Month: February 2018

Amazonian wildlife research interns sought for projects in Peru

Fauna Forever, a non-profit based in Peru, is now recruiting interns and volunteers to assist with its Amazon rainforest-based wildlife research and conservation projects, community development projects, botanical, forest carbon and medicinal plant studies, and agroforestry and green energy initiatives in the Madre de Dios region. There are also a few limited opportunities for those interested in office-based non-profit management activities at our bases in the cities of Puerto Maldonado and Cusco.
Opportunities are available throughout 2018.

If you are a student, recent graduate of the environmental or social sciences, or you are someone looking for a worthwhile activity during a career break period, and you want to gain active field experience in the humid Neotropics and contribute to rainforest conservation efforts, then we’d encourage you to get involved.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Those interested should contact us at our central email
(info@faunaforever.org) with a CV and cover letter detailing the following information.

Name:
Nationality:
Age:
Period or dates (number of weeks or preferred arrival and departure dates):
Why you would like to assist our projects?
What skills could you bring to our teams?
Any other relevant information that the selection committee should take into account:

SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES TAUGHT
The skills and techniques that our international team of conservation biologists and community project coordinators can teach interns and volunteers in an experiential learning context in Peru, include:

1. Wildlife research techniques for studying diversity, population dynamics, home range size, and the behavior of focal taxa = Unbounded line transects, camera traps and DSLR photography, mist netting with banding/ringing, baited and un-baited pit-fall traps, point count stations, quadrats, Bal-chatri traps, Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) and Global Positioning System (GPS) tagging, acoustic monitoring, and associated data analysis methods. Focal taxa = Terrestrial and arboreal mammals (primates, cats, ungulates, tapir, etc.); Birds (tanagers, flycatchers, toucans, parrots and macaws, raptors, etc.); Herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles, including snakes and caiman); Insects (butterflies and dung-beetles);

2. Botanical, forest carbon and medicinal plant research techniques = Cuadrats and larger plots, line transects, microscopy, voucher collection, direct observation and interviews with locals, local market surveys.

3. Community development project skills = Interviews of individuals and focus groups in rural community settings, developing action plans, economic valuation of natural resources, business and risk management plans, ecotourism marketing plans, environmental education in rural schools, indigenous knowledge storage and retrieval mechanisms, etc.

4. Office-based non-profit management skills = Data analysis and infographics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) management and mapping, social media management, project development processes (planning, budgeting, decision making etc.), calculating carbon emissions per project.

MAP OF RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION SITES
A map showing the location of Fauna Forever’s research, conservation, and community development sites can be found at this link:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1n0YqLRbsj-ttHui-bO5mh8XczZQ

Many thanks!

Chris Kirkby (PhD)
—————————–
Founder, Managing Director, and Principal Investigator at Fauna Forever Tambopata Hostel, Gonzales Prada 161, Puerto Maldonado, Peru Urb. Santa Maria P1D, San Sebastian, Cusco, Peru
Tel: +51 993915158 / 992771166
E-mail: chris@faunaforever.org
Facebook: http://facebook.com/FaunaForever
Web: http://faunaforever.org

Internship opportunity: Evolutionary responses of tropical lizards to climate change

