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Undergrad Research Opportunities 02/20/2017

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1) Michigan State University NSF Advanced Computational Research Experience for Students Summer 2017

One to three positions are available for the project: Predicting Biodiversity Hotspots and Coldspots in Space and Time

Mentors: Drs. Phoebe Zarnetske, Kyla Dahlin, Patricia Soranno, Kendra Cheruvelil, Andrew Finley, and Lifeng Luo.

A major challenge for scientists is to generate robust models that describe and predict biodiversity in space and time. With these models, we can identify hotspots (highs) and coldspots (lows) of biodiversity change, which are likely linked with shifts in ecosystem functions and services. Students will have the opportunity to study and forecast the effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, using a variety of computational tools and spatial analysis. Key aspects of the project include: analyzing “big data” from the NSF National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), learning remote sensing techniques, conducting statistical spatial analysis in R (including species distribution modeling), learning Python and QGIS, and learning to run models on the MSU High Performance Computing Cluster.

Prior coursework in biology, ecology, or environmental science is a plus but not required. Other ACRES REU opportunities are also available at Michigan State. To learn more about these opportunities, and to apply, visit: https://icer-acres.msu.edu/ For other questions, contact Dr. Phoebe Zarnetske: plz@anr.msu.edu

2) Vegetation Ecology Internship – San Francisco Bay Area National Parks

POSITION: VEGETATION ECOLOGY INTERN

ORGANIZATION: National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring Program

LOCATION: Sausalito, CA.

POSTING DATE: February 16, 2017.

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

OVERVIEW

The National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M) collects, organizes, analyzes, and synthesizes natural resource data and information in the San Francisco Bay Area Network of National Parks. This internship will support the I&M Vegetation Ecology program. For more information about the San Francisco Bay Area I&M and the natural resources it monitors, please visit: science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/sfan  and www.sfnps.org/.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The San Francisco Bay Area Network is seeking two interns to assist with plant community monitoring and invasive plant early detection protocols. The interns will work primarily in Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore, but will also make visits to Pinnacles National Park, and John Muir National Historic Site.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Plant Community Monitoring Program: utilizing point intercept techniques to read vegetation plots; recording data; navigating using GPS; installing permanent plot markers; photography; entering field data in a Microsoft Access database and performing quality-control checks; assisting with production of plot location manuals, using GIS, Google Earth, and MS Word.

Invasive Plant Early Detection Program: assisting in surveys for invasive plants; collecting data using GPS units and/or tablets; uploading/downloading field data on a web-based and/or GIS database and performing quality-control; Creating survey tracklogs and other map products in GIS and Google Earth. Herbarium Work: Collecting, photographing, processing, scanning and pressing plant specimens for digital and physical herbarium accession.

BENEFITS

Gain experience identifying plants of the Bay Area, one of the most botanically rich regions in the California Floristic Province, a global biodiversity hotspot. Learn vegetation sampling techniques that are industry standards in land management and research.  Become proficient in using GPS units to record field data. Gain experience with photography, plant scanning and image management. Enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and cultural resources of spectacular National Parks while engaging park stewards. Professional development and training days are available to pursue interests in other departments within the Park Service and Parks Conservancy. Dormitory housing provided at Fort Cronkhite, Rodeo Beach, Sausalito. Thirty Dollar ($30.00) per day stipend.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of one or more of the following college courses or equivalent experience: Botany, Plant Taxonomy, Plant Ecology, Field Methods in Ecology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Biostatistics. Basic computer literacy, Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with database operations, ArcGIS, R, Photoshop, a plus. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT This is a mixed position with field and office time each week. Must enjoy working in an office setting and outside in various weather conditions and terrains while maintaining a good attitude. Occasionally, field work can include up to 8 miles of hiking/day, most often, 1-2 miles/day. Must be able to lift, carry and position objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Field work is both on and off-trail, and frequently involves bushwhacking through dense vegetation. Interns will frequently encounter poison oak, ticks, spiders, mosquitoes, and other wildlife. While we have a comprehensive safety program, and provide protective equipment, please do not apply if you have any hesitation about the physical requirements and work environment.

TERMS

Desired Start Date:  April 2, 2017.

Six month term, April through September, 2017.

Work week is Monday – Friday.

To Apply: Email your resume, a cover letter, and three references to Eric Wrubel at eric_wrubel@nps.gov Please indicate how you heard about the position.

3) REU position in pollination ecology of fragmented systems

The Harmon-Threatt lab at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign is seeking an undergraduate student for a NSF funded REU studying bee diversity and movement in the Missouri glades. The glades have a high amount of natural fragmentation, which make it a unique area to study how the quality of landscape surrounding fragmented bee habitat influences resource availability and bee diversity. This project aims to understand what resources the landscape surrounding the glades provide and how these resources influence bee movement and community structure.

Throughout the 10-week program, the student will assist with lab and field work, while also developing an independent research project. Due to the unique landscape and high level of endemism of the Missouri glades, there are numerous independent questions students can address that will produce publishable results. Most work for this project will take place at UIUC but will include funded trips out to the glades in SE Missouri to conduct field work. The position includes a $5,000 stipend along with additional funding for housing.

Qualifications:

  • United states citizens or permanent residents
  • Have a valid drivers license
  • Must be enrolled in an undergraduate program for fall of 2017. Students who have received their bachelor’s degrees and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible to participate.
  • A strong interest in bee, pollination, or plant ecology
  • Not have an allergy or serious aversion to bee stings
  • Some experience in entomology or field ecology is preferred but not required

Applications are due by March 10th and should be a single file consisting of:

Cover letter detailing any relevant experience, interest in the position, and future professional goals -CV/resume -Transcript (unofficial is ok) -Contact information for 3 references -Applications and any questions regarding the position should be sent to kbarie@illinois.edu -For more information about the lab, please visit our website: https://www.life.illinois.edu/harmon/

4) Research Internship in Carbon Dynamics on subtropical grazing lands

Internship at MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (MAERC), a division of Archbold Biological Station, in south-central Florida in the Agro-Ecology Program.

Ideal for Students with Undergraduate Degrees Contemplating Graduate School. Includes independent research project. Provides Weekly stipend, Room, and Food stipend.  The successful intern will be supervised by Dr. Nuria Gomez- Casanovas (University of Illinois) and Dr. Elizabeth Boughton (MAERC). The intern will be exposed to research in biogeochemistry, grassland and wetland ecology, and disturbance ecology (grazing, fire, flooding). Primarily, the intern will work on a project investigating how cattle grazing and fire affect the exchange of greenhouse gases between the atmosphere and grazed pastures.

This project is a collaborative effort between the University of Illinois (Drs. Evan H DeLucia, Carl J Bernacchi and Nuria Gomez-Casanovas), Cornell University (Dr. Jed Sparks) and MAERC (Drs. Elizabeth Boughton and Hilary Swain). The successful intern will be trained to use a variety of instruments to measure: net ecosystem CO2 exchange and soil greenhouse gas fluxes (N2O, CH4, CO2). Other fieldwork will include aboveground and belowground biomass, and soil collection. Long days and work on weekends may be required during intense data collection campaigns.

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate experience with similar measurements or a strong background (coursework) in biogeochemistry, but all are encouraged to apply. Additionally, candidates with experiences that demonstrate proficiency working outdoors will be considered.

Internships offer an opportunity for providing novel insights into some of the most profound issues challenging our world: securing food in a sustainable way; and for learning how research works. Interns receive room, a meal allowance, and a weekly stipend of $100. They typically work 20 hours per week as research assistants and the remainder on an independent research project. The internship will run for 6 months but starting date is flexible.

The intern must be able to tolerate living on a remote cattle ranch and provide their own transportation for personal activities. MAERC is a division of Archbold Biological Station with eight permanent staff, located 11 miles away from the main field station. MAERC is operated as a commercial cattle ranch which serves as a research platform to investigate ecological and environmental challenges on working landscapes.

To apply for this internship, please provide the following: a cover letter stating research interests, a description of previous research experience, a resume or CV, a summary of grades, and two letters of recommendation before 9 March 2017. Please email applications to: Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas, ngomezca@igb.illinois.edu.

5) NSF REU Position available for food web and climate change study

Dates: June through August/September

Student Benefits: Hands-on research experience, development of a diverse set of field survey skills, understanding of how to set up and conduct a research project, and $2000/month stipend and on-site housing.

Location: Carrizo Plain National Monument, California (60 miles east of San Luis Obispo).  Position Description: Undergraduate students will gain research training and experience by participating in 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. 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. The study also incorporates precipitation treatments to investigate climate change impacts on this ecosystem and its inhabitants.

Students will develop an independent research project that dovetails with the project goals. The student will receive primary mentorship from project PI Dr. Laura Prugh (School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington; www.prughlab.com).

Who should apply:  Students in their sophomore or junior years of college, with strong credentials and majoring in ecology, biology, conservation, or related discipline are encouraged to apply. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and currently enrolled as an undergraduate student.

