Month: March 2017

Other: DukeU.SummerInternshipOpportunity.2

DukeUniversity: AEOP summer internships – Biomechanics of Ultrafast
Movements

ThePatek Lab in the Biology Department at Duke University is recruiting
one undergraduate student researcher through the US Army Educational
Outreach Program (AEOP) during the summer of 2017. The student will
participate in projects examining fast, impulsive movements of animals
in the natural environment. The focal systems for the project are
trap-jaw ants. Responsibilities of the student researchers may include
collecting study organisms from local habitats, obtaining high-speed
videos of animals, analyzing high-speed videos using computer software,
performing statistical analyses and scientific writing. The details of
responsibilities and tasks will be determined based on mutual interests
of the students and the mentors. There are also possibilities for the
students to develop individual projects under our mentorship.

Weare looking for motivated, reliable students who are excited about
having first-hand research experience at the intersection of biology
and physics. Skills to perform the above-mentioned tasks are not
required. We especially value students who are curious, hard-working
and have an open mind about the possibilities of basic, scientific
research. For more information about The Patek Lab, please visit our
website: www.thepateklab.org<http://www.thepateklab.org/>

DEADLINE:March 12, 2017, 11:59 pm. All applicants must submit two letters
of recommendation, transcripts and must have maintained a cumulative
GPA of at least 3.2 in their coursework. Applicants must also include
a brief essay that explains their interest in this research and how it
relates to their future goals.

TOAPPLY: Please click the link below through the
Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP):
http://www.cvent.com/events/2017-undergraduate-research-apprenticeship-program-urap-/event-summary-ccf8d39466294c8391d60121495cfcdf.aspx

–        Select “Apply” at the bottom of the page
–        Fill out the forms
–        At “Please select your 1st preference of URAP location,”
please select “BDUN53 Duke University”

NOTE:The project description from the Army Research Office website was
incorrect and has now been fixed. It should read:

“ImpulsiveBiological Performance in the Natural Environment”: Student
will focus on impulsive performance in the natural environment. Applicants
will need to have taken introductory biology and physics (mechanics). They
must have an interest in working outdoors and with live animals.”

chi.yun.kuo@duke.edu

butterfly and seabird internship Florida Keys

The Florida Museum of Natural History and the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex are currently seeking an intern to assist with imperiled butterfly and seabird research and monitoring. The start date for this internship is May 1, 2017 and the internship will run through August 11, 2017 (15 weeks total). This internship may be extended pending the availability of additional funding. The exact start and end dates are flexible, but only those who can commit to at least 12 weeks will be considered. The intern will be provided with a stipend of $100 per week, and shared housing is included. Economical travel costs to and from Big Pine Key, FL will be reimbursed (up to $1,000).

The intern will have the opportunity to work closely with an endangered butterfly, the Miami blue butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri). This includes assisting with research as well as ongoing monitoring efforts. The Miami blue butterfly was historically found throughout coastal south Florida but it is currently restricted to several remote, uninhabited islands in Key West and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuges, which are accessible only by boat. We are working to learn more about the life history of this butterfly to inform population restoration efforts with the eventual goal of recovering populations of this butterfly to areas of its former range.

Additionally, occasional work will include assisting with a seabird social attraction study on Magnificent Frigatebirds within Key West and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuges.  Sites are only accessible by boat, and work involves monitoring of bird use on specific islands, as well as installation and maintenance of on-site field equipment.

Successful applicants must have a passion for working outdoors, even in challenging conditions. Summer temperatures often exceed 90=B0F, with high humidity, frequent thunderstorms, and biting/stinging insects. The applicant must be comfortable working on small motorboats, including in rough seas. The selected candidate may have the opportunity to complete the Department of the Interior=92s Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC).

The majority of the work for this internship will take place in the Lower Florida Keys and shared housing on Big Pine Key will be provided. The intern will have a private bedroom, but will share living space with other interns, volunteers and visiting researchers. The bunkhouse is air conditioned and includes laundry facilities, utilities, and internet access. A shopping center with a grocery store is located within walking or biking distance and the office where the selected candidate will report is located approximately 2 miles from the bunkhouse. Having a private vehicle is very helpful but not an absolute necessity. A vehicle will be provided for transportation between the office and field sites.

