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Home » Washington
Tag: Washington

Undergrad Research Opportunities 04/17/2017

April 24, 2017 by armsworth

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.

Filed Under: intern, Undergrad News Tagged With: AGU, Alabama, Alberta, California, Canada, DC, deer, Florida, Forestry, Georgia, IMMS, Indiana, intern, invasive, marine mammal, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, technician, Villanova, Washington

Undergrad Research Opportunities 04/03/2017

April 4, 2017 by armsworth

1) REU Position Available – Northeastern Marine Science Center

BOWEN LAB, Marine Science Center, Northeastern University REU POSITION AVAILABLE

The Bowen lab focuses on how the structure and function of microbial communities are affected by human activities as well as how microbial communities alter their environment, from whole ecosystems like salt marshes to oysters, lobsters and plants. You can learn more about our research here: https://www.northeastern.edu/bowen_lab/

We are hiring one REU student for the summer to work on a project focused on salt marsh nutrient cycling.  The REU will be trained in both molecular and biogeochemical techniques.  Two possible projects for the REU to tackle include, though we are also happy to consider other project ideas that facilitate the student’s interests: 1) investigate the effects of sulfide on nitrate reduction pathways and microbial communities involved in these pathways in salt marsh sediments; 2) investigate the response of salt marsh fungal communities to nitrate addition.

The REU duration is 10 weeks, but timing is flexible.  The student will be based at Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center in Nahant, MA.  Public transportation from Northeastern Main Campus is available by shuttle (departs 9 AM, returns 5 PM) or students can drive to Nahant directly.  Work outside of those windows of time will be necessary so having independent transportation, while not imperative, is desirable.  The position comes with a $5000 stipend and $1500 to cover the cost of research.

We are particularly interested in mentoring students who are looking to pursue graduate education in the fields of ecology or environmental science, that have excelled in coursework at their home institution, and have expressed interest in academic research. Priority will be given to underrepresented and/or first- generation college students from under-resourced families and communities.  If you are interested in applying for this position please send a resume, unofficial copies of your transcript, and a cover letter that describes your research interest and experience, and your future goals, along with the names and contact information for two letters of reference to Jennifer Bowen at je.bowen@northeastern.edu by April 15, 2017.

2) Job: Research Assistant in Pollinator Health Purdue University

Research Laboratory/Field Technician Position in Ecology/Entomology Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Position Summary: Salary: $10/hour. End-date: August 2017 with the possibility of extension.

Full-time field/laboratory technician position available starting end of April or first week of May 2017 in the Kaplan Lab at Purdue University. The research technician will assist graduate students and post- doctoral scientists with research focused in ecology and entomology.  Specific position activities include data collection and analysis of an experiment examining the trade-off in pest management and pollinator health in watermelons. The position may also include work on many other insect ecology projects within the lab. The candidate will be responsible for organizing and managing field work, data collection, sample preparation, data compilation and overall maintenance of laboratory and field supplies. The technician must hold a valid driver’s license so that they can travel between the lab and field locations; a vehicle will be provided.

Successful candidates will have demonstrated organizational skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, pay close attention to detail and ask questions for clarity. Previous experience in field-based research, especially insect identification, is desired but not required. To apply please e-mail the following materials to John Ternest, jternest@purdue.edu 1) statement of interest, 2) CV, and 3) list of three references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers). Include all materials in one Word or PDF file, and include your last name in the file name for immediate consideration. Application deadline April 7 or until the position is filled.

3) Two REU positions in northern Alaska

We are seeking enthusiastic undergraduate researchers interested in summer field research in Alaska for two REU positions in the Bret-Harte and Ruess labs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  Our overall research objective is to understand the ecosystem and global consequences of potential future changes in arctic vegetation.  In this project, we are focusing on the mechanisms by which increasing abundance of large deciduous shrubs in tundra ecosystems may alter the near-surface cycling of C and N, and feedbacks to further vegetation change. You will assist with fieldwork in arctic tundra and laboratory work consisting of tasks such as plant sorting and data entry. You will collaborate closely with the principal investigators, graduate students, and technicians to develop an independent research project of your own that will build on the ongoing research, and will present your work at an informal symposium at the Toolik Field Station. In addition, you will attend weekly seminars on the research at the station. You will be based at the Toolik Field Station, north of the Brooks Range in arctic Alaska (http://toolik.alaska.edu), which is the focus of research by nearly >100 scientists who work on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecology projects.  The positions will last approximately 10 weeks, starting in mid-June, though there is some flexibility.

Class background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology, statistics, and computer science would be an advantage.  Experience in field or laboratory, experience with data analysis, and experience working in a remote field site is preferred.  You should have skills with plant identification, data collecting and recording, data manipulation in Excel, and data analysis. You must be willing to work in the field, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.  A valid U.S. drivers’s license is preferred.  Competent, careful, emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people desired!  We want the work to be both fun and challenging.  You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, with graduation expected no sooner than fall 2017.  You must provide a copy of your social security card at the time of employment.  Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in this position, send 1) a copy of your resume, including the names and contact information for 3 references, 2) a list of your coursework in biology, ecology, chemistry, and math/statistics, and 3) a cover letter than explains why you are interested, describes your background and research experience, and includes anything that you think would convince us that you are the most appropriate person for this position, to Syndonia Bret-Harte, msbretharte@alaska.edu by April 10, 2017. We will contact you to discuss the position.

4) Jobs: invasive plant crew leader and crew member positions

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in Cass Lake, Minnesota is hiring a biological technician/crew leader and multiple invasive species crew members for the 2017 summer field season. The following jobs are posted at http://www.llojibwe.org/jobs/llbojobs.html. See instructions for applying at the top of the page. The closing date for these postings is April 7, 2017.