Students who have received their bachelor’s degrees and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible to participate. A strong interest in natural history, conservation, and/or management and a high level of responsibility, organization, and motivation are required. PIT tagging experience, small mammal trapping experience, and familiarity with the plants and animals of California are also desirable. 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. To Apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, unofficial copy of your transcripts, and contact information for 2-3 references as a single Word or PDF attachment to Rachel Endicott at rendicott@berkeley.edu. Please apply by March 3th, 2017.

6) Undergrad internship – Pennsylvania Firefly Festival

Paid Internship  June-August 2017 (dates flexible).  https://pafireflyfestival.org/.  Apply to Bruce Parkhurst parkhurst.bruce@gmail.com copy to PAFF board pafireflyfestival@gmail.com

Research Internship   PAFF seeks undergraduate student for basic field research  on firefly habitats, Forest County PA (Allegheny National Forest area).  Ongoing research: collecting phenological data by day, GPS data at night, where fireflies are active. Additional requirements: participate in educational outreach events, peak firefly season (~2 weeks). Funded by grant from the Huplits Wildlife Fund (Sierra Club).

Qualifications     Basic field research experience. Ideal candidate: energetic with  inquisitive mind. Remote location: must have good health, physical stamina, love of outdoors & no reservations being in the forest at night. Own vehicle, camping experience (& gear) helpful.

Duration     8-10 week internship, June – Aug (PA Firefly season.) Flexibility on dates, but  must be on site continuously 6/12-7/1 for seasonal events/outreach.

Application  Send letter of interest to emails above (or mail PAFF by post).  Describe research interests, experience, & evidence of outstanding academic potential. Provide 3 references, 1 of which is your faculty or research advisor.

Salary Level  $2500 stipend

Small budget available for supplies & research work.

Housing included   Tent camping and/or rustic cabin available on festival  premises: Black Caddis Ranch, Kellettville. B&B overnights or temporary stay with local supporters possible on non-peak dates.

Letters of Interest due March 4. Submit info to both emails shown at top (or snailmail PAFF)

7) Summer Internship Opportunities with DataONE

We are pleased to announce six different project opportunities through the DataONE Summer Internship Program.  Applications are being accepted from now until March 17th 2017. Project opportunities are:

  • Project 1: Markdown-based Semantic Annotation of Workflow Scripts
  • Project 2: DataONE Messaging: Creating Marketing for DataONE Stakeholder Communities
  • Project 3: Prospective and Retrospective Provenance Queries Using YesWorkflow, RDF, and SPARQL
  • Project 4: Exploration of Search Logs, Metadata Quality and Data Discovery
  • Project 5: Improving DataONE’s Search Capabilities Through Controlled Vocabularies
  • Project 6: Development of an Open Source Units of Measure Knowledge Graph

The DataONE Summer Internship Program runs from May through July for a period of 9 weeks and is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, and postgraduates who have received their degree within the past five years. The internship project can be conducted remotely and offers a stipend of $5000.

For full information and to apply, visit https://www.dataone.org/internships.  You will also find a link to

Undergrad Research Opportunities 2/13/17

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1) HJ Andrews Experimental Forest LTER REU position

We are seeking applicants for an NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position in summer 2017 to examine small carnivore (e.g., weasel, western spotted skunk, Pacific marten) ecology at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest on the west slope of the Oregon Cascades near Blue River, Oregon. This project will focus on non-invasive approaches (i.e., camera trapping) to understand the spatial distribution and estimate populations densities of these small carnivores. This research will contribute to a larger PhD project on the small mammal and small carnivore food webs in the Pacific Northwest forest. As such, the student will be encouraged to participate in small carnivore captures and subsequent radiotelemetry.

The position will be based at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest and travel will be required for short trips to Oregon State University (Corvallis, Oregon). The Andrews Forest was established in 1948 as a US Forest Service Experimental Forest, and since 1980 is one of the National Science Foundation’s Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites. The field station has modern apartments with full kitchens, a well-equipped computer lab, and wireless internet (see http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/ for more information on the site, facilities and research programs at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest). The landscape is home to iconic Pacific Northwest old-growth forests of cedar and hemlock, and moss-draped ancient Douglas firs; steep terrain; and fast, cold- running streams.

The goal of this program is to provide undergraduate students an opportunity to participate in 10 weeks of mentored, paid, independent research. The program includes a weekly seminar series and an opportunity for the student to interact with a multitude of scientists, OSU faculty, federal scientists, and graduate students conducting research in the area. Participants will closely work with the PIs of the project (Drs. Taal Levi, Damon Lesmeister, and Clint Epps) and a PhD student (Marie Tosa) on the grant. The REU student will conduct supervised and guided research and be encouraged to tailor the research project to his/her own interests.

This position lasts for 10 weeks, starting May 29 through August 4, 2017, working at least 40 hours/week. Exact dates are flexible. The student will be responsible for 1) meeting all requirements of the mentors and 2) writing a final research report on his/her research experience. Housing and a weekly stipend of $550 will be provided ($5500 total). There are also some funds to defray the cost of traveling to the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest.

Position Requirements: Applicants should have a valid driver’s license, the ability to carry a heavy pack (40+ lb) for moderate distances over uneven terrain, and be comfortable spending long days on their feet in the field. The position will involve working in inclement weather. Previous field experience and experience climbing trees are a plus. A general understanding of ecology is desirable. Eligibility is limited to currently enrolled undergraduates that have a graduate date no sooner than fall 2017. All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply: Please submit a brief cover letter (1 page) indicating your interest, experience and professional goals after graduation, curriculum vitae or resume, transcripts (unofficial are acceptable) and 3 professional references (names, addresses, phone number, and email address) as 1 document to: tosam@oregonstate.edu. Please include in the subject: HJA REU 2017 Application. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will start Feb. 19, 2017, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Questions should be directed to: Marie Tosa, email: tosam@oregonstate.edu, subject: HJA REU 2017.

2) REACCH PNA Internship Undergraduate Opportunity

The REACCH 2017 Summer Internships are open for applicants. Please distribute to undergraduates at your institutions and through your organizations. Through these internships REACCH has served more than 70 students from across the country—improving our project through integration and research. Applications are due Friday, March 10, 2017.

Regional Approaches to Climate Change- Pacific Northwest Agriculture (REACCH PNA) is a USDA-funded, multi-institutional project focused on improving the long- term sustainability of agriculture within the region.  REACCH partners (University of Idaho, Washington State University, Oregon State University and USDA-ARS) are teaming up to offer a total of 10, 9-week long, undergraduate internships across the three institutions.

Summer interns will participate in independent research, weekly seminars, and field trips.  Interns will receive a salary of $500 per week for the summer internship and a travel budget up to $700.   Summer interns will also be provided with housing, identification cards, access to a library, email and internet privileges.

Summaries of the available research projects for summer 2017 are provided here. In addition to field and laboratory research, the interns will participate in group activities where they will learn about one another’s projects, meet with faculty members from diverse disciplines, attend research and mentoring seminars, and visit research sites and other areas of interest in the region.

3) Summer REU Opportunity: Stream Ecology in Iceland

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position is available at The Ohio State University for summer 2017 to study stream ecosystem metabolism in the context of global climate change and eutrophication with Dr. James Hood and graduate student Lyndsie Collis. The REU student will participate in the NSF-funded project “Interactive effects of temperature and nutrient supply on the structure and function of stream ecosystems” at The Ohio State University and in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Iceland project website: https://www.montana.edu/wcross/research/iceland.html

The successful candidate will join an international group of ecologists examining the influence of temperature and nutrients on stream metabolism and nutrient cycling. This research takes advantage of the unique geothermal environment in Iceland. Streams in Iceland’s Hengill region exhibit wide variation in ambient water temps due to spatial heterogeneity in geothermal activity. Our research leverages this spatial heterogeneity in stream temperatures to 1) develop theory, grounded in ecological stoichiometry and metabolic theory, for predicting the response of stream ecosystems to climate change and eutrophication, and 2) conduct experiments to understand how the temperature dependence of ecosystem metabolism varies across time scales and nutrient regimes. The student will work as a part of our team in Iceland on collaborative fieldwork and experiments. He/She will also develop an independent project.

The ideal candidate should be interested in perusing a career in ecology, hard- working, detail orientated and dedicated to his/her work. The student will start on June 1st, 2017 in Reykjavik, Iceland. We will provide a stipend of $500/week for nine weeks, round-trip transportation to Reykjavik, and support for lodging in Reykjavik.

Interested students should apply by Friday, February 24th, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students who have received their bachelor’s degrees and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible. Applications should include an unofficial copy of transcripts, contact information for two academic references, CV, and a one-page statement describing your interest in the REU position, academic goals, and previous research experience.