Responsibilities:

=B7       Assist with releases of captive-bred Miami blue butterflies in the Lower and Middle Keys

=B7       Assist with monitoring of released butterflies and immatures (eggs, larvae and pupae)

=B7       Assist with monitoring of extant populations of Miami blue butterflies

=B7       Assist in flight cage maintenance

=B7       Assist with seabird monitoring and field equipment maintenance associated with social

        attraction study

=B7       Help to coordinate and oversee volunteers

=B7       Data entry using Microsoft Excel and Access

=B7       Assist with additional projects as needed, potentially including monitoring Bartram=92s scrub-                    hairstreak butterflies, monitoring of sea turtle nests, and public outreach/education

Qualifications:

=B7       Current student or recent graduate of a Bachelor’s program in Biology, Ecology or related field

=B7       Enthusiasm for outdoor work, especially in hot and buggy conditions

=B7       Ability to visually detect very small butterfly eggs and larvae. Training will be provided.

=B7       Experience conducting biological fieldwork preferred

=B7       Basic bird identification skills and ability to use binoculars

=B7       Knowledge of Florida flora and fauna is helpful, but not required

=B7       Experience operating or being on small boats is helpful, but not required

=B7       Attention to detail and keen observation skills are required

=B7       Physically fit, with the ability to hike several miles and lift 30 lbs. without assistance

=B7       Ability to work well in a small team of researchers and volunteers

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references in a single PDF document to Sarah Steele Cabrera at ssteelecabrera@flmnh.ufl.edu<mailto:ssteelecabrera@flmnh.ufl.edu> by March 24, 2017. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Restoration Field Technician

Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal:

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/Careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLOG&REQ=3D2017-RAP-017

The Great Basin Institute is working cooperatively with the Bureau of

Land Management Southern Nevada District Office to bring on one

Restoration Field Technician.  The restoration field technician will be

responsible for implementing spring and riparian restoration projects,

and performing office and field activities related to spring and

riparian area management, restoration, and monitoring. The technician

will also participate in the implementation of landscape scale upland

habitat restoration projects.

The associate will work under the direction of the BLM Las Vegas

Restoration Program Manager and will engage in tasks including:

=95Field monitoring using basic equipment and standard techniques for

measuring vegetation response, hydrological condition and other

ecological indicators;

=95Independently conduct field work in the Mojave Desert;

=95Drive through rugged terrain using 4WD vehicles or UTV=92s;

=95Conduct work in the field throughout all seasons;

=95Data processing, including GIS work;

=95Gather data, and prepare and submit reports;

=95Coordinate with volunteer groups, and oversee restoration work with

volunteer teams and Nevada Conservation Corps teams  to restore riparian

and upland wildlife habitat;

=95Repair fences, barriers, gates, and signs using construction tools such

as post hole diggers, shovels, digging bars, a generator, electric

drills and other hand tools;

=95Treat exotic plants with mechanical techniques such as pulling, and

coordinate herbicide treatments by certified applicators;

=95Support the planning, designing, and logistics for restoration

projects;

=95Work with a variety of specialists from different agencies in order to

assist with the completion of projects;

=95Other restoration activities will be assigned as needed; and

=95Participate in GBI and BLM training opportunities.

Location:

The technician will be based out of the BLM Southern Nevada District

office, which is located in northwest Las Vegas, NV. The Southern Nevada

District Office manages more than three million acres of Mojave Desert

in Clark and Nye counties. The scenery varies from dramatically colorful

geologic landforms and largely unspoiled panoramic vistas of Red Rock

Canyon National Conservation Area to remote and rugged wild landscapes

of the recently designated Gold Butte National Monument. Recreation

opportunities abound and viewing sites for desert plants and animals are

easily accessible.

Compensation:

=95Rate of Pay: $15.00/hour

=95Health and Dental benefits

Timeline:

=95March 2017 for a 1 year duration; potential for extension pending

available funding and positive performance review

=95Full time, 40 hours per week; overtime and/or weekend hours may be

required occasionally

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications-

=95Bachelor=92s Degree in Physical or Ecological Sciences (such as

Environmental Science, Ecology, Hydrology, Rangeland Management or

related subject);

=95Experience conducting ecological field work, preferably related to

botany;

=95Experience in data collection;

=95Coursework in plant restoration, botany,  or range science (transcripts

may be requested);

=95Experience conducting plant surveys using various monitoring protocols,

such as standard rangeland monitoring protocols, photo plots, and site

observations;

=95Experience with data entry and analysis;

=95Experience with technical writing and/or producing written

project/monitoring summary reports;

=95Experience working with hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and data

collection;

=95Experience working with GIS software; and

=95Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access)

=95Valid, state-issued driver=92s license and clean driving record;

experience operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads;

=95Ability to work independently, self-direct and self-motivate;

=95Good organizational skills and ability to multitask;

=95Willingness and ability to carry a backpack water sprayer (up to 35

pounds), lift up to 50 pounds, and to perform physical labor, including

but not limited to, manual removal of non-native vegetation, and

planting of native vegetation; and

=95Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and

a diverse public;

=95Willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field;

=95Willingness to sometimes work irregular hours (e.g., early mornings,

late nights);

=95Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all

types of weather conditions and traverse uneven terrain;

=95Willingness to complete chain saw and UTV training; and

=95Successful applicant(s) must complete a Department of Interior (DOI)

Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to BLM human resources

indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed

prior to beginning position.

