Month: May 2017

IMMEDIATE – Research assistant – Tropical ecology and canopy research – Costa Rica

Project description:

An opportunity is available to participate in field research related to the vertical stratification of amphibians in the rainforests of Costa Rica. The research will take place in multiple locations in order to sample at different elevations. One site will be the La Selva Biological station,two other sites are located in the adjacent Braulio Carrillo National Park. One station is remote and the applicant must be prepared for difficult field conditions with limited facilities, connectivity and access. The other stations have full access/meals/lodging provided.

The assistant will gain knowledge and field experience working on a unique project addressing the richness, abundance and beta diversity of canopy amphibians and reptiles. Skills will include canopy surveys using arborist single rope tree climbing techniques, ground based transect surveys, physiological experiments, among others. Importantly, the assistant will be provided the opportunity to conduct research or use data for their own independent study.

This project is part of the PhD research of Edmund Basham, who studies in Dr. Brett Scheffers=92 Lab at the University of Florida. The Scheffers Lab (http://www.wec.ufl.edu/faculty/scheffers/) focuses on climate change, canopy science and tropical forest research.

Mandatory requirements for applicants:

=95       BSc or working towards a BSc in Environmental Sciences (Biology, Zoology, Ecology or related field)

=95       Extensive field experience =96 tropical forest and amphibian experience will be prioritized

=95       Some climbing experience preferred=96 we will be conducting canopy surveys using standard arborist techniques

=95       Physically fit =96 this will be a very challenging but very rewarding project involving active surveying of forest canopies. We will be hiking to remote sites and taking equipment to survey and camp there.

Application deadline: Until position is filled.

Duration of project: Field research begins NOW and ends July 20th 2017

In-country expenses will be paid but the flights, visas and insurance will be covered by the applicant.

If interested, please send a cover letter and CV to Edmund Basham ASAP (Edmund.basham@gmail.com)

I previously posted this a few months ago but am now in need of an assistant within days/weeks to continue my work. I will be searching through previous applications but a re-aplication would help me know if you are still available.

University of Florida M.Sc. opening: Invasion risk of non-native plants

We are seeking a highly-motivated student to conduct research on invasion risk of non-native plants. The student will pursue a MS degree through either the Agronomy Department or the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) Interdisciplinary Ecology program at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL starting Fall 2017 or Spring 2018.

The student will be co-advised by Dr. S. Luke Flory (florylab.com) and Dr. Deah Lieurance and will primarily work with Dr. Lieurance and the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida=92s Natural Areas (https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu ), an internationally recognized invasion risk assessment program. Examples of previous research conducted through the UF/IFAS Assessment include evaluation of the invasion risk of clumping and running bamboo species (Lieurance et al., in review), predicted versus actual invasiveness of vine species in Florida (Gordon, Lieurance, & Flory, 2017), and the development of a list of low-risk biofuel species (Quinn, et al. 2015). We anticipate one part of the MS thesis to focus on use of the invasion risk assessment program and a second part to include observational or experimental field ecology.

Applicants should have a background in ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, risk analysis, or a related field, and an interest in the ecology and management of invasive species. Additionally, applicants with experience in database management, statistical modelling, and other computer skills are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities of the MS student will include completing graduate coursework, research related to the UF/IFAS Assessment objectives, publishing research findings, and participating in outreach activities, such as educational workshops, and involvement with invasive species related organizations (e.g. Florida Invasive Species Partnership). The stipend for this assistantship is $21k/year and includes a full tuition waiver and access to health care benefits.

Interested applicants should send a brief cover letter, including a statement of research interests, CV, contact information for 3 references, and copies of transcripts and GRE scores to Dr. Flory (flory@ufl.edu).

Job: Project Assistant – Tick Control & Community Relations

One Project Assistant position is available at the Cary Institute of

Ecosystem Studies pertaining to The Tick Project (www.tickproject.org)

which is developing and testing a new approach to

reducing the incidence of tick-borne disease in residential neighborhoods.

This postion (17007-I) assists the Human Subject Research Specialist

with community relations.  This Project Assistant will assist with

research that focuses on human exposure to ticks and

tick-borne pathogens.  Duties will include interacting with study

participants from residential neighborhoods by phone and e-mail,

addressing questions and concerns of study

participants, collecting information on behaviors relevant to human

exposure to tick borne disease, and interacting with regional and

national health agencies to collect and maintain

epidemiological data.  Experience in public or customer relations

required. Currently-enrolled college students encouraged to apply.

Employment to begin immediately, with an end date of approximatley

August 15, 2017. Job is full-time, 35 hours per week. This is an hourly,

non-benefitted position. Wage is commensurate with

education and experience.  The final candidate will be required to

complete a post-offer, pre-employment driving background check

successfully.  Onsite or nearby housing may be available.