Please send applications to: Lyndsie Collis (Masters Student, The Ohio State University) Email: collis.21@osu.edu

4) REU Opportunity Summer 2017: “Long-Term Resilience of the Chihuahua Desert Ecosystem”

Curious about how human-related disturbance impacts vegetation and soil in a fragile desert ecosystem? The Jornada Basin LTER in collaboration with New Mexico State University invites applications for a NSF sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) in summer 2017. This 10-week experience enables you to investigate long-term impacts of different disturbance types on the resistance and resilience of desert vegetation, biological soil crusts, and soil properties. As an REU you will complete final (20th year) measurements on a unique study designed to determine how resilience is affected by disturbance type, frequency, intensity, and soil/geomorphic surface/plant and biological soil crust community. The study is replicated at 5 locations in southern New Mexico on and near the Jornada Basin LTER. You will work as part of a team collecting data on plant and biological soil crust community composition, soil aggregate stability and carbon flux rates. Additional measurements of soil hydrology may be included depending on time and interest. You may have the opportunity to serve as a co-author on one or more publications resulting from this 20-year dataset.

This REU experience provides you with:

  • High-quality research experience in desert ecology
  • Skills in field biology and laboratory methodologies
  • Opportunity to work alongside researchers from interdisciplinary fields at a NSF- funded LTER facility
  • Participation in the 1-day Desert Ecology short course taught by Jornada LTER scientists
  • Opportunity to disseminate results in presentations and scientific publications
  • A stipend of $8000 for 10 weeks

Requirements:

  • You must be enrolled as an undergraduate at an approved university for spring and fall of 2017.
  • Valid US driver’s license is required.
  • Ability to work full days outside in the sun, wind, and low humidity.
  • Interest and ability to stay overnight in field station lodging. Accommodations will be provided on-site with other researchers at the remote Jornada field station located 40 miles north of Las Cruces, NM.
  • Your travel to and from Las Cruces from your home will need to be paid from your stipend

Your application should include:

  • Letter of intent including statement of interest and previous research experience
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Unofficial undergraduate transcripts

For more information on the Jornada Basin LTER please visit https://jornada.nmsu.edu/lter. You can find information on the research mentors here: Nicole Pietrasiak http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/pes/nicole-pietrasiak.html; and Jeff Herrick https://jornada.nmsu.edu/lter/user/10156/view. Applications due: March 1, 2017. Please send your applications to Nicole Pietrasiak (npietras@nmsu.edu) and Jeff Herrick (jeff.herrick@ars.usda.gov)

5) Undergrad Researchers: Samford REU Program in Biology and Chemistry

With funding from the National Science Foundation, the 2016 Samford University REU program will offer hands-on, field- and laboratory-based research experiences to US undergraduates. In this 9-week residential experience, students will work one-on-one with experienced researchers in biology and chemistry to design, conduct, and present research related to the chemistry, genetics, and ecology of organisms, populations, and communities of Oak Mountain State Park, a large and diverse suburban park located in the southern Appalachians. Potential research topics include plant and animal ecology, microbiology, fire ecology, water quality, biochemistry, plant and fungal natural products chemistry and bioactivity, plant taxonomy, and aquatic community ecology. Application Deadline: February 14, 2017 Program Timeline: May 29–July 29, 2017

  • $525 per week stipend
  • Travel, room, board and research expenses covered
  • 12 students will be accepted into the program Reasons to Apply
  • Explore the worlds of field and laboratory research
  • Explore your career opportunities as a working scientist
  • Work closely with expert scientists to develop your own project
  • Develop your understanding of scientific ethics and social justice
  • Spend the summer at Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest state park

Application Process: All application materials should be submitted electronically to reu@samford.edu by February 24, 2017. Students must be US citizens or Permanent Residents and have completed two years of undergraduate study by May 2017, including one year of college-level biology. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at accredited institutions in the United States at the time the REU program is held. Please submit:

  • Application Form
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Personal Statement

For more information, go to http://www.samford.edu/programs/undergraduate/research-experience/ or email reu@samford.edu. R. Malia Fincher, Ph.D. Associate Professor Samford University Department of Biological and Environmental Science 800 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, Alabama35229 rmfinche@samford.edu 205-726-2928 Fax 205-726- 2479 Office 133 Propst Hall

6) Summer Research Internships Available – Shark Research & Conservation Program @ University of Miami

The University of Miami’s Shark Research & Conservation Program is seeking motivated students to apply for summer research internships.

Internship details and application can be found here: https://sharkresearch.rsmas.miami.edu/participate/summer-research-program/

Science & Conservation: The research mission of this internship will be to assess the ecology and biology of shark in relation to urbanization and climate stressors. Research activities will include shark abundance surveys, tagging, and tracking as well as physiological sampling and associated laboratory analyses.

Internship opportunities: The Project provides immersive internships for students to gain research training and engage in scientific inquiry through participation with University of Miami scientists and staff. Participation involves scientifically sound practices and measurable outcomes in marine conservation biology.

Sea & Lab: Each research internship will be two weeks in duration, composed of both boat-based and laboratory research work at the University of Miami. The first week will primarily involve boat-based research and the second week will be primarily devoted to laboratory work.

Application can be found: https://sharkresearch.rsmas.miami.edu/participate/summer-research-program/

7) Science Communications Internship

Smithsonian Bicoastal Science Communications Internship

Stipend: $500/week Time: 18 weeks (April-August or May-September 2017) Start Date: Flexible, between April 1 and May 15 Location: Edgewater, Md. and Tiburon, Calif. Application Deadline: February 15, 2017, 11:59 p.m. PST

Description: Gain hands-on experience with environmental communication on both sides of America! The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is seeking an intern to work for 18 weeks, from April through August, covering the work of SERC researchers in Maryland and California. The intern will start at SERC’s Chesapeake Bay headquarters in the spring, getting training in SERC science communications. In the summer, the intern will travel to San Francisco Bay to cover the work of SERC marine biologists in California for the remaining 10 weeks. Travel funds from Maryland to California are included.

  • The intern will learn multiple facets of SERC communications, gaining experience in science writing, social media, and Web design. · The intern will learn to interview scientists, shadowing them in the field and translating complex research into smart, exciting articles. ·         The intern will summarize her/his accomplishments in a public seminar at the end of the project period under the supervision of the communications coordinator. ·         The intern will gain professional development by attending monthly meetings on the National Mall with the other Smithsonian public information officers.

Spring (Part I): Chesapeake Bay The intern will spend the first eight weeks at SERC’s headquarters in Edgewater, Md. There, the intern will interview SERC scientists in the field and the lab and write about their work. This first part of the internship will introduce the intern to the main features of SERC science communications: writing articles for the SERC Shorelines blog, preparing posts for SERC’s social media and assisting in the production of SERC’s quarterly newsletter On The Edge, under the mentorship of SERC science writer Kristen Minogue.

Summer (Part II): San Francisco Bay For the final 10 weeks, the intern will work in California, with the Tiburon section of SERC’s Marine Invasions Research Lab. SERC’s Tiburon branch is hosted at the Romberg Tiburon Center, a marine field station of San Francisco State University. SERC marine biologists in Tiburon work in San Francisco Bay and traverse the Pacific Coast studying invasive species, oyster restoration, and other critical conservation issues. There, the intern will cover the work of SERC’s West Coast scientists while exploring and developing communication strategies within the Pacific market. During the California part of the internship, the intern will work under the onsite supervision of research ecologist Andrew Chang and correspond with Kristen Minogue via Skype.

Pre-Requisites: Strong scientific background (natural sciences coursework; not required to be a science major) and skill writing about science for a nonscientific audience. Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) required; familiarity with photo editing software, WordPress, and HTML a plus.

To apply: Send a cover letter, resume with references (name, title and contact information) and unofficial transcript to ScienceWritingIntern@si.edu by 11:59 PST February 15, 2017. One to three published or unpublished writing samples explaining science for general readers is also essential to include for the application to be considered. For more information visit http://serc.si.edu

Undergrad Research Opportunities 2/6/17

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1) Amphibian research assistants needed

– Field research assistant: Field work involves surveying amphibian populations in and around the Fort Polk military base near Leesville, LA and the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology near Linesville, PA, for chytrid fungal pathogens. Requires both day and night work capturing, swabbing, and processing amphibians, hiking in and out of sites, and deploying and checking pitfall traps and coverboards. Must have a valid drivers license and experience with 4WD and driving in rough terrain, be physically fit, and have experience identifying amphibian species. Proven record of field experience is required. Must be willing to travel in between the two locations and work with diverse field teams. When stationed in Linesville, PA, help with animal husbandry of amphibian colonies would be required during days not spent in the field. This position could extend from mid April to September if interested and available.

– Mesocosm and animal husbandry assistant: Mesocosm work involves maintaining and monitoring a large-scale mesocosm experiment, including taking measurements, checking water levels/quality, and removing metamorphosing animals and maintaining them in a field laboratory. This assistant will also likely help with field research at the PA site, and so field research experience is desirable. Will be located in Linesville, PA from May- August, and a valid drivers license is required.