Seasonal Biological Technician/Crew Leader ~ DRM ~ $13.00/hr. ~ Job Code: 17- 060 VALID CLASS D DRIVER’S LICENSE, SIGNED MVR FORM Summary; Responsible for assisting the DRM Botanist with a multitude of projects throughout the field season. Many of these projects deal with the control of invasive species found within the Leech Lake Reservation and Chippewa National Forest. Education/Experience: B.S. degree in Natural Resources Management, Biology, Forestry or equivalent studies preferred.  Proven experience as a good crew leader is also desired. Duties/Responsibilities: Collect field data for the purpose of progress reports, plus maintain a daily log of activities. Insure the field crew is following protocol for all projects. Occasionally assist DRM Botanist in botanical surveys, assessments of plant communities, plus various other projects not related to invasive species control. Assist in the implementation of habitat enhancement projects for plants and/or wildlife on the reservation.

Seasonal Invasive Species Crew Member (6) ~ DRM ~ $12.00/hr. ~ Job Code: 17- 059 VALID CLASS D DRIVER’S LICENSE, SIGNED MVR FORM Summary: Responsible for assisting the DRM Botanist or Crew Leader with a multitude of projects throughout the field season. Many of these projects deal with the control of invasive species found within the Leech Lake Reservation and Chippewa National Forest. Education/Experience: Preference for individuals who are pursuing an A.S. or B.S. degree in Natural Resources Management, Biology, Forestry or equivalent studies. Interest and experience in the control of non-native invasive species. Duties/Responsibilities: Complete work and tasks in a timely manner as directed by the LLDRM Botanist or Crew Leader. Follow strict protocol for field work to insure goals are being achieved. Work under the direction of the Botanist and/or crew leader to implement a variety of control methods for invasive species (mechanical control, bio-control release, etc). Assist in the implementation of habitat enhancement projects for plants and/or wildlife on the reservation.

Please contact Katie Zlonis (wink0113@d.umn.edu) with any questions.

5) Internship: Costa Rican Birds

Intern needed for an ongoing project on bird conservation in San Luis de Monteverde, Costa Rica (near the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve), conducted by Nate Nibbelink’s spatial ecology lab at the University of Georgia. Duties include mist netting and banding over 130 species of birds, attaching GPS transmitters to two species (Lesson’s Motmots and Blue-throated Toucanets), recovering transmitters via radio telemetry, conducting avian visual/auditory point counts, occasional vegetation surveys, and assistance with interviews of conservation organization personnel. These activities will require frequent early mornings. Position starts May 20 and lasts until mid-August (end date is flexible), with the possibility of extension until December 20. Housing will be covered, but intern is expected to pay for his/her flight to Costa Rica and meals.

The intern will have the opportunity to live and work in the tropics and experience a stunning array of biodiversity, including viewing and handling many different bird species. The intern will learn how to conduct avian point, band birds, use radio telemetry to locate transmitters, and strengthen his/her Spanish language skills.

Qualifications: Conversational Spanish ability, a passion for birds, a valid passport, a strong work ethic, and a capacity to work long hours (and early mornings) in the field in rugged terrain are required. Preference will be given to applicants with prior banding, radio telemetry, and/or point counting experience. To apply, send a recent CV highlighting your qualifications for the position and including contact information for three professional references with “Costa Rica Bird Internship” in the subject line to Cody Cox at codycox75@uga.edu.

Location: San Luis de Monteverde, Costa Rica Salary: $500/month (housing included) Start Date: 5/20/2017 Last Date to Apply: 4/21/2017 Contact Person: Cody Cox Contact email: codycox75@uga.edu Contact Phone: 404-964-9771

6) Field Technician I – Botany Needed Oak Ridge, TN

COMPANY OVERVIEW Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEONTM)project, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data.  Once structures are completed, a leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

JOB SUMMARY The Field Technician reports to the Field Operations Manager and will be hired as a Field Technician I level depending on skills, experience, and education. •       Field Technician I – The Field Technician I is a biological sampling lead performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities and sample processing. Seasonal field sampling is conducted with the assistance of temporary field crews under the guidance of the Field Technician.

LOCATION Based in the Appalachian-Cumberland Plateau, the research conducted at  Domain 07 is primarily located within the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians and Blue Ridge Mountain physiographic provinces. The domain is comprised of three research sites: 1] Core site (ORNL) at Oak Ridge, TN, 2] remote site (GRSM) at Great Smokey Mountains National Park, TN, and 3] remote site (MLBS) at Mountain Lake Biological Station near Pembroke, VA. The terrain at all three sites ranges from ridge-and-valley medium-cover deciduous forest with elevations ranging from 800 to 1200 feet, to  heavily forested mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from 876’ to 6643’.

Domain 07 is host to one of the largest and most diverse stands of temperate old- growth forest in North America. Along with the splendor of the observation sites, Domain 07 also has trying aspects such as challenging off-trail hiking terrain, stinging insects, venomous snakes, and the occasional contact with a curious black bear or a territorial wild boar.

The climate of the domain ranges from the temperate in the spring and fall to the discordant in mid-summer and winter. While winters are cool, frequent snow events and ice storms can make travel problematic. Peak sampling in the summer can also be cumbersome with temperatures in the 90s and high humidity Nearby Knoxville is a regional destination for outdoor enthusiasts. If you love outdoors and crave a variety of outdoor activities, then D07 is the place to be.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Botany emphasis: •     Lead, perform and coordinate plant phenology, diversity, biogeochemistry and productivity measurements. •   Identify local flora to species using techniques including: general observation, field references, dichotomous key, comparison with identified specimens, or other identification methods. Local species identification skills are used to complete activities such as plant diversity observations, classification of phenological stages of local flora, and sorting of plants and debris into functional group or category. •  Collect and process samples for activities such as clip harvest, biomass, canopy foliage and leaf area index measurements as well as vegetation structure measurements. •             Map and measure structural metrics of free-standing woody stems.

