Month: February 2018

research internships in plant ecology, Florida

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Subject: research internships in plant ecology, Florida
 
Research Internships in Plant Ecology, Archbold Biological Station, Florida
Beginning April, May, or June 2018; running 8 months.
Applications due March 2, 2018.
Ideal for Students with Undergraduate Degrees Contemplating Graduate School
 
Includes independent research project. Provides Stipend, Room and Board.
 
Internships available at Archbold Biological Station in south-central Florida in the Plant Ecology Program, led by Dr. Eric Menges, which emphasizes conservation biology, plant demography, restoration ecology, fire ecology, landscape ecology, and fire management. We study many rare species of endemic vascular plants in endangered Florida scrub and related communities. Active fire management provides outstanding opportunities for short-term comparative studies in fire ecology. Our long-term (as long as 30-year) datasets on dozens of scrub plants gives context to short-term, focused, field projects. A large-scale experimental restoration provides a useful context for restoration ecology projects.  Additional information can be found at the Archbold website:  http://www.archbold-station.org/ or the plant ecology program website:http://www.archbold-station.org/html/research/plant/plant.html or our intern website: http://www.archbold-station.org/html/research/plant/plantinternship.html
 
Interns live on site and receive a room, breakfasts and lunches, a meal allowance, and a weekly stipend of $100. Each intern works 20 hours per week assisting with a wide range of ongoing research projects. The remainder of the week can be devoted to an independent research project. Internships run for 8 months (can sometimes be extended) and offer an opportunity for experience in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice and experimental design to oral and written presentations. Our internships are ideal preparation for graduate research in ecology. Most of our interns have gone on to academic or professional positions and many have first-authored publications based on their intern projects.
 
Archbold Biological Station is active in research, conservation, and education. Our facilities include a 5000 ha preserve, an outstanding regional library and a GIS lab running ArcINFO. We have a staff of about 50 with many visiting scientists, an active seminar program, and a relaxed biological station atmosphere.
 
Ideal candidates will have independent research experience, classwork and experience in ecology and botany, field ecology experience, strong grades, statistical and GIS skills, and excellent letters of recommendation.
 
To apply for an internship in the plant ecology lab, please provide the following: a cover letter stating research interests, a resume or CV, and a summary of grades. Arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent to us via email. Materials should be sent by March 2, 2018. 
 
EMAIL APPLICATIONS ONLY! Send to Eric Menges at emenges@archbold-station.org
 
Archbold is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications

PhD opportunity in plant ecophysiology

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Subject: PhD opportunity in plant ecophysiology

We are seeking a PhD candidate to be part of a research team at Colorado State University investigating post-fire regeneration in sagebrush steppe and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems. Despite the important role of fire in grassland and shrubland ecosystems, little is known about the physiological effects of fire on belowground tissues of plants.  The candidate will have the opportunity to work with a large team of researchers from USFS-RMRS, USDA-ARS, USGS, and U of WY on a recently funded Joint Fire Science Program Grant.  A major goal of the project is to quantify the physiological impact of heat from fires on resprouting tissues of plants and evaluate the demographic consequences of these disturbances. This work will involve field and lab work (including work with the USFS Fire Lab) and will utilize a range of physiological techniques, bud dissection and/or anatomy, and the development of new methods to measure and characterize bud physiology.  The position will include work in South Dakota, Colorado, and Wyoming.
Preference will be given to candidates with a M.S. degree in plant ecology and/or plant ecophysiology and those with strong quantitative skills.  We would like to find a student that can begin this spring or early summer.
The PhD candidate will be co-advised by Troy Ocheltree (CSU) and Jacqueline Ott (USFS-RMRS).  Please send a resume and statement of interest to Troy Ocheltree (troy.ocheltree@colostate.edu) if you are interested in this opportunity.

