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Undergrad Research Opportunities 04/24/2017

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1) Summer Research Internship: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Naples, FL)

Please share with current undergrads or recent graduates looking for opportunities to build experience while living and working in an amazing wetland sanctuary.

Overview: Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action.  By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive.  And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level.  What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country.  Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Position Summary: The Conservation Intern will gain valuable hands-on experience and professional skills in ecology and conservation. Working at the 13,000- acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in southwestern Florida, the intern will assist with ecological monitoring and research at Audubon’s Western Everglades Research Center. The position will be a combination of field work (25%) and office/laboratory activities (75%). This full-time three-month internship will run from mid-May through mid-August 2017 and will not exceed 40 hours per week, with occasional weekend work as needed. On-site housing is required and provided due to the relatively remote location of the Sanctuary and early field hours. Housing is a furnished one-level dormitory-style building. There are 4 private bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 joined kitchens, a living room and a screened porch. Wireless internet, water, electricity and local phone service are provided. Housing will be shared with interns and/or visiting researchers.

Essential Functions: Under the guidance of Audubon research staff, the intern will develop skills in a variety of ecological research and monitoring activities, including: monitoring wetland hydrology using groundwater wells (fitted with digital data loggers) and staff gauges and collecting weather data, monitoring wetland wildlife to guide conservation and restoration. Wildlife monitoring will include a combination of fish and aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling, herpetofauna surveys, small-mammal trapping (tentative project), and medium- and large-sized mammal monitoring using trail cameras; laboratory processing of aquatic fauna samples and trail camera images; data entry and data management associated with research and monitoring activities and ongoing citizen science programs; and Communicating science to technical and lay audiences, which may include assistance with preparation of research reports and other technical publications, writing newsletter articles, using social media and/or giving on-site public presentations.Interns are expected to assist with additional Sanctuary events and activities, as needed.

Qualifications and Experience: The candidate must: Be currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an institution of higher learning, pursuing a degree in environmental science or related field (ecology coursework preferred); demonstrate strong attention to detail in field, laboratory, and office activities. Strong skills in MS Excel are required and experience with MS Access and ArcGIS are preferred; excel in interpersonal communication and at working independently and as part of a team; demonstrate the ability to exercise sound judgment and adaptability to changing work conditions; possess a valid driver’s license (experience with ATVs and 4WD vehicles is a plus); and be able to make a full 3-month summer 2017 commitment (dates are flexible). Physical requirements include: Ability to work long hours in the field in sub-tropical wetland environments, exposed to harsh South Florida environment (sun, biting insects, severe summer storms), sometimes alone and carrying field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods; and ability and willingness to work in murky waters and thick vegetation that serve as home for potentially dangerous wildlife such as alligators and venomous snakes.

2) Seasonal Bat Field Research Technician – Temple University

Summary of Position The Research Associate position is available in the Sewall Lab in the Department of Biology at Temple University.  Work will take place at Dr. Sewall’s field site at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center (http://ftig.png.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx), northeast of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Research Associate will provide technical field support to the lab’s research efforts in conservation biology, and population and community ecology.  Primary research foci will be investigating the responses of bats to human disturbance, management efforts, and habitat change.  On-site fieldwork at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center will be required. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions of Position – Conducting bat field research including but not limited to capture, handling, acoustic sampling, radiotelemetry, and measurement of plants and habitat characteristics – Assisting in field research projects involving undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers from Dr. Brent Sewall’s lab: https://sites.temple.edu/bjsewall/opportunities/ – Maintaining written data sheets and spreadsheets for acoustic detectors, radiotelemetry, and mist-netting – Training interns and students in proper field techniques – Performing other duties as assigned

Requirements – Previous experience mist-netting and handling bats – Previous experience conducting ecology field research – Willingness to work late nights outdoors in rugged terrain – Must have a valid driver’s license – Must be physically able to carry 40 lbs. and set up triple-high mist nets (about 25 feet tall). – Able to interact in a consistently positive manner with academic and military personnel – Willingness to learn and abide by military field safety regulations – Have or be willing to obtain up-to-date rabies vaccination