Posting is open until filled.

Please submit job application via

http://www.caryinstitute.org/who-we-are/jobs and include a single PDF

file consisting of a letter of application, a resume, and the names,

phone numbers and

e-mail addresses of three professional references.

The Cary Institute is an Equal Empoyment Opportunity (EEO) and

Affirmative Action (AA) employer.  It is our policy to provide equal

employment opportunities to all qualified applicants

without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender

identity, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or

disabled status, or genetic information.

Two paid behavioral ecology field assistant positions – June-July 2017

Hello! My name is=A0James Lichtenstein=2C and I=27m a graduate student at the University of California Santa Barbara=2C in the Pruitt lab=2E I=27m excited to offer this research opportunity! It should provide invaluable experience in executing experiments on animal behavior and ecology in general=2E

Description=3A

We are hiring two paid field assistants to help us perform lab/field insect=A0behavioral ecology work in western Pennsylvania=2E We will be probing the ecological consequences of personality in mantids and other insects=2E Therefore=2C the job will largely consist of=3A 1) capturing insects via sweep=A0net=2C 2) painting/performing behavioral tests on insects=2C and 3) setting up mesocosm trials=2E=A0You will be expected to be up early to assist with projects and assist with data entry in the evenings=2E Expect long=2C 10+ hour workdays=2E The job starts around late May or early June and goes until early August=A0at your convenience=2E

We will be working with these mantises around Linesville=2C Pennsylvania=2E Although this is a sleepy small town=2C we=27ll have access to hiking=2C canoes=2C etc=2E There won=27t a ton of time for exploring this kind of recreation=2C but not no time=2E

Compensation=3A

Your housing and dining costs will be covered=2E We will be staying at either a field station or a rented house in the area=2E Although we=27ll be preparing our own meals=2C you will not be expected to cook=2E There will be access to wifi=2C but it may be quite=A0slow=2E We can cover travel costs within the continental united states=2C but preference will be given to students from Pennsylvania and Ohio=2E If you do well=2C I am happy to write letters of recommendation=2C and we traditionally include assistants as authors on all publication=2E Finally=2C we will pay each assistant =24500 dollars per month=2E

Requirements and considerations=3A

1=2E Seriously interested in pursuing a career in ecology

2=2E Excellent academic performance

3=2E Undergraduate or recent graduate

4=2E Must be able to stay for the entire 2 month duration

5=2E Experience with insects or behavioral testing is preferred=2C but not required

6=2E Must not be squeamish working with insects=2E We will=A0capture and thousands of them=2E

7=2E If you have pollen allergies=2C this project may be an ordeal for you=2E Sweep netting insects boils down to meandering through a field and hitting plants with a stick=2E This results in intense pollen exposure=2E We can provide masks to reduce this exposure=2E

I am sorry for the short notice of this offer=2C so we will be making a decision very quickly=2E If you=A0wish to apply=2C please=A0send a short cover letter=2C your CV=2C and some sort of unofficial transcript to mantispersonality=40gmail=2Ecom=2E Finally=2C if you have any questions=2C please don=27t hesitate to ask!

Paid internship: Osprey education program – Montana Natural History Center, Missoula, MT

Wings Over Water Osprey Program Assistant

Job Summary:  The Montana Natural History Center and Erick Greene=92s lab at University of Montana are hiring an intern to join the team of the Wings Over Water Osprey education program. In the WOW program, we connect middle-school teachers and students to STEM experts in the lab and in the field. The WOW program strengthens STEM teaching and learning for students across Montana. We are seeking hard-working and enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about biology and environmental education.

The intern will join our team of MNHC staff and STEM experts, and will assist with all aspects of the WOW program. The team will connect with classrooms remotely, assist teachers with delivering the WOW curriculum in the classroom, coordinate visits from STEM experts, and lead class field trips to Osprey nests. The team will also begin planning logistics for next year=92s (2018-19) program, including recruiting new teachers, and planning the WOW summer institute at UM (June 2018). This is an excellent opportunity to connect with experts in several fields: STEM experts at UM, and naturalists and educators at the Montana Natural History Center. $10/hr, part-time, temporary (2017-2018 school year).

Find position description and application instructions here: http://www.montananaturalist.org/employment-opportunities/

REU Chemical ecology of yuccas

We are seeking a highly motivated undergraduate student who is broadly

interested in plant-insect interactions and chemical ecology.  The REU

student will learn how to isolate and analyze plant defensive compounds and

characterize variation in plant defensive chemistry among Yucca species.