Internship opportunity: Evolutionary responses to climate change in tropical lizards
Recent studies have argued that tropical organisms are particularly vulnerable to climate change because they are adapted to the thermally stable tropics. In other words, they are “thermal specialists” incapable of dealing with even small changes in temperature. For animals like lizards that have limited dispersal ability, evolutionary adaptation may be their primary means to avoid extinction. But can lizards evolve fast enough to keep pace with global warming? Is there sufficient phenotypic variation in tropical lizard populations for selection to act upon? If so, what is the genomic basis of this variation?
We are conducting a large-scale transplant experiment aimed at measuring evolutionary change in real time, testing hypotheses about thermal adaptation and the evolutionary capacity of tropical animals in the face of rapid, catastrophic warming. We are looking for one or more interns to join us at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) as we sample lizards from a series of experimental islands in the Panama Canal. The internship will run from September through November, 2018, and is open to undergraduate or graduate students (or recent grads looking for additional field experience). Prior experience with hand-catching lizards is preferred, but not necessary, as is prior experience in the tropics (preferred but not necessary). We particularly encourage members of underrepresented groups (women, minorities, first-generation college students, etc.) to apply.
The intern will be integrated into an international team of evolutionary biologists and ecologists working on this project. The intern will be trained in a number of field and laboratory techniques. These include (but are not limited to) field capture and processing of live Anolis lizards, measuring morphological traits, respirometry, estimation of thermal tolerance and field body temperatures, habitat monitoring using a drone, tissue sampling and DNA preservation, and visual elastomer marking techniques for mark-recapture studies. In general, the intern will be exposed to a vibrant scientific atmosphere of dedicated, passionate researchers working in one of the most complex and pristine tropical environments on the planet. 
The deadline for applications is March 15th. The internship stipend is $1000/month which comfortably covers room and board in Panama. There is no allowance specifically for travel. This program is competitive, with applications being evaluated by a committee of Smithsonian staff scientists. As such, there is no guarantee that any individual application will be approved. However, project PI Mike Logan (Biodiversity Genomics Postdoctoral Fellow at STRI;www.evolutioninthetropics.com) will work with individual applicants to improve their essay and increase their chances at getting accepted. Please email Mike (mike.logan1983@gmail.com) for more information and to see if your interests match the goals of the project. Please attach your CV to the first email.
 

Paid field tech position Scottish Highlands rewilding project

Subject: Paid field tech position Scottish Highlands rewilding project

Job Posting: Junior Field Technician

Project: Rewilding the Scottish Highlands at Alladale Wilderness Reservehttp://earthwatch.org/Expeditions/Rewilding-the-Scottish-Highlands

Location: Scottish Highlands

Dates: June 13, 2018 – August 12, 2018

Compensation: £ 8.70 per hour, housing, food

Job description: Assist with survey of reforested plots (e.g., tree species, size, survival status, understory plant assessments including species
identification) and deer behaviour (focal animal observations). This technician will be working on a field crew that will consist of professional technicians, interns, and lay citizen-scientist volunteers. The job is based out of a remote, historic field station with no Internet access, cell phone access, or television.  Must be available for the entire field season.

Required Skills: Must have previous work experience in silviculture and wildlife ecology field sampling and be familiar with flora of the Scottish Highlands. Must have a driver’s license and be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with a manual transmission on unpaved and at times rough roads. Must be good with people, able to work as a collaborative team member, and able to assist with meal preparation. Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions are essential qualities in the successful applicant.  Must be in excellent physical condition with no injuries or health issues. Must be comfortable working outdoors in inclement weather and on rough terrain, working irregular work weeks (e.g., 6 days on, 3 days off, or other arrangements depending on weather and unpredictable conditions), and being based out of a remote field station. Preference will be given to applicants residing in the UK with familiarity with the Scottish Highlands.

To Apply: Please send a CV, two letters of reference, and short letter explaining what skills you would bring to this project and what you would gain from working on it to the principal investigator on this project: Dr.
Cristina Eisenberg, Chief Scientist, Earthwatch Institute (ceisenberg@earthwatch.org).

REU in Coastal Ecosystems Ecology – Villanova University

Subject: REU in Coastal Ecosystems Ecology – Villanova University

The laboratory of Dr. Nathaniel Weston in the Department of Geography and the Environment at Villanova University will host a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) student during summer 2018. REU internships are funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support active research participation of undergraduate students. The REU student will develop an independent research project focused on coastal ecosystems ecology, and will participate in field trips to tidal marsh research sites in Plum Island Sound, MA and Delaware River, NJ.

Eligibility and Requirements: REU applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., completed one or more years of college but not received a Bachelor’s degree, have completed some coursework relevant to related to the REU program, and have plans to pursue a career in environmental research. Applicants must confirm that they are able to participate in the entire program (June 4 – August 10). The summer intern should expect to participate in physically strenuous field research in sometimes uncomfortable conditions (muddy, buggy, hot).