Preferred experience – Ability to lead small teams of personnel in the field – Experience deploying triple-high mist-nets – Experience tracking wildlife using radiotelemetry – Experience deploying bat detectors or other wildlife recording devices – Training or background in mammalogy, ecology, or conservation biology

Terms of Employment – Start date: As soon as possible – End date: Up to six months – Pay rate: $14 to $18.50, dependent on training and experience – Hours: Approximately 40 hours / week, weather-dependent

How to Apply – Send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references via email to Dr. Lisa Powers at lisa.powers@temple.edu – Please put “Bat Field Tech Position” in the subject line of the email – Position will remain open until filled

3) Fieldwork opportunity in the Cayman Islands

Little Cayman, 2017 Jen Moss (Ph.D. candidate at Mississippi State University) is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with long-term monitoring and research efforts on the Sister Islands Rock Iguana (SIRI) on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Iguana handling experience is valuable, but not necessary. Fieldwork will be conducted throughout the months of May, June, August, and September 2017, aligning with SIRI’s nesting and hatchling emergence seasons. Activities include but are not limited to nesting surveys, tagging iguanas, recapturing animals to study growth and movement, and radio tracking with the aid of conservation drones. Accommodation and food are provided throughout the volunteer period to assist with costs. This is a great opportunity to get hands-on field experience and contribute to conservation research on this critically endangered and charismatic taxon. http://www.iucn-isg.org/contribute/short-term-research-needs/

4) UCSB REU: Sandy beach ecology

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer fellowship is open for one student at the Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara. Duration is 12 weeks, June 3-Aug 29, although these dates can be somewhat flexible to accommodate academic schedules. We invite applications from qualified, highly motivated undergraduate students from U.S. colleges/universities to participate in a 12-week lab and field based summer research experience. U.S. citizenship is required. The student will be involved with an NSF-funded project on the transport of drifting kelp from coastal kelp forests to sandy beaches where it washes up as wrack. The main objective of the project is evaluate how variation in kelp wrack input affects patterns and processes in beach ecosystems and to develop a quantitative understanding of trophic connectivity through physical transport and input of drift kelp from kelp forests to sandy beaches. The student will learn ecological and/or physical oceanographic methods to explore this topic, and will be required to write a report, in the format of a scientific paper, and give a presentation on their project at the end of the summer.  Travel costs to and from UCSB will be covered, and the student will be provided with a weekly stipend for living expenses.  This is a full-time commitment and any work or educational activities outside the program must be approved.

Eligibility You are eligible if you are an undergraduate student who has completed at least two years of study towards a bachelor’s degree in a related topic (including biology, ecology, or physics), and you will still be an undergraduate in the fall after the summer program.  Students from underrepresented groups and institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply. Experience with scientific diving is desirable but not required. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and its possessions. The University of California is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

Application Interested applicants should send a statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcript, one letter of recommendation, and contact information for one additional reference. The statement of interest should be less than 500 words and include the following information: (i) professional goals, (ii) interest in position, and (iii) relevant experience.  Send application materials, preferably in one PDF file, to Jenny Dugan (jenny.dugan@lifesci.ucsb.edu). Please include your name and REU application in file names and subject line. You may also send all application materials in hard copy by non-electronic mail service to: Jenny Dugan, Marine Science Institute, UCSB, Santa Barbara CA 93601-6150. The letter of recommendation should be sent directly from the recommender (please include the applicants name in the subject line for emails).  Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Applications will be accepted through April 21, 2017.

5) JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Summer Forestry Field Technician

A position is available for a field technician through Utah State University to help collect data on the landscape/stand factors that affect Engelmann spruce regeneration following epidemic spruce beetle outbreaks. Work will be conducted at two sites in Utah: one on the Markagunt Plateau in southern Utah and one in the Uinta Mountains in northern Utah. Work includes field data collection at the two sites, and potential processing in the lab/data entry. Field work will be conducted in some of the most beautiful natural areas in Utah. For example, the southern field site is close to multiple national parks/monuments (e.g. Cedar Breaks National Monument, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park). SPECIFIC DUTIES: The field technician will be responsible for learning and implementing the research protocol; locating study sites using maps and GPS, identifying tree species, taking precise stand/landscape measurements (including but not limited to DBH, slope, aspect, canopy cover, species diversity, etc), and recording data legibly. WORKING CONDITIONS/SCHEDULE: Field work includes long hours under strenuous field conditions including steep slopes, dense vegetation and variable weather (including cool mornings to hot and dry sunny afternoons, and torrential rain). Work will include extended periods of time in the field. Lodging near study sites will be provided, and camping may be required at more remote sites. Start Date: June 1, 2017 End Date: August 24, 2017 20-40 hours/week Wages: $9-$11/hour QUALIFICATIONS: Driver’s License. Ability to work in rugged terrain. Ability to work as a team and take orders. Organized, self-motivated, and attention to detail. Plant identification skills and college experience (or equivalent training) in a related field preferred. TO APPLY visit Career Aggie (career-services.usu.edu/career-aggie) and search for job #94532 “Forestry Field Technician”. Questions: email jessika.carlstrom@aggiemail.usu.edu

6) Short-Term Vegetation Survey Assistant

Dr. Robert Washington Allen and Dr. Jerry Olsen are planning to re-census Jerry’s original vegetation plots in the Indiana Dunes this summer.  They are inviting interested undergraduates who would like a field research experience to join them in this effort.  The time commitment can be either one or two weeks, beginning May 20, 2017.  Jerry and a second person will drive a vehicle from Knoxville to Indiana on May 20th and will conduct research there for two weeks.  Robert will arrive in another vehicle for the second week.

Students can camp or stay in a house where Robert and Jerry will lodge—undergrads must bring their own sleeping bag, towels etc.  Meals will be provided, but cooking responsibilities are shared among the project participants.

Experience will be gained in collecting field data and laser scanning to update historic Bio-Diversity changes.  Dr. Neil Pavlovic, a staff scientist at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, will participate in the project and will be present ½ time during the trip.

Please contact Dr. Washington-Allen (washingtonra@utk.edu) or Dr. Olsen (865 771-1848) ASAP for more information.

Undergrad Research Opportunities 02/28/2017

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1) REU Opportunity Summer 2017: “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 a10 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 • $5250 stipend for 10 weeks • Housing in shared apartments and field station • Travel reimbursement of up to $600

Deadline March 6. For more information on the program, research projects or to apply please visit: http://science.utep.edu/cdb-reu/

2) Research technician, Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER

The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long-Term Ecological Research program seeks a Research Technician II to support field and laboratory research on the GA coast. Tasks include measuring plant and invertebrate populations, measuring water quality, monitoring sediment dynamics, downloading and maintaining climate and hydrological instruments, and data entry. Applicants should have a BS in an environmental field, some field experience, and some boating skills. For more information about the GCE LTER program go to http://gce-lter.marsci.uga.edu/

3) Ecology Field Research Interns

B4WARMED (Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) is a manipulative experiment that warms plants and soil in the field to examine tree seedling response to warming with respect to physiology, phenology, growth, and survival.  For more information: https://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/research/climate-change.

Position overview: We seek one independent and mature field assistant with a background in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field for a paid field research internship ($10/hr).  The positions start in late March and go until early November start dates are flexible. In general, an internship lasts about 4 months. Typical workdays are eight hours Monday through Friday, however tasks may require early morning, evening, or weekend work. A valid driver’s license is required. The intern will work and travel mostly independently and occasionally in a pair or small group. Maturity to work autonomously and for long hours is required.

Responsibilities: •            Work independently to collect biotic and abiotic data in field and lab settings in accordance with established protocols •          Measure seedling growth, germination, physiology, and phenology •            Measure soil characteristics and microbe activity •             Routine maintenance of field sites and research equipment. •     Data entry using Excel and Google Drive •   Travel frequently between sites •             Employ experimental drought treatment •       Aiding principle investigators and graduate students as needed.

