The Crawford Lab at the University of Houston is seeking graduate students interested in community ecology to begin in Fall 2017.  Research in the lab is focused on the causes and consequences of plant diversity and covers a range of topics, including:

– How genetic diversity influences community structure and ecosystem function

– How interactions between plants and soil microbes influence plant community structure

– The role of soil microbes in ecosystem succession

– How genetic diversity and soil microbes influence plant invasions

PhD students are expected to have prior research experience and to develop their own research questions within the realm of community ecology.

Interested applicants should email Dr. Kerri Crawford (kmcrawford3@uh.edu) with any questions and the following information:

– a CV or resume with GPA and GRE scores

– a brief statement of research experience, research interests, and career goals

For more information on the Crawford Lab, please visit: http://thecrawfordlab.com

Information on the Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston and the graduate program in Ecology and Evolution can be found here, http://www.bchs.uh.edu

Applications are due February 1, 2017.

Location University of Maine (Orono, ME) with fieldwork throughout the

Northeast

Stipend: $19,467 per year plus tuition and =C2=BD Health Insurance Premium

Description We are seeking qualified applicants for a PhD position that

will focus on migration and population ecology of American woodcock.  As a

component of their dissertation research, the student will participate in

research that seeks to better understand woodcock migration throughout the

eastern United States. The project will use GPS transmitters to collect

data on woodcock migration during both fall and spring migratory periods,

and will involve collaboration with a diverse array of project partners

including state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and

other universities.  As a member of this collaborative team, the successful

applicant will be responsible for working with project partners to capture

and tag woodcock prior to migration, retrieve location data and manage

project databases, analyze data, present results at meetings and

conferences, and publish research findings.

The student will be a member of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and

Conservation Biology <https://umaine.edu/wle/> at the University of Maine

<https://umaine.edu/>, and will be co-advised by Dr. Erik Blomberg

<https://sites.google.com/site/erikjblomberg/home> and Dr. Amber Roth

<http://ambermroth.weebly.com/>.  Support for the student will come in the

form of both teaching (~25%) and research assistantships (~75%).

Qualifications =E2=80=93

*Required Qualifications:* We seek applicants with a keen interest in the

natural world, a strong work ethic, and a desire to be an engaged member of

a research lab with like-minded colleagues. Bachelor=E2=80=99s and Master=E2=80=99s degrees

from a Wildlife Ecology, Biology, Natural Resource, or related program.

Applicants should have a GPA >3.0 and competitive GRE scores (>50%

percentile), as well as strong oral and written communication skills and

evidence of progress in publishing work from the M.S. degree.  Previous

relevant field experience, demonstrated aptitude for quantitative analyses,

and strong recommendations are required. Ability to work collaboratively

and to supervise field assistants is also required. Must possess a valid

driver=E2=80=99s license.

*Other Desired Qualifications: *Preference will be given to applicants with

experience or demonstrated interest in avian migration, animal population

ecology, and quantitative methods.  Previous experience with avian capture

and handling is highly desired.  Prior experience or exposure through

coursework with the following quantitative skills: capture-mark-recapture,

spatial analysis, regression, population modelling, and exposure to maximum

likelihood and/or Bayesian estimation methods.  Experience using R for data

management, analysis, and presentation of results. A record of effective

communication, as evidenced by presentations at professional conferences

and participation in collaborative research teams.

To apply please submit the following materials: A cover letter describing

your qualifications for the position, a current CV including GRE scores and

graduate/undergraduate GPA, contact information for at least three

professional references, and a writing sample (master=E2=80=99s thesis or published

manuscript).  A single merged pdf is preferred, writing sample may be

submitted separately.  Please submit application materials, and address any

questions about the position, to both Drs. Roth (amber.roth@maine.edu) and

Blomberg (erik.blomberg@maine.edu).

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and should be submitted

by 28 February 2017 for full consideration.  The successful candidate must

be available to start September 1, 2017.

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

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

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

Project Description: Nearly all native seed dispersers have been extirpated from the island of Guam, largely due to predation by the invasive Brown Treesnake. The Ecology of Bird Loss Project (www.ecologyofbirdloss.org) aims to determine the full impact of seed disperser loss on Guam=92s forests =96 including impacts on individual species and to forest structure =96 and the potential for different dispersers, both native and non-native, to restore function. Our research examines the ecological role of seed dispersers through comparisons of dynamics on Guam to those on nearby islands (Rota, Tinian, and Saipan) where birds are present.