Positions are paid hourly, and housing in Linesville, PA and near Fort Polk, LA is provided. Travel between Louisiana and Pennsylvania for the field assistant position is also provided.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV and contact details for two references to Dr. Michel Ohmer (michel.ohmer@pitt.edu) and Dr. Laura Brannelly (laura.brannelly@pitt.edu) by March 15th, 2017. http://www.rzlab.pitt.edu

 

2) Smithsonian Bicoastal Science Communications Internship

Stipend: $500/week Time: 18 weeks (April-August 2017) Location: Edgewater, Md. and Tiburon, Calif. Application Deadline: February 10, 2017, 11:59 p.m. PST

Gain hands-on experience with environmental communication on both sides of America! The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is seeking an intern to work for 18 weeks, from April through August, covering the work of SERC researchers in Maryland and California. The intern will start at SERC’s Chesapeake Bay headquarters in the spring, getting training in SERC science communications. In the summer, the intern will travel to San Francisco Bay to cover the work of SERC marine biologists in California for the remaining 10 weeks. Travel funds from Maryland to California are included.

Qualifications: Strong scientific background (natural sciences coursework; not required to be a science major) and skill writing about science for a nonscientific audience. Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) required; familiarity with photo editing software, WordPress and HTML a plus.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume with references (name, title and contact information) and unofficial transcript to ScienceWritingIntern@si.edu by 11:59 PST February 10, 2017. One to three published or unpublished writing samples explaining science for general readers are also essential to include with the application to be considered. For more information visit http://serc.si.edu

3) The John Marshall Everglades Internship

The Everglades Foundation is accepting applications for the John Marshall Everglades Internship. During this 8-week (May 18th – July 14th) undergraduate internship program, qualified students will learn about the Everglades ecosystem, history, water management issues, and policies related to Everglades restoration. Interns will go on site visits to: major restoration sites, water management structures, and effected natural areas. They will grow their professional networks while meeting with scientists, stakeholders, and policy makers who are participating in the most comprehensive restoration project in the world. Interns select from one of four categories for their capstone projects: policy & advocacy, science & engineering, education, and communications.

For more information about the program and how to apply, please see our website: http://www.evergladesfoundation.org/opportunities/internships/

4) REU opportunities studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Louisiana salt marshes and coastal environments

Two Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) positions are available at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) for the summer of 2017. The REU students will design and conduct studies that contribute to the larger Coastal Waters Consortium (http://cwc.lumcon.edu) collaborative effort studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Louisiana salt marshes and coastal environments.  Over the past 5+ years CWC researchers have been studying the impacts of the spill at paired oiled-unoiled marshes across the southeastern Louisiana coast. The REU students will be expected to work with a team of researchers (under the supervision of Dr. Brian Roberts (http://robertsresearchlab.weebly.com/) and/or Dr.  Nancy Rabalais) to develop studies which address aspects of the larger effort. We are particularly interested in students interested in conducting projects on wetland biogeochemistry and ecology, plant ecology, microbial ecology, sediment microalgae and/or subtidal benthos.  The REU students will be involved in both the field and laboratory components of their project as well as a variety of related projects and experiments being conducted by other LUMCON and CWC researchers.

Candidates must be available for a ten week period beginning in early June 2017.  We will provide a $500/week stipend, room and board at the Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA (http://www.lumcon.edu), and support for their research.

Applications should include: copy of unofficial transcripts, contact information for two academic references, CV/resume, and a one page statement that describes your interest in the REU position, academic goals, and any previous research experience.  Applications should be sent to Dr. Brian Roberts at broberts@lumcon.edu with “2017 REU application” in the subject line by March 15th 2017.

5) Call for Applications: University of Wisconsin REU in Mathematical Ecology

The University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Department of Mathematics and Statistics is proud to offer a 10-week Summer REU in mathematical ecology, held in the beautiful city of La Crosse, Wisconsin. This summer program will provide eight summer scholars with the opportunity to perform cutting-edge research under the mentorship of university faculty and government scientists working at the interface between mathematics and ecology.

Our two projects are “Using Decision Models to Investigate Interventions Against Fungal Blight in American Chestnut Trees”, mentored by Martin Allen (Computer Science) and Anita Davelos Baines (Biology), and “Investigating Population Level Animal Movement Through Fractal Geometry”, mentored by Kevin Aagard (United State Geological Survey) and Robert F. Allen (Mathematics). You can find information on the projects and how to apply at uwlax.edu/mathematics/activities/reu/

Program Dates:  June 5, 2017 – August 11, 2017 Stipend:  $5000 and a $75 weekly food allowance. Priority Deadline: February 1 th Application Deadline: March 1st

6) NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer position- Minnesota

Ruth Shaw’s Research Group in the Dept. of Ecology, Evolution & Behavior at the University of Minnesota is seeking applicants for an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position in summer 2017 to study the process of ongoing adaptation in experimental populations of partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) in prairie habitat. The student will work closely with Dr. Ruth Shaw and Dr. Mason Kulbaba to develop an independent project in the area of plant evolutionary genetics, with possibilities ranging from studies of heritability and phenotypic selection on plant traits to studies of pollination ecology and phenology. The student will gain invaluable experience in performing field work and in conducting an independent research project, from hypothesis formulation through oral and written dissemination of results, as grounding for future work in inquiry-based scientific research.

The student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and enrolled as an undergraduate for Fall 2017. The ideal candidate should enjoy working outdoors and have an interest in learning about the evolution and ecology of plants in the Midwest prairies, and candidates planning to pursue a graduate career in evolution, ecology, or conservation biology are particularly well-suited for this position. The REU intern will receive a stipend of $5,000 and room and board in the Twin Cities (with occasional overnight travel to field sites). Costs of travel to and from the Twin Cities will also be provided.  The deadline to apply for this position is March 10, 2017, and the 10-week internship is expected to begin on Monday, June 5 and end on Friday, August 11.

To apply, please e-mail the following application materials to Mason Kulbaba (mkulbaba@umn.edu) with the subject line “REU” no later than March 10, 2017: 1.  a statement explaining the following: • why you are interested in this position • what are your future plans • dates you are available to start and end this position • confirm eligibility for the REU program • the name and contact information of the person who will serve as your reference • your e-mail address and phone number 2.  resume 3.  transcript (unofficial is acceptable) 4.  1 letter of recommendation (sent by your reference)

7) Gray Vireo REU Positions at Sevilleta NWR, NM

The Sevilleta Field Station is seeking applicants for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).  Application deadline is February 24, 2017.  We are looking for 10 Biology REU students for the Summer of 2017. This interdisciplinary REU Site Program at the Sevilleta Field Station in central New Mexico will train undergraduate students who will conduct independent research under the guidance of UNM faculty in Biology, Ecology, Civil Engineering, and Earth and Planetary Sciences, along with scientists from Federal and State agencies. The summer program includes a seminar series, a weekly journal club, an annual symposium, professional development workshops, toastmasters, ethics training, field trips, and opportunities to interact with a multitude of scientists conducting research in the area. Students will conduct independent research in and around the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) and present their projects at the annual symposium to be held in early August 2017. Working at the Sevilleta Field Station and SNWR site invites close interactions among students, faculty, federal scientists, and graduate students.

Students will have numerous opportunities to share ideas and explore issues within and across disciplines. The program’s goal is to increase exposure to a large, multidisciplinary research program, inspire students to continue into professional careers, and prepare students for the rigors of graduate school, professional research, and responsible citizenship. The program exemplifies the integration of research and education. As students conduct research, they will learn how to be an independent scientist, along with many technical, methodological and ethical issues that arise in scientific research.

Lodging and laboratory space for REU students will be provided by the UNM Sevilleta Field Station at NO COST to the student. In addition, candidates chosen will receive a stipend of $5500 and a $500 food allowance during the 10-week summer program that will run from May 29 – August 4.  We will also refund travel costs to and from the UNM Sevilleta Field Station up to $600 (stipulations apply). See https://sevilletareu.wordpress.com/ for more information.

8) Internship: Population Biology Intern at Lincoln Park Zoo

The Conservation and Science Department at Lincoln Park Zoo is seeking a population biology intern for summer 2017. The intern position is a full-time 12 week paid position which would involve entering individual animal and population data and conducting preliminary analyses in support of Population Management Center (PMC) and Alexander Center work. This position provides a great opportunity to learn about the science of population biology and the management of zoo and aquarium populations from nationally recognized experts.

The PMC is the only center of its kind providing scientific advice and logistical assistance to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) cooperatively managed animal populations.  The goal of the PMC is to help maintain healthy zoo populations, which is accomplished by: 1) assisting zoo professionals in validating and standardizing their “studbooks” (databases which record the histories and pedigrees of individual animals of a particular species) 2) conducting analyses to assess the demographic and genetic status of populations and 3) collaborating to produce breeding and transfer recommendations for every animal held at each zoo or aquarium participating in the managed population.