Job – Seasonal Botany field technician

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Title: Research Assistant – Botany Technician (9 positions)
Salary:  $10.24/hour
Location: free housing is provided in Ellington and Winona, Missouri
Employment Period: Temporary, full-time; May 7 through September 14, 2018
Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday-Thursday (4 ten-hour days)
Last date to apply: February 28, 2018
 
Summary:
The Missouri Department of Conservation in collaboration with the University of Missouri is recruiting 3 botany crew leaders and 9 botany technicians to assist in collecting vegetation data in southeastern Missouri. Botany crews identify forest, woodland, and glade plant species, and record vegetation data for the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP), a landscape-scale, long-term study of the effects of forest management on multiple aspects of the ecosystem. This position is a great opportunity to hone botany skills, learn about forest ecology and natural communities, and interact with other students and professionals in the natural resources field. If you love learning about plants and natural communities, this is your job!
MOFEP is located in the heart of the Ozark Highlands, an extensively forested and ecologically diverse region, providing ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, and paddling in the stunningly beautiful Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. Free housing is provided and is located on land owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
 
Job Description:
Botany crews identify up to 500 species of forest, woodland, and glade plants, estimate plant coverage, count soft mast flowers and fruits, and measure canopy closure using spherical densiometers. Botanists record data using a tablet-sized rugged field computer. Botany crews drive 4-wheel drive trucks up to 50 miles a day on pavement, gravel roads, and trails through the woods; hike 1 to 4 miles a day across steep, rocky terrain in rain, heat, and high humidity; and navigate to permanent plots using Garmin GPS units, or map and compass. Botany crews are required to work long hours outdoors, often in adverse weather conditions. Work vehicles are provided for transportation to field sites.
 
Qualifications:
Technicians must have completed college coursework toward a college degree in natural resources: coursework in botany, plant taxonomy, ecology, and forestry is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed a field botany or plant taxonomy class and/or exhibit strong botanical skills. Intensive botanical training will be provided, but a solid foundation in plant identification is a prerequisite for the training. Candidates must be able to cheerfully endure tough field conditions, including heat, humidity, ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, gnats, spiders, snakes, briars, and steep terrain.
Applicants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and possess a strong work ethic, excellent organizational skills, and above all, a positive attitude. Applicants must possess exceptional inter-personal skills and be able to live and work with field crews in close quarters in remote locations. Must be able to work long hours, including early mornings and late afternoons, and conduct field work that is often strenuous. Must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
 
To apply, submit the following to Elizabeth Olson (elizabeth.olson@mdc.mo.gov).
1. Cover letter describing your background, experience, and qualifications
2. Detailed resume or curriculum vitae
3. College transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable)
4. Contact information (phone and e-mail) for at least 2 educational or professional references
Please put “MOFEP Botany Technician” in the subject line of your e-mail.
 
For more information, contact:
Elizabeth Olson
Plant Community Ecologist
Missouri Department of Conservation
Phone: 417-256-7161 ext.4763

Insect Conservation Internship – two positions: Captive Rearing and Reintroduction for the Endangered Puritan Tiger Beetle.

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Subject: Insect Conservation Internship – two positions: Captive Rearing and Reintroduction for the Endangered Puritan Tiger Beetle.

The Silvio Conte O. National Wildlife Refuge, and the American Conservation Experience (ACE) have two laboratory technician opportunities – which are integral to a conservation program for the Puritan tiger beetle (PTB). This species is federally threatened and state endangered throughout the Connecticut River, and is being conserved through a complimentary program of habitat management and laboratory rearing for reintroduction. For background on this project please see:

https://usfwsnortheast.wordpress.com/2016/09/20/make-way-for-beetles/
https://usfwsnortheast.wordpress.com/2017/12/04/beach-day-for-beetles/

These positions perform all day-to-day project activities, which focus on invertebrate husbandry (extensive contact with PTB), applied research techniques including data recording and analyses, as well as periodic field work for habitat-quality assessment (including invertebrate monitoring techniques & biodiversity analyses). For these tasks, interns also work cooperatively with other staff from: the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge (NWR); the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP), Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife, and other related agencies.

This position is advertised, and recruited via ACE – here:

https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/199585.html

Please apply using the above link. Applications are currently being accepted, and actively reviewed.

