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Undergrad Research Opportunities 1/17/17

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1) REU Program, University of Kansas

Applications are now open for our NSF funded Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program, Models in Evolution, Ecology and Systematics.

The program will take place May 22-July 28 2017 in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas. In this ten-week program, students will participate in mentored, independent research and receive training in research support skills.  “Models” is broadly interpreted to include not only building of theoretical models, but also testing of models (empirical work). More information on projects is available athttp://eebreu.ku.edu.

Students will be provided with a generous stipend, housing and meals, and travel to the program. Review of applications begins February 15, 2017 and will continue until all positions are filled. Students must have completed one semester of college level work (including community college), must plan to be enrolled in an undergraduate program during the fall of 2017, and be US citizens or permanent residents. Biology, math and computer science majors are encouraged to apply.

Former students have been highly successful at continuing on to graduate school and obtaining the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.  Review of applications begins February 15 and will continue until all positions are filled.  Questions may be addressed to eebreu@ku.edu.

 

2) Seasonal Vegetation Monitoring Technicians, Ely, NV

The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition (ENLC) is currently seeking vegetation monitoring technicians for our upcoming 2017 field season.

Located in Ely, Nevada, the ENLC is a non-profit conservation organization comprised of public, private, and non-profit partners dedicated to the restoration of Western ecosystems through collaborative teamwork. The ENLC conducts a variety of vegetation/wildlife monitoring projects throughout Nevada and surrounding states. We are requesting applications for a minimum of four to six

(4-6) vegetation monitoring technicians to work out of our main office in Ely, NV.

Field technicians’ primary responsibility will be to collect post-fire vegetation response data in burned areas on public lands managed by the BLM as part of the Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ES&R) program. Data collected will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of post wildfire rehabilitation treatments.

Technicians will be responsible for driving (in company vehicles) and hiking to sampling locations, following rigorous sampling protocols for data collection, data quality control and data entry.

Field work will involve driving on and navigating backcountry dirt roads, hiking and navigating potentially long distances off trail, establishing and monitoring plots using the BLM’s Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy, all while camping in the backcountry for 4-8 days at a time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

Other duties include data entry using the Database for Inventory, Monitoring, and Assessment (DIMA), collecting herbarium quality plant specimens, identifying plants to species in both a field and office setting, operating 4WD vehicles, communicating effectively in a small crew setting, and operating safely in sometimes harsh and stressful field conditions.

Applicants should have graduated from a program in biological sciences, ecology, natural resources or a related field. The ideal applicant will have experience in plant identification and a general knowledge of plant taxonomy.

Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three references to Patrick Hellmann at phellmann@envlc.org. All materials should be emailed by February 24th, 2017.  For more information, please visit our website (http://www.envlc.org).

 

3) 2017 Summer Field Forestry/Biology/Ecology Internships

6 Technicians are needed for Monday, May 15th – Friday, August 11th for positions in State College, PA and Coudersport, PA

Pay: Full time, 40hr/week appointment. $11.50/hr. Housing is provided, along with access to a field vehicle.

Duties: Must be able to find, monument, and inventory permanent forest vegetation plots using GPS and other tools in central or northern Pennsylvania. Daily duties include navigation to remote parts of Pennsylvania state forest lands, hiking up to 2 miles with equipment, and collection of quality vegetation monitoring data—the identification, size class, and abundance of more than 100 species of overstory and understory plants— with a field PC.

Key qualifications: At least two years toward a natural resources baccalaureate degree; demonstrated plant identification skills (as evidenced by a course in plant ID, such as dendrology, and/or field experience collecting vegetation data); ability to work independently and reliably without direct supervision in challenging field conditions; and possession of a valid driver’s license.

To apply: Send a letter, résumé, transcripts, and contact information for three references (via email preferred) to Bobbi Joy Scovern. At least one reference should be able to comment on your plant identification skills. In your letter, please indicate if you would like to be considered for a crew leader position.

Email applications to:

Bobbi Joy Scovern, Administrative Support Assistant Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

419 Forest Resources Building

University Park, PA 16802

Email: bys5@psu.edu

Phone: 814-865-4511

 

4) Environmental Science and Policy in the Nation’s Capital – An NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program at Georgetown University for Summer 2017

Georgetown University’s REU Site program in Environmental Science and Policy in the Nation’s Capital is seeking talented and engaged undergraduate students.  This ten-week program will bring a cohort of ten students to Washington, D.C. to conduct hands-on research in environmental science at Georgetown University and to take part in a mini-curriculum that builds research skills and also explores the intersections of science and public policy.

Participating research mentors have expertise in fields including ecology, conservation biology, evolutionary genetics, mathematical modeling, hydrology, statistics for environmental studies, and earth science.  See mentor research descriptions on the program web site.  Interested students are encouraged to contact potential mentors directly.

The 2017 program will run from May 31 – August 5.  Students will be housed on the Georgetown campus and will receive a $5250 stipend plus an allowance for food.  To be eligible, applicants must be U. S. citizens or permanent residents, full-time students as of August, 2017, and available to participate full-time during the program.  We are striving for a diverse group, so students from groups typically underrepresented in STEM fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin on February 17, 2017 and will be accepted on a continuing until all positions are filled. For more information on the program and to apply, visit: http://reuenvscigeorgetown.weebly.com/

 

5) Research Assistant: Buck Island Sea Turtle Research Program 2017

Buck Island Reef National Monument (BIRNM), located on the island of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, is seeking applicants for the position of Sea Turtle Research Assistant (intern) to conduct sea turtle research and monitoring. This will be the 30th year of the Buck Island Sea Turtle Research Program (BISTRP), a long-term monitoring, research, and conservation project supported by the National Park Service (NPS), Buck Island Reef National Monument.

BIRNM is a nesting beach for hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), green (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles.

This project will be up to 12 weeks in duration beginning in mid-July 2017 (applicants must state availability in their cover letter) and are expected to stay the length of the project upon selection. This is a highly competitive project that is physically and mentally intense, aimed at individuals who want to make ecology/resource management their career. Access to the island is by boat only, where there are minimal facilities. Ability to navigate rugged terrain, work in adverse weather conditions, and amongst biting insects and poisonous and spiny plants is essential. Shifts last up to 12 hours and require interns to work effectively on a nocturnal schedule. Interns must work equally effectively as a team and individually.

Interns will provide assistance to the NPS staff in the collection and processing of field data. A mixture of methods will be used: night duty and day patrols.

Night duty focuses on working with animals during the laying process. During this time, all nesting turtles will be encountered; biometric data will be collected on turtles, physical data will be collected on nest locations, and animals will be tagged (inconel and PIT). Imperiled nests will be relocated to mitigate risk and increase hatch success. Nests will be excavated to determine hatch success.

Night work will last in shifts up to 12 hours and will be labor intensive. Day patrols will require accurate assessment of the previous night’s nesting activities from tracks left in the sand alone. Nests that hatch will be excavated to estimate hatching success and beach productivity. Throughout the project interns will be required to perform data entry and equipment maintenance.

Interns are also responsible for weekly daytime monitoring of beaches at The Buccaneer Hotel, their residence, recording activities using GPS. Interns will also conduct outreach to hotel guests and will write a report at season’s end summarizing turtle nesting activities at The Buccaneer Hotel. In addition to BISTRP objectives, interns will provide assistance to NPS staff and collaborators with a hawksbill hatchling genetics project and aid in hatchling sampling and data collection. Interns may also participate in the deployment of acoustic and satellite tags as part of directed research to assess sea turtle movement. In addition, interns may have the opportunity to conduct snorkel surveys for foraging sea turtles and/or assist in sea turtle stranding response incidents.

Interns will receive two meals/day and lodging from The Buccaneer Hotel at no cost to the interns. A small weekly stipend will be allotted to each intern ($100), and travel costs will be covered by the NPS. Interns need to seriously consider their finances before applying to these openings; it will not be possible to work locally while conducting intern duties.

To apply, send a cover letter stating your interest in and qualifications for the project, a resume or CV summarizing your experience, and contact information for three references to the email address below. The document(s) you submit should include your last name and document type in the file name. Email is preferred, but postal mail is accepted.* Deadline for application: 30 Jan 2017, no applicants will be considered after this date.*  If selected for interview you will be contacted by Feb 5th, *please do not make follow up inquiries.*

 

6) Internship posting at The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland offers undergraduate and beginning graduate students a unique opportunity to gain hand-on experience in the fields of environmental research and education.

The program enables students to work on specific projects while getting experience in valuable lab techniques all under the direction of the Center’s professional staff. The program is tailored to provide the maximum educational benefit to each participant.

SERC is focused on understanding the causes and consequences of environmental change for marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems.

Interns at SERC conduct independent projects over 12-16 weeks utilizing our 2,650 acre research site on the shores of Chesapeake Bay to provide novel insights into some of the most profound  issues challenging our world today, including habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has maintained an REU site since 2001 and those students sponsored have used our professional-training programs as a stepping stone to pursue advanced careers in the environmental sciences.

Application to the SERC Internship Program consists of on-line registration, Student copy of transcripts, personal essay, CV or resume, and two letters of recommendation using the Smithsonian On-line Academic Appointment (SOLAA) https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/#/public

Application deadline listed below:

Summer (May-August): Deadline is February 1st

 

7) Cary Institute REU Program in Translational Ecology currently accepting applications!