This will be a stand-alone project spearheaded by the student that

complements on-going research on this well-known system.  The student will

be based at Syracuse University, in Syracuse, NY with occasional travel to

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY to interact with the Cornell Chemical Ecology

group.

=20=20

Student Experience:  The REU student will work in a laboratory and outdoor

setting,and learn how to identify yucca species, characterize plant

morphology, extract lignin and saponins, and use ODS column separation

techniques.  In addition, the student will have the opportunity to learn how

to analyze data from LC-MS.  The student will join a group of

undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty conducting research on the

patterns of host use by yucca moth pollinators (althofflab.syr.edu).

Requirements:  Knowledge of standard laboratory practices including making

solutions, working with acids and bases, and excellent pipetting skills.

Familiarity with handling insects is a plus.  Applicant must be enrolled as

an undergraduate student at a college or university.

Application process:  Please submit a CV, detailing any relevant skills,

unofficial transcripts, a one to two paragraph rationale for your interest

in the position, and the names of two references sent electronically to Dr.

David Althoff, dmalthof@syr.edu. Application evaluation will begin

immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Please direct

questions about the position to Dr. Althoff at the above e-mail address.

Funding:  Students will receive a $4000 stipend for the eight weeks with a

research budget of $2000 for supplies and equipment fees.

Graduate Assistantship in Entomology – Washington State University

The labs of Dr. Betsy Beers (http://www.tfrec.wsu.edu/pages/ebeers) and Dr.

Dave Crowder (http://entomology.wsu.edu/david-crowder/) and in the

Department of Entomology at Washington State University are recruiting a

student at the M.S. or Ph.D. level, to study acoustic (vibrational)

communication by psyllid pests. Research on psyllids has shown that male and

female psyllids conduct acoustic =93duets=94 during their mate-locating

activities. We are seeking a student who is interested in conducting

research on acoustic communication by a psyllid pest of pears. Research

areas may include behavioral analyses of duetting activities; recording

acoustic signals and analyzing waveform traits; and, describing

morphological structures of psyllids used in producing acoustic signals.

Project aims are to develop fundamental knowledge leading to better

understanding of the mate-locating activities of this pear pest. Moreover,

These data will be used to design mating disruption strategies using

acoustic signals that interfere with mate location by psyllids Potential

students should have interests in insect behavior and mate-location

strategies of insects. The research will be conducted in close collaboration

with Dr. David Horton of the USDA, and field research will be conducted

primarily in central Washington (so the student must be willing to travel to

field sites in university-provided vehicles). Students interested in

starting graduate school in August 2017 or January 2018 are encouraged to

apply. To apply send CV and statement of interest to Dave Crowder

(dcrowder@wsu.edu). Students that have completed MS degrees or conducted an

independent research project are particularly encouraged to apply.

USGS plant ecology volunteer in Hawaii

Plant Ecology field/lab volunteer position with USGS, Hawaii. This

volunteer position starts June 19, 2017 and lasts 5 months; housing and

per diem are provided. We are looking for a motivated and independent

intern with field/lab experience to work on a project in mid-elevation

mesic forest on Hawaii Island relating to invasive plants, native birds,

and ecosystem restoration. In particular, the work focuses on how plant-

soil interactions and bird dispersal of native seed affect native

understory regeneration in Acacia koa reforestation projects, therefore

previous experience with plant/soil sampling and labwork is desirable.

Field responsibilities include: collecting plant survey data, maintaining

and collecting seedrain traps, outplanting experimental plants, collecting

plant foliar and litter samples, soil coring. Field sites are in Hakalau

Forest National Wildlife Refuge at 5000-7000 ft elevation and may be cold

and wet OR hot and dry depending on time of year. Must be able to work

outdoors in all weather conditions, hike over rough terrain long distances

carrying field gear, navigate using GPS/compass, and drive a 4×4 automatic

vehicle on unpaved roads. Lab responsibilities include: grinding plant

material, soil sieving, soil extractions, data entry, processing seed rain

samples, processing bird fecal samples for seed. Compensation is

$1040/month per diem and housing is provided in Hawaii Volcanoes National

Park, or at Hakalau depending on field schedule; transportation provided

to and from work and to Hilo for supplies. Airfare is only provided from

Oahu to Hilo.  To apply, please send AS A SINGLE DOCUMENT 1. brief cover

letter highlighting relevant experience and why you are interested in the

position, 2. resume, and 3. name, address, phone number, and email address

of at least 3 references to Dr. Stephanie Yelenik, USGS Pacific Island

Ecosystems Research Center, syelenik@usgs.gov. Applications will be

considered as they are received to fill the position quickly, and priority

given to those who can start in June.

