NRE3205_StreamEcology

The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center invites applications for a full-time, temporary Seasonal Research Hourly position. This 3-month position begins in May/June 2017 and has the potential of being extended. On-site housing is provided on a limited basis, but is optional. The employee=92s main duties will be (1) maintenance of a native seed production garden; (2) assisting with vegetation sampling of uplands within the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem; and (3) data entry. This position will report directly to the Plant Ecology Lead Technician.

The 28,000-acre Research Center is located approximately 30 miles south of Albany, Georgia. The Center=92s research, education, and conservation programs focus on ecology and natural resource management. The site includes 16,000 acres of longleaf pine forests, over 1,000 acres of wetlands, and 26 miles of stream and river ecosystems.

Job Requirements: Ability to independently follow instructions. Vegetation sampling requires moderate to strenuous physical activity in the field, under demanding field conditions (i.e., heat, high humidity, and insects).

Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in biology, botany, horticulture, plant ecology, or a related field. Experience with plant identification and the use of dichotomous keys is desired. Computer and laboratory-

related experience is also preferable.=20

Wages: $11.00 per hour (limited housing available)

$12.00 per hour (without housing)

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, resume, list of relevant coursework, list of three references with contact information, and the date they are available to begin working as a single document by email to: jobs@jonesctr.org, Subject: Plant Ecology Hourly Position, or mail to Attn: Cindy Craft, Joseph Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Drive, Newton, GA 39870-9651 or FAX (229)734-4707.   Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

For specific questions or more information on this position, contact: Lisa Giencke, Plant Ecology Lead Technician by email: lgiencke@jonesctr.org or phone: (229)734-4706.

The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Ichauway, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/E-VERIFY/Affirmative Action Employer.

The Ecosystem Conservation lab at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), led by Dr. Kim La Pierre, is recruiting a full-time research technician. Our lab explores community and ecosystem responses to global change drivers, and the role that symbioses, competition, and trophic interactions play in shaping those responses (https://serc.si.edu/labs/ecosystem-conservation). Our research projects occur in field, lab, and greenhouse settings and include ecological genetics, microbial culturing, and field-based species identification, often in an experimental framework. The technician will be based at SERC and will participate in several collaborative projects investigating the impacts of global change drivers such as increased nutrient availability, elevated CO2, altered consumer pressure, and climate change on plant, microbial, and invertebrate communities. SERC is a vibrant community of scientists set within a 1,027 field-site, and located near the Annapolis, MD and Washington, DC metro areas.

Field and greenhouse duties will include plant species identification and collection, measurement of environmental parameters, seed preparation, experimental set-up and monitoring, and data entry. Lab duties will include sample processing, microbial culturing, routine molecular tasks (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, DNA visualization, sequencing, genotyping), and next generation sequencing library prep. In addition, the technician will be responsible for day-to-day lab organization and safety under the direction of the PI, including supply inventory and ordering, maintaining lab records (hardcopy and digital), and working collaboratively with other lab members.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor=92s degree in ecology (or related field) with at least two years of prior research experience, basic ecological genetic skills (PCR, sequencing, genotyping), strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Additional experience with field surveys, next generation sequencing, and data analysis is preferred.

The preferred start date is late June, and the appointment will be for one year, with a second year contingent on satisfactory performance in year one. While not a federal position, salary and benefits are commensurate with experience, up to a salary equivalent of Grade 7, Step 1 within the federal pay scale.

Interested candidates should send (1) a cover letter highlighting relevant research experience, (2) a resume or CV, (3) contact information for 2-3 references, and (4) an unofficial copy of transcripts to Kim La Pierre (lapierrek@si.edu). Review of applications will begin on May 1st, and continue until the position is filled.

Summary of Position

The Research Associate position is available in the Sewall Lab in the Department of Biology at Temple University.  Work will take place at Dr. Sewall’s field site at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center (http://ftig.png.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx), northeast of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Research Associate will provide technical field support to the lab=92s research efforts in conservation biology, and population and community ecology.  Primary research foci will be investigating the responses of bats to human disturbance, management efforts, and habitat change.  On-site fieldwork at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center will be required. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions of Position

– Conducting bat field research including but not limited to capture, handling, acoustic sampling, radiotelemetry, and measurement of plants and habitat characteristics

– Assisting in field research projects involving undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers from Dr. Brent Sewall’s lab: https://sites.temple.edu/bjsewall/opportunities/

– Maintaining written data sheets and spreadsheets for acoustic detectors, radiotelemetry, and mist-netting

– Training interns and students in proper field techniques

– Performing other duties as assigned

Requirements

– Previous experience mist-netting and handling bats

– Previous experience conducting ecology field research

– Willingness to work late nights outdoors in rugged terrain

– Must have a valid driver=92s license

– Must be physically able to carry 40 lbs. and set up triple-high mist nets (about 25 feet tall).