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is currently accepting applications for its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program during summer 2017. The theme of the program is Translational Ecology:  Independent Research in Ecology for Undergraduates, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York

Ten undergraduate students will join the Cary Institute research community in 2017 to:

  • Be a part of an exciting research community, working closely with leading ecologists
  • Design and complete a research project using state-of-the-art facilities
  • Exchange ideas with a diverse group of students and scientists
  • Learn how to translate ecology for policy, management and the public
  • Publish results in our online Cary Institute Undergraduate Research Report
  • Explore how ecological research impacts society

The program emphasizes the community nature of the scientific enterprise, fosters reflection and builds self-confidence and skills. To complement their mentored research, students have many chances to interact, give and receive feedback and support, and participate in a rich assortment of enrichment activities, workshops and field trips around the theme of translational ecology.

Dates: May 22 to August 11, 2017 (12 weeks)

Eligibility: Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors or first semester seniors. Must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its possessions.

Stipend: $6,300 stipend, plus a $900 food allowance and free housing in Bacon Flats Lodge.

Other support:  Assistance is available for travel to and from the program as well.

 

8) UWIN Undergraduate Research Program now accepting applications!

The Urban Water Innovation Network (UWIN) is currently accepting applications for its Undergraduate Research Program (URP) in the summer of 2017!

Students will be given the opportunity to perform cutting edge, transdisciplinary research of immediate relevance to people in urban areas. Students with different research interests in urban water sustainability – natural sciences, social sciences, engineering – will be placed with a team of mentors at institutions in urban areas across the nation. See:

https://erams.com/UWIN/urp/

Sustainable Urban Water Transdisciplinary Research Program for Undergraduates, Engaging Undergraduates in Transitioning Toward Sustainable Urban Water Systems

Students will join the Urban Water Innovation Network community for 9 weeks in summer 2017 to:

  • Complete an independent, guided research project, working closely with mentor scientists, other students and the broader UWIN team
  • Attend a 3 day kick-off and a 3 day wrap-up meetings at Colorado State University
  • Participate in skill building workshops and seminars
  • Attend a Virtual Forum on Opportunities in Urban Water Research and Management
  • Give a poster presentation in a final Urban Water Sustainability Research Symposium

The program fosters reflection and builds self-confidence and skills. To complement their mentored research, students interact in person and/or virtually, give and receive feedback and support, and participate in a rich assortment of enrichment activities, workshops and seminars in research and urban water sustainability.

Dates: May 31 to August 2, 2017 (9 weeks)

Eligibility:  Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors or first semester seniors. Must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its possessions.

Support: $4,500 stipend, room and board on-campus or in nearby housing, travel allowance up to $900.

The program starts and ends at Colorado State University in Fort Collins CO.

To apply: See our website at: https://erams.com/UWIN/urp/ Online application only.

Applications must be submitted by February 10, 2017.

 

9) Summer 2017 Internships at the Holden Arboretum

This 12-week summer internship will provide you with an opportunity to work with scientists from The Holden Arboretum studying the effects of environmental change on plants and forests of Northeast Ohio. Internships typically run from late May thru early August but timing is flexible. Duties may include: assisting in soil and plant sampling, plant data collection, as well as extracting, amplifying, and analyzing DNA from soils and roots. Interns will be compensated with a stipend of $440/week and on-site housing is available if needed for a nominal fee ($30 per week). Due to our rural location, interns are responsible for their own transportation. Persons with knowledge of or interest in ecology, microbiology, or plant biology are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should send a letter of interest, a resume that discusses your prior experience, and two references. Applicants should also indicate their primary research interest. Holden research staff and a description of their respective programs can be found at:

To apply: Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the positions are filled.  Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume online at: https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit2/?id=15518401&t=1.

Undergrad Research Opportunities 1/9/17

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1) Amazonian Peru Research Internships Now Available

Fauna Forever, a non-profit organization leading projects in the rainforests of the Peruvian Amazon since 1997, is looking for field research interns to assist its international team of conservation biologists, botanists, science photographers, geographers, and educators with numerous field research projects (biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate change), natural resource management planning, native community development, green business development, and global outreach initiatives.

At present we are particularly keen on identifying interns (students or recent graduates) who would like to assist us with Neotropical herpetology (amphibian and reptile), ornithology, botany, science photography, and community-based natural resource management projects for periods of between one to three months, starting any time after 1st March 2017. In addition, for those students looking to undertake an independent research project, perhaps as part of their thesis or dissertation requirements, we have identified a series of studies the results of which would contribute to our work (please find the list of studies below). Expert training in field study methods and post-doctoral-level supervision of projects is provided by our team.

Note: Due to the limited nature of our central funds, successful intern applicants will need to cover their in-country costs associated with food, accommodation, local transport, training and supervision, wifi access, equipment use, etc. in Puerto Maldonado (our base-camp city) and at field sites. A 6-week stay for instance would cost around US$3,000 (US$71 per day). We strongly encourage data collected by student interns to be published in peer-reviewed journals. All field assistants are also acknowledged in our own publications. Knowledge of Spanish is not required, as all of our staff speak English. Energy, enthusiasm, attention to detail, and working well as part of a diverse, international team, is a must!

For more information, to request an application form, and to send us your CV/Resume, please contact us at info@faunaforever.org

Applications can also be made via our institutional Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/notes/fauna-forever/application-form-volunteers-and-interns/1041868142502124).

2) Paid Summer Research (REU) at UMich Biological Station

The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) is now acceptingapplications for its Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, “Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region.”

Our REU summer program runs for nine weeks (June 20 – August 19, 2017) at the U-M Biological Station on Douglas Lake in beautiful northern Michigan. Each REU participant will: — Work closely with a research mentor on a project of mutual interest. — Design, conduct, analyze, and report on their research project with guidance from the mentor and the two program co-directors. — Participate in workshops and group discussions designed to provide the background knowledge and technical tools needed to carry out interdisciplinary scientific research. — Contribute to the body of knowledge that can help address many of Earth’s most important environmental challenges.

COMPENSATION: Participants receive: a stipend of $5,000; free room and board at the Station; and a travel allowance.

DEADLINE: The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 1, 2017.

Application and details at: *http://lsa.umich.edu/content/michigan-lsa/umbs/en/students/research- opportunities/reu-program.html* <http://lsa.umich.edu/content/michigan-lsa/umbs/en/students/research- opportunities/reu-program.html> The University of Michigan Biological Station is located on Douglas Lake near Pellston, Michigan at the tip of the lower peninsula. Surrounded by more than 10,000 acres of undeveloped university-owned property, Students have quick access to many unique habitats in the region including dune, alvar, bog, and old-growth forest. UMBS also has two atmospheric gas sensing towers for monitoring forest and atmospheric gas. More information is available at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/umbs.

3) Flathead Lake Bio Station Summer Session 2017 Student Opportunities

Immersive field ecology experiences in Western Montana www.facebook.com/UMFLBS

Since 1899, the Flathead Lake Biological Station of the University of Montana has been offering transformative field ecology courses in spectacular western Montana.  2017 is going to be the best summer yet!

We have nine great courses on offer in both aquatic and terrestrial realms that will be of interest to students ranging from “sophomores-to-be” (Field Ecology) to upperclassmen to early grad students. Here are some relevant pieces of info:

–   many scholarships are available –   early registration discount (Deadline: January 15, 2017) –   “buddy program” discount for students who sign up together –   small classes with great faculty –   immersive learning featuring field methods as well as interactions with natural resource professionals –   two new courses for 2017: Aquatic Microbial Ecology & Drones for Water Assessment –   credits easily transferable to other colleges/universities

Students who have completed a first-year college curriculum involving biology, some chemistry, and some math are eligible for our 5-credit Field Ecology class after which they can take subsequent courses that summer.  In any case, students can enroll with permission of instructor so they should contact us if they have questions.  For more summer session details, see the website at http://flbs.umt.edu/education/default.aspx.

4) Assistants needed for fieldwork in the Peruvian Amazon

The research team at ARCAmazon–the Alliance for Research and Conservation in the Amazon–is seeking volunteers and interns to assist with the setup and roll-out of a long-term wildlife, land-use and climate change research project in the remote Peruvian Amazon. Participants will work alongside and learn from experienced field researchers and local guides. Data will be collected about local wildlife, human activities and land use in the Las Piedras watershed.

Initial fieldwork will look at the human impacts on (i) groups of endangered Black Peruvian spider monkey (Ateles chamek), (ii) big trees of the lowland Amazon, (iii) mammal and macaw clay-licks, and (iv) large and medium sized terrestrial mammals. Fieldwork commences in February of 2017 and will be repeated in following years. Recommended time for participation is 1-3 months, though shorter and longer placements can be considered.

Limited placements will be offered on an application basis. Successful applicants are expected to cover their own living costs which has been calculated into an all-inclusive participation fee. The fee includes all board and lodging for the participant, airport pickup and briefing, local transport to and from remote field sites, research equipment, training, supervision and emergency support. There is a full time chef, comfortable accommodation, even running water! 1 month (30 days): $2,345 2 months (60 days): $3,955 3 months (90 days): $5,130

To apply, please visit: www.conservetheamazon.org/peruvian-amazon- volunteer-internship-programs/apply/

For more information, please contact David Johnston: david@conservetheamazon.org | david@conservetheamazon.org

5) EcoREU 2017 at University of Arkansas – applications welcome!