JOB FUNCTIONS •            Data extraction from zoo population databases & management plan reports; •            Data entry; •      Analyses of data from zoo populations; •              Attend Lincoln Park Zoo, Population Management Center, and Alexander Center-related activities as necessary; •       Other research and administrative duties as assigned by PMC/AC staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: •     Working knowledge of PCs, using word processing, spread sheet and database software •    Highly motivated, good problem solver, and detailed-oriented •           Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing •   Ability to read and understand written and oral instructions •           Ability to organize tasks to ensure timely completion of all project •           Ability to learn new software packages relatively quickly •               Ability to work at computer for 6-7 hours per day •          Database and records are confidential; discretion and ability to maintain confidences are essential •             Ability to represent the Lincoln Park Zoo in a professional manner at all times •      Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS •     B.S. or B.A. (in progress or completed) in biological sciences or related discipline.  Candidates with a background in statistics, mathematics, or computer programming will also be considered •            Interest in population biology, genetics, demography, & conservation •              Experience with Microsoft Excel and Word required •              Experience in a research setting, as a research or project assistant is desirable •          Familiarity with zoo population management or specialized population management software such as PopLink, SPARKS, PM2000, PMx, ZooRisk, VORTEX, or PMCTrack is desirable but not essential

LEARNING OBJECTIVES •               Gain knowledge of the foundational concepts in population biology and genetics, and how they can be applied to the management of zoo and aquarium populations and other intensively managed populations •             Learn about and assist with the process of producing breeding and transfer plans •   Gain knowledge of and experience with demographic and genetic analyses and the relevant software used for population management

Please submit a resume, brief cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, interests and career goals, and college transcripts (unofficial are fine) to Human Resources Department Lincoln Park Zoo, P.O. Box 14903 Chicago, IL 60614 or submit as attachments by email to hrjobs@lpzoo.org.

 9) Summer Undergrad Internship in Ecology and Land Management in Westchester County, NY

Mianus River Gorge, a conservation organization and 850-acre nature preserve in Westchester County, New York, offers four 8-week summer internships for college students interested in the conservation of natural areas in urbanizing landscapes.

–Internships last for a period of 8 weeks. This year the internship will run from Jun 9 – Aug 4. Longer internships may be available upon request. — We generally must give preference to local students or those that can commute, as summer housing is not always guaranteed. — Each intern will work alongside Gorge staff and graduate students on a variety of projects including wildlife monitoring, non-native species management, and GIS applications.  The internship is a mix of performing research and enacting management plans. — Interns will work with and supervise high school students in our authentic research program (Wildlife Technician Program). — We work with our interns to provide a learning experience that fits their interests and long-term educational goals. — Stipend: $125/week (5 days a week) or combination of school credit and stipend (depending on university requirements).

Projects for 2017 include: o   Monitoring coyotes and other wildlife in NYC and Nassau County o   Vegetation sampling, monitoring, and restoration o   Wetland functional assessment throughout our watershed o   Invasive species control and other land management work o   Data management and analysis on several long-term projects

Additional info: http://www.mianus.org/what-we-do/research-and- education/undergraduate/internships-in-suburban-ecology/

Undergrad Research Opportunities 1/30/17

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1) REU opportunity at Miami University: Accepting applications!

Ecology REU at Miami University for the summer of 2017 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.

2) Amphibian Research Internship at Memphis Zoo

Organization: Memphis Zoo
Location: Memphis, TN, United States
Job or Internship: Research Internship
Dates: March 15 – June 15, 2017.
Start date flexible between early-late March.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2017
Website: http://www.memphiszoo.org/researchprograms

The Memphis Zoo Department of Research and Conservation is offering a research assistant position in behavioral ecology and reproductive physiology.

This program offers a unique research experience in conservation, with a chance to work with amphibians both in the lab and in the field (roughly 80% lab work and 20% field work). Interns will gain experience in a variety of field and laboratory techniques, such as visual encounter surveys, hormone induced spermiaiton, sperm assessment, captive breeding, in vitro fertilization, behavioral observations, and morphological characterization. Additionally, interns will learn strategies for communicating their science to broad audiences and will have the opportunity of presenting their research findings in a professional scientific setting.

Amidst the sixth mass extinction, amphibians are one of the most threatened groups of animals, with more than 30% of amphibians (i.e. over 2000 species) at risk of extinction. One of the ways to safeguard species from extinction risks is to keep them in captive colonies. The ultimate goal of captive colonies, however, is to enhance in situ conservation of the species by releasing captive individuals and increasing or reestablishing natural populations. A critical factor that ultimately determines the success of captive release programs is whether released individuals have the ability to adapt to natural environments. With this in mind, we will be working on research projects that investigate the behavior and morphology of tadpoles in an array of different treatments.

Applicants must have a B.S. or at least three years of college level course work in biology or a related field. Preference will be given to individuals with a particular interest in behavioral ecology, leadership ability, strong communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation. Experience with field studies, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and amphibian biology is preferred, but not required. Interns must be well organized and able to work well with a team and independently

3) Advanced Computing for Earth Sciences (ACES) summer school/paid internships

Advanced Computing for Earth Sciences (ACES), sponsored by the University of Virginia Advanced Research Computing Services (ARCS) group, NASA, and U.Va.’s Department of Environmental Sciences, is an exciting opportunity for students interested in computational modeling for atmospheric, ocean, climate, geophysical, and other Earth sciences. Students enrolled in the ACES program acquire hands-on application computing experience as well as training in the essentials of software engineering and high-performance computing.

A total of 20 students will be selected to attend the summer school on grounds at the University of Virginia. They will then be placed in 8-week paid internship programs at various NASA research centers across the country. Some previous programming experience is helpful but is not required. Students with advanced computer science skills who are interested in applications for Earth sciences are also encouraged to apply. Those admitted to the summer school will be provided housing, two meals per day during the work week, and a generous stipend for all other meals. Travel expenses are covered for up to a maximum of $750 per student. Only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. We accept graduate students and undergraduates who will be completing their third or fourth years of study.

Important Dates for ACES 2017:

Application Deadline: March 1

Summer School: May31-June16

Internships: June 19-August 11

Website: arcs.virginia.edu/aces

4) Research Experience for Undergraduates at University of Georgia

Applications are now being accepted for the summer of 2017 Research Experience for Undergraduates in Population Ecology of Infectious Diseases, hosted by the University of Georgia. We are excited about the program, which strives to integrate experimental biological science with computational methods and techniques to investigate a variety of areas in infectious disease research. Our goal is to recruit both students with a background in biology, with the intent of introducing them to computational techniques, and also students with a background in mathematics and/or computer science, in order to give them experience in data collection in a laboratory setting.

Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Dates: May 22-July 21, 2017 (9 weeks)

Stipend: $4725 stipend for the summer, free housing at the University of Georgia, and travel assistance to Athens, GA.

Application deadline: February 20, 2017. Accepted students will be notified in early March.

5) Summer REU program at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology

The Oregon Institute of Marine Biology’s REU program: “Exploration of Marine Biology on the Oregon Coast” (EMBOC) will be accepting 10 students, five from 2-year colleges and five from 4-year colleges, to conduct research this summer (June 19 – August 18, 2017) at the University of Oregon’s marine lab. REU students will develop individual marine research projects in one of our eight faculties’ labs and participate in weekly seminars, professional development workshops, and social activities from exploring local marine habitats like rocky shores and sand dunes to touring other institutions that specialize in marine science. More info can be found at http://oimb.uoregon.edu/oimb-reu.

6) Research Opportunities for Undergraduates at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory

Each year the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) matches approximately 40 students with mentors from around the world.  Students have opportunities to work on a wide array of ecological and evolutionary field projects.  Additionally, students have the opportunity to supplement their research project with additional training in field ecology or wildlife biology. RMBL provides REU funding for approximately 10 students.  RMBL also makes available additional scholarships.  Consequently financial need should not preclude students from applying.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students thinking about a career in the sciences.  RMBL is located in Gothic, Colorado, a stunningly beautiful location in the Rockies.  Because we host approximately 100 graduate students and senior scientists, undergraduates have an opportunity to learn about graduate programs from around the world.  Many undergraduates end up as co-authors on scientific papers and start building professional networks that foster their career across a lifetime.  We have had many undergraduates turn their summer research into a senior thesis project, even though they have not necessarily had someone from their school present at RMBL during the summer.

Our program does fill.  We encourage strongly motivated applicants, including applicants who need financial support, to submit their online application by Feb. 15 for REU applicants and by March 1 for RMBL Scholarships.  Students can apply for both sources of funds with one application: rmbl.org

7) LAKES REU Announcement

The LAKES (Linking Applied Knowledge in Environmental Sustainability) REU focuses on water quality and phosphorus mitigation in an interdisciplinary manner over an 8 week program (June 11-August 5), with projects this year in geography, economics, biology, anthropology, and sociology.  Students will be provided with room and board and a generous stipend during their participation in the LAKES program.  This program prioritizes students under-represented in the scientific community, pairing them with mentors in individual projects. These collectively will contribute to a more complete understanding of the dynamic interactions of our land and water, our political economy, our social networks, our culture, and our sense of place.