Program: The REU intern will receive a stipend of $5000 for the summer.
Housing on Villanova’s campus and a meal plan will be provided. The program runs from June 4 – August 10 (10 weeks). The intern will participate in the on-campus professional development activities administered by the Villanova Center for Research and Fellowships that includes social events and workshops on topics including the responsible conduct of research, fellowships in the STEM fields, networking, science writing, and delivering effective presentations. The REU intern will also receive safety and field sampling training at the start of their internship. The REU intern will join a group of undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory of Dr. Nathaniel Weston (http://nweston.org), and will work to design and implement an independent research project. This REU internship provides the selected undergraduate student with an outstanding opportunity to develop and design an independent research project and to gain substantial hands-on field and laboratory experience in a dynamic research program.

Application: Applicants for the 2018 summer REU internship complete the online application and have a letter of recommendation submitted by March 16. The online application (http://nweston.org/reu-in-coastal-
ecosystems-ecology/) includes several document uploads that should be prepared prior to completing the online portion of the application:
–       A cover letter that describes your interest in coastal
ecosystems ecology, your professional career goals, and what you hope to obtain from a summer REU internship (limited to 1 page).
–       A resume (limited to 2 pages).
–       A copy of your academic transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
Applicants should also request a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. The letter can be submitted by email directly to Dr. Weston (nathaniel.weston@villanova.edu).

See http://nweston.org/reu-in-coastal-ecosystems-ecology/ for more information and to apply.

Graduate position: NorthernArizonaU.TreeEvolution

Graduate Research Assistantships in Tree Genomics & Evolution @ NAU

The School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University (NAU) is seeking
2 highly motivated Master of Science students to join the newly formed
lab of Genetics, Genomics and Evolution of Tree Species. Both positions
include a stipend, tuition waiver, and health benefits for 2 years.

Position 1: Students will use genomic tools to identify genes
underlying resistance to the devastating disease white-pine blister
rust in Sugar Pine. This position involves only data analyses.

Position 2: Students will use genomic tools to identify patterns of
hybridization, introgression and local adaptation between two varieties
of Douglas fir. This position involves data analyses, molecular lab
work, and greenhouse work.

Minimum qualifications:

–       Bachelor degree in Genetics, Forest Sciences, Biology, Plant
Sciences, Evolutionary Biology, Bioinformatics or related fields of
study.

–     Have taken at least one undergraduate course in Genetics.

–       Ability to program in R, Perl or Phyton (familiarity with Linux
is a plus)

–       Willingness to work with big data sets in a computer cluster.

–       Availability to start by July 1^st, 2018 .

–       No greenhouse or molecular lab experience is required.

How to apply:

Please send a 1-page statement of interest, CV, unofficial copy of
transcripts, GRE scores, and TOEFL scores (international students), and
the names and contact information of 3 references by March 5^th, 2018.
If found to be a good match for the position, you will be encouraged to
apply to the graduate program at NAU. Please note that NAU has the
following admission requirements: GPA equal or higher than 3.0 and
TOEFL = 213 (computer-based) or 80 (internet-based).

Contact Information:

Dr. De La Torre, Amanda.de-la-torre@nau.edu

https://nau.edu/CEFNS/Forestry/Faculty-and-Staff/Directory/De-La-Torre/

Institution:

Northern Arizona University is a 29,000 student-institution with its
main campus in Flagstaff, a four-season community of about 70,000 at
the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks. Flagstaff has all-year
easy access to the Arizona snowbowl ski resort and is located at 1-hour
drive from the Gran Canyon.