Assessment and Sustainable Management of Ecosystem Services at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water. This REU focuses on field- and lab-based research in areas including watershed management, biofuels, sustainability and more. Projects are supervised by UA Faculty and vary from year to year based on the most current work being conducted at UA.

The University of Arkansas, located in Fayetteville, AR, will support the training of 10 degree-seeking undergraduate students for 10 weeks during the summer of 2017 (May 22 to July 28).  Room and board will be provided as well as a $5500 stipend during the program.

This opportunity specifically welcomes Native American undergraduates from Native-serving two-year colleges, four-year universities, and research universities.  However, all undergraduates are welcome and encouraged to apply.  Students will participate in structured lectures combined with laboratory and field research, and cultural enrichment activities that emphasize the process of science, the ethic of sustainability, sustainability of food, water, and energy systems, and the cultural connections of ecology with tribal traditions. Students will develop and complete an independent research project with the aid of their mentor(s), attend and present at a professional meeting, and complete a manuscript.  Students will participate in responsible conduct of research training and ethics modules interspersed throughout the program.

TO APPLY please submit an online application (https://fulbright.uark.edu/departments/biology/undergraduate/eco-reu/). Two letters of recommendation need to be emailed or mailed directly from letter writers.  Student participants will be selected by a committee composed of project principal investigators (PIs) and mentors.  Women, minority, and disabled students are strongly encouraged to apply. More information about the program is available by visiting http://ecoreu.uark.edu , or by contacting the PI (Dr. Michelle Evans-White at mevanswh@uark.edu) or the co-PIs (Dr. Brian Haggard at haggard@uark.edu and Dr. Marty Matlock atmmatlock@uark.edu).

6) Position: Invasives Strike Force Crew Member

The Invasives Strike Force (ISF) is a program of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, a non-profit organization focused on the stewardship of more than 2,150 miles of hiking trails throughout southern New York and northern New Jersey.  Our ISF crew completes invasive species surveys, control work, and leads volunteer removal teams throughout the region. The ISF crew works with a wide range of park partners at multiple sites throughout southern NY and northern NJ and will be supported by an existing base of volunteers and the Director of Land Stewardship. We are seeking 3 individuals who share our passion for conservation and the outdoors to join our crew.  The crew will perform both manual removal and chemical treatment of invasive plants. All crew members will become NY Pesticide Apprentices and NJ Pesticide Operators and may then be eligible to take exams for licensing.  Crew members may also assist with training workshops to teach volunteers.  Occasionally crew members may represent the Trail Conference at public events to recruit volunteers.

Plant identification and eradication training will be provided (some experience is preferred).   This is primarily an outdoor position and will include periods of camping for multiple days at work sites. Crew members will manage data and write reports on weekly activities.  Weekend work is required – days off will be during the week.

Service Location: Lower Hudson Valley Region of New York and Northern New Jersey

Term of Service: 675 hour term of service, May 18 through September 18, weekend work required

Duties and Responsibilities: •    Become certified in New York and New Jersey pesticide application and follow all applicable rules and regulations regarding the use of pesticides •    Keep accurate, timely and detailed records of activities •    Prepare reports on work completed and log data collected •    Work professionally at all times with crew members, community volunteers, and park partners. •    Lead and co-lead invasive removal volunteer work days •    Conduct independent invasive removals and treatments along hiking trails, including mechanical removal and/or application of herbicides •    Conduct surveys of hiking trails for a targeted set of invasive plants, includes use of hand-held GPS. •    Assist with training volunteers on invasive plant identification and removal techniques •    Informally educate the public about invasive plants and recruit volunteers •    Properly use and care for tools and equipment and follow all safety precautions

To Apply: Go to https://www.nynjtc.org/corpsmembers Applications accepted until the positions are filled, with preference given to those received before February 20th. To Learn more about our Invasives programs go to: https://www.nynjtc.org/invasives

7) Seasonal invasive species volunteer positions on remote Pacifc island – Johnston Atoll

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking four (4) volunteers to begin in early May 2017 for up to 8 months to join the 14th Crazy Ant Strike Team (CAST 14) Expedition to Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge to continue work towards eradicating an infestation of the Yellow Crazy Ant (YCA) and to monitor seabirds and other wildlife. Johnston Atoll is located in the central Pacific Ocean about 720 nautical miles west-southwest of Honolulu and is uninhabited except for the four volunteers and one crew leader.

Applicants must be willing and able to work 48 hours per week. Must be physically fit and able to walk 10 miles a day over variable terrain, lift and carry 50 lbs, ride a bicycle, swim, be able to perform repetitive stooping and bending motions and be able to perform all duties in various weather conditions including high heat and humidity, strong winds, and rain. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work well independently as well as closely in a small group. All CAST members must follow all pesticide and safety protocols. Qualified applicants MUST possess a valid passport that will not expire before June 2018. Possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license is preferred.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the positions will remain open until filled. Interviews may begin as early as late January so candidates are encouraged to apply early. Contact Katrina Scheiner with any questions at katrina_scheiner@fws.gov.

8) Positions Available: Native Seed Interns for BLM in Las Vegas, NV

Member will provide national service at Bureau of Land Management, a host site for the Nevada Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Program. The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is recruiting two Native Seed Interns to join our AmeriCorps program to conduct seed collecting and ecological restoration activities throughout BLM Southern Nevada District lands

Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2016-ACI-026

Field work involves hiking off designated trails or routes, across rugged terrain, up to 10 miles per day, but more typically 2-4 miles per day. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds or rain in the early spring to temperatures over 100F in the summer. The use of global positioning systems (handheld GPS units), computers, PDAs, digital cameras, and on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on data collection trips will sometimes be required. Incumbents must also be willing to spend days at a time working at a computer during periods of data entry and analysis.

This is an AmeriCorps position, and candidates will receive a living stipend of $8,700 for the season. This is not an hourly wage or a salary and is paid to members every other week throughout the service term. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service, members shall receive an additional education award in the amount of $2,865 that can be used for paying off qualified student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college.

The interns will be based out of the BLM Southern Nevada District office, which is located in northwest Las Vegas, NV. The Southern Nevada District Office manages more than three million acres of Mojave Desert in Clark and Nye counties. The scenery varies from dramatically colorful geologic landforms and largely unspoiled panoramic vistas of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to remote and rugged wild landscapes of Gold Butte Back Country Byway.

9) Botany Intern Needed at Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), is recruiting one Botany Intern to join our AmeriCorps program. The Botany intern will be a member of a 3-4 person crew assisting natural resource staff with plant surveys and monitoring demographic plots for three federally listed plant species. Plant surveys will consist of walking across the landscape searching for plants and recording their locations and other pertinent information using a Trimble GPS unit data dictionary. Cacti data will also be collected in demographic monitoring plots and stored in a GPS data dictionary. Office work will consist of downloading data from the GPS units into an ArcGIS geodatabase, labeling photos, and organizing datasets in an Excel spreadsheet.

Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2017-ACI-003

A general knowledge of plants of the southwest would be helpful but is not required. Survey work involves hiking off designated trails or routes, across rugged terrain, up to 10 miles per day, but more typically 2-6 miles per day, and may also require field camping and possibly backpacking. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds or rain in the early spring to temperatures nearing 100o F in the summer. Other challenging field conditions include high winds and gnats or other biting insects. Experience driving four-wheel drive vehicles on high clearance, dirt roads would be beneficial, but is not essential.

Interns may also assist natural resource staff with spotted owl and peregrine falcon surveys, invasive plant control and/or cultural resource monitoring. Interns will be supervised by the park Biologist.

10)  Highstead Accepting Applications for Summer Ecology Intern

Highstead, a regional land conservation and ecological research center is accepting applications for one field ecology intern to participate in Highstead’s long-term research and monitoring program in the summer of 2017.  Major projects include resampling the herbaceous layers of (1) 8 deer exclosure and paired control plots in disturbed (blowdown + salvage log) and undisturbed forest in southwestern CT; (2) 8 deer exclosure and paired control plots at the Harvard Forest Hemlock Removal Experiment in central Massachusetts. Additional projects will include (3) resampling wetland vegetation plots as part of a Phragmites removal project at Highstead and, time permitting, (4) a pilot study looking at the effects of beaver on riparian forest structure and composition.  The intern will gain extensive experience with forest vegetation sampling techniques and woody and herbaceous plant identification.  Positions will be predominantly field-based but will also include data entry, some herbarium work (mounting pressed specimens), limited data analysis, and preparing a 15-20 minute final presentation for Highstead staff.  The internship will be based in Redding, Connecticut, but will include travel and overnight stays to conduct field work at the Harvard Forest in central Massachusetts.

Qualifications: Upper level undergraduate or recent graduate in botany, ecology, or related field.  Applicants should have previous experience with field work.  Successful applicants must (1) have a keen interest in the study and intensive identification of woody and herbaceous plants including grasses and sedges (2) be enthusiastic about conducting intensive fieldwork in hot, humid and sometimes rainy weather; in a landscape with deer ticks; and in forest understories with downed trees and thick, often spiny shrub layers (3) be very detail-oriented to collect careful and accurate data in challenging field conditions, collect and press unknown plant specimens, and enter data into a database; and (4) have the flexibility to adapt to several different research projects including some travel; and (5) have a positive can-do attitude.

