University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE)

Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Lab

Field and Laboratory Research Technician

The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign seeks a full time research

technician in the Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry

lab to work on a project funded by the USDA. This is a 12-month

non-tenure-track Academic Professional position.  The overall goal of the

project is to create the knowledge and institutional capacity to guide the

transition from corn-soy rotation to production agroforestry— which

involves growing multiple tree, shrub, and herbaceous species together to

produce staple food and fodder crops—on marginal lands in the Midwest,

U.S. Our interdisciplinary team, in collaboration with the Savanna

Institute, will assess the ecosystem services enhancement by production

agroforestry relative to corn-soy rotation on working farms in the

Midwest. Our objectives are to: (1) Build an integrated community of

Midwest production agroforestry farmers and researchers; (2) Quantify the

effect of fertilization on tradeoffs among yield, nutrient leaching, and

soil greenhouse gas emissions from production agroforestry versus corn-soy

rotation; and (3) Characterize the life cycle environmental implications

of a transition from corn-soy rotation to production agroforestry.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will participate in the establishment,

maintenance and sampling of replicated field experiments on working farms

throughout the Midwest, U.S. Extensive fieldwork will require the

technician to travel throughout the Midwest for 1-2 weeks per month during

the snow-free season. The balance of the technician’s time will be spent

in the laboratory for the following: analyzing soil, gas, and water

samples; preparing field supplies; maintaining laboratory instrumentation

related to this project (including a gas chromatograph and isotope ratio

mass spectrometer interfaced with a trace gas analyzer and elemental

analyzer); supervising undergraduate students assisting with this project;

and purchasing and receiving chemicals and scientific supplies related to

this project. Depending on experience, there is also opportunity to assist

with data compilation and analysis.

Required qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental

science, chemistry, or related field (alternate degree fields will be

considered/accepted depending upon depth and breadth of experience and

skills as related to this position).  Research experience in the

laboratory and/or field.  Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel).

Preferred qualifications: Research experience in the laboratory and/or in

the field related to biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements,

soil sampling, wet chemistry, gas chromatography).  Experience working on

farms and with farmers, strongly preferred.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Start date:  as soon as possible

Applications must be received by March 20, 2017. To apply, all candidates

must submit an online profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu by the

close of the posting period. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of

which details qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact

information of three professional references.  All requested information

must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete

applications will not be reviewed.

For further information, please contact: Susan Key, Human Resources,

susankey@illinois.edu

Illinois is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes

individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace

and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu)

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job

candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants

will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,

religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender

identity, age, status as a protected veteran,  status as a qualified

individual with a disability, or criminal conviction history. Illinois

welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who

embrace and value diversity and inclusivity.

(www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).

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=92s 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=92s 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 University of Georgia is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful

environment for living, work, and study.  To that end, all qualified

applicants from individuals with a strong interest in evolutionary biology

will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,

religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity,

disability status, or age.  The application consists of a cover letter

listing your qualifications, a CV/ r=E9sum=E9, 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.

Feel free to contact Jill or Susana (susanaw@uga.edu) if you have any

questions about the position.  Additional information about the our work can

be found at: http://andersonlab.genetics.uga.edu/Home.html

Jill Anderson=92s lab at the University of Georgia is searching for two field

research assistants from June-August 2017.

We study the ecological and evolutionary consequences of climate change for

natural plant populations. We focus on research on Drummond=92s 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 ~80,000 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 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 University of Georgia is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful

environment for living, work, and study.  To that end, all qualified

applicants from individuals with a strong interest in evolutionary biology

will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,

religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity,

disability status, or age.  The application consists of a cover letter your

qualifications, a CV/ r=E9sum=E9 and contact information for two references,

which should be submitted via email to Jill at jta24@uga.edu. Please include

=93application for field tech position=94 in the subject of your email.

Applications are due by March 27th, 2017.

Feel free to contact Jill if you have any questions about the position.

Additional information about our work can be found at:

http://andersonlab.genetics.uga.edu/Home.html

Wyoming Toad Field Technician Positions

Background: The Wyoming toad (Anaxyrus baxteri) is a critically endangered

species endemic to the Laramie Basin. The species was abundant in the 1950=92s

and 1960=92s but began declining in the 1970=92s until the last known

individuals were brought into captivity in the 1990=92s to establish a captive

breeding program. Individuals from the captive breeding program have been

reintroduced into the wild but breeding populations have not been

reestablished. This research is being conducted to assess the effects of

vegetation treatments on Wyoming toads.