– Able to interact in a consistently positive manner with academic and military personnel

– Willingness to learn and abide by military field safety regulations

– Have or be willing to obtain up-to-date rabies vaccination

Preferred experience

– Ability to lead small teams of personnel in the field – Experience deploying triple-high mist-nets

– Experience tracking wildlife using radiotelemetry

– Experience deploying bat detectors or other wildlife recording devices

– Training or background in mammalogy, ecology, or conservation biology

Terms of Employment

– Start date: As soon as possible

– End date: Up to six months

– Pay rate: $14 to $18.50, dependent on training and experience

– Hours: Approximately 40 hours / week, weather-dependent

How to Apply

– Send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references via email to Dr. Lisa Powers at lisa.powers@temple.edu

– Please put =93Bat Field Tech Position=94 in the subject line of the email

– Position will remain open until filled

——————————

Date:    Mon, 17 Apr 2017 18:50:38 -0400

From:    =?windows-1252?Q?Elizabeth_Pienaar?= <efpienaar@UFL.EDU>

Subject: PhD Assistantship =?windows-1252?Q?=96_Landowners=92?= Willingness to Engage in Sustainable Bioenergy Production

PhD Assistantship =96 Landowners=92 Willingness to Engage in Sustainable Bioenergy Production

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Pienaar, Assistant Professor =96 Environmental Economics & Human Dimensions of Wildlife

Location: University of Florida

Description

I am recruiting a PhD student to conduct research on private landowners=92 willingness to engage in sustainable bioenergy production practices in the southeastern United States.  This research forms part of a larger USDA-funded project to determine how bioenergy production in the southeastern United States can be coupled with the protection of ecosystem services (see page 3 for an overview of the project).  The student will conduct research into:

1. how private landowners value ecosystem services provided by timberlands, and 2. which bioenergy production practices they are willing to adopt to secure both ecosystem services and bioenergy production.

This research will be used to formulate policy recommendations and to design extension/outreach programs to educate private timberland owners on how to better manage their lands to secure ecosystem services.=20 Further details about the project are available by writing to Dr. Pienaar.

The student will be expected to:

1. design and administer surveys to private timberland owners in Florida, Georgia and Alabama;

2. design and implement surveys to individuals who hunt on timberlands in the southeastern United States; 3. code, clean and analyze all data collected;

4. write reports and journal publications that document these research findings;

5. present results at both academic conferences and extension meetings;

6. assist in writing grant reports;

7. generate extension and outreach materials for private landowners, government agencies, and landowners; and

8. assist in other tasks related to this research =96 as needed.

As part of this appointment, the successful candidate will work as a teaching assistant for one semester each year.

The assistantship will commence in Fall 2017.  The successful candidate will be provided with four years of tuition (18 credit hours of coursework in Fall and Spring semesters).  The successful applicant will be paid a stipend of $20,024/year for 4 years, and will be provided with health care.

The student will work as part of a larger research team that includes landscape ecologists, extension specialists, and experts in GIS models and mapping.  This research project provides an opportunity to be part of an interdisciplinary research team at the University of Florida.

Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with a Master=92s degree, although students with a Bachelor=92s degree will be considered.=20 Preference will be given to applicants with training in social sciences, survey design and statistics.  In order to be considered for this position, the following application materials must be submitted to Dr. Pienaar (efpienaar@ufl.edu):

1. A letter of interest (1 page maximum)

2. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts

3. GRE scores

4. A curriculum vitae

5. An example of your writing

6. Names of 3 individuals who will provide you with references

The review of applications will commence on April 24, 2017.

Please share with current undergrads or recent graduates looking for opportunities to build experience while living and working in an amazing wetland sanctuary. Applications MUST be submitted online: https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/3200/conservation-intern%3a-

research/job

Overview:

Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon=92s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action.  By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive.  And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level.  What defines Audubon=92s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country.  Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

 Position Summary:

The Conservation Intern will gain valuable hands-on experience and professional skills in ecology and conservation. Working at the 13,000-

acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in southwestern Florida, the intern will assist with ecological monitoring and research at Audubon=92s Western Everglades Research Center. The position will be a combination of field work (25%) and office/laboratory activities (75%).