Position Dates: Monday, May 29 – Friday, August 11, 2017

Stipend: $5,000.00 and free furnished housing.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume (with relevant experience and contact information for three references) to jcologgi@highstead.net; reference Ecology Intern Application as the email subject.  Accepting applications immediately.  Review of applicants will begin in mid-February and continue until position is filled in March.

Bush Authors Scientific American Blog Post

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Graduate student Jordan Bush (Simberloff lab) wrote a guest blog post for “Not Bad Science” on the Scientific American blog network.  It features some of Gordon Burghardt’s studies on play behavior and some of Todd Pierson’s photography.

Read the post, titled “Looking Past the Scales: The Truth about Reptilian Behavior,” here.

Undergrad Research Opportunities 1/5/17

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1) Volunteer Field assistant for research on small mammals and plague

Agency: Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Idaho
Location:Adams County, Idaho
Job Category:Temporary/Seasonal Positions
Salary:$45/day per diem plus free housing Start Date:04/05/2017
Last Date to Apply: 1/16/2017 website: https://amandargoldbergblog.wordpress.com/

Description The northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is federally threatened under ESA. We are using field experiments to assess the presence and effects that plague may have on northern Idaho ground squirrel populations and other small mammals associated with them.

We capture and mark ground squirrels using PIT tags and ear tags from April through August.  We compare demographic parameters among treatments, including capture-recapture analyses to assess population attributes (e.g., survival rates).  We anesthetize small mammals (Columbian ground squirrels, northern Idaho ground squirrels, chipmunks, and mice) to collect fleas (a plague vector).

Housing will be provided for the applicant during the field season. Field housing may be rustic.  Housing may be a camp trailer, a cabin, or a wall tent.  Applicants must be willing to live for 5 months without daily phone and email access.  Field work will include various types of weather conditions (rain, snow, and heat), long hours, odd schedules, and physical work.  We will provide a vehicle for work to transport technicians between housing and the field sites.

Skills you will acquire: • Trapping, handling, and processing small mammals (northern Idaho ground squirrels, Columbian ground squirrels, chipmunks, and mice) • Use of anesthesia in the field • Experience working with a listed species

Qualifications • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and within a group setting • Previous experience hiking/camping • Excellent skills in time and data organization/management • Must be in good physical condition and have the ability to walk on uneven terrain throughout the day and carry heavy traps for short distances (less than 1 mile) • Must have a valid US driving license • Must be a US citizen or possess a valid US green card • Must be available for employment by 5 April 2017 through 15 August 2017

Apply by sending a cover letter, CV, copy of college transcripts (unofficial are ok), and the email and phone numbers for at least three references in one document (PDF or Word) to Amanda Goldberg (agoldberg@uidaho.edu) . Please write “plague volunteer” in the subject line.

2) Ecology REU opportunity at Miami University

Miami University (in Oxford, OH) is excited to announce that we are still accepting applications to our Research Experience for Undergraduates Program. The program is focused on The Ecology of Human Dominated Landscapes. We would appreciate it if you could distribute this e-mail to anyone that might be interested and encourage your students to visit our website and apply. Below there is a short synopsis of the program activities and contact information for students that may be interested in the program.

Undergraduate students accepted into the program will: • Conduct an independent research project with a faculty mentor at Miami University. Research opportunities are available in the lab or field in aquatic or terrestrial environments, • Discuss current literature related to their projects with faculty mentors and student peers in clusters related to their project. • Attend team-building field trips around the regional Midwest. • Take short courses on ethics and professions in ecology and environmental science, and interact with seminars by guest speakers. • Participate in field trips illustrating the natural history of Southwestern Ohio.

For more information about our program please visit our website at: https://sites.google.com/a/miamioh.edu/ecoreu/home. Click on the Application tab at the top of the page and follow the instructions to apply. Please contact Patrick Garrett at ecoreu@miamioh.edu with any problems, questions, or concerns you may have about our program or the application process.

3) Job posting: Arizona Mud Turtle Technician

American Turtle Observatory (ATO; http://americanturtles.org) and Antioch University New England seek a Field Technician to study the ecology and seasonal behavior of Arizona Mud Turtles (Kinosternon arizonense), a monsoon-adapted species, in southern Arizona during the summer of 2017. This position will involve both field and office responsibilities and will run from May 15 – September 15, 2017 (start and end dates are negotiable).

Location: Southern Arizona, USA Website: http://americanturtles.org Salary: $1000 monthly stipend Start Date: May 15, 2017 End Date: September 15, 2017 Last Date to Apply: January 27, 2017 Application Materials: email a brief (<1 page) cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references as a single Word or PDF document Contact Person: Liz Willey Contact E-Mail: lisabeth.willey@gmail.com For more information, visit: http://www.americanturtles.org/arizona-mud-turtle-technician.html

Field responsibilities will involve trapping, seining, and hand- capturing mud turtles in remote environments near the border with Sonora, Mexico; daily radiotelemetry of ten adult Arizona Mud Turtles; entering and proofing all field data on a weekly basis; managing photographs; and following standard decontamination procedures to protect mud turtles as well as Chiricahua Leopard Frogs.

Office responsibilities will require careful data management in Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS, and/or GoogleEarth; coordinating monthly conference calls with project partners; helping to prepare a technical report; preparing a technical assistance handout to improve habitat management for Arizona Mud Turtles.

Qualifications Applicants should be enthusiastic and sociable, enjoy travel, and expect to work long hours in the field in difficult conditions (heat, cold, rain, insects). Applicants should enjoy working independently with multiple days of relative solitude, and be ready to independently prioritize research-related decisions based upon a strong grasp of project objectives. Applicants should also be able to interact in a professional manner by email and phone. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license; access to a personal vehicle in Arizona is preferred. Ideal candidates will be proficient in GPS and compass navigation and be able to interpret topographic maps and aerial photographs. Desired qualifications also include field experience with freshwater turtles in the wild, experience with radio-telemetry, ArcGIS, GoogleEarth, habitat modeling and conservation area planning.

4) Big Cat Research Opportunity in South Africa

Raven Adventures’ is seeking volunteers for the Big Cat Research Project’s 2017 season. Volunteers will spend two weeks in South Africa studying lion, leopard, and cheetah, monitoring population distribution, density, and effects of tourism. This opportunity is open to anyone looking to gain experience in fieldwork and animal behavior research while working in a small group setting. Volunteers should be self-motivated and enthusiastic, working long hours with responsibilities including, but not limited to: collecting behavioral field notes, organizing photographic identification of individual study animals, and general basecamp chores. Volunteer positions are tailored to the learning undergraduate student and no prior experience is necessary. Accommodations will be basic camping. Overall cost is $3,995 per session and includes roundtrip airfare from JFK to Johannesburg, all trip meals, and camping/research equipment.

Please send all inquiries to Sabrina Salome at sabrina@ravenadventures.com, and to begin the application process attach a copy of your CV or resume. Four sessions will be run this summer.

5) Interns needed for food web study

Dates:  Late March through early June

Location:  Carrizo Plain National Monument, California (60 miles east of San Luis Obispo)

Duties:  2 interns are needed to conduct a variety of animal surveys as part of a long-term food web study in the Carrizo Plain National Monument. The Carrizo is the largest remnant of the San Joaquin grassland ecosystem and contains many endangered plants and animals. Interns will work on a team of 3-5 people and will conduct a variety of surveys, focusing especially on mark-recapture of endangered kangaroo rats. Mark-recapture surveys of threatened squirrels, visual line transects for reptiles, pitfall trapping for invertebrates, and spotlight surveys for predators and lagomorphs may also be conducted, and team members will help with vegetation sampling. Interns will also take down precipitation plot equipment and assist with other duties as needed.

Requirements:  All applicants must be pursuing or have a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences and have previous field experience.  Applicants must be able to start work by the last week of March and work through early to mid- June. A strong interest in natural history, conservation, and/or management and a high level of responsibility, organization, and motivation are require.  It is helpful to have PIT tagging experience, small mammal trapping experience, and familiarity with the plants and animals of California.  Must be flexible and live and work well with others in an isolated setting. Applicants must be able to maintain work quality and a positive attitude during challenging field conditions. Applicants must be in good physical condition and experienced with or able to tolerate hot and cold field conditions. Must be able to work long hours and be comfortable working at night. Prefer applicants with experience and strong interest in grassland or desert species.

Work schedule:  Approx. 40 hrs per week, variable throughout season

Compensation:  $600-800/month. Housing is provided at an active research facility on the Monument.

To Apply:  Please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 2-3 references as a single Word or PDF attachment to Rachel Endicott at rendicott@berkeley.edu.  Please apply by January 27, 2017.

6) Marine science REU at Texas A&M University – Galveston campus

Texas A&M University Galveston invites talented undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to participate in a 10-week immersive experience in Summer 2017 to conduct semi-independent research that will address the complexities and challenges related to our world’s oceans and coastal environments through OCEANUS (Ocean and Coastal Research Experiences for Undergraduates), an exciting interdisciplinary program funded by the National Science Foundation (Award Number: 1560242). Target majors include biology (evolution, ecology), physics, chemistry, environmental science, geosciences, maritime industry/commerce, computer science and engineering majors.