General duties include: •              Report activities, completed work, and sampling problems according to Field Operations protocols. •            Inspect, maintain and operate field, safety and laboratory equipment. •               Operate laboratory equipment (e.g. Wiley Mill, drying oven, analytical balance, centrifugal mill, pH meter, microscope, and muffle furnace). •              Assist the Field Operations Manager with recruiting and training of seasonal field personnel. •               Provide instruction and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel. •               Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation as well as measuring and marking plots. •       Assist the Field Operations Manager with materials planning, inventory and ordering as well as day-to-day oversight of personnel and scheduling of activities coordinated from the field office. •       Follow NEON safety and Field Operations policy and procedures.

Field activities may include: •     Follow established, standardized field protocols for sample collection and handling; record and verify accuracy of data from sample collections; process samples in the laboratory; send samples to external analytical labs. Train and lead field crews performing the aforementioned items. •              Perform other field sampling activities as assigned including: ground beetle collection (pitfall trapping), mosquito collection (CO2 light traps, tick collection (dragging and flagging) and soil core collection. •     Test, troubleshoot and operate tower, soil and aquatic instruments, calibration equipment and test fixtures. •               Inspect and maintain civil infrastructure including boom arms, sensor mounts, towers, boardwalks and instrument huts. •          Monitor and sample aquatic sites for water quality, biological indicators and physical properties of site (e.g. gaging streams, geomorphic mapping).

Physical demands: •       The work is physical and involves walking, hiking, prolonged standing, walking and bending. Heavy items (e.g. equipment and packs up to 40 pounds) must be lifted and carried on a routine basis. • Work environment: •     Field work includes exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, and wild animals. Tower work involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 300 feet which will include ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs.

REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS •              Ability to work in a team environment. •      Experience should include performing scientific data entry and data management. • Ability to hike off-trail to assigned field site for long distances carrying field equipment (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods of time. • Ability and willingness to travel overnight frequently (e.g. semi-monthly for 3-4 nights).

Field Technician I •          Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, environmental sciences or related scientific discipline. •      One (1) or more years’ of related experience.

Leadership: •     Effective leadership skills and the ability to motivate others. •     Effective problem solving skills and the ability to determine and act on changing priorities in a fast paced dynamic environment. •  Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities.

Skills: • Ability to perform minor troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of field equipment. •               Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. •             Ability and willingness to learn and adopt new technologies as needed. •             Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • High level of attention to detail and accuracy. •  Ability to make effective decisions that take into consideration safety and operational standards.

Working conditions: •    Ability and willingness to work varied field operations schedules (up to 12+ hours per day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early mornings, evenings and weekends. •       Ability and willingness to work on towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 300 feet including ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs on instrument towers. •               Perform field assignments in a variety of terrain and of weather conditions including cold and wet winter weather and extreme heat. •            Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise. •              Ability and willingness to travel overnight frequently (e.g. semi-monthly for 3-4 nights) is required.

Must possess a current and valid State issued driver’s license with insurable Department of Motor vehicle record (parking violations, minor driving offenses excluded) as determined by Battelle Ecology Inc.’s insurance provider.

Must have permanent authorization for US employment. Battelle Ecology, Inc. will not provide any kind of visa sponsorship.

This position offers competitive total rewards including 401(k), health, vision and dental insurance, paid time off and the opportunity to work at an organization with a great mission.

Battelle Ecology, Inc. provides employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, or disability. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle Ecology, Inc.

7) SciComm Intern in ESA’s Washington, DC office

ESA seeks an energetic ecology, biology, or environmental science student or recent graduate with strong communication skills to help raise awareness of events at ESA and the research published in our scholarly journals.

The communications intern will work with Liza Lester, ESA’s public information manager, to track news stories about the society and its publications, update webpages, and share society news through ESA’s social media channels. Though the primary duties are databasing, webpage upkeep, and social media messaging, there may be opportunities to write or produce other creative work for ESA’s news page, Ecotone, pending time available and demonstrated ability.

Specific Activities: * Data entry: track coverage of ESA in the news using Google search tools and record details in our news archive; collate information on presenters at ESA’s annual meeting * Web content: format graphics and text for publication on ESA webpages; locate and caption appropriate images to illustrate news items * Social media: create and schedule teasers for research articles, presentations, news, and events * Fact-checking: research biographical details and other background information for ESA news articles.

Qualifications: * Graduate student, senior undergraduate, or recent graduate of a biological or environmental sciences program * Experience and interest in ecological research and science communication * Demonstrated writing ability * Familiar with Microsoft Excel, Flickr, Twitter, and Facebook * Familiar with ESA scholarly journals a plus * Basic HTML skills a plus * Willing to perform data-entry and other basic tasks * Willing to learn as needed and follow directions * Must enjoy working effectively as part of a team * Ability to maintain confidentiality * Hours are flexible, but you must be available to work 10-20 hours per week in ESA’s downtown Washington, DC office during business hours (9am-6pm; M-F)

This is a paid, part-time internship based in ESA’s downtown Washington, DC office. The position is funded through June 30, 2017 and pays $15 per hour. Applicants must be available to work a regular schedule, 10-20 hours per week during business hours (9am-6pm; M-F).

How to apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to Liza Lester, LLester@esa.org. Please put “Communications Intern” in the subject line. The position is open until filled.

8) IMMS Education Internship (Summer)

IMMS Education Internship (Summer) Internship Timeframe Deadline to Apply: April 15 Summer Internship:  May 15 – August 4 *We may be able to offer some flexibility on dates, so please note earliest and latest availability on your application.