This full-time three-month internship will run from mid-May through mid-

August 2017 and will not exceed 40 hours per week, with occasional weekend work as needed.

On-site housing is required and provided due to the relatively remote location of the Sanctuary and early field hours. Housing is a furnished one-level dormitory-style building. There are 4 private bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 joined kitchens, a living room and a screened porch. Wireless internet, water, electricity and local phone service are provided. Housing will be shared with interns and/or visiting researchers.

Essential Functions:

Under the guidance of Audubon research staff, the intern will develop skills in a variety of ecological research and monitoring activities, including:

Monitoring wetland hydrology using groundwater wells (fitted with digital data loggers) and staff gauges and collecting weather data

Monitoring wetland wildlife to guide conservation and restoration.

Wildlife monitoring will include a combination of fish and aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling, herpetofauna surveys, small-mammal trapping (tentative project), and medium- and large-sized mammal monitoring using trail cameras;

Laboratory processing of aquatic fauna samples and trail camera images;

Data entry and data management associated with research and monitoring activities and ongoing citizen science programs; and

Communicating science to technical and lay audiences, which may include assistance with preparation of research reports and other technical publications, writing newsletter articles, using social media and/or giving on-site public presentations.

Interns are expected to assist with additional Sanctuary events and activities, as needed.

Qualifications and Experience:

The candidate must:

Be currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an institution of higher learning, pursuing a degree in environmental science or related field (ecology coursework preferred);

Demonstrate strong attention to detail in field, laboratory, and office activities. Strong skills in MS Excel are required and experience with MS Access and ArcGIS are preferred;

Excel in interpersonal communication and at working independently and as part of a team;

Demonstrate the ability to exercise sound judgment and adaptability to changing work conditions;

Possess a valid driver=92s license (experience with ATVs and 4WD vehicles is a plus); and

Be able to make a full 3-month summer 2017 commitment (dates are flexible).

Physical requirements include:

Ability to work long hours in the field in sub-tropical wetland environments, exposed to harsh South Florida environment (sun, biting insects, severe summer storms), sometimes alone and carrying field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods; and

Ability and willingness to work in murky waters and thick vegetation that serve as home for potentially dangerous wildlife such as alligators and venomous snakes.

M.S. Graduate Student Opportunity
Population Genomics of Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri)

An M.S. position supervised by Dr. Carla Hurt is available through the
Department of Biology (https://www.tntech.edu/cas/biology/) at Tennessee
Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee; starting date is August 2017.

The successful applicant will use reduced representation genomic
techniques to investigate the evolutionary history and population genetic
structure of the Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri) throughout its
range.  Specifically, the student would utilize a Gentoyping-by-Sequencing
protocol to identify and genotype informative SNPs and utilize this data
to address questions related to the conservation of this species. Results
from this study will be directly applicable to improving management
protocols for the Streamside Salamander. GBS is proving to be a powerful
tool for evaluating the patterns of genetic variation within and between
populations.  The student will gain valuable expertise in genomic tools
and data analysis that are widely applicable to the field of conservation
genomics.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a B.S. in biology
or closely related field and a strong academic record.  A GPA of at
least 3.5 is required.  The successful candidate should demonstrate an
interest in wildlife conservation and molecular genetics.  The student
will need to possess an aptitude for data analysis and careful research
in a molecular genetics laboratory as well as an ability to conduct
field work.  Previous experience working in a molecular laboratory
is preferred but exceptional applicants without experience will
be considered.  Financial support (stipend and full tuition waiver)
will be provided through a Teaching Assistantship and will be renewable
annually contingent upon satisfactory performance.

Interested students are encouraged to e-mail me (churt@tntech.edu). Please
include a short description of your academic background, research
interests and your CV. Screening of applicants will begin immediately.
Please contact me by June 1st for full consideration.