To apply, please visit: https://apply2.cse.tamu.edu/apps/OCEANUS

7) NPS 2017 Young Leaders in Climate Change Internships

NPS Seeks Applicants for 2017 Young Leaders in Climate Change Internships The NPS Climate Change Response Program and the University of Washington are pleased to invite graduate and upper-level undergraduate students and recent graduates to apply to the 2017 Young Leaders in Climate Change (YLCC) Initiative! The YLCC is a paid summer internship to work on diverse issues related to climate change and its effects in national parks. Applications are due January 19, 2017 by 12:01 PM PST. https://www.futureparkleaders.org/past-projects/

8) Summer Forest Monitoring Technician (PA and WV)

The Pennsylvania State University Department of Ecosystem Science and Management is hiring two seasonal technicians to collect forest monitoring data in eight national parks in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, including the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New River Gorge National River, and Gauley River National Recreational Area. This work is part of a long-term monitoring program that provides park staff with crucial information on the condition of the parks’ vegetation and how this condition is changing over time.

The positions begin in mid-May 2017 and continue for 12 – 15 weeks with compensation of $14-16 per hour depending on experience.  The technicians will travel to and be housed in or near a national park each week.  Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Demonstrated experience in forest ecology, meticulous data collection skills, strong work ethic, and positive attitude are required. Applicants should enjoy working outdoors in a variety of conditions and be able to identify common trees and shrubs of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Applicants must be able to follow complex detailed field protocols and work as a member of a team.  The ability to hike and work long hours in adverse conditions (e.g. steep terrain, hot/humid weather, stinging/biting insects, irritating plants) and in remote field sites is a must.  Applicants should be able to navigate in the woods by compass and using GPS. Additional tasks may include data entry and quality control of data.

If interested, please send: 1) a brief cover letter, 2) a resume, and 3) contact information for three references in a single Word or PDF document to Stephanie Perles [sjp16 at psu dot edu] by February 17, 2017.

9) Harvard Forest Undergraduate Internship Opportunity

Applications are now open for our fantastic (and well-paid) paid summer internships in plant & microbial ecology, art/design, computer science, biogeochemistry, conservation policy,  history, engineering, etc.

Depending on the project, students will conduct field and lab-work in old-growth forests,  historical archives, art/design studios and museums, biogeochemistry labs, long-term forest  study plots, data-rich computer environments, at the Harvard Farm and even at Henry David Thoreau’s cabin site at Walden.

Participants work closely with a faculty mentor and live on-site in our beautiful farmhouse  dorm. In addition to their research, students attend career panels, evening workshops, seminars and field trips.

We welcome applications from students at any U.S. college, community college or university.

Application instructions and FAQ’s are here: http://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/other-tags/reu

9) Positions Available: Native Seed Collection Internship at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Member will provide national service at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a host site for the Nevada Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Program.

Description: Working collaboratively with Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting three interns to assist the seed manager with scouting plant populations for seed collection and collecting native plant seeds. Work will include documenting all seed related activities and collections, manually cleaning seed by hand, and assisting with preparation of seed for seed storage for future restoration projects throughout southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona.  This position is an entry level internship that consists mostly of labor in the backcountry and at the Lake Mead Native Plant Nursery. At times, position also requires prolonged periods of sitting while cleaning seed.

Primary Responsibilities: •           Surveying and accessing suitable native plant populations by vehicle or on foot, and identification of native and non-native plants; •   Assist with weeding and irrigating native plant seed increase fields; •               Work on a 4-5 person seed collection team led by the native seed manager for Lake Mead NRA; •         Intern may also work with 5 to 10 member youth service groups and/or volunteers on seed collection projects; •        Must be able to operate a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and pass a federal background check.

Secondary responsibilities: additional tasks and duties that are preferential but secondary •               Assisting with native plant nursery operations including, but not limited to irrigation setup and repair, plant propagation, weed removal, and other general nursery operation; •               Additional duties may include checking backcountry traffic counters, checking weather stations, picking-up trash, rare plant plot monitoring, restoring off-road tracks, repair backcountry barriers, installing backcountry signs, watering plantings, installing plants, and other tasks associated with Mojave Desert restoration.

Related Responsibilities: •           Participate in trainings provided by Lake Mead NRA staff and community partners; •  Meet with Host Site Supervisor on a regular basis; •         Participate in community service days organized by NCC Program; and •            Participate in regular AmeriCorps team meetings.

Compensation: This is an AmeriCorps position, and candidates will receive a living stipend of $7,800 for the season. This is not an hourly wage or a salary and is paid to members every other week throughout the service term. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service, members shall receive an additional education award in the amount of $2,865 that can be used for paying off qualified student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college.

Qualifications: •               Dedication to the position and the AmeriCorps Service Contract •               Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented; •  Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities; •      Ability or willingness to learn how to identify  native and non-native plants of the desert southwest •               Ability to drive 4×4 vehicle •        Ability or willingness to learn how to navigate in the backcountry using maps and iphones or GPS units •           Ability or willingness to learn how to use iphones and/or GPS units such as Garmins, Mesas, and Trimbles to collect data •             Ability to use Microsoft Office Programs •            Ability to do physical labor in the backcountry •          Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time •               Motivated to learn about the park’s resources • Ability to communicate with park staff in an appropriate manner in written and verbal form •    Possess clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license; and •     Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks.

How to Apply: Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx? rf=ECOLOG&req=2016-ACI-026

10) Summer 2017 REU at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology

The Richards-Zawacki lab at the University of Pittsburgh invites undergraduate applicants for a 10-week summer research experience at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology in northwestern Pennsylvania (http://www.biology.pitt.edu/facilities/pymatuning). This position is part of the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Ongoing work in the Richards-Zawacki lab aims to clarify the relationship between climate and the dynamics of chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease that threatens amphibian populations on several continents. The successful applicant will work collaboratively with other members of the Richards-Zawacki lab to survey local amphibians for Batrachochytrium fungi, the pathogens that cause chytridiomycosis, and also design and carry out a study to investigate the role of pond community characteristics on the seasonal dynamics of these infections. Room and board at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology will be provided, along with transportation and a stipend of $500/week.

To apply, please send a one page personal statement (about your scientific interests and how this REU will support your professional goals), your resume or cv, unofficial transcripts, and the names of two professional references (including title, address, phone number and email address) to Dr. Cori Richards-Zawacki (cori.zawacki@pitt.edu).  Applications are due March 3, 2017.

11) Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute –Internship in Forest Trophic Interactions

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is seeking two interns to participate in a European Research Council funded project addressing the ecological determinants of tropical and temperate trends in insect diversity. To answer key questions on global insect distribution, we are applying quantitative surveys of plant-herbivore-parasitoid food webs within paired sets of tropical and temperate forests from six continents, in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Gabon, Panama, the Czech Republic, Japan, and USA. This internship will be based in the CTFS-ForestGEO-Forest Ecosystems & Climate lab (PI: Kristina J. Anderson-Teixeira), which conducts a range of research with the overall goal of understanding the dynamics of forest ecosystems worldwide in an era of global change. Candidates should be advanced undergraduates or recent university graduates and have coursework in ecology, conservation biology, entomology, environmental sciences, or a closely related field. Field experience in terrestrial ecosystem ecology, forestry, entomology, or a related field is essential plus the ability to follow established survey and protocols, and collect detailed and accurate data. Candidates must have the ability to work in the field for prolonged hours in hot and humid conditions, to work independently, and to collaborate effectively as part of a research team. This is a 6-month position with a start date in mid-April 2017. The position(s) will be compensated with a stipend sufficient to cover living expenses, potentially including on-site housing. To apply, please email a cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in the position, CV, and contact information for 3 references to Erika Gonzalez-Akre at gonzalezeb@si.edu. Deadline for application is January 31, 2017. The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce; female and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

12) Intern Opportunity – Black Tailed Prairie Dogs

Job Description and Duties: We are looking for 5 interns to be involved with a field ecology project on black-tailed prairie dogs for the period of Mar 1, 2017 to Aug 31, 2017. The project investigates the ecology of a wild population of prairie dogs in Grasslands National Park, SK and will involve live-trapping, handling and monitoring. Grasslands National Park represents one of the largest remaining tracts of native prairie in Canada, and prairie dog towns are home to a diversity of iconic grassland species (e.g., burrowing owls, swift fox, bison). Interns will have the opportunity of seeing all of these species, plus the many more resident in the Park. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working with a population of wild mammals in a spectacular setting and in collaboration with university, park and zoo researchers.

International applicants: If applicants are not Canadians or permanent residents, they will be required to apply to enter Canada as Visiting Research Students. To be eligible for this program, you must be an undergraduate or graduate student or be in between degrees (e.g., following graduation from a bachelors degree). As part of this program, applicants will be registered at the U of S in a non-credit activity. Applicants are eligible for this program for a maximum of 6 months per 12 month period.

Application forms and information are available at http://grad.usask.ca/admissions/alternate-applicants/visiting-research-student.php. If you are interested in this program, please contact us (contact details below) and we will guide you through the process.

Skills Required: These positions are best suited to applicants with interests in ecology, evolutionary biology, wildlife, field biology, and/or conservation biology. As evidence of this, applicants must either be enrolled in, or have graduated from, a relevant discipline. The field house and study population are isolated (the nearest town is approx. 45 min away) and, as such, successful applicants need to be able to cope under these conditions, enjoy the outdoors, be up-beat, positive, responsible and work well as a member of a team. Evidence of these abilities (gained, for example, through previous involvement on field projects or extended back-packing trips) is required.

Terms of Employment: These are volunteer positions and a salary is not provided. We will be staying in Parks Canada housing in the heart of the park. Volunteers are required to provide for their own travel to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Travel between the field station and Saskatoon is provided.