NSF funded REU summer research internship in Medical Geography and Disease Ecology

The Ryan lab (https://sadieryan.net) at the University of Florida is

recruiting a motivated undergraduate for an NSF funded Research Experience

for Undergraduates (REU) summer research internship in Medical Geography

and Disease Ecology, in spatial ecology of vector-borne disease. The REU

project is part of a larger NSF Ecology and Evolution of Infectious

Diseases project to model effects of climate, land use, and socioeconomic

conditions on vector-borne disease transmission

(http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=3D137712). The project

explores a range of diseases, including malaria, dengue, chikungunya,

Zika, Rift Valley fever, bluetongue, and others. More about the larger

project can be found on NSF=92s website.

The ideal candidate will have a career interest in spatial modeling, GIS,

disease ecology, epidemiology, or public health research. A background in

geography, ecology, infectious disease biology, and mathematical modeling

or quantitative methods is desired but not required. Spanish

speaking/reading is a plus.

Applicants must be in bachelor=92s program (undergraduate), with a

graduation date AFTER September 2017.

Desired qualifications include:

=95=09Experience with statistical analysis, particularly in R

=95=09Database management, analysis and manipulation

=95=09GIS coursework and experience

The successful candidate will have access to several primary datasets of

entomological and epidemiological data from a long-term field site in

Southern Ecuador, and will have the option of designing an independent

geospatial analysis project, and/or participating in team projects with

lab members.

This position will be based at the University of Florida in Gainesville,

Florida, hosted jointly in the Geography Department and the Emerging

Pathogens Institute (EPI). The student will thus have the opportunity to

interact with multiple students and faculty working on spatially explicit

health questions, across a broad spectrum of disciplines.

Applicants should send a CV, unofficial transcript, contact information

for two references, and a one page statement about research interests,

experience, and career goals to Sadie Ryan sjryan@ufl.edu. Please include

=93REU position=94 in the subject line.

Review of applications will begin on May 15 and continue until the

position is filled.

This position carries a stipend to cover all expenses, and will be paid as

an hourly position through the University of Florida.

Job: Sagebrush Ecology Technicians, Burns, Oregon

Job title: Sagebrush Ecology Technicians

Organization: The Nature Conservancy

Location: Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns, OR

Duration: One 4.5 month full time seasonal position, one 9 month active, 3 months leave without pay term position

Target start date: July 10, 2017

Preferred hiring range: $17.93-$19.05/hr

Job Overview:

The Nature Conservancy in Oregon seeks two Sagebrush Ecology Technicians to join our Oregon Desert Team. The Sagebrush Ecology Technicians will support innovative restoration science and conservation efforts in Southeast Oregon. They will collect field data, apply seed enhancements to native seed, assist with planting and conduct lab work to help us scale up our Precision Restoration initiative, which aims to increase successful restoration of native perennial vegetation in annual grass-prone rangelands. They will also assist with monitoring sagebrush restoration projects and data entry. More detailed information is available online, see “How To Apply,” below.

Minimum Qualifications

*        Associate Degree in natural resources, environmental studies, or related field, OR equivalent combination of education and 6 months’ experience.

*        Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.

*        Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Experience

*        Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.

*        Field experience in sagebrush ecosystems and knowledge of common plant species.

*        Ability to identify plant species using diagnostic tools such as a dichotomous key.

*        Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment.

*        Research experience in outdoor, lab, and greenhouse settings helpful.

*        Ability to work effectively on a small team.

*        Demonstrated ability to safely travel on primitive roads and trails.

*        Time management skills.

*        Ability to follow safety protocols for using small machinery, hand tools, and power tools in field and lab/shop environment.

Additional Job Information

There are two openings, both based in Burns, Oregon at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Station with a target start date of July 10, 2017:

* The Sagebrush Ecology Technician – seasonal<http://bit.ly/2qgK8vt> (Job ID 45393) is a full-time, 40 hours per week, 4.5 month seasonal position.

* The Sagebrush Ecology Technician<http://bit.ly/2qfybZN> (Job ID 45394) is a full-time, 40 hours per week, 9 months active, 3 months leave without pay during winter position.

Interested applicants may apply to both positions.  If you would consider either position, please apply to both, as we can only consider your candidacy for the specific job(s) you apply for.

Both positions require a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program. Further details can be found in the full job announcement online by following the instructions below.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, go to our careers page at www.nature.org/careers<http://www.nature.org/careers>. Click on Current Job Openings, and search job ID 45393 or 45394. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 8:59 PM Pacific Time on 5/21/2017. If you experience technical problems with the site or application process, please contact applyhelp@tnc.org and include the Job ID.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law