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (“IMMS”) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 for the purposes of public education, conservation, and research on marine mammals in the wild and under human care. Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, IMMS has been an active participant of the National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the premier stranding organization in the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast with the capability and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals. IMMS serves as an important educational outlet for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, incorporating programs for conservation, education and research of marine mammals and their environment.

Program Description The IMMS Education Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in science education to gain valuable hands-on experience in a real-world informal educational setting. Interns will participate in our daily public programs that educate our visitors about marine mammals and sea turtles, as well as issues affecting their habitats. Summer interns will also spend at least one week in our Ocean Expo summer camp program working as an aide to a certified teacher. Interns will further their knowledge by working in other IMMS departments, including Research, Animal Care & Training, and Veterinary/Stranding. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and practical involvement in marine science education. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Positions are limited and IMMS reserves the right to end an internship at any time.

Principal Duties -Demonstrate science concepts and interpret live animal displays for guests participating in: -Daily public tours, -Student field trips, -Mini Camp (Field experience for students from middle school to college), -Summer Camp (Day camp for ages 5 to 17, with off campus components), -Dozing with Dolphins (Overnight program for scouts and other youth groups), -Public outreach (Local events like boat shows or seasonal festivals). -Assist IMMS staff in preparing and maintaining program equipment and materials, including: -Organizing equipment and materials for daily use, – Cleaning and stowing equipment after use, – Making copies, – Running errands, – Cleaning display cases. As a component of the IMMS Summer Camp or Mini Camp program interns may have the opportunity to: -Serve as assistant on kayaking trips, -Serve as assistant on trips to Ship Island (Gulf Islands National Seashore).

Secondary Duties -Assist IMMS staff in caring for Education reptile collection: -Feed & weigh resident snakes, alligators and freshwater turtles -Update feeding & health records, -Clean and maintain wet and dry habitats.

As their departmental schedules permit interns may also: -Assist in the animal care department with daily feedings/cleanup/observation of trainingsessions, -Assist the aquarist with daily feedings, water chemistry, and maintenance of fresh and saltwatertanks and touch pools, -Assist in the research department with wild dolphin photo identification, -Attend a research boating trip to observe dolphins, if available, -Assist in the stranding department (turtle feeding, vet tech work, data input). -Attend a necropsy and a turtle release, if available.

Eligibility Requirements -Applicant must be 18 or older. -Applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. -Applicant must be available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. IMMS operates 7 days per week and has some evening programs so your work week may not be 9AM – 5PM, Monday – Friday -Applicant must be a recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences or education. -Applicant must maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. -Applicant must be comfortable with public speaking and using a microphone. -Applicants should be comfortable working with audiences “K-to-Gray”, but especially elementary age children. -Applicant must be comfortable with handling different types of crabs and reptiles (snakes, alligators, turtles). -Applicant must have good organizational skills. -Applicant must be financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist interns in suggesting suitable housing and locations. -Applicant must be able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations. -Applicant should keep in mind that the summer climate on the Gulf Coast is HOT and HUMID and that they will be required to work outside.

Please send the following documents to: acassel@imms.org with “Education Internship” in the subject line. -Download and complete the IMMS Education Internship Application (Save the application in pdf form to your computer FIRST then fill in the form. Otherwise your information will not be saved to the form when emailed) -Resume -Two letters of recommendation – provide one academic and one work/volunteer (related reference if applicable). Letters may be emailed from the applicant or the person providing the recommendation letter. -A one-two page statement of interest – describe your background, pertinent experiences, interests, and accomplishments (include how this internship will benefit you). If you believe you may have difficulty complying with one or more of the required duties or responsibilities due to a physical limitation or other reason, please address these concerns in the statement of interest. -A copy of your current college transcript. Applicants may submit an unofficial copy.

Documents must be in one of the following formats – .Pdf, .Doc, .Docx, and must be submitted together with your first and last name and the date (yyyy/Month) your internship would begin in the file name. Ex: 2015May_Jane_Doe_Resume 2015May_Jane_Doe_Statement 2015May_Jane_Doe_Transcript

9) Junior Research Specialist in Pollination Biology at UC Davis

A full-time one year field and lab resarch position working on pollination and native plant restoration for pollinators in the Williams Lab at UC Davis. Pay scale: $17.99/hr; eligible for health benefits Closing date: Apply by April 7, 2017  for full consideration by the committee; applications will be accepted until May 5, 2017 but those received after April 7 will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

DESCRIPTION Job Summary: Full time position working on pollinator habitat restoration in agricultural landscapes Job Description: Native plant restoration for pollinators in the Williams lab at UC Davis. The successful candidate will assist with multi-faceted collaborative research exploring best methods to establish and maintain native wild flower habitat to support pollinators in California agricultural landscapes and the creation of scholarly output from these efforts. The responsibilities are multi-dimensional and require a person to link different project aspects effectively. She/he will participate in preparation and planting of research plots at UC experiment farm sites and grower-collaborator sites in CA. She/he will manage study plots for weed control and irrigation throughout the year. She will work with PI and senior staff to develop extension publications and coordinate activities (field days, presentations) on best management and planting design for varying landscapes and crop types. This will involve summarizing past research from literature and other sources and synthesis of current research efforts. The ideal candidate will have strong independent organizational skills and be able to assess changing field situations and make reasoned decisions for implementation on the fly, with input from advisors. The individual must have a desire to take ownership for field site operations and to translate operations to recommendations and best management recommendations. Essential Responsibilities: 70% — Communicate with a diverse network of local farmers to manage research plots on local farms. Assist with establishment, routine monitoring and ongoing maintenance of native wildflower restorations designed to bolster pollinators and pollination service.  Assess restoration plantings for maintenance needs and implement maintenance independently and as crew lead, including hand-weeding, herbicide spraying, weed-whacking, flame weeding, mowing, setting up and operating irrigation infrastructure, installing solarization plots and operating seeders. Operate tractors, ATVs, backpack sprayers, broadcast sprayers, and other heavy farm equipment as necessary. 30% — Collect vegetation data within experimental plots. Observe and collect native bee and other insect visitors on wildflower plantings and crops.  Assist with specimen curation and data entry.

