Month: February 2017

Invasive Plant Field Biologist at the Florida Natural Areas Inventory

The Florida Natural Areas Inventory is Florida’s Natural Heritage Program

run as a non-profit organization administered by Florida State University.

We are dedicated to gathering, interpreting, and disseminating information

critical to the conservation of Florida’s biological diversity.  We

currently are advertising a Invasive Plant field biologist position.

INVASIVE PLANT FIELD BIOLOGIST

*FSU Position Number: *41366

full time, OPS position for 6 months with possibility of extension, based

out of Tallahassee, FL.

Closing Date: March 15 2017

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The FNAI Invasive Plant Field Biologist will help conduct ecological

inventories and assist in the assessment of invasive plant control projects

as well as vegetation monitoring in various locations throughout the state.

The Field Biologist will work closely with FNAI scientists but also may be

required to conduct fieldwork independently without direct supervision.  In

addition to collecting data on invasive plant infestations, the position

also will collect and process data on FNAI-tracked and listed plants,

animals, and exemplary natural communities.  Data collection will focus on

field surveys, but may also include literature searches and interviews of

other knowledgeable individuals.  Data collection and processing will

utilize GPS dataloggers and GIS.  The Field Biologist is expected to

efficiently prepare assessment reports and processes data that they

collected in the field or have otherwise compiled.  This position may

attends meetings and briefings with land managers and other FNAI partners,

Qualified applicants should have a good general familiarity with the

plants, animals, and ecology of Florida and must be willing to travel

frequently.  This is largely a field-oriented position but candidates will

also assist in data processing.

DUTIES:

1.  With direction from supervisor plan and conduct invasive plant surveys

and evaluations of control treatments.  Produce written reports/summaries

of work.

2.  Conduct surveys for rare plants or request data from other sources;

document, and process information into the FNAI database.

2.  Conduct quantitative natural community sampling following standardized

protocols and process data using ArcGIS.

3.  May assist with installation of traps and other field sampling

equipment.  Check traps and release captures as needed.

4.  Prepare written reports and participate in meetings as necessary to

communicate all other products required by project contracts and submit

according to contractual time schedules.

REQUIREMENTS:

   1. Bachelor=E2=80=99s degree in the biological sciences, or equivalent training

   and experience.

   2. Familiarity with the native and invasive plants of Florida

   3. Experience with natural community and habitat interpretation from

   aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and soil surveys is desirable.

   4. Ability to communicate well in person and in writing; ability to work

   well with FNAI staff scientists

   5. Good organizational skills; meticulous attention to detail.  Ability

   to work independently and under pressure of deadlines and to provide

   written responses in a timely manner.

   6. A commitment to conservation goals.

   7. Experience or familiarity with personal computers, databases, GPS,

   and GIS.

   8. Good physical condition and ability to conduct rigorous field work.

   9. Willingness to travel on frequent for one to two week field trips.

SEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO:

Dan Hipes, Director

dhipes@fnai.fsu.edu <gknight@fnai.org>

*APPLY ONLINE:*

https://jobs.omni.fsu.edu/psc/sprdhr_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_

HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=3DHRS_APP_JBPST&Action=3DU&FOCUS=3D

Applicant&SiteId=3D1&JobOpeningId=3D41366&PostingSeq=3D1

seasonal job: fire effects botany in SW US

Job Announcement: Seasonal Botanist, Summer 2017

We seek a botanist for research on fire-driven changes to plant communities in the western US.

This position will work with a crew of 2-4 field technicians and the field research lead in fire-affected landscapes in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and possibly Idaho.  The botanist will be responsible for ensuring accurate identifications and collection of voucher specimens for all vascular plant species encountered in sample plots, and collect data on vegetation composition and structure.

Required skills include: strong plant identification skills, familiarity with the flora of the interior western US, experience making herbarium-quality collections, experience with basic field vegetation data collection, ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, work long hours, camp, and hike cross-country to plots in topographically rugged burned landscapes. Talented upper-level undergraduates will be considered; Bachelor=92s or Master=92s degree in botany, forestry, ecology, or related field. Other desirable qualifications include knowledge of or interest in fire ecology, wilderness travel, wilderness first aid or first responder, and own 4WD vehicle.

Location: the research team will travel and camp across the southwestern US, working in different 15-20-year-old wildfire-affected landscapes.

Salary: $12 – $18/hour, depending on experience, + $40/day in per diem for personal expenses.

The project represents a collaboration between Western State Colorado University, Oregon State University, the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station, and other partners.