Desired qualifications: 1) Eagerness to work hard in an outdoor setting. 2) Capacity to collect data following established protocols. 3) Familiarity with plant and tree species of northern Minnesota. 4) Willingness to work well and live with alone and with others in a remote area. 5) Demonstrated ability to work under changing weather conditions and with large swarms of insects. 6) Ability to adapt to a frequently changing schedule with frequent travel.

Field work will be split between research sites at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Cloquet, MN (http://cfc.cfans.umn.edu/) and the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, MN.  Both research sites are in beautiful forested settings and provide access to the natural areas of northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. An individual’s home base will be at either of these locations, though travel between sites will be required depending on project needs. University vehicles are used for such travel. On-site housing with furnishing and a kitchen will be available for $150/month.

Highest priority will be given to applications arriving by April 1.

Please send cover letter (including available working dates), one-page resume, and contact information for two references electronically to:

Artur Stefanski stefa066@umn.edu  University of Minnesota 1530 Cleveland Ave N. St Paul, MN 55108 USA

4) Research Technician Position

We seek an energetic, motivated research technician to participate in experiments on the ecology, physiology, and genomics of switchgrass. This is an exciting opportunity to participate in integrative research studying the genetic basis of ecological processes in an important native grass species. The position will be administered through the University of Texas at Austin (www.utexas.edu) and stationed with Philip Fay’s group at the USDA Grassland, Soil, and Water Lab in Temple, TX (https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/temple-tx/grassland-soil-and-water-research-laboratory/people/philip-fay/).

Please direct any questions about the position to Robert Heckman (robert.heckman@utexas.edu).

5) Two Research Assistant positions in entomology, Hong Kong

Two Research Assistant positions in entomology are available within the School of Biological Sciences and The Swire Institute of Marine Science at The University of Hong Kong (HKU). The position offers a two-year contract with competitive salary and benefits with an immediate starting date (or as soon as possible). The candidate must have a B.Sc. in entomology, ecology, biology, or related field. Any previous experience and/or specific interests for entomology will be highly valued for the position; in particular experience in sampling and/or specimen curation and identification for one or several of the following insect groups: Lepidoptera (moths), Lampyridae, and Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps). Good spoken and writing English skills are necessary.

Project description Mangroves represent one of the most threatened habitat globally with a poorly characterized biodiversity. The project will focus on an extensive biodiversity survey of mangroves in Hong Kong with a focus on both marine and terrestrial organisms. The two positions advertised here focusing on the entomofauna are part of interdisciplinary project surveying the fauna and flora of local mangroves led by Dr. Stefano Cannicci, Prof. Gray A. Williams and Dr. Benoit Guénard.

Successful applicants will be responsible for setting up sampling sites, using various collecting methods (Malaise traps, baiting, beating, artificial nest traps…), sorting and curating the specimens collected, performing identification and data entry within the project’s database. Candidates should thus posses excellent organization skills and be able to work for long hours in the hot and humid environments experienced in subtropical habitats; as well as showing diligence to complete intense entomological surveys (hundreds of thousands of specimens are expected); with a particular focus on three taxonomic groups: Lepidoptera (moths), Lampyridae, and Hymenoptera (ants, bees and non- parasitoid wasps). The entomological material collected will constitute the basis for the development of a reference collection and database in Hong Kong.

Interested candidates should initially email a letter of interest with a resume with relevant experience and contact information for two reference contacts to Dr. Benoit Guénard (bguenard@hku.hk). Application should be received before March 15th 2017.

Information about the research conducted in the Insect Biodiversity and Biogeography lab, Hard Rock Ecology Lab and Mangrove Ecology and Evolution lab are available at the following addresses: http://benoitguenard.wordpress.com/
https://www.biosch.hku.hk/research/ecology-biodiversity-2/ https://stefanocannicci.wordpress.com/

6) Summer Research Technician – Role of Birds in Lyme Disease, May 15 to August 29, 2017

Description: A paid opportunity is available to participate in research related to the role of birds and rodents in the ecology of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases The intern will gain knowledge and field experience while working on a long-term project studying the dynamics of infection in birds and mice on Block Island, RI. Responsibilities and learning opportunities include: bird mist netting, conducting bird point count surveys, small mammal trapping, collecting ticks from animals and the environment.