POSITION INFORMATION:

2 Research Aid 1 Technicians (wildlife) with the University of Washington (fieldwork to be conducted  along the Columbia River, near the John Day dam, Oregon/Washington border)

Start and end dates:May 2017 to end of July 2017, with a possible extension to September 2017

Salary: $15/hour

Project description:Conduct a comprehensive inventory of wildlife species (mammals, reptiles, and amphibians) at two sites=96 one along the Columbia River near the John Day dam and one at the Willow Creek dam project area.  The mammal surveys will use a combination of motion-activated camera trapping and live trapping for  capture-mark-recapture (CMR) analysis to detect and enumerate both small and large species.  Accordingly, applicants must be familiar with small mammal trapping and identifying species, and  preference will be given to those who are familiar with taxa of the Pacific Northwest. To survey for  reptiles and amphibians, we will use a combination of techniques, including nocturnal call surveys  (recording sound at sample points and later identifying the species). Accordingly, preference will be  given to applicants who are familiar with using herpetofaunal calls to identify species. Technicians will  also use visual encounter surveys and roadkill/ basking surveys to identify species and estimate  abundance. This work supports a larger project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Duties:Applicant should be responsible, organized and motivated. Field work will involve navigating and hiking  across rugged terrain to field sites while carrying heavy equipment (e.g., live traps and cameras).   During periods without field work, efforts will be focused on data entry and identifying wildlife species in  camera-trap photos.  Cameras will be deployed at the beginning of the field season and then checked  regularly. Small-mammal trapping will occur in the early morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) and again in theearly evening (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM) to ensure small mammal safety.

Requirements:Applicants must have experience handling small-mammals, working with small-mammal live-traps and  Oregon/Washington small-mammal identification. Strong preference will also be given to applicants with  experience deploying camera traps and with handling and identifying reptiles and amphibians. Applicant  should be detail oriented with the ability to take careful notes in field and office settings (Microsoft  Excel experience); preference will also be given to those with GIS experience. Applicants should be in  good physical condition with the ability to hike in hot temperatures and in rugged terrain while carrying  equipment, and should be comfortable working outdoors and in challenging field conditions (e.g.hot/cold) including along roadsides, fast moving water, and railroad right of ways. Applicant should have  basic competency using GPS/maps to locate field sites and record waypoints. Availability to work full- time (40 hours/week) is essential. Applicants must have their own vehicle (mileage reimbursement at  $0.54/mile).

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your resume, cover letter, and three references to  Michael Case (mcase@uw.edu).

Please respond no later than April 30, 2017

Title: Research Technician (Game Birds): Hawaii

Agency: University of Wyoming

Type: Temporary/Seasonal Positions

Website: https://www.facebook.com/hawaii.vine.project/

Salary: $1000 per month plus housing and use of vehicle

Start date: flexible, but early July is preferred

End date: 6 month commitment is required with the potential to extend

Last date to apply: 5/10/2017

Technician needed (1 position) to study game bird ecology as part of a seeddispersal study on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Forest ecosystems of the

Hawaiian Islands have increasingly faced threats of species extinction andbiological invasion, resulting in novel communities composed of native andnonnative species. Although many native Hawaiian plants rely on birds forseed dispersal, nearly all native frugivorous birds are extinct. In the

last century, the Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) and Erckel=92s

Francolin (Pternistis erckelii) were introduced to the Hawaiian Islands forrecreational hunting. We are investigating the ecological impacts of these2 species on seed dispersal networks.

Technician responsibilities will include line transect surveys, bird  capture and banding, GPS telemetry, behavioral observations, vegetation

surveys, fecal sample collection, seed identification with microscope, anddata entry. Fieldwork will involve long days of strenuous hiking and heavylifting in temperamental weather conditions.

The technician will mostly work independently but in close contact with theHawaii VINE Project, a collaborative research effort seeking to determinehow well different species of non-native vertebrates disperse native plantspecies. Technician will be working and living with a crew of 4-5 field

techs that is predominantly focused on study of seed dispersal by  songbirds. Technician will be solely responsible for game bird fieldwork

once the graduate student leaves, and will report to a graduate student

that will be off island for most of the field season.

Start date is flexible, but early July is preferred. The duration of thisposition is 6 months, with the potential to extend. Technician will be

provided with housing, a living stipend of $1,000 per month, and access tovehicles.

Qualifications: A bachelor=92s degree in wildlife biology, zoology, ecologyor a related field and at least two years of field experience pertaining towildlife biology or botany are required. Experience working with game birdspecies or demonstrated knowledge of Hawaiian forest ecosystems may  substitute some requirements. Applicant must be responsible, organized, andcomfortable working independently. An enthusiasm for research and fieldworkis essential, as well as patience and a strong work ethic.

