Undergrad Research Opportunities 04/17/2017
1) Funded field technician position: Deer camera trapping
Dr. Paige Ferguson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama, is seeking a research technician to collect field data during the Summer of 2017. The technician will work in conjunction with a MS student to conduct camera trapping of deer in the Black Belt region of Alabama. Pay is $4,000 for work from approximately early June until August. Start and end dates are negotiable. Housing will be a sublet apartment in Tuscaloosa.
Applicants who have or are currently pursuing a B.S. degree in wildlife sciences or a related major are preferred. Applicants should have experience in sampling design, camera trapping, GPS, and database management. Applicants must have strong communication skills and work ethic.
To apply, please email Dr. Ferguson (pfferguson@ua.edu) the following: 1. a cover letter describing your interest in the project and prior experiences that have prepared you for the project, 2. CV, and 3. contact information for 3 references.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Additional information is available from the following links: Dr. Ferguson’s Research: http://bsc.ua.edu/paige-ferguson/ Department of Biological Sciences: http://bsc.ua.edu/ Graduate School: http://graduate.ua.edu University of Alabama: http://www.ua.edu Outdoor opportunities in Alabama: http://www.outdooralabama.com Tuscaloosa: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/visitor-services
2) Fall 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.
Field days: Interns 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.
Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be 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. Applicants must be 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 Fall Session (8/7/17 – 10/27/17 and 9/25/17 – 12/15/17) is June 1, 2017. Please visit https://imms.org/internship/ for application and full details.
3) Summer Forestry Technician (Missouri and Indiana)
Purdue University, Forestry and Natural Resources Title of Position: Summer Field Technician (Forestry) Supervisor: David Mann (Michael Saunders) Approximate Hours per Week: 40 Compensation: $10-11/hour Duration of Position: Summer 2017 Number of Positions: 2-3 Job Description:
Mark Twain National Forest is located in southern Missouri, and will be the site of a research project assessing the impact of prescribed fire on timber quality. We are seeking 2-3 summer field technicians to support this research. Successful applicants will help conduct a large number of inventories of the study sites, with an emphasis on grading and measuring merchantable trees. Successful applicants will also collect and record data quantifying prescribed fire-related damage to standing timber. One to two weeks of training in Hoosier National Forest in Southern Indiana is required at the beginning of the field season in May. Housing will be provided for the duration of the work.
Duties: Conduct forest inventories in Mark Twain National Forest Identify and measure fire scars on standing timber Data collection and entry (utilizing Excel or similar software) 1-2 Weeks of paid training in southern Indiana (housing provided) Utilize GPS, compass, diameter tapes, and other basic field and forestry equipment
Qualifications: Course-work in forestry, fisheries and wildlife, environmental sciences, or closely related field Tree identification skills or related coursework (such as a dendrology course) strongly desired Ability to work outdoors in unpredictable and often extremely hot weather conditions Must be willing to live and work in remote areas of Missouri and Indiana throughout the field season; housing is provided
Deadline to Apply: 4/22/17 To Apply: Send resume and contact information for three references to one of the following: David Mann at mann70@purdue.edu Dr. Michael Saunders at msaunder@purdue.edu
4) WANTED: Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring Technicians
Southwest Conservation Corps is hiring AIM Vegetation Monitoring Crew Members. To learn more about Southwest Conservation Corps visit: http://sccorps.org/
JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Crew Member Position Type: Full-time, temporary, up to 23 weeks Location: New Mexico: Taos, Albuquerque, or Las Cruces Compensation: $400-520/week depending on experience Benefits: Paid training, $15/day camp rate per diem; AmeriCorps Education Award of $2907.50 upon satisfactory completion of term Program Dates: Albuquerque/Taos start May 15, Las Cruces starts mid/late July – early August
PROGRAM OVERVIEW Interns will work in a crew of 3 people (one crew lead and two technicians) to monitor land health on National Monument lands, vegetation treatments, rangeland allotments, or reference areas. Participants will manage all aspects of vegetation monitoring using the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) methodology. More information on the BLM’s AIM strategy can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LciTBPG2-Ss&feature=youtu.be
Experience with identifying vegetation to species is essential for the position. Within all plots, vegetation will be identified to species; line-point intercept will be used to gather species cover and composition data; shrub density will be measured; and soil descriptions will be required. All point data will be gathered using a GPS unit and stored in an ArcGIS geodatabase. Data are entered into the Database for Inventory, Monitoring, and Assessment (DIMA) on site with ruggedized tablets and are further analyzed and synthesized into various reports for future land management planning. DIMA requires a high level of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC), therefore attention to detail is paramount for these positions. Subsequent, professional reports must be completed and will involve the presentation of scientific data and pre and post treatment analysis. Crew may be camping 1-6 nights/week, depending on location.