Requirements: Ability to identify common northeastern birds by sight and sound and previous experience doing bird point count surveys are required. Candidates must have completed, or be in the process of completing, a Bachelor’s degree in a biological science; must possess a valid driver’s license; and be able to hike outdoors while carrying equipment.

Logistics: The position will be based on Block Island, RI. Housing and transportation will be provided. Project PI: Maria Diuk-Wasser. If interested please send a resume, cover letter, and the names and emails of two references to mad2256@columbia.edu

7) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Position In Stream Ecology and Biogeochemistry

Carbon dynamics of overlapping consumer hotspots in stream ecosystems.  A research experience for undergraduates is available at the University of Oklahoma for the summer of 2017 with Drs. Caryn Vaughn and Thomas Parr to study stream consumer contributions to carbon biogeochemistry. This REU is part of our NSF funded project “Shifting hotspots – How do consumer aggregations interact to influence resource heterogeneity and fluxes in streams?”

The successful candidate will join a team of researchers looking at the effects of overlapping fish and mussel consumer aggregations on nutrient recycling rates, flux, and stoichiometry, and their implications for ecosystem functions like primary production. The student will work as part of this team in a greenhouse facility on the OU campus in Norman, OK and in the field in Southeastern Oklahoma. The student will also develop an independent project leveraging existing field sites and resources to complement this ongoing research.

The ideal candidate should be broadly interested in pursuing a career in Ecology or a related field, eager to learn new skills, hard-working, and detail oriented. The student will start on June 1st, 2017 at OU in Norman, OK (earlier start dates are negotiable). We will provide a stipend of $500/wk for 12 weeks ($6,000/summer) and funding to attend and present the work at one conference.

Eligibility: Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students who have received their bachelor’s degree or who are not currently enrolled as students at an institution are not eligible.

Students interested in this position should apply by March 31st 2017, but we will accept applications until a suitable candidate is identified. To apply, please send the following: 1. Resume or CV 2. A 1-2 page statement describing your interest in the position, career goals, and previous research experience. 3. Contact information for 2-3 references. 4. Unofficial copy of transcripts (including courses in progress).

Please send applications to: Thomas Parr (thomas.parr@ou.edu) Contact: Dr. Thomas Parr or Dr. Caryn Vaughn (cvaughn@ou.edu) with any questions. http://carynvaughn.com/research/

8) Seasonal Field Technician Positions Studying Vegetation and Pollinator Networks in Longleaf Pine Savanna

We seek to fill multiple field technician positions for a large-scale experiment testing how the restoration of longleaf pine ecosystem in the Southeastern United States impacts pollinator networks and the vegetation community. Primary job duties will include field, laboratory, and office tasks required for vegetation and pollinator sampling. The research for this field season has 2 major goals: 1) conducting a survey of diverse ground cover plant species across many experimental plots in the field and 2) collecting, processing, and identifying insect pollinators from blooming plants in order to construct plant- pollinator networks.

The ideal start date for this position would be in early June 2017, and it will last for approximately 6 months. Pay rate will be $10-12 per hour, commensurate with experience.  The technician will work at the Savannah River Site, live in a town near the site (Aiken or New Ellenton, SC, or Augusta, GA), and will join a team of Lars Brudvig, Rufus Isaacs, Jason Gibbs, and the lead technician (Sabrie Breland) based at The Savanna River Site. Housing is not provided, but low-cost options are available. Successful candidates will have, or be working towards, a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, or a related discipline. Previous field research experience is required, previous entomological or botanical field experience is highly desired. The successful applicant must be able to endure hot, humid conditions and long hours in the field.