Desired Qualifications-

=95Experience conducting and/or overseeing restoration projects;

=95Experience using small engines such as generators, chain saws, and

augers.

=95Knowledge of Mojave flora, fauna and environmental conditions

desirable;

=95Experience using a dichotomous key to identify plants to species; and

=95Experience in applying revegetation and other restoration techniques.

How to Apply:

Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal:

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/Careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLOG&REQ=3D2017-RAP-017

NSF/USGS grad student opportunity in peatland ecology and molecular biology

The USGS, in connection with the NSF Graduate Research Intern Program (GRIP) and the NSF Graduate Student Preparedness program (GSP) opportunity, has opportunities for current NSF funded graduate students to spend up to 12 months with the USGS working on research.

See opportunities here:

https://powellcenter.usgs.gov/national-science-foundation-graduate-research-internship-program-

grip

In addition, if there are any NSF funded graduate students out there interested in applying DNA based techniques to understand peatland vegetation history in Alaska, please send me an email at mwaldrop@usgs.gov.

MS research assistantship — Rangeland Soil Ecology

Position Description

A graduate research assistantship (Masters level) is available in the

Department of Soil Science, School of Natural Resource Sciences at North

Dakota State University. The student will focus on soil ecology, nutrient

cycling, and aboveground-belowground relationships in a rangeland system,

and in response to vegetation treatments (such as fire and livestock

grazing). The research will be conducted at the Central Grasslands Research

and Extension Center (CGREC) in Streeter, ND, but the position will be based

at the NDSU campus in Fargo, ND. The project will integrate with

interdisciplinary projects at CGREC examining vegetation ecology, livestock

production, wildlife and pollinator habitat, and fire behavior.

Qualifications

Qualified applicants will have a strong academic record in the natural

sciences, excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to

work in a team and independently, and the ability to spend substantial time

at CGREC. The most competitive applicants will have prior experience with

research and data analysis, preferably in the areas of soil, plant, or

rangeland ecology.

To apply

Submit one document (word or PDF) that includes 1) a cover letter explaining

your background, qualifications, and why you are interested in the position,

2) curriculum vitae, 3) transcripts (unofficial), and 4) contact information

for three professional references to caley.gasch@ndsu.edu. Incomplete

applications will not be considered. Screening will begin immediately

Salary: $17,000 annually, plus full tuition waiver

Location: Fargo, ND (NDSU main campus) and Streeter, ND (CGREC,

https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/CentralGrasslandsREC)

Contact: Caley Gasch, Assistant Professor of Soil Health, Department of Soil

Science https://www.ndsu.edu/soils/personnel/faculty/dr_caley_gasch/

caley.gasch@ndsu.edu

Job Posting: Seasonal Aquatic Biologist I Massachusetts

Position: Aquatic Biologist I

Start Date: May 14, 2017

End Date: October 28, 2017

About the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of

Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse

state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural

resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts.

DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the

nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water

supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming

pools, golf courses, skating rinks, trails and parkways.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Water Supply

Protection seeks qualified applicants for the positions of seasonal Aquatic

Biologist I.

*Duties:*

Under the direction of the Environmental Quality Group supervisor or

designees, the successful applicants will:

   – Participate in field surveys of Wachusett Reservoir by using water

   quality probes, obtaining water quality and phytoplankton samples,

   delivering samples to the analytical laboratory, and processing biological

   samples.

   – Participate in invasive aquatic plant management activities by

   scouting for new invasive plants, counting invasive plant fragments,

   mapping invasive plant beds, and recording plant species occurrence in the

   Wachusett Reservoir and watershed ponds.

   – Assist in compiling and entering environmental monitoring data into

   electronic databases.

   –  Participate in laboratory analysis of water quality samples for

   characteristics like color and turbidity.

   – Participate in the sampling and analysis of algae and

   macroinvertebrate populations and their habitat for the purpose of

   assessing potential impacts to drinking water quality.

   – Assist with data analysis preparatory to writing reports on monitoring

   studies.

   – Perform other related duties as required.

While not required, small boat operation and canoe paddling experience is

advantageous as is identification of freshwater aquatic macrophytes.