If you wish to apply for one of these posts then please send a CV with a cover letter and contact details for three references (with e-mail addresses), by email to Jeff Lane (uofsbtpdproject@gmail.com) by January 21, 2017. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Undergrad Research Opportunities 12/21/16

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1) Summer Research Fellowships at UVA Field Station

Blandy Experimental Farm at University of Virginia has some wonderful fellowship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs during summer 2017.  The opportunities are open to applicants from any college or university.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU): The program emphasizes experimental ecology and evolutionary biology including a wide variety of topics such as plant-animal interactions, pollinator behavior and ecology, insect population ecology, and ecosystem ecology. Successful applicants will receive a $5775 stipend, additional money for food, and free housing.  Each student picks a research mentor from our pool of faculty members and graduate students and then conducts an independent research project.  The students will gain experience in experimental design, data collection, analytical techniques, and written and oral presentation of findings.  REU students also benefit from several professional development workshops.

This is a wonderful opportunity for an undergraduate student contemplating a future in science. The application deadline is March 1, 2017. To apply: https://sites.google.com/site/blandyreu/

 

2) Winter and Spring Sessions Open: Biological Research & Permaculture Internships in the Rainforest of Ecuador

Third Millennium Alliance (TMA) was founded in 2007 with the purchase of 100 acres and the establishment of the Jama-Coaque Reserve (JCR) in the western province of Manabí, Ecuador, between the cities of Jama and Pedernales, and four kilometers inland. Now encompassing over 1,200 acres, the Jama-Coaque Reserve actively protects one of the last remaining fragments of Pacific Equatorial Forest, which is considered to be one of the most threatened tropical forests in the world.  Learn more at www.tmalliance.org.

Internship Opportunities:

Interns are to take on high-impact and dynamic projects in the fields of biological field research and sustainable food production. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done and experience to be gained – for interns and for us. Above all, creativity, innovation, and self-motivation are the fuel of our internship program. Immediately surrounding the house we are designing/growing/building a living laboratory of sustainable resource management (i.e. permaculture), which also serves as our field headquarters for biological scientific research and forest monitoring.

Interns are to select a specific project focus for their time in the Reserve. Generally speaking, there are three project paths of personal projects: 1) flora &amp; fauna research, 2) permaculture & land management, and 3) appropriate technology

The following is a list of some of the projects we’re looking to tackle during the upcoming sessions. Some are new projects and others are ongoing and multi- year projects. When applying please inform us which of the three project paths you would like to join and which specific project you are most interested in.

Flora & Fauna Research:

  • Primate Demography & Behavior Study (Howler & critically endangered White Fronted Capuchin)
  • Investigation of Endangered Avifauna – (Nesting ecology, habitat use study integrated with reforestation efforts)
  • Camera trapping of wildlife (birds; wild felids including ocelot, jaguarondi, etc)
  • Herpetofauna survey (reptile and amphibian diversity and abundance)
  • Seed bank and germination studies for reforestation plots
  • Inventory of Orchid species in the Reserve

Permaculture & Land Management:

  • Production Zone Intensive – Focused on increasing food production, crop zonification & rotation, plant propagation, care/maintenance, and integrated pest management.
  • Agroforestry – Maintenance and use of mixed-use forest. Development of cleaning and harvest system, use of products, and analysis of agroforestry systems in relation to the widespread use of slash and burn agriculture.
  • Reforestation – Last year we planted 6,500 trees in one portion of our re- forestation plot, and hope to plant another 8,000 next year. We want to keep this momentum going this year to plant even more trees and expand the project. Help manage tree propagation and planting efforts.
  • Green Building – Learn to use natural, recycled and sustainable building materials. Assist with construction projects of all forms as we continue to grow into the future.

Appropriate Technology:

  • Assist with development of alternative energy systems (ie. micro-hydro and
  • solar)
  • Design and build a solar or compost water heater.
  • Design and build a solar food dehydrator.

We also offer an optional Permaculture Design Certification (PDC) course with our internship, which is highly integrated with the real-life applications of permaculture in the Reserve.  If you are interested in becoming certified in Permaculture Design during your time in the Reserve please review our website for further details about how to apply

 

3) Temporary Field Technicians – multiple locations in US for the NEON Project

Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manage and operate the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEONTM), a 30-year long project, solely funded by the National Science Foundation.  During the life of the observatory a comprehensive set of ecological data will be collected on a continental scale at 20 eco-climatic domains across the US in order to understand how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecosystem function.  Our team of scientist, engineers and field technicians use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with sensors to monitor soil and atmospheric variables; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data.  A leading-edge cyberinfrastructure has been developed to calibrate, store and publish this information so that it is freely available to the public.  This first-of-its-kind Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Manager Field Operations the Temporary Field Technicians assist with field observation; sample collection and handling; sample processing and sample shipment of a variety of taxa.

The Temporary Field technician will perform field and laboratory activities based on a set schedule under the guidance of a Lead Temporary Field Technician and permanent Field Technicians.

Field sampling activities include the following observation and specimen collection activities:

  • Plant diversity observations
  • Plant biomass and primary productivity measurements
  • Rodent live trapping
  • Invertebrate collections
  • Sediment, soil and water sample collection
  • Lake/stream bathymetry and morphology
  • Riparian mapping

THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION:

  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Ability and willingness to work varied schedules (up to 12+ hours per day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early mornings, evening and weekends.
  • Ability to work safely in variable field conditions including:
  • Must possess a current and valid State issued driver’s license with insurable Department of Motor vehicle record (parking violations, minor driving offenses excluded) as determined by Battelle Ecology Inc.’s insurance provider.
  • Must have permanent authorization for US employment. Battelle Ecology, Inc. will not provide any kind of visa sponsorship.

To see the full job description and to apply go to: www.neonscience.org.

 

4) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MARINE CONSERVATION SURVEY IN BAJA

Raven Adventures Marine Conservation Survey is an international effort to gather much needed scientific data regarding present environmental / biological conditions found in the Loreto area of the Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur. We are looking for volunteers to assist our Mexican conservation partner GEA (Grupos Ecologistas Antares) with tasks such as marine transects, plankton pulls, and other biological investigations in an effort to better understand the fragile ecosystem of the Sea of Cortez. Additional tasks volunteers may wish to partake in include the recovery of cetacean, marine mammal and bird carcasses that will be cleaned, processed and reconstructed for use as educational displays in the GEA museum, as well as creating or improving museum dioramas, producing educational literature, labeling artifacts and making new displays. In addition, volunteers will also walk select shorelines documenting coastal conditions such as pollution, erosion and overuse issues. Volunteers may be exposed to an abundant variety of marine life, including whale species such as the blue, sperm, brydes, humpback, finback, orca and pilot whale. Dolphins and sea lions can also be found in high numbers throughout the study site.

The program cost is $950 per person for the 9-day session from January 26th – February 3rd, 2017 and is limited to 4 participants.  The cost includes food, base camp lodging/camping accommodations, camping gear, and research and safety equipment. Volunteers will be responsible for their flight/bus to/from Loreto, Baja Mexico. We have years of experience traveling to Baja and will be happy to share useful information on how best to arrange plane or bus tickets from your location.

For more information contact Sabrina Salome at: sabrina@ravenadventures.com

 

5) Earth Science Summer Research Opportunity at Biosphere 2

The University of Arizona is holding a 10-week Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program this summer (June 5 – Aug 11, 2017): “Biosphere 2 Earth Systems Research for Environmental Solutions”

Selected students participate in a variety of activities that will help them pursue a career in environmental sciences. Students conduct their own research under a mentor, interact with other participants and scientists, and present research findings in a formal poster symposium setting. Unique components of the Biosphere 2 REU experience are interaction with the public visitors to Biosphere 2 and training in effective outreach related to student research topics. Additionally, students participate in professional development workshops, an ethics-in-science workshop, and field trips to local attractions. Undergraduate students from a wide range of disciplines and interests including biology, ecology, plant sciences, hydrology, soil science, geology, atmospheric science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computer science are encouraged to apply. Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this NSF (National Science Foundation) funded program.

Research at Biosphere 2 (http://biosphere2.org/) aims to catalyze interdisciplinary thinking and understanding about the Earth, its living systems, and its future. Students in the REU program conduct research in the Earth system and environmental sciences that examines some facet of soil-water-atmosphere-plant interactions. Improving understanding of these interactions is important for gaining insight into the impacts and causes of global environmental change and variation. Key to research at Biosphere 2 is the use of methods and techniques that allow linking across scales.

Additionally, some REU projects will be conducted in partnership with the southwestern Critical Zone Observatory (http://criticalzone.org/catalina-jemez/). Projects will focus on a variety of topics that include (but aren’t limited to): coupling ecohydrology and biogeochemistry, investigating abiotic and biotic contributions to ecosystem processes, integrating measurements across scales, using innovative tools to link climate and ecological function, and modeling of ecosystem and soil processes. Students work with several outreach organizations (e.g., Institute of the Environment, Water Resources Research Center, Native Nations Climate Adaptation Program) at the University of Arizona to link their research to addressing local and global environmental challenges.

REU Students receive: A competitive stipend, lodging at Biosphere 2’s student village, food allowance, and travel to and from Tucson, AZ, as well as support for travel to a professional meeting to present their work.