To apply, please email a resume and a letter including descriptions of past experience that highlight entomology/botany/ecology experience, why this position is interesting or important to you, dates of availability, and contact information with email addresses for three references to Sabrie Breland (sabriejrb@gmail.com) with subject line “Seasonal technician application”. Review of application materials will begin immediately; applications received after March 31 will not be considered.

9) Research Experience for Undergraduates in Stream Ecology – Michigan Tech, Summer 2017

The Marcarelli Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology Lab is searching for a motivated student in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Science for a NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position. The student will work closely with Dr. Marcarelli and her graduate students to study the balance between nitrogen fixation and denitrification in streams and rivers.  The REU student will design a research project, conduct field work, analyze samples and data, and synthesize findings related to the core questions of this project:

  1. How do nitrogen cycle processes co-exist in small streams, large rivers, and adjacent wetlands? 2. How does nutrient enrichment shift the balance among nitrogen cycle processes? 3. How does community composition of algae and microbes relate to rates of nitrogen cycle processes?

There will be opportunities to conduct field work in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, participate in undergraduate research workshops, and present research results to the Michigan Tech community and possibly at a national conference.

The candidate must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and enrolled as an undergraduate student in Fall 2017.  The REU is expected to last 10 weeks (start/end date negotiable but should occur between June 1 and August 31 2017) with a total stipend of $5,000 and an additional $1,000 to offset the cost of summer lodging, which is available on campus at Michigan Tech.

To apply, please submit a cover letter (include a statement of interest, future plans, confirmation of eligibility, and preferred start/end dates), an up-to-date CV or resume, a recent transcript (unofficial is fine), and names and contact information for two references to Dr. Amy Marcarelli (ammarcar@mtu.edu). Application review will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Visit our lab webpage for a more in-depth view of our research and to meet the members of our team. http://marcarelli-lab.bio.mtu.edu/home

10) Jobs: Summer Lab/Field Technician Positions (Ohio)

The Gardiner Lab in the Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University is looking to hire several lab/field technicians for the coming field season. We are a landscape ecology lab based in Wooster, OH but we primarily conduct our research in the urban ecosystem of Cleveland, OH. Our NSF-funded research focuses on designing sustainable urban green spaces that are both cost-effective and better for the environment.

As one of our undergraduate researchers, you will gain both field and lab experience.

In the field, you might help establish experimental plots, set up insect traps, collect plant or insect samples, or maintain plots. Back at the laboratory, you might prepare equipment for different field work experiments, sort through samples and look for spiders or beetles, pin insect specimens, or help rear native bee larvae. We work hard, rain or shine, to collect our samples and are looking for undergraduates who can work effectively in outdoor settings, maintain positive attitudes, and who are detail orientated. A valid driver’s license is required.

At the end of your summer at the Gardiner Lab you can expect to gain: -An increased knowledge of Ohio’s diverse insect and plant communities -Skills in collecting unique arthropods including spiders, long legged flies, and bees -A resume-building research experience and potential letters of recommendation for future jobs

Pay: $9.50/Hour (up to 38 hours/week) Location: Wooster, OH @ OARDC Timing: mid-May to mid-August, 2017 Email Chris Riley at riley.595@osu.edu for more information or to submit your completed application! Applications Due March 20th! For best consideration please submit prior to this deadline but we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis after the due date.

11) Seasonal Technicians- Wetlands, Riparian Systems, Mapping, and Botany (3 – 4 positions), Utah

Title: Seasonal Technicians- Wetlands, Riparian Systems, Mapping, and Botany (3 – 4 positions) Work Location: Utah Geological Survey, Salt Lake City, UT Pay Rate: $12 – $14/hr; one technician with strong botany skills may be paid a higher rate Closing Date: March 12, 2017 Employment Period: End of May through end of September, with one or more technicians continuing past end date