If interested, please email a brief statement describing your interest, a resume, and the contact information for three references to: jcoop@western.edu. For additional information or to answer any questions, please email or call (970) 943-2565.  Applications will be reviewed as they are accepted through March 15, 2017.

Contact information:

Jonathan Coop, Assistant Professor of Biology and Environment & Sustainability

Western State Colorado University

Gunnison, CO 81231

Field technician positions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Field technician positions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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

Supervisor: Mike Jenkins

Approximate hours a week:  40

Duration of Position: Mid-May to August 2017

Compensation: $10.35/hour

Job Description:

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

Qualifications:

Woody plant identification skills required

Experience with backcountry navigation using GPS, topographic maps and compass desired Previous field work experience preferred

Backpacking experience desired

Must possess a valid driver=92s license

Must be able to work outdoors in remote conditions, in rough terrain and under inclement weather conditions

Must be in good physical fitness

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

To apply:=20 Send cover letter, r=E9sum=E9 (including contact information for two references), unofficial transcript, and dates of availability to Meghan Mulroy (mmulroy@purdue.edu) or Mike Jenkins (jenkinma@purdue.edu)

REU in plant invasions

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

The program will start on May 22nd and last 10 weeks and we will provide a stipend.

If you are interested, please send your CV, a letter describing your interest in the project, and the names and contact information of 2 references to Justin Wright (jw67@duke.edu).

Crew Member | Nevada Conservation Corps | AmeriCorps (2017 Spring)

Apply at:

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/Careers.aspx?

rf=3DECOLOG&REQ=3D2017-NCC-005

The Service Experience: Spend a season or more working and camping outside at some of Nevada=92s premier natural areas. Serve alongside volunteers from across the country while making a lasting contribution to Nevada=92s natural resources and heritage. Gain valuable field experience while working on habitat improvement, restoration, and recreation projects with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and many other federal and state agencies. Learn firsthand from federal employees and specialists about natural resources and conservation careers. Projects may include trail construction and maintenance, hazardous fuels reduction, and habitat restoration. Find more information on projects here!

Essential Duties:

=95Building and maintaining trails, restoring and improving wildlife habitat, and reducing hazardous fuels in our forests and public lands;

=95Camping up to seven nights in wilderness setting without formal restroom facilities or running water;

=95Making a commitment of national service to our landscapes and communities;

=95Maintaining a positive and professional attitude at all times while providing service;

=95Communicating effectively with crew members, crew leaders, NCC staff and agency project staff;

=95Complying with both production and quality work standards established by NCC administration, crew supervisors and project partners;

=95Contributing to basic duties at the campsite including cooking, cleaning and organizing crew equipment;

=95Showing respect when interacting with other members, leaders, staff, project sponsors and community members;

=95Participating in in-field education sessions;

=95Percentage of time spent on: labor=96 70%, traveling=96 20%, hiking=96  10%;

=95Lifting 25lbs continuously and 50lbs occasionally.

Contract Timeline:

Members will serve either a 2-month service contract.

=952-month: March 13, 2017 to May 18, 2017

If these terms of service don’t fit your availability please contact us anyway! We can discuss your options.

Location:

Crew members may be assigned to serve from the Las Vegas Field Station, and will serve and camp in the field on 4-day tours, 8-day tours, or a mixture of the two. Schedules will be dictated by project site and distance from the field station. The locations of service will depend on which regional office you are assigned to for your term of service and may change throughout the season. Camping locations are provided during the work week. We will not provide housing nor sign leases, but we can help assist with identifying housing options.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is an AmeriCorps position; candidates will receive a living stipend dependent on their length of service. The living stipend is a fixed amount, not an hourly wage or a salary. This stipend paid to members in bi-weekly installments throughout their term of service. Members also receive a food per-diem while on project at a rate of $7.25 per day in the field. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service members shall receive an additional education award also dependent on the length of service that can be used for paying off student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college.

=952-Month Service Contract (300 hour service term): $2,346.37 living stipend (approximately $550 every two weeks) + $1,230.69 education award

Members are also compensated by gaining valuable field work experience, professional development and practical trainings and certifications, and the potential to earn college credit through program participation.

Training & Field Work Experience

-First aid and CPR certification;

-Leave No Trace (LNT) training;

-Trail construction and maintenance training for trail crews;

-S212 equivalent chainsaw training for habitat restoration and fuels reduction crews.

-GBI has successfully collaborated with participating colleges to award program participants college credit for their term of service. For more information, please inquire during the interview process.