Development goals • Develop expertise in wildflower plot establishment, maintenance and operations. • Gain expertise in sampling methodologies to assess pollinator habitat functioning. • Gain experience working with diverse farmer populations in Northern CA. • Develop working skills in data summary, basic spatial methods (GIS) and insect curation.

Physical Demands: •       Work in the field and laboratory. •           Work in proximity to all kinds of plant materials and insects. • Bend and stoop to hoe, weed and irrigate plots. -Maneuver/lift material weighing up to 50 pounds •          Requires focus and energy to capture bees and other insects using a hand- held net. • Requires working in the field under hot sunny conditions for long hours

JOB LOCATION: Davis, CA APPLY ONLINE AT UC DAVIS: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF01505 REQUIREMENTS •    Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V. • Cover Letter (applications without cover letters will not be considered) •             3-5 references (contact information only) •          Statement of Contributions to Diversity – Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.html for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.

10) Job Outreach Announcement: Summer small-mammal trapping field technicians

Job Announcement: Summer small-mammal trapping field technicians GS – 4, 5, 6, 7 Duty Station: Alta, Sacramento, Placerville, CA Reply Due:  April 12, 2017

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the vacancy announcement for this position complete the attached Outreach Notice Response Form and return it to eabelson@fs.fed.us.

This notification is being circulated to inform prospective applicants of this upcoming opportunity.  If you are interested in receiving a copy of the vacancy announcement (job announcement) for this position complete the attached Outreach Notice Response at the bottom of this email and return it to eabelson@fs.fed.us.

POSITION INFORMATION: Temporary Biological Sciences Technician (Wildlife) with the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: Series 0404, Grade 4, 5, 6 and 7.  Duty station: Alta, Sacramento or Placerville, California.

Start and end dates: At least three contiguous month period between May 2017 to end of September 2017

Salary:  Approximately $2,500 – $3,500/month depending on GS grade (4, 5, 6 or 7)

Project description: Project focuses on wildlife movement in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California (study area falls in the general area of Auburn, Cisco and Nevada City, CA) with a duty station in Alta, Sacramento or Placerville CA (dependent on project needs).  Understanding how roads isolate wildlife populations is critical to guide future mitigation efforts.  This work aims at developing a better understanding of how structures that provide safe passage across the road (e.g. culverts) help connect wildlife populations on opposite sides of the road.  We use small mammal traps, along with road-kill surveys, to examine the effects of roads broadly across the landscape.

Duties: Lead a team responsible for monitoring wildlife.  Applicant should be responsible, organized and motivated.  Field teams will predominantly be working with small-mammal traps but may also assist in road-kill surveys, camera-traps (remotely-triggered wildlife-cameras), and assessing underpasses for wildlife suitability.  Field work will involve navigating and hiking across rugged terrain to field sites while carrying heavy equipment.  Field work may also be largely focused on the road verges and will likely require extensive work on the road-side.  During periods without field work, efforts will be focused on data entry and identifying wildlife species in camera-trap photos.  Small-mammal trapping occurs in the early morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) and again in the early evening (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM) to ensure small mammal safety.

Requirements: Must have experience handling small-mammals, working with small-mammal live-traps and California small-mammal identification. Applicant should have previous supervisory experience and be comfortable managing conflict.  Applicant should be detail oriented with the ability to take careful notes in field and office settings (Microsoft Excel experience).  Applicant should be in good physical condition with the ability to hike at high elevation and in rugged terrain while carrying equipment.  Applicant should be comfortable working outdoors and in challenging field conditions (e.g. hot/cold) including along roadsides.  Applicant should have basic competency using GPS/maps to locate field sites.  Available to work full-time (40 hours/week).

Desired qualifications (not required): Driver license; experience with camera-traps, possibility to work alternative schedules (e.g. 4 days on with 3 days off; 40 hr/week average) & an interest in ecology and wildlife biology. PACIFIC SOUTHWEST RESEARCH STATION

If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete this form and send it by e-mail to eabelson@fs.fed.us Please respond no later than April 12, 2017 INTERESTED APPLICANT INFORMATION: NAME: EMAIL ADDRESS: MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE NUMBER: TYPE OF CURRENT APPOINTMENT: (if applicable) PERMANENT –TEMPORARY –TERM CURRENT STATION/LAB/REGION/FOREST/DISTRICT: (if applicable) CURRENT PAY or SERIES AND GRADE: (if applicable) CURRENT POSITION TITLE: I AM ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL NON-COMPETITIVE HIRING AS: VRA (Veterans Recruitment Authority) SCHEDULE A (Persons with disabilities) Reinstatement (prior permanent career/career conditional employees) OTHER **Note: for candidates that do not understand what these authorities mean, or the criteria that needs to be met in order to be eligible for non-competitive hiring authorities, please see the information below. 30% or More Compensable Disabled Veterans: Temporary and career opportunities can be provided to qualified disabled veterans who were discharged because of a service-connected disability or retired with a disability rating of 30% or more, and have been rated by the VA since 1991 or later as having a compensable service- connected disability of 30% or more. OPM.Gov/Strategic Management of Human Capital Veteran’s Recruitment Authority (VRA): Allows for temporary and career opportunities for positions at grade levels through GS-11. Qualified veterans must be disabled or, have served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or, received an Armed Forces Service Medal or, was recently (within the last 3 years) separated from active duty. OPM.Gov/Strategic Management of Human Capital

11) Santa Barbara LTER REU

A full time, three month REU internship is available as soon as May 2017. Successful applicants will assist the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research (SBC LTER) project in its investigations of factors (environmental, physiological) influencing the availability and utilization of various dissolved nitrogen species by macroalgae (and phytoplankton) in giant kelp forests off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. The project is an excellent opportunity to apply concepts of general chemistry and biology to answer fundamental questions about the functioning of important, sensitive coastal ecosystems.