Position Description:  The Utah Geological Survey is hiring seasonal technicians for a variety of aquatic projects, including: 1.     Conducting wetland field assessments to evaluate wetland health and refine an assessment protocol. Major tasks include taking water quality samples with a hand-held meter, describing soil profiles, and evaluating qualitative measures to describe wetland condition. An incumbent with suitable skills may also assist with collecting plant community data. Work will be with a two-person crew. 2.  Collecting basic data on springs and stream segments. Major tasks include using aerial imagery to identify target survey locations, navigating to both backcountry and front country locations, and collecting basic information on aquatic condition at springs and streams. Work will typically be carried out solo, but the incumbent will have access to an emergency beacon. 3.               Collecting stream geomorphology data. Major tasks include assessing cross-sections of a stream to identify bank stability, channel features, and riparian buffer. Work will be with a two-person crew. 4. Assisting with wetland mapping. Major tasks include conducting field reconnaissance to evaluate wetland boundaries and then mapping wetlands using field notes and aerial imagery in ArcGIS. 5.      Assisting with other duties as needed, such as data entry/data checking, map making using ArcMap, and drafting figures for scientific publication.

Likely all technicians will have the opportunity to participate in all of the above tasks, though technicians will be assigned a primary task based on their qualifications. Most of the field work will take place as day trips from our office in Salt Lake City, but some overnight travel may be necessary for some projects. Work days will typically consist of four 10+ hour days per week, but other schedules may sometimes be required. This position is a great opportunity to visit seldom-seen parts of Utah and to develop expertise in a variety of wetlands and aquatic systems across the state.

Required Qualifications: 1.           Completion of at least three years of education towards a bachelor’s degree in geology, ecology, biology, wetland science, botany, wildlife biology, or other related field. 2.     Ability to work independently with guidance and ability to collect data accurately and with attention to detail. 3.             Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules (including overnights), travel extensively, drive a State of Utah vehicle, hike moderate distances through occasionally rough terrain, and tolerate exposure to extreme heat, rain, biting insects, and other field nuisances.

Preference will be given to individuals with coursework or professional experience in at least one of the following areas (please mention in cover letter): 1.      ArcGIS (especially map making and digitizing from aerial imagery). 2.      National Wetland Inventory data and the Cowardin classification system. 4. Stream geomorphology concepts. 5.        Plant identification, especially wetland plants. 6.            Background in wetlands, streams, riparian areas, and/or aquatic systems. 7.         At least one season of field experience or demonstrated ability to conduct work outdoors. 8.            Collection practices for water quality data. 9.      Describing soil profiles and identifying hydric soil indicators. 10.               Photoshop/Illustrator      To apply, submit resume, cover letter, three references (with phone numbers), and available start date to Ryhan Sempler at the Utah Geological Survey, rsempler@utah.gov. Applications will be accepted through March 12.

12) Job: Field technician surveying Eastern Massasaugas in Ohio

A full-time seasonal position is available to assist with surveys and habitat assessments for the Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) as part of an Ohio Division of Wildlife sponsored conservation program with The Ohio State University. Work will entail establishing artificial cover transects; searching for and capturing snakes; collecting demographic and morphometric data; collecting scale and blood samples; inserting passive integrated transponders (PIT); and recording locations using a GPS unit. Habitat assessments will include recording data on vegetation composition/structure and refugia. Work will take place mainly in Northeast Ohio and shared housing will be provided in rural Ashtabula County.

Duration: May 8 – August 11, 2017 Pay: $10.12-$11.50/hr

Attributes of a successful applicant include:

Willing and able to work long hours in inclement weather (heat, rain, etc.) with exposure to mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, and noxious plants. Committed to maintaining a safe work environment. Dedication to accurate and thorough data collection. Ability to lift 50 lbs. and navigate rough terrain. Possess a valid driver’s license, insurance, and their own reliable transportation.

To apply, go to the OSU job board at: https://www.jobsatosu.com/postings/76597 (Job ID 425750) Please submit the following: Cover letter indicating you meet the job requirements and your available start and end dates, if different than those posted. Resume that includes details of any previous experiences (paid or unpaid) relevant to the current position; Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of two references.