REQUIRED SKILLS Applicants should have a degree in ecology, botany, range science, soil science, wildlife biology, natural resource management, biology, conservation biology, or a related field. Identifying plants to species and experience with a taxonomic key is essential to the position. Familiarity with northern New Mexico flora is beneficial. The successful applicant must be self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period. Applicants with previous AIM or Indicators of Rangeland Health training are highly preferred.
Background in statistics/Microsoft Suite, including Access, is additionally useful. Experience creating maps and performing basic functions with GIS software (ArcMap) is preferred. The applicant must be able to maneuver and operate in a mixture of office and field work, which can include long periods of standing or walking on rough, uneven ground; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching or reaching to observe occurrences or place and retrieve equipment or devices; lifting and moving moderately heavy items. Applicant must be physically fit, able to stand and walk for long periods of time (at a minimum 6 miles/day) and lift items that weigh up to 40 pounds in upwards of 100 degree heat.
The successful applicant will have experience and willingness to spend multiple days camping in remote areas and be familiar with best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles. A government vehicle will be used for work travel but a personal vehicle is highly recommended for travel to and from the duty station and for personal time. Experience safely operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, often in remote areas on unimproved roads is also necessary. There is potential for working in adverse conditions including extreme heat and monsoonal rains and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions), so field safety skills and risk management are important.
The successful applicant will also attend CPR, First Aid training and Defensive Driving (or provide certification if still current). Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. Must be Americorps eligible.
TO APPLY Please navigate to the AIM Vegetation Monitoring Crew Member job and submit an application at: https://corpspositions.silkroad.com/sccorpscext/EmploymentListings.html Alternatively, email a resume and cover letter to alaurencetraynor@blm.gov. Please indicate your location preference(s) in your cover letter. Note that Las Cruces start date is in July.
5) JOB OPPORTUNITY: VEGETATION MONITORING TECHNICIANS
The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition (ENLC) is currently seeking one (1) vegetation monitoring technician to complete a five person crew for the upcoming 2017 summer field season to work in the Elko, NV District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
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.
Elko is located in the remote, northeastern corner of Nevada. The area has a unique blend of Northern Basin and Range and sage brush steppe attributes including beautiful expanses of sagebrush flats and many mountain ranges available for exploring and recreating. The rugged Ruby Mountains lie 20 miles to the southeast of Elko and offer unique hiking, backpacking, climbing, fishing and camping experiences. The city of Elko has a lively downtown area and hosts cultural events throughout the summer (including the International Basque festival, rodeos and the Ruby Mountain Relay).
VEGETATION MONITORING DUTIES: Field crews’ primary responsibility will be to collect post-fire vegetative response data in burned areas on public lands managed by the BLM as part of the Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ES&R) program, primarily utilizing Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) protocols. Data collected will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of post wildfire rehabilitation treatments. Technicians will be responsible for driving federal vehicles, hiking to sampling locations, following rigorous sampling protocols for vegetation and soils data collection, data quality control and data entry.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Applicants should have graduated from a program in biological sciences, ecology, natural resources or other field and/or have prior working experience in natural resources. Experience in plant identification and a general knowledge of plant taxonomy is required. Applicants should be able to hike 2-10 miles a day while carrying a pack with field equipment, and be comfortable with truck camping in the backcountry for up to 8 days at a time in sometimes harsh weather conditions. Preferred applicants will be experienced with Microsoft Excel and Access, 4WD vehicles, GPS navigation, and have had a clean driving record for the past 3 years.