Contact: Please email a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact  information for three references as a single PDF document to Sam Case(Sam.Case.Hawaii@gmail.com) by May 10th, 2017. A phone number and email

address must be included for each reference.

The Sala Lab at Arizona State University is looking for motivated

undergraduate students to participate in research activities in grassland

ecosystem ecology during the summer of 2017. The participant will work with

graduate students, technicians and postdocs to assist with ongoing rainfall

manipulation experiments, vegetation and soil sampling, and other field

surveys at several field sites across the US. Additionally, participants

have the opportunity to work with Sala Lab members and the PI to develop a

personalized project.

Activities will primarily be based at either the Jornada basin (Las Cruces,

NM) or Konza Prairie (Manhattan, KS) with possible field trips (1-2 weeks

in duration) between these sites and our third location, the Semi-arid

Grasslands Research Center (north of Fort Collins, CO). The successful

applicants are awarded a stipend, which includes cost of travel, lodging,

and food.

*About the Jornada*

The Jornada Basin Long Term Ecological

Research Program is focused on the ecology of drylands in the southwest

USA, including the causes and consequences of alternative ecosystem states

and the expansion of woody plants into grasslands resulting in more =E2=80=

=9Cdesert

like=E2=80=9D conditions. By conducting long-term precipitation manipulatio=

n

experiments, we are interested in how long-term changes to precipitation

amount and variability affect ecosystem functioning. More information on

the LTER is available at https://jornada.nmsu.edu/lter

*About Konza Prairie*

The Konza Prairie LTER is centered on one of the most productive grasslands

in North America =E2=80=93 the tallgrass prairie. The Konza LTER program ha=

s

focused on fire, grazing, and climatic variability as three critical and

interactive drivers that affect ecological patterns and processes in

grasslands worldwide. In the context of the Sala Lab, Konza Prairie is one

site across a precipitation gradient where we specifically address how

changes to precipitation affect above versus belowground primary

production. We also ask what mechanisms, such as plant allocation or

belowground herbivory, may be driving plant responses to precipitation

change. More information on the LTER is available at

http://www.konza.ksu.edu/knz/pages/home/home.aspx

*Eligibility*

Undergraduate student participants supported with NSF funds in either REU

Supplements or REU Sites must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or

permanent residents of the United States. An undergraduate student is a

student who is enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full-time)

leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree.

*Prior Fieldwork Experience required.*

*How to apply*

Applications are evaluated upon submission, and positions will be filled as

long as funding is available. Please send application materials to the Sala

Lab postdoc Dr. Laureano Gherardi (e-mail: Lau@asu.edu) by *April 14, 2017*=

.

*Application materials must include:*

Cover Letter

Resume or CV

Unofficial undergraduate transcript

A field technician position is available with Lars Brudvig=92s research group at Michigan State University (http://brudviglab.plantbiology.msu.edu/) to assist with plant community and restoration ecology projects in Michigan.=20

Primary job duties will include plant community surveys and measurement of environmental (e.g., soil, light) parameters within prairies and oak savannas undergoing restoration, establishment and maintenance of experimental field plots, and lab/office work (e.g., sample processing, data entry and proofing).  The technician will work both independently and collaboratively with postdocs and graduate students in the lab.  The technician will also have the opportunity to spend (paid) time working with restoration practitioners on related projects.

Minimum requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology or a similar field of study, previous research experience, the ability to work full days under arduous (hot/humid) field conditions, and a valid driver=92s license.

Desired qualifications: Formal botanical training, knowledge of prairie and/or oak savanna flora, prior experience conducting vegetation surveys, and experience with restoration practice.

Positions will begin as early as May and no later than July 2017, and will last 6-9 months.  Applicants should indicate dates of availability in their application letter.

Pay rate will be $12.00/hour, for 40 hours/week.  The technician will spend time based out of Michigan State University’s main campus (East Lansing, MI) and Kellogg Biological Station (Hickory Corners, MI; http://www.kbs.msu.edu/), with daily and some overnight travel to field sites.  These travel expenses will be covered.

To apply: Email a CV and a letter describing your interest in this position, relevant past experience, start date availability, and contact information with email addresses for two references to Lars Brudvig (brudvig@msu.edu).  Review of application materials will begin on 14 April 2017; applications received after 21 April 2017 will not be considered.

Michigan State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities. Job applicants are considered for employment opportunities and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.