Start Date: April 1, 2018
End Date:  October 27, 2018 (30 weeks from start date)
* A 30 week commitment is required *

Location: Silvio Conte O. National Wildlife Refuge | Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and
Vermont: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/silvio_o_conte/

Compensation: Housing is provided on site (Hadley, MA) with a stipend of $220/week, paid bi-weekly.

Summer/Fall 2018: Lakes Region Conservation Corps- New Hampshire

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Subject: Summer/Fall 2018: Lakes Region Conservation Corps- New Hampshire

Interested applicants can find more information/apply online at https://www.squamlakes.org/summer-lrcc. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Application closes February 20, 2018 at 8:30 AM.
_______

The Lakes Regions Conservation Corps (LRCC) is an AmeriCorps service program that develops skills and experiences for conservation professionals. LRCC members are the driving force behind many of the conservation efforts of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. The program is based out of the Squam Lakes Association with host sites at the Squam Lakes Conservation Society and the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. The program provides hands-on conservation work experience and certifications over a broad range of areas, which ensures that LRCC members are capable of independently approaching a variety of tasks in the environmental conservation field. Members remove invasive species, maintain trail networks, lead volunteer crews, educate the public on local and regional conservation initiatives, and spearhead reports on conservation efforts.
The trainings, certifications, and experiences also develop important professional skills that are applicable to future careers within many occupational and educational fields. The program ensures that LRCC members are capable of independently approaching a variety of tasks, acting as a leader, and thinking critically to solve any problem that may arise. For more information about the LRCC program please visit https://www.squamlakes.org/summer-lrcc.

LRCC members must meet the following qualifications regardless of host
site:
-Available from May 21, 2018 through October 17, 2018 (end date dependent on completion of service hours) -Must be 18 years of age by May 21, 2018 -Must be covered by health insurance for duration of program -Must be a competent swimmer -Able to lift 50 pounds -Able to carry and use heavy tools while hiking -Able to hike at least 8 miles in a day -Able to work independently and with a group -Must apply online -Must pass all certification exams -Must be covered by health insurance for the duration of the program -Must meet the Corporation for National Community Service’s minimum
requirements:
-Must clear all required National Service Criminal History Checks -Must be a US citizen, US national, or legal permanent resident of the US -Must be high school graduates, GED recipients, or must be working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service

LRCC members receive the following over the course of the program regardless of host site:
-NH Safe Boating certification
-NH Commercial Boating license
-Wilderness First Aid & CPR Certification -Student loan forbearance on qualifying loans.
-Living allowance  of $200 weekly, distributed biweekly -AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,907 received upon successful completion of program (minimum of 900 hours)

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE at https://www.squamlakes.org/summer-
lrcc. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

Seasonal Seed Technician – Ely, Nevada

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Seeds of Success Native Seed Technician

Position Background:  The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition is hiring two seed technicians to conduct native seed collection as part of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Seeds of Success (SOS) program. The project’s main goal is to increase the regional availability of native seed for large scale rehabilitation projects in collaboration with the Nevada State BLM, Great Basin Native Plant Project, and other partners. Positions will be based in Ely, Nevada, although work will occur throughout the Great Basin portion of the Ely BLM District. Expected start date is late May and will continue until September, with the possibility of work into October.

Seed Technician Description:  Primary responsibilities include:
identifying, scouting and collecting native seed from target species populations, following rigorous SOS protocols, and completing associated data sheets. Both conservation (10,000,-20,000 seeds) and operational collections (3-5lbs. of seed) will be harvested. Much of the time will be spent driving and hiking throughout eastern Nevada, while monitoring the phenology of target populations.  In addition to the collection of seed; voucher herbarium specimens, tissue samples for molecular analysis, and associated metadata will be collected from each population. Seed will be dried and shipped to the Bend Seed Extractory in Bend, OR.  Technicians will work under the direction of a crew lead and be trained on SOS protocols, species identification, and phenologic indicators to determine seed readiness.

This is primarily a field position with about 15% office work.  Individuals must be able to hike up to 4 miles a day carrying a 30 pound pack, drive several hours a day on rugged two-track roads, camp in remote backcountry settings, and work 10+ hours a day in variable, sometimes extreme temperatures (30° – 105°F). The work will be tedious and require bending over for long periods of time.