Useful links:

School of Forestry- http://nau.edu/forestry

Amanda Rosa Maria De la Torre Cuba <Amanda.de-la-Torre@nau.edu>

Summer Field Assistant Nantucket Island, MA

SEASONAL, FULL-TIME
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND STEWARDSHIP POSITION

The Nantucket Land Bank seeks a qualified individual to assist with environmental management responsibilities on Land Bank properties during the summer of 2018. This position starts May 21st and ends August 24th.
A minimum of 35 hours up to a maximum of 40 hours per week is required, with an unpaid lunch hour. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist the Land Bank Environmental Coordinator and Property Management Coordinator with various tasks including (but not limited to) ecological monitoring, invasive species management, encroachment issues, conservation restrictions and GPS/GIS tasks. Pay starting at $20 per hour depending on experience. Shared housing may be available. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to lift 50 pounds. CORI check required. Please submit a resume and cover letter to scampese@nantucketlandbank.org. Applications must be received no later than March 2, 2018.

22 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 02554 Tel. 508-228-7240 Fax 508-228-9369

Preference will be given to candidates that possess the following
qualifications:

* B.S. or B.A. in biology, natural resources, environmental studies or related field OR degree in progress with relevant course work * Understanding of basic principles related to botany, soil science, wildlife biology, geology, and/or hydrology * Experience identifying plants in the field and using a dichotomous key * Ability to use handheld GPS units for navigation and to collect spatial data * Possess a clear understanding of GIS theory and applications, including experience with ArcGIS 10.x to create maps * Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) * Experience with data entry and management * Experience with technical writing * Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience * Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals * Excellent organizational skills

THE NANTUCKET ISLANDS LAND BANK IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

Summer Field Crew – Forest Ecology Research in the Pacific Northwest

Forest Ecology Research in the Pacific Northwest – Summer 2018

Overview: A crew leader and two crew positions are available this summer to collect data for the Pacific Northwest Permanent Sample Plot Program (http://pnwpsp.forestry.oregonstate.edu), one of the longest-running research projects of its kind in the world.  Our objective is to understand the patterns and mechanisms of long-term forest dynamics across a diversity of forest types in Oregon and Washington.    We seek individuals who are detail-oriented, able to follow complex data collection procedures, have legible handwriting, enjoy working as part of a team, and can live cooperatively with others.

Duties: Field crew members will (a) navigate very steep terrain to relocate permanent plots using topographic maps and GPS; (b) identify tree species; (c) tag, measure and map trees; (d) assess and document tree mortality; and (e) record and check data for completeness and clarity.

Logistics:  Crew will be based at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/ near Blue River, Oregon, where housing is provided at no cost.  Some camping will also be necessary for sites located in Washington. Work begins June 18, 2018 and wraps up by September 14, 2018.  Applicants with previous experience may perform lead work.

Minimum qualifications:
– Enrolled in or graduated from a program in forestry, botany, natural resources, environmental science or closely related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
– Ability to follow complex data collection procedures.
– Experience or training in forest inventory methods and measurements.
– Experience navigating mountainous terrain using compass, map and GPS.
– Demonstrated ability to work independently and with other crew members in a professional manner while maintaining a positive and safe work environment.

Preferred qualifications:
– Experience or training in identifying the symptoms and causes of tree mortality.
– Field experience identifying plant species and using taxonomic keys.
– Familiarity with the woody plants of the Cascade Mountains or proven ability to learn them quickly.
– Prior experience conducting field work and collecting data for research.
– First-aid or wilderness first-aid training.
– A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Salary: $14-$16/hour, depending on qualifications and experience
Duration:  June 18 to September 14, 2018 Application closing date:  March 11, 2018

Application process depends on student status.  You are considered a student if you are enrolled for at least 6 credits in spring and intend to take at least 6 credits in the fall.
– Students:  http://jobs.oregonstate.edu/hr/postings/55174 or go to https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/ and search for posting P03241SE
– Non-students: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/55746 or go to https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/ and search for posting P01378CT
– FMI: Rob Pabst, Dept of Forest Ecosystems & Society, Oregon State University (rob.pabst@oregonstate.edu)

Mississippi State University Marine Fisheries Ecology Internship

Mississippi State University Marine Fisheries Ecology Internship

The Mississippi State University Marine Fisheries Ecology Lab is seeking an intern to work under the direction of Dr. Marcus Drymon and extension program associates at the Coastal Research and Extension Center (CREC) in Biloxi, MS. Paid internship is available for a six-month period starting April 1st and ending September 30th.