We will start reviewing applications for the 2017 summer program on March 1st. Complete program information can be found here: http://www.uwstout.edu/lakes/.

8) Bee and Crop Pollination Research: Multiple Field Technicians Needed

The Isaacs Lab at Michigan State University (www.isaacslab.ent.msu.edu) is seeking to fill multiple positions for pollinator research projects for the 2017 season.

We seek field and laboratory assistants for multiple research projects investigating the factors affecting the abundance and diversity of bees in Michigan fruit crops and mature wildflower restorations, as well as techniques to improve pollinator habitat in agricultural landscapes. Work with honey bees and alternative managed bees such as bumble bees or Osmia bees is also possible. Depending on the specific project, this will require extended stays at MSU field research stations for a 3 week period in May during fruit crop bloom as well as possible overnight stays during sampling rounds (accommodations at the field station are covered). The majority of the work will be fieldwork, but these positions will also include laboratory work for sample processing, data entry, etc. Daily tasks may include: travel to field sites in university vehicle (travel time is paid), visual pollinator observations, wildflower plant surveys, pollination experiments, netting bees and other insects, weed management, data entry, measuring fruit yields, and labeling and curating bee specimens.

Employment period: May 1 – August 30, 2017, with potential for earlier start

and later end dates, depending on project needs

Full time: 40 hours/week

Starting salary: $11.00/hour

9) 2017 Mountain Lake Biological Station Summer Programs

Field-based courses are UVA Summer Session classes offered by nationally recruited faculty, and offered at the undergraduate and graduate level. Become a National Science Foundation REU. Join undergraduates from around the country for a unique 10-week learning and living research experience in the southern Appalachians. Students conduct independent research in field ecology, evolution, behavior, and physiology under the supervision of resident scientists. REUs are internships that include all station costs, travel, and a $5,250 stipend.

Program dates:  May 22 – July 28

Application deadline:  February 20

Website: mlbs.org

10) REU Opportunities at LTER Sites

Several Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites have opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research experiences. With a large concentration of research scientists and graduate students, LTER sites are exceptional places to learn the craft of scientific research, build an extraordinary professional network, learn about many different approaches to research, and– oh yeah–get dirty, inspired, and make great friends.

LTER Opportunities here: https://lternet.edu/2017-reu-opportunities

SEEDS Opportunities here: http://esa.org/seeds/fellowship/

NSF-wide listing of opportunities here:

https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp

11) Summer field assistant position: Invasion ecology and plant-insect interactions in Vancouver Island, BC

The Prior Lab at Binghamton University SUNY (priorecologylab.com) is seeking to hire a summer field assistant for the spring and summer of 2017. The assistant will work collaboratively as a part of a team on a project examining how host plants and parasitoids influence the invasion of a phytophagous insect (a gall-forming wasp). The work will be located at multiple field sites in southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia and in Washington State (around Olympia). The assistant will live with the field team in provided housing on Vancouver Island, BC and will camp for several days at a time while working in Washington State.

Duties will involve daily travel to and from field sites, establishing and maintaining field experiments, collecting, sorting and rearing insects, conducting surveys of trees and insects, and data entry and processing. Given the nature of conducting time-sensitive observations and experiments in the field, the work schedule will be flexible, and work hours will depend on when tasks need to be completed and on weather conditions. The candidate should like to spend time outdoors, be able to hike for long distances in hilly terrain, be able to spend long hours in the field and be willing to camp for several nights at a time.

Qualifications:

  • A Bachelors degree (or working towards) in biology, ecology & evolution, entomology, or a related field.
  • Previous field research experience (experience working remotely at a field site or station is a plus, but not a requirement).
  • Have an interest in ecology & evolution or entomology.
  • Be highly responsible, flexible, dedicated, and motivated.
  • Be able to work well as a part of a team and to live and work well with others.
  • Be willing and able to work long irregular hours outside in remote conditions.
  • Be able to hike long distances and in hilly terrain.
  • Must have a driver’s license and a passport.

Accommodations will be provided in a shared residence on southern Vancouver Island. A field vehicle will also be provided. Ideal work dates from May 1st – July 31st. A monthly stipend (amount depending on experience) will be provided.

To apply send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and listing your relevant qualifications, a CV or resume, and the names and contact information (email and phone number) for three references. Review of the position will begin immediately, and please apply before March 1st for full consideration. Please email application to Kirsten Prior (kprior@binghamton.edu) with “Application for field assistant position” in the subject line.

Undergrad Research Opportunities 1/24/17

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0) Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program

We would like to let you know about an exciting new program here at the University of Michigan–the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program (DDCSP UM). DDCSP UM is an exciting two-year research and internship opportunity for bright, curious undergraduate students interested in conservation, nature, and the environment. The program is aimed at bringing more undergraduates currently underrepresented in the environmental field into the conservation arena.

If you know any undergraduate students at your school or other colleges and universities who have a specific interest natural sciences, environmental studies/science, or conservation, we urge you to share with them the attached flyer.

In addition to a $4,250 stipend, accepted students will also receive room and board and travel expenses to and from Ann Arbor, Michigan each summer.

Please note that the application deadline is February 8, 2017. The program dates are June 4-July 29, 2017. Detailed program information and application are available on our website at http://ddcsp-umich.com.

Please feel free to contact us at (734)936-0900 if you would like to discuss the DDCSP UM program further or e-mail us at ddcsp-snre@umich.edu. Thank you for your assistance.

Undergrad Research Opportunities 1/23/17

1) Summer 2017 Marine Mammal Research Internship

The IMMS Research Internship Program located in Gulfport, MS, is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins.

As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research.

Interns must:

  • Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance.
  • Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends.
  • Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes.
  • Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills.
  • Principle Duties include: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21’ and 31’ boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS
  • Secondary Duties involve: Assisting with animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours.

Applicants must be:

  • able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week.
  • 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research.
  • Actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in
  • oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus.
  • Able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations.

Deadline to Apply for the Summer Session (5/1/17 – 7/21/17 and 6/5/17 –

8/25/17) is March 1, 2017. Please visit https://imms.org/internship/ for application and full details

2) Kellogg Biological Station applications now open!

We are recruiting undergraduate students for our NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) positions (http://www.kbs.msu.edu/education/undergraduate-program/research-experiences-for-undergraduates-reu/).

The REU application deadline is March 1st, 2017. You can learn more about KBS research and learning opportunities by going to www.kbs.msu.edu !

3) 2017 MOSAICS in Science internship

Applications for the 2017 MOSAICS in Science internship are now being accepted through February 6, 2017. The Great Lakes Research and Education Center will be hosting a Pollinator Steward intern at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore this summer. The Pollinator Steward will gain hands on experience in both research and science outreach by 1) initiating a pilot native pollinator stewardship program and 2) collecting updated data on native bee diversity in the park.

This position is offered through the National Park Service’s Mosaics in Science Internship Program in partnership with Environment for the Americas and Greening Youth Foundation. The Mosaics in Science (MIS) Diversity Internship provides college students and recent graduates 18-35 years old that are under- represented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) career fields with on-the-ground, natural resource science-based, work experience in the National Park System. Each internship is comprised of working eleven weeks in a park followed by a four day career workshop held in Washington, D.C.

TO APPLY for this position and learn more about the Mosaics program, visit http://www.mosaicsinscience.org/ . Applications will be accepted now through February 6.

4) Tropical Forest Ecology Internship – Mariana Islands

Position: Forest ecology interns with the Ecology of Bird Loss Project (3 positions)

Location: Mariana Islands (Guam, Saipan, Tinian, Rota)

Appointment: 9 months, starting date flexible, between March 1 and June 1, 2017

Project Description: Nearly all native seed dispersers have been extirpated from the island of Guam, largely due to predation by the invasive Brown Treesnake. The Ecology of Bird Loss Project (www.ecologyofbirdloss.org) aims to determine the full impact of seed disperser loss on Guam’s forests – including impacts on individual species and to forest structure – and the potential for different dispersers, both native and non-native, to restore function. Our research examines the ecological role of seed dispersers through comparisons of dynamics on Guam to those on nearby islands (Rota, Tinian, and Saipan) where birds are present.

Duties of the interns: Interns will participate in a variety of field research endeavors including long-term seedling experiments, forest inventories in intact and degraded forest plots, and nursery experiments. Interns will be based on Saipan and Guam with travel to other islands. Specific duties may include: mapping and identifying trees (including seedlings), collecting seeds, propagating plants in a nursery, planting and monitoring seedlings, collecting tree phenology data, and entering data. Field crews work 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. Interns must be able to commit to working on the project for 9 months with a start date between March 1 and June 1, 2017.

Requirements: The successful applicant must be able to pay attention to detail, work well individually and as part of a group, and be flexible. Research in the Mariana Islands involves working in high heat and humidity, walking over rough terrain sometimes carrying heavy and awkward loads (i.e. rolls of chicken wire, flats of seedlings, water), and tolerating the tedious, and at times monotonous, work necessary for all scientific endeavors. Successful applicants must learn how to identify trees (including seedlings) quickly and accurately. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high. Relevant field experience and prior independent research experience is desired. The intern must be a US citizen with a valid US driver’s license.