Please send a resume, a statement of interest, and the names and contact information of two references to Jason Smith jmsmith@ucsb.edu

Please apply by April 15th for full consideration.

12) Santa Barbara REU

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, 2016.

13) Summer Forest Technician positions

We are seeking 3 full-time summer field assistants from the beginning of June through mid August, 2017.  We are looking for candidates that are interested and qualified for a project funded by Indiana University and the Smithsonian Institution’s Forest Global Earth Observatory.  The positions will work as a team to re-census trees in an old growth forest near Nashville, Indiana.  Qualified applicants should be: 1) adept at tree identification of eastern US hardwood species 2) familiar with basic forest mensuration techniques 3) be willing to work in various weather conditions and able to carry loads across rugged terrain. Other duties may include data entry and dendrometer band measurement and installation.  The pay rate is $15/hr.

Send cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position and any conflicts with the time frame, resume or CV, and contact information for two references by April 19th to Daniel Johnson at djj4tree@gmail.com.

Filed Under: intern, REU, Undergrad News Tagged With: Alaska, birds, Botany, California, Costa Rica, Davis, DC, Fairbanks, IMMS, Indiana, intern, internship, invasive, LTER, mammal, marine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Northeastern, Oak Ridge, pollination, Purdue, REU, SciComm, Washington

Undergrad Research Opportunities 03/06/2017

March 7, 2017 by armsworth

1) NSF REU position with Anderson lab (UGA) at RMBL

Jill Anderson and Susana Wadgymar at the University of Georgia are searching for an enthusiastic undergraduate with a strong interest in evolutionary ecology for field research in an NSF REU position (National Science Foundation, Research Experience for Undergraduates) from June-August 2017.

We study the ecological and evolutionary consequences of climate change for natural plant populations. We focus on research on Drummond’s rockcress (Boechera stricta in the plant family Brassicaceae), a mustard plant native to the Rocky Mountains. Our studies take place around the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab (http://www.rmbl.org/), which is located in Gothic, Colorado near the wildflower capital of Colorado (Crested Butte).  We quantify plant fitness and traits to ask whether climate change could disrupt long-standing patterns of local adaptation, and to test whether phenotypic plasticity will enable populations to persist in the short-term. We perform large-scale reciprocal transplant experiments to examine patterns of adaptive evolution and natural selection in contemporary landscapes. Since fall 2013, we have planted ~60,000 seeds and seedlings into five experimental gardens ranging in elevation from 2500 m to 3340 m (8202 feet to 11000 feet). Our summer research involves intensive monitoring of these experimental plants to record data on germination success, survival, growth, reproductive success, as well as life history and morphological traits. We conduct most of our work in the field, with a small proportion of indoor lab work. The successful candidate will assist with ongoing fieldwork. In addition, there are many opportunities for students to develop independent projects associated with our overall objectives, including studies on: 1) population divergence in ecologically-relevant traits, especially drought, UV tolerance, and herbivore resistance; 2) phenotypic plasticity at multiple spatial scales; 3) population density and species composition of the herbivore community that attacks Drummond’s rockcress; 4) flower color polymorphism; and 5) the importance of maternal effects in biological responses to climate change.

We are offering a stipend of $500/week for a full time REU student (40 hours/week) for 10 weeks.  The exact start and end dates are flexible. We will cover room and board at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and reimburse travel expenses up to $500. Fieldwork will involve hiking to experimental gardens through rough terrain (1-3 miles one-way daily).

The application consists of a cover letter listing your qualifications, a CV/ résumé, and contact information for two references, all of which can be emailed to Dr. Jill Anderson at: jta24@uga.edu Applications are due by March 24th, 2017. http://andersonlab.genetics.uga.edu/Home.html

 

2) Field technician positions with Anderson lab (UGA) at RMBL

Jill Anderson’s lab at the University of Georgia is searching for two field research assistants from June-August 2017. The successful candidate will assist with ongoing field and laboratory studies for 8-10 weeks from June – August. The exact start and end dates are negotiable. We are offering $10/hour for a full time field assistant (40 hours/week) from June through August. We will cover housing costs and station fees at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and reimburse travel expenses up to $400, but the field assistant would be responsible for her/his food costs. Fieldwork will involve hiking to experimental gardens through rough terrain (1-3 miles one-way daily).

The application consists of a cover letter your qualifications, a CV/ résumé and contact information for two references, which should be submitted via email to Jill at jta24@uga.edu. Please include “application for field tech position” in the subject of your email. Applications are due by March 27th, 2017. http://andersonlab.genetics.uga.edu/Home.html

 

3) Field Research Technician (Spotted Skunk Ecology)

A Field Research Technician position is available to assist on an ongoing project evaluating habitat and resource selection of eastern spotted skunks in the Ozarks of northern Arkansas. In addition to capturing, radio-collaring, and monitoring skunks and collecting data on habitat structure, the technician will assist in a survey of the parasites and pathogens based on captured individuals, an examination of the dietary patterns of skunks based on scat analysis, and a camera trap survey.

Candidates must have a B.S. in wildlife science, biology, or a closely related discipline and field research experience. Strong work ethic, ability to work with a diversity of natural resource professionals, ability to work alone or in groups, and an interest in wildlife/habitat relationships are essential. The technician will work closely with, and under the supervision of, an MS student from MU School of Natural Resources who is already on site.