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

Requirements: The successful applicant must be able to pay attention to detail, work well individually and as part of a group, and be flexible. Research in the Mariana Islands involves working in high heat and humidity, walking over rough terrain sometimes carrying heavy and awkward loads (i.e. rolls of chicken wire, flats of seedlings, water), and tolerating the tedious, and at times monotonous, work necessary for all scientific endeavors. Successful applicants must learn how to identify trees (including seedlings) quickly and accurately. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high. Relevant field experience and prior independent research experience is desired. The intern must be a US citizen with a valid US driver’s license.=A0

Payment and benefits: Interns will receive valuable training and experience in the field of conservation biology and field ecology research =96 a great way to both determine whether graduate school in the life sciences is for you and to gain the necessary experience for a competitive application to graduate school. Successful applicants will also receive a round-trip ticket from any major airport in the US to Saipan or Guam, housing on all islands, transportation to and from field sites, and a monthly stipend of $650.

To apply: Email a single pdf document including a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to ecologyofbirdloss@gmail.com. The subject line should read =93EBL Intern Position=94. The cover letter should describe your previous research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in this position. In addition, please specify your desired and potential start dates. Applications must be submitted by midnight EST on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

For more information, contact Courtenay Ray and Morgan Franke at ecologyofbirdloss@gmail.com.

A PhD project is available to study the consequences of multiple interacting stressors on the behavioral ecology of a model bird system.  This project involves a dynamic collaboration between investigators in the Department of Integrative Biology and the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University.  Funding will be available for 4 years of research assistantship and all required project costs.  Fieldwork will take place during the summers in Western Oklahoma.

To apply, send a cover letter describing your research experiences and qualifications, a copy of your CV with GPA and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references to: shawn.wilder@okstate.edu=20=20

Please send application materials as soon as possible and no later than February 15, 2017.

2017 SUMMER JOBS IN THE SIERRA NEVADA

                       AMPHIBIAN CREW WANTED

            Apply Immediately – Closing Date January 23, 2017

Employer:  USDA Forest Service, Region 5 (Pacific Southwest)

Location:  Field work is throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of

California.

           Job location is Sonora, California.

Employment Duration:  Most are approximately 3 months (mid-June-mid to

September); Several positions may be of longer duration.

Titles:    Biological Technician (Fisheries, Wildlife)

Grade Levels:  GS-04, 05, 06, 07 (Temporary 1039)

Application Period: January 17-23, 2017

Eligibility:  US citizens at least 18 years of age.

Background and Job Description:

The U.S. Forest Service is hiring seasonal crew leaders and crew members

for a long-term amphibian monitoring program focusing on the Sierra Nevada

yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae), southern mountain yellow-legged frog

(Rana muscosa), and the Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus).

These jobs will predominantly consist of field work in the Sierra Nevada

at elevations of 5,000-12,000 feet.  Primary duties include locating and

traveling to selected sample sites; surveying lakes, ponds, meadows, and

streams for amphibians; and collecting habitat data.  Many of the sites

will be remote, requiring backpacking trips of up to 8-days duration.

Some office work including data entry and checking is required during the

season.  Some preparatory office work may be available in early season and

data entry or cleanup at the end of the season.  We are looking for

applicants with a background and/or high level of interest in herpetology

and/or aquatic biology who are in good physical condition and willing to

endure high altitude, temperature extremes, rough terrain, and the

occasional mosquito (ok, maybe thousands).  Backpacking and backcountry

experience, and experience in amphibian surveys and identification are

desired.  Ability to get along with crew members for prolonged periods in

the backcountry is a must.

Crew leaders will supervise a 2-person crew and have additional

responsibilities helping with the general organization of work during the

season.

Application Procedure:

IMPORTANT: The US Forest Service has a new hiring procedure with a quick

turn-around time. Announcements are open in USAJOBS January 17, 2017 and

close January 23, 2017.

Interested individuals should send a brief note of inquiry and a resume to

Cathy Brown (cathybrown@fs.fed.us) with subject line reading “2017

Amphibian Monitoring Positions.” In your email specify the positions

(field technician and/or field crew leader), grade level(s), and series

(fishery, wildlife) you are applying for.