*Qualifications*

*This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first

consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first

14 days.*

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent

part-time, professional, para-professional or technical experience in

marine biology or fisheries management work, or (B) any equivalent

combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor=E2=80=99s or higher degree with a major in marine, fisheries, or

wildlife biology; fisheries or wildlife management, marine science or

oceanography may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of

two years of education for one year of experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the

proportion of the requirements actually completed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and

valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

*An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities,

veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.*

*Official Title:* Aquatic Biologist I

*Primary Location:* United States-Massachusetts-West Boylston-180 Beaman St

*Job:* Science

*Agency:* Department of Conservation & Recreation

*Schedule:* Full-time

*Shift:* Day

*Job Posting:* Mar 8, 2017, 8:46:53 AM

*Number of Openings:* 1

*Salary:*   1,845.56 Biweekly

*If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity

questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity

Officer / ADA Coordinator:* Evanice Torres – 617-626-1161

MS Delaware

Dr. Ivan Hiltpold is recruiting a MS student to join his new lab group (http://canr.udel.edu/faculty/ivan-hiltpold/) in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology (http://canr.udel.edu/enwc/), Univ. of Delaware, Newark, DE). The lab group takes multidisciplinary approaches to document on multitrophic interactions in the rhizosphere. The topics of interest include chemically meditated interaction between insect herbivores, roots and entomopathogenic nematodes, above-belowground interactions, crop domestication (effect on plant defense and architecture), impact of root architecture on upper trophic levels, or development of innovative tools in sustainable pest control. Hiltpold=92s lab, together with the shared facilities at UD, offers up-to-date instruments and technologies to undertake world-class research.

Current work in the lab is centered on the western corn rootworm as an insect model. In this context, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to look at the influence of Silicon accumulation in corn roots on the rhizopheric community. The student will undertake metabolic, phenotypic, behavioral and ecological analyzes and experiments to unravel how does corn use this key element in defenses against insect herbivores. Elements on above-belowground interactions and sustainability of the approach will be added depending on the progresses of the project.

Salary

A competitive salary (~$24,000 + health benefit) and tuition package will be offered to the successful applicant.

General Information

The Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has 13 faculty, 1 extension specialist, and 15 affiliated faculty. =A0Additional world-class faculty and professionals in other departments within the College provide excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.=A0 Research facilities include two research farms (over 200 acres each) and excellent greenhouse and laboratory facilities (see=A0http://canr.udel.edu/enwc/). The University of Delaware is a Land Grant, Sea Grant, Space Grant, and Carnegie Research University. =A0The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from minority group members and women.

Successful applicant will have to enroll to the Univ. of Delaware Graduate School.

Application Instructions

To apply, please email Dr. Hiltpold (Hiltpold@udel.edu) a cover letter describing your interests and experience, a CV, contact details of 3 professional references, unofficial transcripts, and (unofficial) GPA and GRE/TOEFL scores. Contact Dr. Hiltpold for more information.

Application deadline: March 31 2017

Expected starting period: Summer semester.

REU: Carbon cycling in alpine ponds of Colorado

Dr. Scott Wissinger and Dr. Amanda DelVecchia

Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory

Allegheny College

We are seeking a highly motivated undergraduate student to conduct a

10-week research project investigating patterns in CO2 saturation and

efflux across alpine ponds in Gothic, Colorado (

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/u

nitedstates/colorado/placesweprotect/mexican-cut-preserve.xml).  The

project involves rigorous field sampling, measurement of headspace samples

on a gas chromatograph and/or LiCor, and collection of routine hydrologic

measurements.  Student should have taken basic biology and chemistry

classes and should be in good academic standing.  An interest in ecology

and/or hydrology is preferred.  Experience with both field and lab

techniques is also preferable, but not necessary.

Sampling requires hiking with equipment to 12,000 feet in elevation in

variable weather conditions =E2=80=93 thus student should be comfortable in

wilderness conditions and in excellent physical condition.  The student

should also be comfortable living in a relatively remote setting.

Position includes room, board, and stipend from the beginning of June to

mid August.  The student will be housed at Rocky Mountain Biological

Laboratory (www.rmbl.org) and will be enrolled in RMBL=E2=80=99s REU progra=

m, where

the student will be able to participate in routine meetings and a symposium

at the end of summer.  The student will also be part of a large team of

aquatic ecologists including professors, postdocs, graduate students,

undergraduate research assistants, and other REU students.

To apply, please send a CV, academic transcript, and 1 page statement of

interest to adelvecchia@allegheny.edu.

Chris Nadeau Wins Schoodic Institute Fellowship

EEB doctoral student Chris Nadeau (Urban lab) has won the Second Century Stewardship Fellowship from AAAS, Schoodic Institute, and Acadia National Park to support his research on zooplankton ecological and evolutionary responses to climate change in rock pool crustaceans. He’ll be heating up rock pools and manipulating precipitation on the rocky coast of Maine.

March 8, 2017