The 9-12 month non-benefits eligible position has an immediate start date. Salary is $23,000/year. The position will be based in Hector, Arkansas (about 90 miles north of Little Rock and about 6 hrs south of Columbia, MO where the technician will be officially employed). Work will generally require around 40hrs/wk and may require working at night in remote areas as well as occasional camping. Housing and a field vehicle will be provided. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Submit via email a cover letter that includes a description of work experience and career goals, resume, and the names and contact information (phone and e-mail address) of 3 references to: Summer Higdon School of Natural Resources University of Missouri 302 Natural Resources Building Columbia, MO 65211 E-mail: sdh5zf@mail.missouri.edu

 

4) Summer Lab Technicians (Project Carbon)

Syracuse University: The Fridley Lab at Syracuse University is seeking two motivated undergraduate students to participate in ‘Project Carbon’, a laboratory investigation of the energy and nutrient budgets of plant species in a long-term climate change experiment. Activities will depend in part on the interests of the students but will likely involve greenhouse plant propagation, laboratory gas exchange measurements, plant tissue analyses of energy and nutrient content, and soil microbial measurements. Students will be provided with a $5000 stipend for living expenses over the 12-wk duration starting May 15. Relevant experience and ecology- or plant biology-related coursework is desirable but not required. For information on eligibility and how to apply go to: https://sites.google.com/site/fridleylab/home/join-us Applications will be accepted through April 1, 2017.

 

5) Shoals Marine Laboratory Hiring 2 Seasonal Seabird Technicians

Position Dates: May 8 – August 31, 2017 (end date may vary depending upon migration) Number of open positions: 2 Seabird Technicians Location: White and Seavey Islands, Isles of Shoals, New Hampshire Stipend: $1,500 per month, plus room & board provided on White Island Requirements: A degree in conservation biology or ecology, wildlife biology/management, environmental science or related disciplines. Experience working with birds (particularly waterbirds) is preferred. Position description: Two Seasonal Seabird Technicians will work with a Program Manager to study and manage a breeding colony of Common, Roseate and Arctic Terns at Isles of Shoals. Primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, banding and band re-sighting, diet studies, productivity monitoring, and predator management. The applicants should have experience in overseeing and participating in data collection and management, establishing a daily work schedule based on approved protocols, bird identification, and banding. Applicants must be in excellent physical condition (capable of climbing over rugged terrain and able to lift 50 lbs.), be comfortable living and working in close quarters for extended periods of time, and enjoy working independently and with others. The technicians will live in a historic and rustic lighthouse keeper’s cottage (solar electricity, composting toilets, no running water). Mainland shared housing in Portsmouth, NH will be provided on days off, which will be arranged under direction of the Program Manager. To apply: Email a cover letter and current resume (please include 3 references in your resume) to Dr. Liz Craig (Tern Program Manager): ecc79@cornell.edu www.shoalsmarinelaboratory.org/seabird-tech-position

 

6) Volunteer interns, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Description: The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center is seeking three to four full-time volunteer interns to assist with monitoring least terns (Sternula antillarum) and common terns (Sterna hirundo) on Poplar Island, an Army Corps of Engineers habitat restoration project located in the Chesapeake Bay. Two interns will primarily be assisting a M.S. student with his research while the other interns will be assisting more generally with field data collection and office work. Interns assisting with the M.S. student will have the following duties: 1) assist with data collection in field at field sites through Maryland, 2) assist with building a surveillance system and troubleshooting as needed, 3) analyzing footage and processing temperature data in lab, and 4) collecting scientific research and proofreading manuscripts. The primary duties of the general interns will be: 1) assist research scientists with weekly nest monitoring efforts, 2) assist with banding least and common tern chicks for a mark-resight study, 3) using binoculars and birding scope, read unique alpha-numeric code (eg. A03) on plastic field readable banded chicks, 4) assist with colony counts for nesting herons and egrets, 5) conduct office work including data entry, proofing, etc., 6) assist with other duties on the island including habitat restoration, disease monitoring, UAV (drone) studies, etc., and 7) participate in data analysis and writing of subsequent manuscripts as appropriate.

Requirements: Minimum qualifications include: ·         Bachelor of Science degree (or in the process of obtaining) in wildlife biology, environmental science, or related field. ·         Experience identifying North American waterbirds and shorebirds preferred ·         Working knowledge of electrical wiring, carpentry, and power tools preferred ·         Strong attention to detail and safe work habits ·         Ability to work as a part of a team as well as independently ·         Effective communication skills ·         Data entry experience ·         Tolerance of hot, humid, or buggy work conditions ·         Ability to commute to field-site on a 16-25’ open cabin boat ·         Interest in having fun and learning along the way!

This is an unpaid three-month internship; however, internship for university credit can be supported. PWRC is located in Beltsville, MD and boat launch will be from Annapolis, MD. Interns assisting the M.S. student will be traveling to Baltimore and Ocean City, MD as well. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation to the boat launch (on field days) and office (on non- field days). The position will begin in May and end in August, with some flexibility on start/end dates. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Paul Marbán at paul.marban07@gmail.com. Please write “Poplar Internship Application” and your name in the subject line and send all application materials as a single attachment using the following naming format: LastName_FirstName_Internship_Application.doc. Please specify your available start date and end dates, and any birding experience you might have. Last date to apply is March 10, 2017.

 

7) REU: Washington Cascades Plant Communities and Climate Change

The HilleRisLambers community ecology lab at the University of Washington is seeking applicants for an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in the summer of 2017.  The REU student will work with Drs. Janneke HilleRisLambers and Amy Angert (at University of British Columbia) to develop and implement an independent project focusing on how plant communities vary across large-scale macroclimatic and fine-scale microclimatic gradients, relevant to understanding impacts of climate change. Field work will occur in Washington at Mt. Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and nearby National Forests; with lab work occurring at University of Washington (in Seattle).