Payment and benefits: Interns will receive valuable training and experience in the field of conservation biology and field ecology research – a great way to both determine whether graduate school in the life sciences is for you and to gain the necessary experience for a competitive application to graduate school. Successful applicants will also receive a round-trip ticket from any major airport in the US to Saipan or Guam, housing on all islands, transportation to and from field sites, and a monthly stipend of $650.

To apply: Email a single pdf document including a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to ecologyofbirdloss@gmail.com. The subject line should read “EBL Intern Position”. The cover letter should describe your previous research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in this position. In addition, please specify your desired and potential start dates. Applications must be submitted by midnight EST on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

5) Summer 2017 Student Contract Positions – Biological Technicians

The USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland is seeking to hire three full-time temporary student contractors to assist with the North American Breeding Bird Survey program (www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBS), a long- term, continental avian monitoring program. Tasks will include working with wildlife survey data, performance of quality assurance and quality control procedures on biological data, data entry, assisting with database management, photocopying and filing, preparation of maps and assisting in preparation of administrative correspondence. Interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter by February 15, 2017.

Statement of Work

  1. Types of services required: During the summer field season, approximately 3100 BBS routes are sampled by participants skilled in avian identification. These data are then processed and analyzed by USGS to inform avian conservation efforts in the U.S. and Canada. Tasks will include processing incoming data and materials, performing data entry and quality control procedures using web-based technologies, tracking progress, assisting with database management, photocopying, scanning and filing materials, map preparation, and corresponding with participants.
    1. Required expertise/skills:
    2. Applicants are required to have completed two years of undergraduate course work (student must be at least a second semester sophomore).
    3. Applicants must be majors in a biology, ecology, environmental science or related disciplines.
    4. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.
    5. Applicants must have knowledge of computer software used to summarize and visualize data (i.e. Excel and Access).
    6. Knowledge of North American birds is not required but considered a plus.
  2. Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for a student contract position, applicants must be either a currently enrolled student or a recent graduate. To qualify as a student, the applicant must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university. Former students who graduated more than 10 months ago or who left school without graduating are not eligible to work under these contracts. Applicants will be required to show proof of their student status (or recent graduation). USGS employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program. U.S. citizens are eligible. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service). Foreign students in the U.S. under F-1 visas are usually not able to participate in this program, due to USCIS restrictions against off-campus work.
  3. Description of working conditions: Work will be performed in an office environment located on the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center campus in Laurel, Maryland. Extended periods of computer use will be required. This is not a field or laboratory position.
  4. Compensation: The student contractor will be paid $16.71 per hour. Student contractors are paid only for hours worked (no holiday or leave benefits). Student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location. The Government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Official travel away from the duty station is not expected.
  5. Principal Duty Station: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038. Student contractors may enter the building only during business hours or when project manager is present.
  6. Additional information: Number of students required is three. Estimated number of hours for the position is 544 (full-time for summer). There is a possibility of additional part-time hours continuing into the fall semester. The approximate start date is May 29, 2017. The approximate end date is August 25, 2017. There is flexibility in start and end dates to accommodate variations in academic calendars.
  7. How to apply: Send resume and cover letter to Keith Pardieck via email (kpardieck@usgs.gov). Applications must be received on or before February 15, 2017. In your cover letter include an explanation of how you meet the eligibility requirements, your expected graduation date, and discuss your experience as related to sections 1 and 2 above.

6) Summer REU opportunity in marine science

Research in Subtropical Marine Ecosystems, May 31 – August 4, 2017 Nine research fellowships will be available for the summer of 2017, for undergraduate students to conduct independent research projects on topics such as:

  • Biogeochemistry, nutrient cycling
  • Watershed processes, land-sea interactions
  • Estuarine ecology, Community ecology
  • Seagrass and marsh ecosystems
  • Zooplankton and phytoplankton ecology
  • Fish ecology and physiology
  • Coastal and organic geochemistry

The Marine Science Institute is located in Port Aransas, on 72 acres on the Gulf of Mexico. REU projects will take advantage of the wide variety of coastal habitats near the Institute, such as shallow bays, hypersaline lagoons, seagrass beds, mangroves, marshes, and estuaries, including the 185,000-acre Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The 10-week summer program begins with a full-day research cruise on the R/V Katy and ends with a symposium in which students will present their research results.

  • Eligibility: Students must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and its possessions.
  • Stipends: Students will receive a summer stipend of $5000 for the 10-week program, full room and board, a research allowance, and a travel allowance.
  • APPLY! http://reu.utmsi.utexas.edu for forms and instructions
  • Deadline for applications is February 13, 2017.

7) Undergraduate Internship in Tropical Ecology and Evolution – Summer 2017

We are now accepting applications for the Summer 2017 internship in Tropical Ecology and Evolution at El Verde Field Station, Puerto Rico. The internship will run from May 29 – August 4.

The program will offer students the opportunity to have hands-on experience fields such as:

  • Aquatic insect ecology
  • Bat ecology
  • Caddisfly (Trichoptera) biology
  • Plant population biology
  • Tropical Lepidoptera diversity
  • Invasive rodent ecology

Students receive a stipend for the ten weeks duration of the program. Round- trip plane ticket from home institution to Puerto Rico will be reimbursed, up to a maximum of $600. The program will cover housing at El Verde Field Station. The National Science Foundation and the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus, fund the program.

The program is limited to undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor degree at a college or university during summer 2017 that are US citizens or permanent residents. Application deadline: 15 February 2017! Application materials and further information can be found at http://reu.ites.upr.edu/

8) Plant-pollinator research assistant needed – Mojave Desert

Description: We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person to assist on a Masters student research project based out of the Mojave Desert, California. The project focuses on plant facilitation in stressed environments and involves research on shrubs and cacti, and their surrounding annual plant community. Specifically, we are looking at how these plants interact with each other via pollinators and how these interactions change with distance and density. Most of the work will include assisting in conducting surveys on shrubs, cacti and annual plants, setting up video equipment, collecting pollen and seed samples, and in-situ observation and collection of pollinators.

Requirements: Candidates must be reasonably fit and comfortable with frequent hiking and working in the sun and heat. Ecological background, basic insect identification and field work experience a plus.

Dates: mid-March to mid-May 2016, exact dates to be determined.

Included: Flight, transportation within California, accommodation, food (volunteer position)

Send a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and resume to Jenna Braun (braunj@yorku.ca).

9) Avian-related jobs and internships, NJ Audubon

SHOREBIRD FIELD TECHNICIANS (2) needed 16 April through 30 June 2017 for ongoing research on shorebird migration ecology along New Jersey’s Delaware Bay shore. Delaware Bay is recognized as an internationally important staging area for shorebirds during spring migration. Duties include extracting birds from mist-nets, banding, weighing and measuring birds, recording data, point counts, surveying for color-banded birds, and data entry. Mist-netting and bird banding experience necessary. Ability to identify shorebirds of the eastern U. S., color- band resighting experience, and proficiency with MS Excel or Access preferred. Applicants must be able to work independently or as part of a team, flexible to work irregular hours or six days/week, in occasionally hot and buggy conditions. Start date can be flexible. Salary $1800-2200/month depending on experience. Must have own vehicle and clean driver’s license. Housing and reimbursement for gas provided. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email address and phone number) as a single pdf document by email to hr.research@njaudubon.org. Please include “Delaware Bay” in the Subject line to be sure that your application is routed to the correct department. Application deadline 15 February. NJ Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