SALARY: $15-$16/hour, depending on experience (plus $34/day per diem when camping).
SCHEDULE: Positions in the Elko District will begin May 4th and continue through October (end date may change based on weather conditions and work load). Work will occur on an 8-days-on/6-days-off schedule (10-hour days).
Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three references to Steph Frederick sfrederick@envlc.org. Materials accepted until position is filled. For more information, please visit our website (http://www.envlc.org) or email Steph. Please include “Vegetation Monitoring Technician” in the email subject line.
6) JOB OPPORTUNITY: INVASIVE PLANT TECHNICIAN
The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition (ENLC) is currently seeking one (1) invasive plant technician to complete a 5 person crew for work in the Elko, NV District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Located in Ely, Nevada, ENLC is a non-profit conservation organization comprised of public, private, and non-profit partners dedicated to the restoration of the Western ecosystems through collaborative teamwork.
Elko is located in the remote, northeastern corner of Nevada. The area has a unique blend of Northern Basin and Range and sage brush steppe attributes including beautiful expanses of sagebrush flats and many mountain ranges available for exploring and recreating. The rugged Ruby Mountains lie 20 miles to the southeast of Elko and offer unique hiking, backpacking, climbing, fishing and camping experiences. The city of Elko has a lively downtown area and hosts cultural events throughout the summer (including the International Basque festival, rodeos and the Ruby Mountain Relay).
INVASIVE PLANT TECHNICIAN DUTIES: Field crews will work with an experienced crew lead while assisting in inventory and management of invasive plants on public lands. Inventory duties include correctly identifying invasive plant species and infestations, surveying, recording and managing data. Invasive plant control will predominantly consist of herbicide application and manual control (hand pulling/hand tools). All technicians will be responsible for driving large, federal pick-ups (often towing trailers), operating ATVs and UTVs and hiking to treatment/inventory sites. Technicians are also required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Some PPE (neoprene gloves, etc) will be provided by the BLM, but closed-toed shoes and long pants must be provided by applicant. Technicians must be comfortable with truck camping in the backcountry for up to 4 days at a time and MUST be physically able to hike while wearing a 40 lb. backpack sprayer over rough and steep terrain.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Qualified applicants should have experience and/or education in invasive plant management, biological sciences, natural resources, plant identification or general plant taxonomy and the ability to follow directions and safety protocols. Applicants must be experienced with 4WD vehicles and should have a clean driving record for the past 3 years. Experience with utilizing GPS units and programs (Trimble units and ArcPad) and ATVs/UTVs is a plus. Preference is also given to applicants with mechanical skills and experience.
SALARY: $14-16/hour, depending on experience (plus $34/day per diem when camping)
SCHEDULE: Positions run from May 1st through the end of September and follow a 10-hour day/four-day work week. Crews will generally return to Elko in the evenings, though camping near a project site for 4 days at a time will be required for up to two pay periods.
Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three references to Steph Frederick at sfrederick@envlc.org. Materials will be accepted until position is filled. For more information, please visit our website (http://www.envlc.org) or email Steph. Please include “Invasive Plant Technician” in the email subject line.