Schedule:  Technicians will generally work an 8 on 6 off schedule (10 hour days), but may work a couple of 4 day work weeks (3 days off) during the height of the field season.

Desired Qualifications
-Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, ecology, environmental science,
natural resources or related field                                    –
Experience identifying plant species using dichotomous keys; plant taxonomy
coursework a plus
-Interest in learning about the Great Basin, its plant species, and
rehabilitation efforts
-Willingness to live and work outdoors in a harsh, highly variable desert
climate for 8 days at a time
-Ability to follow rigorous standardized protocols and record detailed
notes
-Ability to work effectively in small group settings
-Ability to bend over and kneel repeatedly, conducting tedious tasks for
several hours at a time                                 -Valid driver’s
license; 4WD experience helpful
-Experience using BGBase, handheld GPS receivers, orienteering using map
and compass helpful

Ely Nevada Background: The Ely BLM District covers 11 million acres in East-Central Nevada, including portions of the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts, as well as “sky island” mountain ranges at higher elevations. The area is vast; about the size of Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont combined. It is idyllic, remote, sparsely-populated, and contains over 700,000 acres of designated wilderness. Outdoor recreation opportunities include: hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, fishing and hunting. Housing is not provided for these positions, although if interested, we would be happy to help you find housing.

Compensation: $14.00-15.00 DOE, plus a camping per diem of $38 per day when camping

Deadline for applications is February 14, 2018, and will be reviewed as they are received. Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to Greg Gust at ggust<<AT>>envlc.org. Questions regarding the positions should also be sent to the above email address.

Summer Internship in Marine Ecology – Smithsonian Marine Station – Florida

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Subject: Summer Internship in Marine Ecology – Smithsonian Marine Station – Florida

Project Description
The Marine Global Earth Observatory (MarineGEO) program is currently seeking an undergraduate or recent graduate for a summer internship at the Smithsonian Marine Station in Ft. Pierce, Florida.  MarineGEO
(marinegeo.si.edu) is a network of global observation and research sites that focuses on biodiversity, how is it changing, and how that affects the structure and function of coastal marine ecosystems.  Research includes long-term, rigorous monitoring of important habitats as well as standardized, coordinated experiments with network partners.  The Smithsonian Marine Station is located adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), a biodiverse estuary on the east coast of central Florida.
Responsibilities of the successful applicant include data collection in a variety of habitats including seagrasses, oyster reefs, mangroves, soft-sediments, and artificial structures as well as support in a large-scale experiment examining the effects of predators on native and non-natives species.  Learning objectives include exposure to a diverse suite of marine invertebrate species as well as becoming familiar with research conducted in multiple habitat-types in a biodiverse estuarine environment.  Additional experiments can be developed with staff based on
the applicant’s personal research interests.

Please send a cover letter expressing research interests and future goals as well as a CV and current undergraduate transcripts to Dean Janiak at janiakd@si.edu.  The internship has a flexible timeframe for start and end dates but a desired start date would be prior to June 1.  The weekly stipend
in $400, not including housing.

Contact:
Dean Janiak
Smithsonian Marine Station
701 Seaway Dr. Ft Pierce, FL 34949
janiakd@si.edu
www.marinegeo.si.edu
www.sms.si.edu

Climate Change REU Internship Program at Edgewater, MD

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The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland offers undergraduate and beginning graduate students a unique opportunity to gain hand-on experience in the fields of environmental research and education. The program enables students to work on specific projects while getting experience in valuable lab techniques all under the direction of the Center’s professional staff. The program is tailored to provide the maximum educational benefit to each participant.
 
SERC is focused on understanding the causes and consequences of environmental change for marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Interns at SERC conduct independent projects over 12-16 weeks utilizing our 2,650 acre research site on the shores of Chesapeake Bay to provide novel insights into some of the most profound  issues challenging our world today, including habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has maintained an REU site since 2001 and those students sponsored have used our professional-training programs as a stepping stone to pursue advanced careers in the environmental sciences.
 
