Perform field assays of tawny crazy ant, and native ant abundances and experiments on species interactions and ecology. •               Function 1 Percent Time: 30.00 %             •            Function 2: Conduct laboratory experiments investigating the biology of a microsporidian pathogen and a phorid fly parasitoid of this ant. •       Function 2 Percent Time: 25.00 % •         Function 3:  Conducting experiments into the chemical ecology of ant species interactions. •   Function 3 Percent Time: 25.00 % •               Function 4: Staining and counting microsporidian spore loads in infected ants using compound microscope.  Sort, identify and record ants and other arthropods from pitfall traps. Identify ants and phorid flies to species level and other arthropods to order level. Function 4 Percent Time: 10.00 % •               Function 5: Record all data in field datasheets, and enter data into spreadsheets. Use GPS to set out transects and record features. Store and label specimens in alcohol vials or in pinned collections. Curate materials and maintain records. •               Function 5 Percent Time: 10.00 % Essential Functions Percent Time Total: 100.00 %

Required Qualifications High school graduation or GED. A combination of two years of experience in a natural science field, or a technical laboratory. A strong work ethic and attention to detail. Ability to work outside throughout the summer and carry loads over rough ground. Tolerance of heat and insect stings / bites. Fine motor skills. Commitment to safety. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate: Yes

Preferred Qualifications Bachelors or masters degree in biological science. Strong background and interest in entomology and ecology. Experience in field ecological studies and experiments. Experience with insect identification. Experience with micro- dissection and microscopy. Laboratory experience in chemistry. Experience with molecular lab procedures. Computer skills including familiarity with spreadsheet manipulation, analysis and graphing in Microsoft Excel. Experience using GPS. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills needed. Ability to perform as a member of a dynamic research team.

16) Field Technicians – Osprey Recovery in Illinois

I am looking for four field technicians with strong work ethics to assist with the osprey hacking program in Illinois as part of the osprey recovery effort for this state-endangered species.

The positions, based at different sites, have the following responsibilities: * Daily Observations – conducts daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure their well-being.  Makes notes of presence of potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking site. * Daily Tracking – conducts daily tracking of ospreys once they fledge and notes their locations before migration. * Food Preparation and Feeding – conducts daily preparation of fish and feeding to the hacked ospreys. * Planning and Coordination – conducts regular fish pick-ups from the project partners.  Coordinates with the field personnel at the other hacking site for project purposes when required. * Daily Reports – contributes to daily reports regarding the behaviors, locations, and fish consumption by ospreys.  Makes notes of any other notable events related to the birds. * Maintenance – assists with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking tower after the season, as well as the maintenance and inventory of the field gear and equipment.

Qualifications for the positions: Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field.  Experiences working with birds of prey, as well as paddling skills, are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable.  Successful candidates must be a team- player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Individuals must have and maintain a valid driver’s license as well as be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and for long hours.

Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the positions are filled. Starting date: June 30, 2017. Anticipated ending date: October 6, 2017. Salary: $440-$500 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences). Housing or camping gear (except sleeping gear) are provided.

To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu: 1)  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications; 2)  Resume, including contact information for three references; and 3)  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).

17) Field Technicians – Franklin’s Ground Squirrel in Illinois

I am looking for three field technicians with a strong work ethic to join my team for the Franklin’s ground squirrel project in Central Illinois.  The field technicians need to be effective and skillful in data collection, including trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin’s ground squirrels.  Field technicians know how to operate and adjust, when necessary, various instruments for data acquisition and are required to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Duties and responsibilities include: Trapping – Conduct daily trapping of Franklin’s ground squirrels at multiple sites over the field season. Tagging – Implant a passive integrated transponder (PIT) to each newly captured squirrel for identification and fit radio-collars to targeted juveniles. Tracking – Conduct daily radio-tracking of juvenile Franklin’s ground squirrels on foot or in vehicle depending on the movement patterns and dispersal distances of individual squirrels.  Record locations of the squirrels with the GPS units through triangulation or homing.  Follow the squirrels until they immerge. Daily Reports – Submit daily reports on the trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin’s ground squirrels. Maintenance – Assist with the maintenance, clean-up, and inventory of the field gear and equipment for trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin’s ground squirrels.

Requirements: Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field.  Experiences in radio-telemetry and working with small mammals in the field are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable.  Successful candidates must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Individuals must have a personal vehicle, maintain a valid driver’s license, and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours.

Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the positions are filled. Starting date: May 15, 2017. Anticipated ending dates: August 18, 2017 (for two positions) and October 31, 2017 (for one position).

Salary: $440-$500 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences), plus mileage reimbursement for radio-tracking.

To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu. 1.  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications; 2.  Resume, including contact information for three references; and 3.  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).