7) Peatland Ecosystem Ecology Technician Position
Peatland Ecosystem Ecology Research Technician. We seek applicants to fill the role of Research Technician for externally-funded projects in the Department of Geography and the Environment at Villanova University (southeastern PA) to examine how the interactive effects of increased fire frequency (climate change induced) and potentially enhanced nitrogen deposition (from Oil Sands development in northern Alberta, Canada) affect peatland ecosystem function. In collaboration with our team of PI’s, our Senior Research Technicians and students, the successful candidate will aid PI’s in evaluating human impacts on bogs and fens. The research will include activities such as field measurements of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane gas fluxes, characterization of soil/pore-water chemistry, and quantification of several N cycling processes (biological N2-fixation, N mineralization, denitrification/nitrification). Field research takes place in northern Alberta, Canada. Additionally, a complimentary suite of biogeochemical measurements will be made on analytical equipment in the laboratories at Villanova. The candidate must be able to commit to living in Alberta, Canada (plane fare and room/board covered from grant funds for 3-4 months, May through August) to direct and participate in summer field sampling campaigns, in addition to several week- to two-week, at a time, campaigns in the early spring and fall. The successful candidate must be able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with PI’s, technicians, graduate, and undergraduate students. A minimum of a B.S. degree in a relevant field is required; a M.S. degree plus two years of related lab and field experience is preferred. Individuals possessing a rugged work ethic and good sense of humor will stand out from the rest. We anticipate 3 years of funding to support this position. This position includes full benefits, including annual and sick leave, health insurance, and retirement. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Applications must be submitted through the Villanova University job website (https://jobs.villanova.edu) and must include a cover letter, vita/resume, and contact information for at least three references. Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For specific questions about the position, please contact Dr. Melanie A. Vile (mvile@villanova.edu), Dr. Kel Wieder (kelman.wieder@villanova.edu), or Kim Scott (kscott@villanova.edu).
For more information about our research program, visit https://library.villanova.edu/Find/Record/1917693. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and value.
8) Seasonal Position: Ecohydrology Research Hourly Worker, Newton, GA
The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center invites applications for a full- time, temporary Research Hourly Worker. The 28,500-acre Research Center is located between Albany and Bainbridge, Georgia. The Center’s research, education, and conservation programs focus on ecology and natural resource management. The site includes 16,000 acres of longleaf pine forests, over 1,000 acres of wetlands, and 26 miles of stream and river ecosystems. Further information can be found on the web site at http://www.jonesctr.org/.
This position will begin in June 2017 and continue for 3 months with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding. This employee will assist research staff and graduate students in the Ecohydrology Lab with a variety of field and lab studies. The Ecohydrology Lab conducts research focused on the intersection of upland longleaf pine forest dynamics and hydrology at local and regional scales. The employee’s primary duties will center on assisting with routine lab field work and sample processing, as well as graduate research projects. Duties may include: 1) frequent, routine measurements of throughfall and stemflow; 2) litter sample collection and processing; 3) installing and checking insect traps; 4) assistance with construction, installation and maintenance of sap flow probes and meteorological sensors; and 5) data entry.
Job Requirements: The successful candidate must be willing to conduct sometimes strenuous physical activity under demanding field conditions (i.e., heat, high humidity, and insects) and to work with minimal supervision.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, forestry, natural resources management or a related field is preferred. Experience or coursework in ecohydrology, forest hydrology and/or plant physiology is a plus. Prior experience working in remote field settings is highly desirable. The optimum candidate will also have the motivation and ability to master the safe and proper operation of complicated field instrumentation.
Wages: $9.00–$11.00 per hour with housing $10.00–$12.00 per hour without housing (Rate will depend on qualifications) Limited on-site housing is available.
A letter of application, resume, college transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable) and list of references should be emailed to: jobs@jonesctr.org Subject: Ecohydrology Research Hourly Worker (please use exact wording in subject line, otherwise your application may be overlooked). Applicantions may also be sent by mail to: Cindy Craft, ATTN: Ecohydrology Hourly Research Worker, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Drive, Newton, GA 39870 or by Fax to (229)734-4707. Specific questions regarding the position should be sent to the Ecohydrology Lead Technician, Stribling Stuber (stribling.stuber@jonesctr.org). Applications received before April 21, 2017 will receive highest consideration. The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
9) Research internships in plant ecology, fall 2017
Research Internships in Plant Ecology, Archbold Biological Station, Florida Now Eight Months! Beginning August or September 2017. Applications due May 2th. Ideal for Students with Undergraduate Degrees Contemplating Graduate School
Includes independent research project. Provides Stipend, Room and Board.