How to Apply
 
Application to the SERC Internship Program consists of on-line registration,
Student copy of transcripts, personal essay, CV or resume, and two letters of recommendation using the Smithsonian On-line Academic Appointment (SOLAA)  
 
Application deadlines are listed below:
Summer (May-August): Deadline is February 15th
 
 
For more information please visit our web site
 
 
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Students from under-represented groups or institutions lacking research facilities or research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply.
However, all other interested students are encouraged to apply.
 
 

Smithsonian Bicoastal Science Communications Internship

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Stipend: $550/week
Duration: 18 weeks (May/June to September/October 2018)
Start Date: Flexible, between May 14 and June 11
Location: Edgewater, Md. and Tiburon, Calif.
Description:
Gain hands-on experience with environmental communication on both sides of the United States! The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is the Smithsonian’s headquarters for coastal research, with scientists who study climate change, invasive species, conservation and other environmental issues shaping the 21st century. SERC is seeking a communications intern to work for 18 weeks, from summer through mid-autumn, covering the work of SERC scientists in Maryland and California. The intern will start at SERC’s Chesapeake Bay headquarters in Maryland, receiving training in SERC science communications. After six weeks, the intern will travel to San Francisco Bay to cover the work of SERC marine biologists in California for the remaining 12 weeks. Travel funds from Maryland to California are included. This internship is open to undergraduate students, master’s students, and recent graduates up to one year after graduation.
Part I: Chesapeake Bay
The intern will spend the first six weeks at SERC’s headquarters in Edgewater, Md. Here, the intern will interview SERC scientists in the field and the lab and write about their work. This first part of the internship will introduce the intern to the main features of SERC science communications: writing articles for the SERC Shorelines blog, preparing posts for SERC’s social media and assisting with the production of SERC’s quarterly newsletter On The Edge, under the mentorship of SERC science writer Kristen Minogue.
Part II: San Francisco Bay (SERC-West)
For the final 12 weeks, the intern will work in California, with the Tiburon section of SERC’s Marine Invasions Research Lab.  SERC’s Tiburon branch (a.k.a. “SERC-West”) is hosted at the Estuary & Ocean Science Center, a marine field station at San Francisco State University’s Romberg Tiburon Campus. The marine biologists of SERC-West work in San Francisco Bay and traverse the Pacific Coast studying invasive species, oyster restoration and other critical conservation issues. While in California, the intern will cover the work of SERC’s West Coast scientists while exploring and developing communication strategies within the Pacific market. During the California part of the internship, the intern will work under the onsite supervision of research ecologist Andrew Chang and correspond regularly with Kristen Minogue via video conferencing.
Desired Qualifications:
Strong scientific background (natural sciences coursework; not required to be a science major) and skill writing about science for a nonscientific audience. Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) required; familiarity with photo and video editing software, WordPress and HTML a plus.
To apply:
Send a cover letter, resume with references (name, title and contact information) and unofficial transcript(s) toScienceWritingIntern@si.edu by 11:59 PST Monday, February 19, 2018. One to three published or unpublished writing samples explaining science for general readers are also essential to include for the application to be considered. For more information, visit http://serc.si.edu. Questions? Send an email to SERC Science Writer Kristen Minogue at ScienceWritingIntern@si.edu.
 
 
 
 

MS and PhD positions in Insect Ecology at Clemson

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I have resources to support one MS and one PhD student in a new agricultural insect ecology lab at Clemson University in beautiful upstate South Carolina.
My lab will focus on agricultural biodiversity (of soil microbes, plants, and
insects) and biological control of crop pests. While student research may complement ongoing work in the lab (see carmenblubaugh.com for details), I will also consider guiding worthy student projects that fall within the broad theme of predator/prey ecology, using crop systems as a model. To apply, please prepare a personal statement detailing your qualifications and career goals, as well as a separate research statement that describes and justifies your personal research objectives, based on current knowledge in the field.

Please email a CV and these two requested documents in a single pdf to cblubau@clemson.edu. Preliminary field work may begin as early as summer 2018.