Job Qualifications:

=95Must maintain a positive and professional attitude at all times while providing service.

=95Be able to communicate effectively with members, crew leaders, NCC staff, and project partners.

=95Possess the willingness and ability to work and camp up to seven night s in a row, in a wilderness setting, in all weather conditions, without formal restroom facilities or running water.

=95Be able to lift 25lbs continuously and 50lbs occasionally

=95Be at least 17 years of age

=95Be a US citizen

=95Must possess a high school diploma or GED

=95Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards).*

=95All position offers are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check.

Other Job Information (if applicable):

Make a difference on the landscape, and in your life with the Nevada Conservation Corps!

Learn from your experience like this member, who said: “Being out here and overcoming obstacles has taught me that my limits were further than I thought. From suddenly changing plans, to long weeks of the hard work,to dust and baking in the sun, to sawing with wet feet and gloves in the snow, I learned that pushing my limits wasn’t as impossible as I thought, that I was capable of more. Regularly conquering what was a hardship before gave me perspective and self-confidence. I knew how I would have reacted to situations before the NCC, and I am proud to know how far I’ve come in a short time.”

Field technician surveying Eastern Massasaugas in Ohio

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

Duration: May 8 =96 August 11, 2017

Pay: $10.12-$11.50/hr

Attributes of a successful applicant include:

Willing and able to work long hours in inclement weather (heat, rain, etc.) with exposure to mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, and noxious plants.

Committed to maintaining a safe work environment.

Dedication to accurate and thorough data collection.

Ability to lift 50 lbs. and navigate rough terrain.

Possess a valid driver=92s license, insurance, and their own reliable transportation.

Employment at OSU requires the successful completion of a background check.

To apply, go to the OSU job board at: https://www.jobsatosu.com/postings/76597 (Job ID 425750)

Please submit the following:

Cover letter indicating you meet the job requirements and your available start and end dates, if different than those posted.

Resume that includes details of any previous experiences (paid or unpaid)  relevant to the current position;

Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of two references.

Seasonal Technicians- Wetlands, Riparian Systems, Mapping, and Botany

Title: =09Seasonal Technicians- Wetlands, Riparian Systems, Mapping, and Botany (3 =96 4 positions) Work Location: Utah Geological Survey, Salt Lake City, UT

Pay Rate: $12 – $14/hr; one technician with strong botany skills may be paid a higher rate Closing Date: March 12, 2017

Employment Period: End of May through end of September, with one or more technicians continuing past end date

Position Description:  The Utah Geological Survey is hiring seasonal technicians for a variety of aquatic projects, including:

1.=09Conducting wetland field assessments to evaluate wetland health and refine an assessment protocol. Major tasks include taking water quality samples with a hand-held meter, describing soil profiles, and evaluating qualitative measures to describe wetland condition. An incumbent with suitable skills may also assist with collecting plant community data. Work will be with a two-person crew.

2.=09Collecting basic data on springs and stream segments. Major tasks include using aerial imagery to identify target survey locations, navigating to both backcountry and front country locations, and collecting basic information on aquatic condition at springs and streams. Work will typically be carried out solo, but the incumbent will have access to an emergency beacon.

3.=09Collecting stream geomorphology data. Major tasks include assessing cross-sections of a stream to identify bank stability, channel features, and riparian buffer. Work will be with a two-person crew.

4.=09Assisting with wetland mapping. Major tasks include conducting field reconnaissance to evaluate wetland boundaries and then mapping wetlands using field notes and aerial imagery in ArcGIS.

5.=09Assisting with other duties as needed, such as data entry/data checking, map making using ArcMap, and drafting figures for scientific publication.

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

Required Qualifications:

1.=09Completion of at least three years of education towards a bachelor=92s degree in geology, ecology, biology, wetland science, botany , wildlife biology, or other related field.

2.=09Ability to work independently with guidance and ability to collect data accurately and with attention to detail.

3.=09Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules (including overnights), travel extensively, drive a State of Utah vehicle, hike moderate distances through occasionally rough terrain, and tolerate exposure to extreme heat, rain, biting insects, and other field nuisances.

Preference will be given to individuals with coursework or professional experience in at least one of the following areas (please mention in cover letter):

1.=09ArcGIS (especially map making and digitizing from aerial imagery).

2.=09National Wetland Inventory data and the Cowardin classification system.

4.=09Stream geomorphology concepts.

5.=09Plant identification, especially wetland plants.

6.=09Background in wetlands, streams, riparian areas, and/or aquatic systems.