These jobs are highly competitive. Thus, you are encouraged to apply to

multiple grade levels to increase your chances of being selected.  Because

amphibian expertise comes from multiple disciplines, candidates are

selected from both the FISHERIES and WILDLIFE series.  Apply to the one

you think you qualify for based on your background.  You are encouraged to

apply to both.

Hiring will occur through www.usajobs.gov. This year the application

period is limited to a short window from January 17-23rd, 2017.

Applications and supporting information must be submitted online by 8:59

pm Pacific Time on the closing date (Jan 23, 2017) to be considered for

employment.  Late applications cannot be accepted.   Be sure to attach a

resume with references and a copy of your transcripts to your USAjobs

application.

** This online USAjobs application allows you to apply for many Biological

Science Technician jobs throughout the United States. To be eligible for

the Amphibian Monitoring Crew positions, you must apply to the location

“Sonora, CA”.  To do so add Sonora, CA to your desired work location in

your USAjobs profile.

NOTE:  Be sure you get a confirmation that your application was received.

If you do not receive confirmation by email shortly after you apply, try

again.

Eligibility for each pay grade is based on education and/or experience and

details for each pay grade can be found in the USAjobs announcements.

Positions are open to all U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age.  A valid

state driver’s license is required.

To find the job announcements enter the following announcement numbers in

the search field:

Biological Science Technician Positions [Crew Members]:

GS-4:

17-TEMP-R5-0404-4WLDF-DT     BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)

17-TEMP-R5-0404-4FISH-DT         BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISHERIES)

GS-5:

17-TEMP-R5-0404-5WLDF-DT     BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICAN (WILDLIFE)

17-TEMP-R5-0404-5FISH-DT         BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISHERIES)

Biological Science Technician Positions [Crew Leaders]:

GS-6:

17-TEMP-R5-0404-6WILD-DT       BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)

17-TEMP-R5-0404-6FISH-DT         BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (FISHERIES)

GS-7:

17-TEMP-R5-0404-7WILD-DT       BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)

17-TEMP-R5-0404-7FISH-DT         BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (WILDLIFE)

Student Hiring:

We may consider hiring students through the Student Conservation

Association Conservation (SCA) Internship program.  If this is of interest

to you send a brief note of inquiry and a resume to Cathy Brown

(cathybrown@fs.fed.us) with subject line reading “2017 Amphibian

Monitoring Positions-SCA”.

This is a great employment opportunity in an incredibly beautiful

location.  We are looking forward to a very busy and exceptionally fun

field season.  Join us!

The Bartol Lab (https://fs.wp.odu.edu/ibartol/) in the Department of Biological Sciences atOld Dominion University has a research assistantship available for a Ph.D. student to workon a NSF-sponsored project on cephalopod maneuverability. This project focuses onunderstanding how the jet, fins, and arms operate in concert to produce the necessaryforces for turning in squid and cuttlefish of different developmental stages. The researchwill involve fieldwork in marine labs in Maine and Virginia and will provide an opportunity tolearn cutting edge skills in high-speed videography and 2D/3D velocimetry. Students witha M.S. degree and background in comparative physiology/biomechanics are preferable, and the goal is to fill this research assistantship by the Summer or Fall 2017 semester. A competitive stipend and tuition waiver will be provided.

Prior to applying to our graduate program, please contact Dr. Ian Bartol via email(ibartol@odu.edu), with the following information: 1) curriculum vitae, ) GRE scores, 3) unofficial transcript, and 4) a brief statement of research experience and interests.=20Following contact with Dr. Bartol, students will need to apply to the Ecological SciencesPh.D. Program at Old Dominion University(https://www.odu.edu/academics/programs/doctoral/ecological-sciences), which has anapplication deadline of February 1, 2017

Environment for the Americas work to create a diverse workstaff at some of our nation’smost spectacular National Parks across the by providing internships at National Parks,Monuments, and Historic Sites across the U.S. and territories. This internship program isdesigned to provide unique experiences to underserved youth who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees or who have recently graduated.

LATINO HERITAGE INTERNSHP PROGRAM:

The Latino Heritage Intern Program is a component of an overarching service-wide strategyto address and correct the lack of Latino employment opportunities in the National ParkService. The National Park Service is committed to engaging the next generation throughthe strategic use of student internships with partner organizations under Cooperative andTask Agreements. These agreements allow the NPS to invest in cost efficient strategiesgeared towards recruiting entry level talent, predicting future performance, and building amore diverse workforce. Preparing and integrating this generation into the NPS workforceis critical for the future of the Service. For more information on available positions and toapply visit: www.latinoheritageintern.com. All applications are due February 6, 2017.