Applications for summer of 2017 are due March 1st, 2017, and application material can be found at: http://biosphere2.org/education/reu-application-form

Matheny Receives Stuntz Foundation Award

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Associate Professor Brandon Matheny received an award from the Daniel E. Stuntz Memorial Foundation to revise the taxonomy of species of Inocybe (a genus of mushroom-forming fungi in the order Agaricales) published by Dan Stuntz between 1947 and 1984. A revision of these species will facilitate a new floristic and monographic treatment of Inocybe in North America, a cosmopolitan genus represented by some 350 species in North America alone.

Undergrad Research Opportunities 12/12/16

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1) Undergraduate Internship at Field Station in NE PA

The Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit biological field station, 545-acre nature preserve, and environmental education center located in NE Pennsylvania. Founded in 1966, the Lacawac Sanctuary has a long history of supporting ecological research, providing public access to preserved natural lands, and providing innovative environmental education programs. Due to its pristine, protected nature Lake Lacawac serves as “living laboratory,” thereby providing a baseline for ecological study.

The Lacawac Sanctuary and Biological Field Station seeks an undergraduate intern for Summer 2017. The student will work with the Director of Research and Education on various Pocono lake monitoring projects and assist with outreach activities. They will spend considerable time conducting field work, completing laboratory analysis, and communicating science with the public via public programs.

A modest stipend and free housing is available at the Lacawac Sanctuary for the duration of the internship. A commitment of 20-30 hours per week is expected. Previous research experience is not required, but the strongest applicants will have experience and interest conducing environmental field and lab work, handling data, and communicating science with the public.

Submit letter of interest, CV, unofficial transcripts, application packet, and at least one letter of recommendation to Dr. Sarah Princiotta (sarah.princiotta@lacawac.org). More information and application packet can be found at www.lacawac.org/internships. Review of applications will begin on February 28, 2017.

 

2) REU in STEM Education at North Dakota State University

We are excited to announce the 5th year of our summer REU in discipline-based education at North Dakota State University. Our program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in learning and teaching of STEM at the undergraduate level. Over a 10-week period during the summer, students are immersed in a cohort of undergraduate scholars to get hands-on research experience in discipline-based education research. Students are housed on- campus and earn a $5000 stipend.

Students may have the opportunity to present their research at a national conference with travel support from our REU. Additional travel funding is available for travel to and from Fargo for those in financial need.

Our program begins May 30, 2017 and runs through August 5, 2017.

Applications due January 27, 2017.

For more information, including descriptions of potential research projects, please visit http://www.ndsu.edu/cider/reu/ OR email Jennifer Momsen (jennifer.momsen@ndsu.edu) & Warren Christensen (warren.christensen@ndsu.edu)

 

3) Summer field jobs in Yosemite National Park and the West

The Western Forest Initiative is hiring three field technicians for summer of 2017.

Forest Demography and Fire Effects: These positions will primarily involve the establishment of spatially-explicit forest plots in Yosemite National Park. The crew will navigate to areas within or near the footprint of the Rim Fire of 2013 (wilderness and non-wilderness) and then identify, measure, and map trees and snags in ¼ ha plots. The crew will receive training in mapping and demography in the Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot and will work with investigators from Utah State University, the University of Washington, and the University of Montana on this Joint Fire Science Program funded project.

Duration: Late-May through mid-August, with the possibility for some staff to extend the season. The work schedule is four, ten-hour days per week. Because we don’t work under inclement conditions, the crew will need to be flexible.

Salary: $12.50 per hour. Campground accommodations are provided. Personal vehicle use reimbursed at $0.485/mile.

Qualifications: Previous experience taking vegetation research data, working safely in challenging environments, and following complex data collection protocols is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to solve problems, to work both independently and in teams of two or three, and to work with students and volunteers. Work will involve moving through rough terrain carrying delicate and expensive equipment, as well as carrying up to 15 kg of additional gear. Knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and forest insects is helpful, as is solid experience with outdoor living. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and good driving history. Applicants need a Wilderness First Aid certification (Wilderness First Responder preferred) valid for the season.

Apply: Please assemble the following into a single PDF file and email it to james.lutz@usu.edu – 1) a one-page cover letter describing your reasons for applying, specific dates of availability (including any planned mid-summer absences, or a statement that you plan none), and confirmation of your first aid certification, 2) a resume, no longer than two pages, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) names, phone numbers and email addresses of three references.

Application deadline: January 31, 2017. Usually, we have made our staffing decisions by early February. Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier.

Additional information and background at: http://yfdp.org, http://westernforestinitiative.org, and the Facebook Group “Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot”

 

4) Community-based reforestation in Kianjavato, Madagascar

Do you want to help save the world’s rain forests? What about lemurs – do you like lemurs? Would you like to do something about climate change?  If, yes, please join the volunteer program with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

(OHDZA) and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership (MBP)!  We’re looking for highly motivated volunteers to join our on-going reforestation program in southeastern Madagascar.  This area is home to nine lemur species, several of which are critically endangered.  Habitat loss threatens the remaining yet unprotected forest fragments, but you can help.  We work with local communities to reconnect and expand natural habitats over the mountainous terrain around Kianjavato while sustainably benefiting the 12,000 area residents. This unique partnership has planted nearly 1,000,000 trees thereby helping the lemurs, their forest homes, and their human neighbors.

You’ll have a dynamic daily work routine; you may be working at the primary field station or at the multiple tree nurseries; you could be collecting seeds within an established forest; or at a field site preparing for a community planting event.  Duties may include sorting compost, placing seedlings into growing bags, organizing the tree inventory, transplanting trees with the local community groups or school children.  The ultimate goal of the reforestation program is to plant one million trees as a means to establish corridors between forest fragments and restore ecosystem services.  In order reach this substantial goal, there is a need for streamlining the reforestation effort – from seed collection, germination, and transplantation – and this is where the volunteers can make a significant and lasting contribution to the project.

The schedule for the reforestation volunteer may vary, but will operate during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, with members of the reforestation team and nursery staff arriving at the job site around 7:00am.  You will typically work with three other volunteers and a team of knowledgeable Malagasy field guides.

The reforestation team consists of rotating OHDZA employees, Malagasy MBP field assistants and graduate students, along with numerous nursery managers and assistants from the local community.

Adequate physical fitness is required.  We prefer volunteers with at least a BA or BSc in the biological or environmental sciences, tropical restoration and forest management experience is a plus.  Some independent research experience will be an advantage, as will work or travel experience in tropical countries.  A willingness to work in isolated conditions, the ability to solve problems independently, and dedication to a positive and respectful working environment are required.

For a more details, please visit the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership at https://madagascarpartnership.org/volunteer/

Term of Appointment: Entry is required under a 90 day tourist visa, thus volunteers are limited to a 90 day stay.

Application Deadline: The positions will be filled by the first qualified applicants.

This in an on-going call for volunteers and we are currently looking for volunteers throughout 2017.

Applicants should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for a few professional references to Dr. Ed Louis (mbp AT madagascarpartnership DOT org).

 

5) Are You Tomorrow’s Conservation Leader?

Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) is now enrolling Field & Youth Crew Leaders for the 2017 field season. Find yourself while getting lost in some of Montana’s most wild places. Serving as a Field or Youth Crew Leader with MCC will have a lasting impact not only on you, but also on the communities and landscapes that you serve. With MCC you’ll discover unexpected abilities within yourself, make lifelong friendships, and explore some of our country’s greatest wilderness areas.

Leaders earn a $626 biweekly living stipend while serving with MCC, and an AmeriCorps education award upon completion of the term of service. Learn more and apply here: https://careers-mtcorps.icims.com/jobs

 

6) Quantitative Position with the Mandurah Dolphin Research Project in Australia

We are excited to announce a mixed quantitative and field-based research  assistant position to study bottlenose dolphins in Australia. The position is open  from January 9th to February 28th 2017 for the Mandurah Dolphin Research  Project in Western Australia (WA).

The Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) commenced a research  project in January 2016 aimed at gaining a solid understanding of the bottlenose  dolphins using the Peel-Harvey Estuary (part of Ramsar Wetlands) and adjacent  coastal waters. The overall aims of the project are to characterize population size  and structure, habitat use and genetic connectivity of dolphins using the estuarine  and coastal areas.

We seek a dedicated and independent research assistant (volunteer) to run  capture-recapture computer simulations and statistical analyses. The research  questions will be focused on practical problems of estimating abundance and  demographic processes from photo-ID data, modelled after the ongoing field  studies conducted by the Mandurah Dolphin Research Project. The simulations are  expected to inform the survey design and analytical methodology of the overall  Project, and potentially contribute to scientific publications. In addition to  quantitative work, the assistant is expected to participate in boat-based dolphin  surveys with a team of biologists and field assistants.

The main duties include:

  • Simulations: write computer scripts to simulate dolphin movement patterns and capture-recapture data collection;
  • Batch analyses: write R scripts to analyze simulation datasets;
  • Data collection: spot dolphins, drive the boat, take photographs for photo-identification, record data;
  • Data processing: upload data, enter data, match fins, map sightings;
  • Literature: read and review capture-recapture literature to inform simulations and analyses;
  • General: maintain the boat and car, clean equipment.