The REU will run 12 weeks from June 5th – August 25th, with some flexibility in start and end dates possible. A stipend of $600/week is provided for the 12- week period of the internship. Lodging, travel and food are provided while conducting field work.

To apply and get more information about the position, please visit https://catalyst.uw.edu/webq/survey/jhrl/325701. We will start reviewing applications on March 20th, and anticipate making hiring decisions by early to mid April. To be eligible, you must be a US Citizen or permanent resident currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, graduating no sooner than Fall of 2017. For more information about Dr. HilleRisLambers and Dr. Angert research groups, visit http://faculty.washington.edu/jhrl/Index.html and http://angert.botany.ubc.ca/.

 

8) REU – Research Experience for Undergraduates: Grassland/Grasshopper Ecology in Western Montana

Gary Belovsky in the Dept. of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame is seeking applicants for an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position in summer 2017 to study insect ecology.

The REU student will be part of a research team examining grasshopper ecology in western Montana, at the National Bison Range National Wildlife Refuge in Moiese, Montana.  Potential projects for the REU include examining grasshopper population dynamics or species interactions (competition, predation, etc).We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a solid academic record, and a strong interest in field ecology.  The REU will be working as part of a team, which can include working outside for long periods in unpredictable weather and conditions, and which requires the ability to work independently as well as contribute to a positive group dynamic. The duration of the study is from June 1 to mid-August, although the dates are somewhat flexible. The REU student will earn a stipend of $4500.  Research supplies, lodging, and travel to/from Montana will be provided. Review of applications will begin after mid-March and continue until filled. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be enrolled as an undergraduate for Fall 2017. Students from underrepresented groups in STEM disciplines are particularly encouraged to apply.

To apply, please e-mail the following application materials to Jennifer Belovsky (belovsky.2@nd.edu) with the subject line “REU” no later than March 17, 2017: 1.  Statement/cover letter explaining the following:
•why you are interested in this position
•what are your future plans
•dates you are available to start and end this position
•confirm eligibility for the REU program
•your e-mail address and phone number
2.  Resume 3.  Names and contact information for two people who can serve as your references

For more information, please contact Jennifer Belovsky (belovsky.2@nd.edu) or visit the Belovsky labpage – – http://belovskylab.nd.edu

 

9) REU position in desert stream ecology at ASU

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

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: intern, REU, Undergrad News Tagged With: Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Cascades, Chesapeake Bay, Colorado, Georgia, grasshopper, intern, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Notre Dame, NSF, REU, RMBL, Rocky Mountain, seabirds, Shoals, skunk, Syracuse, technician, USGS, Washington

Undergrad Research Opportunities 1/17/17

January 17, 2017 by armsworth

1) REU Program, University of Kansas

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

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

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

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

 

2) Seasonal Vegetation Monitoring Technicians, Ely, NV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

3) 2017 Summer Field Forestry/Biology/Ecology Internships

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

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

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

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

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

Email applications to:

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

419 Forest Resources Building

University Park, PA 16802

Email: bys5@psu.edu

Phone: 814-865-4511

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

6) Internship posting at The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

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

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

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

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

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

Application deadline listed below:

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

8) UWIN Undergraduate Research Program now accepting applications!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Applications must be submitted by February 10, 2017.

 

9) Summer 2017 Internships at the Holden Arboretum

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

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

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

Filed Under: intern, REU, Undergrad News Tagged With: BIRNM, Buck Island, Cary, Colorado, DC, ENLC, Forestry, Georgetown, Holden, intern, Kansas, models, Nevada, New York, NPS, Ohio, PennState, Pennsylvania, REU, SERC, Smithsonian, turtle, UWIN, Washington

Undergrad Research Opportunities 1/5/17

January 5, 2017 by armsworth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2) Ecology REU opportunity at Miami University

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

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

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

3) Job posting: Arizona Mud Turtle Technician

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

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

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

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

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

4) Big Cat Research Opportunity in South Africa

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

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

5) Interns needed for food web study

Dates:  Late March through early June

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7) NPS 2017 Young Leaders in Climate Change Internships

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

8) Summer Forest Monitoring Technician (PA and WV)

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

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

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

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

9) Harvard Forest Undergraduate Internship Opportunity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10) Summer 2017 REU at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology

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

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

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

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

12) Intern Opportunity – Black Tailed Prairie Dogs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: intern, REU, Undergrad News Tagged With: A&M, Arizona, California, Canada, Carrizo, cat, climate change, CTFS, Delaware, Galveston, Grasslands, Harvard, Idaho, intern, Lake Mead, LMNRA, mammals, marine, Massachusetts, Miami, Nevada, NPS, OCEANUS, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, plague, prairie dogs, Pymatuning, REU, seed, Smithsonian, South Africa, Texas, turtle, Washington, West Virginia

Undergrad Research Opportunities 12/11/16

December 11, 2016 by armsworth

1) NIMBioS REU

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

Application Deadline:  February 15, 2017

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

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

2) Seasonal Jobs at USDA Forest Service

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

3) The Minority Science Writers Internship Program at Science

2017 Application Available Online
October 16 – February 1!

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

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

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

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

4) Paid Undergrad Research Project in Belize

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

5) Amphibian Field Technicians needed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

phone: 413.863.3823 fax: 413-863-9810

armi.usgs.gov

Filed Under: intern, REU, Undergrad News Tagged With: AAAS, amphibian, Belize, DC, Florida, Forest Service, intern, Maryland, New Jersey, NIMBioS, Pennsylvania, REU, Science, USDA, USGS, UT, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, writer

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