Internships available at Archbold Biological Station in south-central Florida in the Plant Ecology Program. Interns will work in the plant ecology laboratory of Dr. Eric Menges, which emphasizes conservation biology, plant demography, restoration ecology, fire ecology, landscape ecology, and fire management. We study many rare species of endemic vascular plants in endangered Florida scrub and related communities. Active fire management provides outstanding opportunities for short-term comparative studies in fire ecology. Our long-term (as long as 27-year) datasets on dozens of scrub plants gives context to short- term, focused, field projects. A large-scale experimental restoration provides a useful context for restoration ecology projects. Additional information can be found at the Archbold website: http://www.archbold-station.org/ or the plant ecology program website: http://www.archbold-station.org/html/research/plant/plant.html
Interns live on site and receive a room, breakfasts and lunches, a meal allowance, and a weekly stipend of $100. They work 20 hours per week as research assistants and the remainder on an independent research project. Internships now run for 8 months (can sometimes be extended) and offer an opportunity for experience in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice and experimental design to oral and written presentations. Our internships are ideal preparation for graduate research in ecology.
Archbold Biological Station is active in research, conservation, and education. Our facilities include a 5000 ha preserve, an outstanding regional library and a GIS lab running ArcINFO. We have a staff of about 50 with many visiting scientists, an active seminar program, and a relaxed biological station atmosphere.
To apply for an internship in the plant ecology lab, please provide the following: a cover letter stating research interests, a resume or CV, and a summary of grades. Arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent to us via email. Materials should be sent by May 2, 2016.
EMAIL APPLICATIONS ONLY! Send to Eric Menges at emenges@archbold- station.org
Archbold is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups
10) Internship Opportunity: American Geophysical Union Summer 2017 Talent Pool Intern
AGU is home to more than 60,000 scientists from 139 countries. As the Talent Pool Intern, you will be part of a dynamic association of Earth and space scientists who advance research, collaborate across disciplines, and communicate the importance and impact of science to society.
The Talent Pool team manages programs related to education, student programs, and career services. AGU’s Talent Pool team works to build the next generation of Earth and space scientists while also increasing our understanding of the barriers to gender and ethnic diversity and involvement within these scientific fields.
Responsibilities * Data entry and analysis of Talent Pool programs, including the Virtual Poster Showcase, student travel and research grants, and programs associated with AGU conferences. Tasks will include quality control of the data as well as database management. Ability to apply basic statistical analysis and present data to internal staff is also expected. * The internship provides an opportunity to learn some of the behind-the-scenes processes of planning events at large scientific conferences, communicate to the membership via monthly newsletters, and gain knowledge about current science education, diversity, and career issues along with program management experience.
Qualifications * Undergraduate or graduate student, or recent graduate. Preferred majors include Earth or space sciences or an allied physical or natural science. * Must be well-organized and skilled at prioritizing and managing multiple tasks and should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Experience, poise, and interpersonal skills necessary to interact with AGU staff, volunteers, and members is also required. * Must be willing to relocate to Washington DC area for the internship at own expense. * Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Office, Excel), internet browsers, and web search engines. Experience using WordPress is a plus. Mastery in using Excel and knowledge of basic statistical methods is a plus. In-house training will be provided on using the AGU membership database and sending newsletters. * The successful candidate for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.
To Apply: For consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume to https://rew12.ultipro.com/AME1056/jobboard/NewCandidateExt.aspx? __JobID=281 http://listserv.utk.edu.
11) Plant Ecology Field Technician
Description: Seeking one (1) part-time field technician to assist with a plant ecology experiment at the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory in Mammoth Lakes, CA. This experiment is part of research focused on the response of plants to climate change.
Primary duties include hand pollinating flowers, recording phenology data, maintaining data loggers, plant watering, and general care. Applicants will work 20 hours per week.
Qualifications: Ideal candidate will have previous plant care experience (such as field or laboratory research or greenhouse experience), be self-motivated, and have a positive attitude. Candidate must be willing and able to work independently under the long-distance supervision of a PhD student.
Position will run from mid-May to mid-September (approximately 16 weeks) with some possible flexibility in May and September.
Pay for this position will be $240/week ($12/hr for 20 hours/week). Housing at the field station will be provided.