RUFFED GROUSE SURVEY TECHNICIANS (2) needed March 16th through May 15th 2017 to conduct Ruffed Grouse surveys in northwestern New Jersey. Duties include conducting point count surveys using distance sampling methodologies, habitat surveys, and data entry. Point count experience, the ability to identify Ruffed Grouse and other birds of the eastern U.S. by sight and sound, and proficiency with GPS and range finders required; knowledge of MS Excel and ArcGIS preferred. Applicants must be able to work independently in the field and be willing to work irregular hours (i.e. early mornings and occasional weekends). Salary $1,800 – $2,200 per month, depending on experience. Must have own vehicle, and a valid, clean driver’s license. Housing and mileage reimbursement will be provided. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email address and phone number) as a single pdf document by email to hr.research@njaudubon.org. Please include “Ruffed Grouse” in the Subject line to be sure that your application is routed to the correct department. Application deadline 15 February. NJ Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SHRUB/SCRUB BIRD FIELD TECHNICIANS (2) needed May 1st through August 15th 2017 for research on shrub/scrub bird ecology in northern New Jersey. Duties include conducting point count surveys in the NJ Highlands using distance sampling methodologies, vegetation sampling, data entry and some data analysis. Point count experience and the ability to identify birds of the eastern U.S. by sight and sound required. Proficiency with GPS and range finders required, and knowledge of MS Excel and ArcGIS preferred. Applicants must be able to work independently, move materials and to lift 25 lbs as needed and be willing to work in occasionally hot and buggy conditions and potential rough terrain. Salary $1,800 – $2,200 per month, depending on experience. Must have own vehicle, and a valid, clean driver’s license. Housing and mileage reimbursement will be provided. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email address and phone number) as a single pdf document by email to hr.research@njaudubon.org. Please include “Shrub/Scrub” in the Subject line to be sure that your application is routed to the correct department. Application deadline 1 March 2017. NJ Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NEWARK BIRD FIELD TECHNICIAN needed 1 April through 31 May 2017 for research evaluating building/bird interactions in Newark, NJ. Modern tall building in US cities, including Newark, have the potential to cause significant mortality to migrant birds. Duties include but are not limited to pre-dawn surveys around buildings to document grounded birds, transporting injured birds to the rehabilitator and data management. Proficiency with MS Excel and Word software a must. Familiarity with birds of the northeastern US and use of hand- held GPS preferred. Applicants must be able to work independently or as part of a team, and work irregular hours, including occasional weekends. Salary $1800 – $2200/month, depending on experience. Housing available if needed; mileage reimbursement provided. Must have a valid and clean driver’s license. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email address and phone number) as a single pdf document by email to hr.research@njaudubon.org. Please include “Newark” in the Subject line to be sure that your application is routed to the correct department. Application deadline 10 February. NJ Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

GEORGE MYERS FIELD NATURALIST INTERN needed 23 March to 22 December 2017 Successful applicant develops a full spectrum of skills through hands-on participation in various educational, research and conservation projects at New Jersey Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory (CMBO) and Nature Center of Cape May (NCCM), Cape May, NJ. Cape May is renowned as one of the world’s greatest hotspots for animal migration, as well as being a popular summertime vacation destination and beach resort. The combination of the two offers great opportunities for wildlife research and education through public outreach. New Jersey Audubon fosters the application of sound scientific principles and practices to address conservation issues related to vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, and the natural habitats with which they are associated. Major responsibilities include educational programming/field trips/workshops for visitors, children’s programming at summer nature camp, assisting with center interpretive displays, develop brochures and materials for web/blog sites. Familiarity with bird migration, birding, marine species and coastal ecology a plus. Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science or similar field preferred. Motivated self-starter who is also a team player; excellent oral and written skills required. Strong computer skills, and ability to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion; willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult conditions and ability to walk over uneven terrain for long distances. Must have own vehicle and a valid, clean driver’s license. Salary $1500/month. Housing provided. Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email address and phone number) as a single pdf document by email to hr.cmboseasonal@njaudubon.org. Application deadline 15 February 2017. NJ Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

10) Summer Job – Field Research in Northern Alaska

We are seeking undergraduates or college graduates interested in research to understand ecosystem function in soils, streams, and lakes, and how arctic tundra will respond to climate change.

Job Description: Paid research assistants will collect and analyze field samples at sites located in the foothills of the Brooks Range in Northern Alaska. Job duties include sample collection, field measurements, and lab analyses at the Toolik Lake Field station. Fieldwork involves hiking in remote areas while carrying heavy packs of field equipment. Additional responsibilities include chemical analyses and data processing. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain research experience in ecology and meet outstanding research scientists from around the world. Room and board are provided. This position is associated with the National Science Foundation Arctic Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program.

To apply: Please send 1. your resume, 2. a 1-page description of your background (include relevant course work, field experience, academic and career goals), 3. the names and contact information of 3 references to: Dr. George Kling, gwk@umich.edu. Experience in ecology, chemistry, and microbiology is desirable. Employment will be approximately June 10 – August 30, 2017.

Additional information about the Arctic Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project is available at http://arc-lter.ecosystems.mbl.edu/ and information about Toolik Field Station is available at http://toolik.alaska.edu/ We will begin reviewing applications on 1 February 2017 and continue until all positions are filled.

11) Student intern positions – Columbian ground squirrels

We are looking for 4 interns interested in taking part in a field ecology project on Columbian ground squirrels. Two interns will begin Apr 10, 2017 and two will begin May 1, 2017. All four internships will finish on Aug 31, 2017. The project investigates the ecology of Columbian ground squirrels. As a member of the study, interns will be involved with monitoring the phenology (when animals emerge from hibernation), reproduction and survival of individuals. Fieldwork will involve live-trapping and handling of animals, radio-telemetry, behavioural observation and assistance with the measurement of physiological (metabolism) traits on free-ranging animals. This is an excellent opportunity to gain training and experience working with a collaborative research team on a long-term study of a wild mammal. Opportunities for independent research projects are also available.

All fieldwork is carried out in the spectacular Rocky Mountains of southwestern Alberta, Canada, home to some of the most majestic wildlife in North America. Interns will have the opportunity to interact with, and learn from, other researchers working with ground squirrels on a diversity of projects in behavioural and population ecology. Additionally, a number of other researchers in the area are studying a range of species, from insects to large mammals.

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 (usaskcgsproject@gmail.com) by February 15, 2017.

https://artsandscience.usask.ca/profile/JeffreyLane#/profile

12) Research Opportunities with the Echinacea Project

Are you interested in gaining field research experience and learning about the ecology and evolution of plants and plant-animal interactions in fragmented prairie? The Echinacea Project is offering several summer and year-long research internships for students and soon-to-be graduates. We have diverse potential projects for students with backgrounds or interests in plant ecology, pollination biology, evolution, statistics, conservation, and computer science. In the past, interns have completed projects on a variety of topics including pollination biology, prairie restoration, and plant-herbivore interactions.

No experience is necessary, but you must be enthusiastic and hard-working. You will survey natural plant populations, measure plant traits in experimental plots, hand-pollinate plants, observe & collect insects, and assist in all aspects of research. Housing is provided and there is a stipend. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to do an independent project as an REU participant.

Information about our offerings for summer 2017 and the 2017-2018 year are here: http://echinaceaproject.org/opportunities/. Review of applications will begin on February 23rd for REU internships and on March 2nd for other positions. The team and I are happy to answer any further questions.

13) Undergrad Internships @ NEON: Apps due 10 Feb

NEON is accepting applications for a variety of research internships for undergraduates in summer 2017. Please share this information with potentially interested undergraduates. From helping to design sensor assemblies to testing sampling protocols and analyzing data, interns work alongside staff mentors and explore career options in weekly professional development seminars and networking events with interns from other scientific programs based in Boulder, CO.

  • During this 11-week paid summer program, interns work 40 hours a week
  • earning a competitive wage.
  • Furnished apartments are provided at no cost to interns.
  • Round-trip airfare from anywhere within the U.S. and Puerto Rico and a
  • regional bus pass that meets most local transportation needs are provided.
  • Applications are due 10 February, 2017.
  • For more details, visit http://bit.ly/NEONIntern17g

14) 2017 Summer REU Program at Virginia Institute of Marine Science

The REU Site program for Coastal Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) invites applicants to apply for a 10 week summer research experience that places 12 undergraduates with faculty mentors. Internships are available in many areas of marine science, including marine biology and ecology; biological, geological, chemical, and physical oceanography; environmental science; fisheries; and resource management. Participants will receive a summer stipend and food allowance. Accommodations in the dorms at the College of William & Mary are provided, as well as transportation between the campuses.

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, located in Gloucester Point, Virginia, is one of the largest coastal and estuarine science institutions in the world, with more than 55 faculty and a graduate student body of more than 85. VIMS houses state-of-the-art oceanographic instrumentation and analytical facilities, a large fleet of coastal research vessels, a world-class marine science library, and is within close proximity to a variety of habitats ranging from freshwater tributaries to the coastal ocean.

During the summer students will meet every week for a seminar that features a guest speaker discussing topics such as: Scientific Reading, Writing and Peer Review; How to Apply to Graduate School: Tips from the Faculty Who Read the Files; Alternatives to Life in Academia: A Panel Discussion; How to Give an Effective Scientific Presentation; and Ethics in Science. Other group activities include 3 field trips. We traverse the coastal plain environment, from a freshwater system that feeds into the Chesapeake Bay, through the estuary proper and out to the Atlantic Ocean along the shoreface of the Delmarva Peninsula. When we travel to the VIMS Wachapreague Laboratory on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, we spend a full day exploring nearly pristine coastal habitats, including an open coast beach on a barrier island, mud flat, salt marsh, and oyster reef. During a research cruise in the York River estuary aboard the VIMS research vessel Bay Eagle, there will be opportunities to try state-of-the-art oceanographic instrumentation, to pull in a trawl net full of fish and crabs, and to learn a bit about vessel navigation. When we kayak the tidal freshwater reaches of the Chesapeake Bay, expect to see an abundance of wildlife and learn how land-use practices in the watershed affect the local estuary and coastal ocean.

Application deadline is February 10, 2017. Complete information about the program is available by visiting http://www.vims.edu/education/college/summer_intern/index.php

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.

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

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