Location: This position is based out of Laramie, Wyoming. Field work will

occur at Mortenson Lake National Wildlife Refuge (approximately 15 miles

southwest of Laramie) and several Safe Harbor reintroductions sites within

the Laramie Basin.

Description: 2-3 technicians to assist with regular field duties including:

=95=09Building and installing mesh tadpole enclosures

=95=09Daily feeding and measuring of tadpoles

=95=09Release and subsequent monitoring of adult toads=20

=95=09Regular surveys for non-captive Wyoming toads

=95=09Swabbing of toads for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)

=95=09Data entry

=95=09Other activities as needed

Qualifications: Qualified applicants will have the willingness and ability

to work long hours (including weekends and holidays) and be very flexible

with their schedule as work hours will be determined by animal needs.

Applicants must also be able to tolerate harsh field conditions (heat/cold,

wind, rain, biting insects, mud, etc.), pay extreme attention to detail, and

meet high standards of animal care. Interest in the research, a strong work

ethic, and the ability to conduct meticulous data collection for the

recovery of an endangered species are most important. Priority will be given

to individuals currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an ecology,

wildlife biology, or related program with past field experience. Qualified

applicants need a valid driver=92s license with a clean driving record.

Compensation: Technicians will be paid $400-$440 per week (depending on

experience) and provided with a shared field vehicle. Housing for

technicians may be available. Technicians will gain valuable field

experience while contributing to the recovery of a critically endangered

amphibian.

Duration: The position will start mid-May and continue through mid-August

(start and end dates may be flexible for highly qualified applicants and

field season may be adjusted due to weather conditions).

To Apply: Submit a letter of interest with dates of availability, r=E9sum=E9 or

CV, and contact information (name, email, phone number) for three references

in a single PDF to Dr. Melanie Murphy (melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu).=20

Application deadline is March 6, 2017 but review of applicants will begin

immediately. Questions about the positions can be directed to Dr. Melanie

Murphy (melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu) or Dr. Doug Keinath

(douglas_keinath@fws.gov).=20=20

Additional Information: This research is being conducted through a

collaboration between the Murphy Lab at the University of Wyoming (for more

information see https://sites.google.com/site/murphylabuwyo) and the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service.

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

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

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, so do not delay your application!

www.shoalsmarinelaboratory.org/seabird-tech-position

Description

One Grassland Bird Survey technician is needed to conduct grassland bird and vegetation surveys of public and private lands in northeastern North Dakota. The field season will begin mid-May 2017 and end early August 2017. The first two weeks of the season will be used primarily for training on grassland bird visual and auditory identification, distance sampling, and vegetation surveying. The majority of the season will be used for surveying grassland sites during early morning hours, usually 4:30 AM to 12:30 AM work days. The technician will survey on all days with suitable weather, meaning some weekends may be required. All sites will have vegetation surveys conducted in early-July. On days with poor weather, survey data will be entered and proofed.

Qualifications

Applicants with experience identifying eastern grassland birds by sight and sound are preferred. Experience conducting point counts for any avian species is desired. Additional qualifications include the ability to think independently and work without supervision, navigate to survey locations using a handheld GPS unit, operate a 4WD vehicle safely, record field data accurately, willingness to work during early morning hours and uncomfortable conditions, and enthusiasm for conservation and grassland ecology. Applicants must have a valid driver=92s license and be=

able to pass a UND background check.=20

Duration and Pay

$15/hour starting Mid-May 2017 and ending early August 2017 with flexible start and end dates.  The position will be based in Grand Forks, ND home of the University of North Dakota.  Numerous summer housing options are available around Grand Forks.

Please send cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references via e-mail to Dr. Kathryn Yurkonis at Kathryn.Yurkonis@email.und.edu by March 31st for full consideration.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

For questions and additional information please contact:

Dr. Kathryn A. Yurkonis

University of North Dakota Biology Department

10 Cornell St. Stop 9019

Grand Forks, ND  58201