Qualified applicant will assist with various field projects, primarily aiding chief scientists with bottom longline surveys throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico. Applicant will be responsible for helping to prepare and deploy gear, assisting with field dissections, sample collection, data collection and entry, as well as other various laboratory processing tasks.

To apply, submit an application, resume/CV, and names of three references through online google form. Application deadline is March 15, 2018. Position may be filled before deadline. For any questions, please email marinefisheriesecology@gmail.com

Click here to apply: https://goo.gl/forms/Sshs8WFj4qtydJ3R2

Graduate position: MurrayU_Kentucky.EvolutionCommunication

Graduate position (M.S.) in evolution of animal communication at Murray
State University (KY)

Note: Funding opportunities have recently become available (see below).
To be considered for a TAship and/or the biodiversity stipend starting
in the fall semester 2018, application should be submitted by 2/21/18.

The Beckers’ Lab at Murray State University accepts a Masters student
who is interested in the evolution of animal communication starting in
the fall of 2018. Our lab uses Orthopterans (i.e., katydids, and
crickets) as model organisms to address questions pertaining the
evolution of animal behavior. More specifically, we study the effects
of the environment (i.e., phenotypic plasticity) on mating songs. In
our main study species, Neoconephalus triops, day length induces two
substantially different mating songs. These differences in the songs
are comparable to species differences within the genus. In a
collaboration with two other labs (Missouri and West Virginia), we
study the genetic underpinnings of this behavioral plasticity and how
the involved genes relate to speciation.

A second line of research focuses on the evolutionary arms race between
katydid hosts and their eavesdropping parasites in the local population
of N. triops. The flies use the katydid mating songs to find their
hosts and deposit deadly larvae on them. Thus, sexual selection and
natural selection act in opposing directions on male singing behavior.
The evolutionary ramifications of this deadly parasitism on male
singing and mate acquisition behavior are the focus of future studies.

The Masters students could work on either of these projects or on other
projects related to animal communication in katydids and crickets.

I seek driven, enthusiastic, and focused students to join our lab at
Murray State University. Successful applicants have a B.S. in biology,
ecology, or related discipline and are interested in studying animal
behavior and evolution. If you are interested in this opportunity
and/or have any questions, please email Dr. Beckers at
obeckers@murraystate.edu. For your application, make sure to address in
an attached document your research interests, how they relate to the
Beckers’ lab research, and your GPA.

Funding for tuition and a summer stipend are available for the N.
triops project through a grant. In addition, a TAship and/or a
biodiversity stipend ($5000 per semester) are available on a
competitive basis. Review of applications starts immediately. Deadline
for applications is February 21, 2018 to be considered for a TAship or
the biodiversity stipend for the fall semester of 2018. Once you
indicated interest in the position, an interview will be set up shortly
after.

Please find more information on Dr. Beckers’ research here:

https://www.murraystate.edu/academics/CollegesDepartments/CollegeOfScie
nceEngineeringandTechnology/CollegeOfSciencePrograms/biologyDept/facult
y/oliver-beckers/index.aspx

Information on the Department of Biological Sciences at MSU:

https://www.murraystate.edu/academics/CollegesDepartments/CollegeOfScie
nceEngineeringandTechnology/CollegeOfSciencePrograms/biologyDept/facult
y/

Oliver Beckers <obeckers@murraystate.edu>

 

Summer Fisheries Internship

Kleinschmidt Associates is looking for a summer intern to count American shad passing at fish passage facilities in Connecticut.  The fish will be monitored via video using software that only records when a fish is present.  The work will be conducted from our Essex, CT office and start early in May as soon as the student is available and last until the beginning of the fall semester.   Can you please share this with your students and have interested students send along a letter and/or resume to me at Chris.Tomichek@Kleinschmidtgroup.com