7.=09At least one season of field experience or demonstrated ability to conduct work outdoors.=20 8.=09Collection practices for water quality data.

9.=09Describing soil profiles and identifying hydric soil indicators.

10.=09Photoshop/Illustrator

=09

To apply, submit resume, cover letter, three references (with phone numbers), and available start date to Ryhan Sempler at the Utah Geological Survey, rsempler@utah.gov.  You may direct all questions to this email. Applications will be accepted through March 12.

Graduate Student Assistantships

We are offering Graduate Student Assistantships through centers and resea rch

programs in the Department of Environmental Studies Department at the

Antioch University New England. These assistantships place the student at the intersection of scholarship

and practice as they develop their professional skills as part of our

Master=92s or PhD programs in Environmental Studies. Assistantships are currently available in: – Forest Ecology and Management

– Wildlife Ecology: turtle conservation

– Applications in GIS – Climate Change Preparedness

– Environmental Education

– Food Justice and Community Gardening

– US Progressive Caucus Fellowship

– Social Justice: Livable Wage Initiative

Students interested are encouraged to apply as part of their application  for

admission to the Master=92s Degree in Environmental Studies.   We encoura ge

prospective students to contact us if they have any questions about the

assistantships or the degree programs. More details on the graduate programs can be found at

http://www.antiochne.edu/environmental-studies/

Application materials will be accepted until June 1, 2017 or until a

suitable candidates are found.

For admission info, contact, Sarah Wilson, swilson@antioch.edu

For assistantship info contact, Professor Peter A. Palmiotto,

ppalmiotto@antioch.edu

Antioch University New England believes in ecological stewardship and soc ial

justice, cultivating local as well as global perspectives to educate

students with diverse backgrounds and opinions to become leaders of chang e.

For more information go to https://www.antioch.edu/new-england

Ph.D. Assistantships

The Global Change Ecology Group at the University of Alabama has several  exciting opportunities available for students to pursue a Ph.D. degree in plant physiological ec ology and terrestrial/atmospheric interactions. We seek highly motivated graduates  students to work on one of four active research areas:=20 1)=09Water Use Efficiency of Cellulose based Biofuels

2)=09Climate and water management effects on the carbon, water and energy  dynamics Everglades=20=20 Ecosystems

3)=09Synthesis of eddy covariance data across regions of the southeastern  United States. 4)=09Urban Forestry

Interested students should apply for the Ph.D. program within the Departm ent of Biological Sciences. The student’s research interests should focus on plant ecophysiology, eco system physiology, or plant ecology. To be eligible for positions, interested students must meet the  graduate admission requirements of the University of Alabama and have competitive GPA and GR E scores.  Applicants interested in ecophysiology should have a strong understanding of eddy co variance techniques. In addition, applicants should have strong analytical and quantitative skill s and knowledge of SAS and/or R programming. Applicants with previous research experiences and/or a Maste rs degree in biogeochemistry, ecophysiology, forestry, or atmospheric sciences would b e favored for the position. Support is by research and/or teaching assistantships with summer funding  opportunities (Dependent on the area of research interest).=20 Interested students should send a copy of their CV, statement of research  interest, scientific writing sample and unofficial copy of transcripts.  For more details, contact Drs . Gregory Starr or Christina Staudhammer (gstarr@ua.edu or 205-348-0556 / cstaudhammer@ua.edu or 205-3 48-0556).

Summer Lab/Field Technician Positions (Ohio)

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

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

In the field, you might help establish experimental plots, set up insect  traps, collect plant or insect samples, or maintain plots. Back at the  laboratory, you might prepare equipment for different field work  experiments, sort through samples and look for spiders or beetles, pin  insect specimens, or help rear native bee larvae. We work hard, rain or  shine, to collect our samples and are looking for undergraduates who can  work effectively in outdoor settings, maintain positive attitudes, and  who are detail orientated. A valid driver=E2=80=99s license is required.

At the end of your summer at the Gardiner Lab you can expect to gain:

-An increased knowledge of Ohio=E2=80=99s diverse insect and plant  communities

-Skills in collecting unique arthropods including spiders, long legged  flies, and bees

-A resume-building research experience and potential letters of  recommendation for future jobs

Pay: $9.50/Hour (up to 38 hours/week)

Location: Wooster, OH @ OARDC

Timing: mid-May to mid-August, 2017

Email Chris Riley at riley.595@osu.edu <mailto:todd.489@osu.edu> for  more information or to submit your completed application! Applications  Due March 20th! For best consideration please submit prior to this  deadline but we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis after  the due date.