MOSAICS IN SCIENCE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:

A Mosaics Intern is an entry level natural resource science internship that focuses oncareer exploration and building fundamental natural resource science skills. The Mosaics inScience Program is focused on persons that are under-represented in STEM fields. Students and recent graduates that are African American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian, PacificIslander, and Native American are encouraged to apply for these internships. In order to beeligible for a MIS intern position, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legalresident (=93green-card-holder=94) between the ages of 18 and 35 years old. For moreinformation on available positions and to apply visit: www.mosaicsinscience.org. Allapplications are due February 6, 2017.

NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in the Evolution of
Biodiversity across the Tree of Life

We are looking for 8 undergraduate students to participate in hands-on
research in biodiversity science and receive training in cutting-edge
techniques and analysis in evolutionary biology for 10 weeks during the
summer of 2017.

Applications close February 10, 2017.

Students will learn research techniques that include DNA sequencing and
computational analysis of genetic and genomic data, morphological
measurements and phylogenetic analysis, and microbiology and
next-generation microbial sequencing.  Scientific projects to be conducted
by the students in 2017 include:

Forest Canopy Response to the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM)
Greenhouse Event
Evolution of Mitochondrial DNA in Ferns
Diversity in Mediterranean habitats – insights from lichenized fungi
Habitat-driven Morphological Syndromes in New Zealand Water Beetles
Systematics and Taxonomy of Cichlids in the Genus Thorichthys
Does diet influence the evolution of body size in ants?
Morphometric analysis of the elaborate soldier head in turtle ants
A Small World: Uncovering Hidden Diversity in Early Land Plants

In addition students will receive career mentoring in a diversity of STEM
fields, gain experiences in public outreach and science communication,
receive training in ethics/responsible conduct of research, and participate
in a diversity workshop to help overcome bias in science.

https://www.fieldmuseum.org/REU
https://www.fieldmuseum.org/2017-reu-program-offerings

Students will be provided a stipend, dormitory housing, and assistance with
travel costs.

Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and an
undergraduate during the entire period.  We especially encourage students
from groups traditionally underrepresented in science to apply.

To apply, please send complete the online application:
https://www.fieldmuseum.org/2017-reu-program-offerings

Applications close February 10, 2017.
Please direct any questions to Emily Hallock (ehallock@fieldmuseum.org).

Title: Grassland Monitoring Technician – 2 Positions Available

Agency: The Nature Conservancy

Location: Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota

Work Period: June 12 – August 16, 2017

Pay: $12-$14/hr; Housing is provided

Job ID on Nature.org: #45061

Closing Date: January 30, 2017

The Technicians will be part of an exciting, long-term adaptive management project to track the response of native prairies to grazing and fire management. The Technicians will fill a critical role in helping the chapter to close the adaptive management loop.

The Technicians will be responsible for conducting rapid belt transect surveys in coordination with other Conservancy staff. Over the course of the summer, each Technician will work with another staff member to complete vegetation surveys at 8 locations across three different landscapes: Missouri Coteau (ND, SD), Black Hills (SD), and the Northern Tallgrass Prairie (MN, ND, SD). Data entry will also be part of the job. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance botanical skills and experience first-hand the unique beauty and biodiversity of the northern prairies.

Strong field botanical skills and experience conducting field sampling are preferred, but training will be provided for all aspects of the position. Experience working in grasslands or other terrestrial ecosystems of the upper Midwest or Great Plains is a plus. The individual must be willing and able to travel to different properties within the work area. The most important qualification is enthusiasm for working outdoors and the desire to learn.

Two Technicians will coordinate closely together with the assistance of a field supervisor over the course of the summer to complete the sampling. After a training period, they will often be in the field during the day working independently from their direct supervisor, with staff around in the mornings and afternoons for questions and interaction. Therefore, they should be able to work and communicate well with others as well as independently.

For questions about the position, contact Marissa Ahlering, mahlering@tnc.org<mailto:mahlering@tnc.org>, but applications must be submitted online. Cover letter, resume and contact information for 3 references required and should be uploaded as one document.

Apply online here:

https://careers.nature.org/psp/tnccareers/APPLICANT/APPL/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=3DHRS_APP_SCHJOB&Action=3DU&FOCUS=3DApplicant&SiteId=3D1