Applicants are expected to have the following traits and qualifications:

  • can work independently;
  • intermediate or advanced proficiency in R (or another scientific computing language);
  • have prior experience debugging complicated computer code;
  • have the mathematical acumen to read, learn, discuss and implement basic statistical analyses.
  • have mental and physical stamina to endure long days on a boat under intense sunlight while collecting complex data according to a rigorous protocol;
  • have a mixed background in biology, ecology, statistics, and computer programming, including some combination of formal tertiary education (B.Sc.) and relevant internships/jobs.
  • additional preferred skills include boat handling, first aid, experience in photo-ID, experience in population ecology analyses (but not necessary).

The position would suit a student who is interested in a career in quantitative  ecology. Supervision will be by two PhD students specializing in different aspects of  capture-recapture. Ambitious and competent candidates may have the opportunity  to pursue their own research interests, e.g. for academic research credit, such as a  B.Sc. Honours project.

The boat-based data collection and data processing will be from the 9th of January  till the 28th of February 2017. Data collection (photo-identification and biopsy  sampling) will be conducted in inland waters to up to 12nm offshore. Data  collection is weather dependent and research assistants are expected to be  available full time during day light hours throughout the time they commit to the  project.

This is an unpaid position and assistants need to organise their own travel to and  from Mandurah, which is approximately 1 hr south of Perth in WA. The office space  will be in a research house where assistants are required to rent a room for a cost  of 150 AUD/week (inclusive of internet and bills) in shared accommodation. And  for your free time Mandurah has everything you can think of a holiday town to  offer (shops, cafes, bars, cinema, nature, hikes, camping, surfing, diving,  snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, wildlife spotting, skydiving etc.) and  cosmopolitan Perth is only an hour away.

To apply for this position please send me a cover sheet specifying why you would  like to assist in this project, how you meet the qualifications, the time you are  applying for, your CV and names and contact details of two references to  <R.rankin@murdoch.edu.au>

 

7) REU Opportunity Summer 2016: “Research Experience for Undergraduates in Chihuahuan Desert Biodiversity”

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Department of Biological  Sciences invites applicants for the NSF sponsored Research Experience  for Undergraduates (REU) in Chihuahuan Desert Biodiversity.  This is a 10 week summer program.  The goal of this program is to provide  undergraduate students with experience in hypothesis-driven  collaborative research utilizing field based and/or laboratory methods  and fully engage students in projects associated with the ecology and  evolution influencing Chihuahuan Desert biodiversity.

The program provides:

  • High quality research experience in ecology and evolutionary biology in the field and/or lab • Research opportunities at the Indio Mountains Research Station (IMRS), a 40,000 acre facility controlled by UTEP •  One-on-one and group mentoring from active research faculty in  multidisciplinary fields • Training in bioethics and other relevant  professional skills

The program includes:

  • $5250 stipend for 10 weeks
  • Housing in shared apartments and field station • Travel reimbursement of up to $600

For more information on the program, research projects or to apply please visit: http://science.utep.edu/cdb-reu/ Enquiries: CDB-REU@utep.edu

Undergrad Research Opportunities 12/11/16

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1) NIMBioS REU

The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) is now taking applications for its Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Teachers (SRE). The program will be held June 5 – July 28, 2017, on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus. Undergraduate majors in biology, math, and related fields, as well as high school teachers in biology and mathematics, will live on campus and work in teams with UT professors, NIMBioS researchers, and collaborators to conduct research. This year’s research projects include modeling bird mating patterns, seasonality in multi-host systems, La Crosse encephalitis spread, immune system response in host-virus conflict, and a project to develop computer games for teaching biology. Stipend and housing are provided along with some funding for travel.

Application Deadline:  February 15, 2017

For more information, visit http://www.nimbios.org/sre/

For more information about NIMBioS, go to http://www.nimbios.org or contact Kelly Sturner, NIMBioS Education and Outreach Coordinator, at ksturner@nimbios.org or Suzanne Lenhart, NIMBioS Associate Director of Education and Outreach, lenhart@math.utk.edu Interested high or middle school math or science teachers should send an email to Dr. Lenhart.

2) Seasonal Jobs at USDA Forest Service

Looking for a summer adventure? Interested in working for the Forest Service? Want to explore the Pacific Northwest? Take a look at seasonal job opportunities: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/jobs/?cid=fseprd512302

3) The Minority Science Writers Internship Program at Science

2017 Application Available Online
October 16 – February 1!

The AAAS Pitts Family Foundation Minority Science Writers Internship is for undergraduates who are interested in journalism as a career and who want to learn about science writing. In addition to improving their skills, the program seeks to make a dent in the demographics of the profession: Although science is a global activity, the journalists who cover it don’t reflect that diversity.

Funded by the Pitts Family Foundation, the internship takes place each summer at the Washington, D.C. headquarters of AAAS’s Science magazine, the largest interdisciplinary journal in the world. Interns spend ten weeks at Science under the guidance of award-winning reporters and editors practicing what science writers do for a living. They have a chance to meet leading scientists, attend conferences and hearings, and cover breaking news. Interns are expected to contribute to all facets of the news operation, including writing bylined articles for the print magazine and online news service, engaging in social media, and contributing to other news products.

Interns receive a weekly stipend as well as the cost of a round-trip ticket to and from Washington, D.C. The internship runs from early June to mid-August. This year’s application deadline is Feb. 1, 2017. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate academic program at the time they submit their application.

https://www.aaas.org/page/aaas-minority-science-writers-internship

4) Paid Undergrad Research Project in Belize

UT and the University of Florida are launching a new paid undergraduate research and extension project in Belize.  Student fellows will commit for 2 summers to conduct research and extension projects with a faculty mentor from UT or the UF on tropical agricluture, forestry, wildlife, economics, or human dimensions of wildlife conservation.  We are seeking applications from first and second year students as well as Juniors who intend to graduate at the end of Summer 2018 or December 2018.  More information and details on the application process can be found in this flier.  This project is open to all US universities and we encourage you to share with your friends.

5) Amphibian Field Technicians needed

The U.S. Geological Surveys Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative Northeast program will be hiring 2-4 student contractors/field technicians in 2017. Technicians will be hired for the spring & summer period (early March through July 2017).  Technicians may have the possibility of extension for work during the 2017 fall field season (September through October) dependent on availability of funding.

These technicians will conduct amphibian surveys in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. The technicians will work on a team that surveys for amphibians within National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in the Mid-Atlantic region, including work in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park.  Surveys will include wetland-associated amphibians as well as stream salamander and terrestrial salamander populations. Field work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking amphibians, as well as collecting water quality and environmental data.

The students will be required to conduct field surveys using techniques including visual encounter surveys, dip netting, stream transect searches, temporary removal sampling, and conducting a mark-recapture study using visual implant elastomer. All fieldwork will be conducted as part of teams of 2-4 people, so a demonstrated ability and desire to work effectively with a group is imperative.  Additional assistance conducting surveys involving the federally endangered Shenandoah salamander and experiments with captive amphibian populations may also be required.

The position requires completion of academic coursework related to wildlife biology. Previous field experience with amphibians common in the Northeast US is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS units, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). Technicians may also be asked to mark amphibians with injectable florescent elastomer and take voucher specimens related to amphibian disease studies. Most of the work is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain/snow.

Technicians must be in good physical condition, as the job requires long hours in the field (including some night-time surveys) and hiking with up to 25 pounds of equipment for extended periods of time on rocky, steep terrain. The technicians must be willing to go on overnight field trips to Shenandoah National Park, VA, and other parks throughout the northeastern US, which will typically last 4-12 days at a time. Accommodations for overnight field work will be provided. Technicians must be able to work at least 40 hours per week. Technicians are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from Patuxent.

Government vehicles will be provided for all field work initiated from Patuxent. Housing costs are not included, but some housing may be available at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center; please contact Andrew Dietrich if you have questions. Every attempt will be made to assist technicians in finding affordable housing in the area. Approximate wages are $13-16/hour; overtime pay is not provided.

Only applicants who are current or recent students (graduated within 12 months of the positions start date) are eligible for these student contractor positions.  Foreign students are not eligible for these positions.

Principal Duty Station:
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
12100 Beech Forest Road
Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038

To apply, send the following to Andrew Dietrich at the above address or via email (adietrich@usgs.gov; preferred) by January 9th, 2017:

1) Letter of intent (please specify when you will be able to start working)

2) Resume, including previous field experience, list of relevant course-work, contact information, and two or three reference contacts

3) One piece of evidence of current or recent (within past 12 months) enrollment in degree-seeking program (e.g., unofficial transcript, enrollment verification, or a current registration card; transcripts are preferred).  Candidates who graduated prior to May 2016 are ineligible.

If you have questions, feel free to contact Andrew at 301-497-5842.

Program Coordinator: Evan H. Campbell Grant, PhD NE Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory, 1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls MA 01376=20

phone: 413.863.3823 fax: 413-863-9810

armi.usgs.gov

Hughes Named as AAAS Fellow

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Prof. Karen Hughes has been named as a 2016 fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Hughes was recognized for her contributions to research on biodiversity, biogeography, and the impact of climate on certain organisms. Her best-known focus is on the global distribution of fungi through DNA-based research. Hughes is also a leading expert on the diversity, spread, and growth of fungi in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

View the Tennessee Today press release.

UT Herbarium on Social Media

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The UT Herbarium (TENN) is now on social media! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to hear about more happenings at your herbarium!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/UTKHerbarium/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/utkherbarium

This semester we are posting about plant identifications, helping Bio 115 students with their herbarium collections, and curating bryophyte specimens from the 1800s.