13) Field technician positions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University is hiring two technicians to assist with vegetation plot sampling in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Supervisor: Mike Jenkins Approximate hours a week:  40 Duration of Position: Mid-May to August 2017 Compensation: $10.35/hour

Job Description: Field technicians will assist with vegetation data collection on vegetation monitoring plots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a graduate student whose research examines forest community response to the hemlock woolly adelgid. This job will require spending the summer in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fieldwork will include woody vegetation identification and sampling in plots throughout the park, as well as collecting environmental data. The position will require hiking through rough terrain and frequent backcountry camping. Housing will be provided.

Qualifications: Woody plant identification skills required Experience with backcountry navigation using GPS, topographic maps and compass desired Previous field work experience preferred Backpacking experience desired Must possess a valid driver’s license Must be able to work outdoors in remote conditions, in rough terrain and under inclement weather conditions Must be in good physical fitness

Deadline to Apply: 3/15/2017 or until positions are filled

To apply: Send cover letter, résumé (including contact information for two references), unofficial transcript, and dates of availability to Meghan Mulroy (mmulroy@purdue.edu) or Mike Jenkins (jenkinma@purdue.edu)

14) REU in plant invasions

The Wright lab at Duke University will be hiring an REU student to work on our project investigating the effects of the invasive grass, Microstegium vimineum, on native ecosystems.  The student will develop an independent project that is nested within a larger collaborative project between Duke, Indiana and the University of Florida.  Possible topics include investigating the effects of the invasive species on native plant biodiversity or arthropod communities across a range of invasion intensity.

The program will start on May 22nd and last 10 weeks and we will provide a stipend. If you are interested, please send your CV, a letter describing your interest in the project, and the names and contact information of 2 references to Justin Wright (jw67@duke.edu).

15) Native Bee Ecology Lab Hiring Seasonal Field Technician for Spring/Summer 2017

Position: Seasonal Field Technician in Ecology Project: Effects of floral resource dynamics on bumblebee colonies and populations Location: University of California Davis Employer: University of California Davis Dates: Mar 27 to Aug 4 Pay: $15.46 per hour (Lab Assistant 1)

Application Deadline: March 10th, 2017 (we encourage early submissions)

We are seeking: a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual to work as a full- time field technician from Mar 27 to August 4 at the University of California at Davis on an NSF-funded project exploring the effects of resource dynamics on bumble bee colony and population dynamics. This project is collaboratively run by Neal Williams (UC Davis) and Elizabeth Crone (Tufts University). The technician will be based in the Williams lab at UC Davis and will work closely with 3 other team members, including two postdoctoral researchers.

Project Background: In the past decade, there has been a groundswell of interest in the effects of landscape change on pollinator populations and communities, especially those of bees. This interest is fueled by concerns over pollinator declines and implications for plant pollination globally. Bumblebees are a particularly important group of social insect pollinators that are also of conservation concern. We are exploring how resource dynamics affect colony- level demography and foraging dynamics of Bombus vosnesenskii. To do this, we are carrying out a field experiment in which colonies are exposed to different resource conditions – some will be given supplemental food resources, while others will have access only to ambient resources in the local environment. We are tracking the weights of all experimental colonies across the season, and will also be collecting pollen samples from individual bees as they return to the nest. Up to 48 colonies will be placed across 12 field sites that are located up to 1.5 driving hours from the UC Davis campus. Most sites require no more than an hour of driving to access. A University vehicle will be available for the technician to use for fieldwork.

Qualifications: The field technician will participate in all aspects of data collection for this field experiment. Employee must be willing to drive multiple hours in a day to access field sites and to move between field sites. Responsibilities will include weighing live colonies and handling live bees. Previous experience conducting field research (through employment and/or education) is required. Individual must be capable of working outdoors in the summer heat and comfortable working with live bee colonies. Applicants must be willing to work independently and as a part of a team. Excellent organizational skills are a must. Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record. See official job posting for further details.

TO APPLY: Your official application, to include a cover letter and 1-2 page resume, should be submitted through UC Davis (Requisition # 03018517). Cover letter should convey specific relevant research experience and describe interest in the current project.  If you have questions about the position, please contact Rosemary Malfi (postdoc) by email: rlmalfi@ucdavis.edu.

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.