Month: April 2018

Application to attend UN Climate Change Conference in Poland

UConn@COP24 Katowice Climate Change Conference Trip Description

COP 24 is the United Nations Climate Change Conference, and will be hosted this year by Poland from December 3rd to December 14th, 2018. The event will bring together diplomats, business executives, heads of government and other delegates to discuss action on climate change. The objective of COP24 is to work out and adopt decisions ensuring the full implementation of the Paris Agreement, in accordance with the decisions adopted in Paris during COP21 and Marrakech during COP22.

In the words of the Republic of Poland’s Minister of the Environment and President of COP24, Professor Jan Szyszko, “We count not only on the unfailing presence of all the Parties to the Convention and observers, but above all on their determination to adopt in the course of COP24 decisions which are necessary to fully implement the Paris Agreement.”

Image result for katowice poland

Katowice, Poland will provide an interesting venue. As a previous coal town, Katowice is looking forward to a coal-free future and offers an example of the transition from high-carbon to low-carbon futures. Katowice is known for its eclectic tourist sites and as a UNESCO city of music. The UN COP will transform it into a global hub for sustainability.

The University of Connecticut will be providing full funding, excluding meals other than breakfast, for a select group of undergraduate students to travel to COP24 in Katowice, Poland from December 1st – December 7th. Please click the link below if you are interested in applying!

Application

https://ecohusky.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2041/2018/03/COP24-Student-Application.pdf

This application must be completed and submitted to envpolicy@uconn.edu by 11:59pm EST on Friday, April 20th in order to be considered by the Selection Committee for the trip. Only complete applications will be considered. Applicants will be notified of the Committee’s decision via e-mail on Wednesday, August 1st.

For more information on past UConn@COPs, click https://ecohusky.uconn.edu/uconn-at-cop/

All the best,

Mark

Mark C. Urban

Director, Center of Biological Risk

Associate Professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

University of Connecticut

Biopharm Building, Room 200A

75 N. Eagleville Road, Unit 3043

Storrs, CT 06269-3043

Email: mark.urban@uconn.edu

Office: 860-486-6113

Lab: 860-486-6154

Website: hydrodictyon.eeb.uconn.edu/people/urban/

Field Technicians – Osprey Recovery in Illinois

I am looking for four field technicians with strong work ethics to assist with the osprey hacking program in Illinois as part of the osprey recovery effort for this state-endangered species.
 
The positions, based at different sites, have the following responsibilities:
 
* Daily Observations – conduct daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure their well-being.  Make notes of presence of potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking site.
* Daily Tracking – conduct daily tracking of ospreys once they fledge and note their locations before migration.
* Food Preparation and Feeding – conduct daily preparation of fish and feeding to the hacked ospreys.
* Planning and Coordination – conduct regular fish pick-ups from the project partners.  Coordinate with the field personnel at the other hacking site for project purposes when required.
* Daily Reports – contribute to daily reports regarding the behaviors, locations, and fish consumption by ospreys.  Make notes of any other notable events related to the birds.
* Maintenance – assist with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking box/tower after the season, as well as the maintenance and inventory of the field gear and equipment.
 
Qualifications for the positions:
Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field.  Experiences working with birds of prey, as well as paddling skills, are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable.  Successful candidates must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Individuals must have and maintain a valid driver’s license as well as be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and for long hours.
 
Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the positions are filled.
 
Starting date: July 1, 2018.
 
Anticipated ending date: October 6, 2018.
 
Salary: $440-$500 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences).  Housing or camping gear (except sleeping gear) are provided.
 
To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu:
 
1)  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications;
2)  Resume, including contact information for three references; and
3)  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).
 
 
Tih-Fen Ting
Department of Environmental Studies
University of Illinois at Springfield
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 206-7876
 

Research Assistant – Franklin’s Ground Squirrel in Illinois

I am looking for one research assistant with a strong work ethic to join my team for the Franklin’s ground squirrel project in Illinois.  The research assistant should be effective and skillful in field data collection (including trapping and handling of squirrels) and DNA extraction in the lab.  Research assistant knows how to operate and adjust, when necessary, various instruments for data acquisition and is required to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
 
Duties and responsibilities include: 
 
Trapping – Conduct live-trapping of Franklin’s ground squirrels at multiple sites over the field season.
 
Tagging – Implant a passive integrated transponder (PIT) to each newly captured squirrel for identification.
 
Daily Reports – Submit daily reports on the trapping and tagging of Franklin’s ground squirrels. 
 
Maintenance – Assist with the maintenance, clean-up, and inventory of the field gear and equipment for trapping and tagging of Franklin’s ground squirrels.
 
DNA Extraction – Conduct DNA extraction after the field season ends.
 
Training Materials and Program – Assist with production of training materials and program for aiding in the Franklin’s ground squirrel research and conservation.
 
Requirements:
Successful candidate must have a B.S. degree (M.S. degree preferred) in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field.  Experiences in working with small mammals in the field are preferred.  Experience and familiarity with successful DNA extraction is a must.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is also desirable.  Willingness to travel and flexibility with work schedule are required.  Successful candidate must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidate must have a commitment to field/lab personnel and equipment safety.  Individual must have a personal vehicle, maintain a valid driver’s license, and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours.
 
Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the position is filled.
 
Starting date: May 14, 2018.
 
Anticipated ending date: October 31, 2018 or beyond pending the project needs.
 
Salary: $500-$600 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences).
 
To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu.
 
1.  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications;
 
2.  Resume, including contact information for three references; and
 
3.  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).
 
 
Tih-Fen Ting
Department of Environmental Studies
University of Illinois at Springfield
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 206-7876
 

Seeking Wildlife Trafficking and Conservation Technology Interns

Subject: Seeking Wildlife Trafficking and Conservation Technology Interns

Are you passionate about carnivore conservation and research? Do you have skills that you want to share or hone for an emerging non-profit? Join the S.P.E.C.I.E.S. team!

These positions are ideal for zookeepers, graduate students, and other conservation-oriented professionals looking to share their skills while adding non-profit experience to their resumes. We also accept students looking for projects. Both positions are remote and unpaid.

Submit information or questions to media@carnivores.org, and visit our website at www.carnivores.org.

Wildlife Trafficking Intern

We are looking for an intern to help us collect information on wildlife crime for species of highest priority to us.  We are hoping to use this information to call greater attention to the threats these species face, improved regulation in illegal trade, and identification of critical regions for increased enforcement.

Key responsibilities:
Conduct research via the internet, using reports and peer-reviewed documents, and by gathering data from partner agencies and range country governments Collaborate with our partners in gathering and reviewing data Collate available information on illegal trade, both in animal parts and live animals, into a comprehensive report to present to CITES Work in cooperation with several institutional partners to produce practical and information that can be applied to international regulation and enforcement, including information on trade hubs, routes, frequency, and locations

Education, skills and experience
Undergrad degree or higher in relevant field (biology, ecology, etc.); Excellent research skills with keen attention to detail; Ability to work independently, with some supervision; Organized and rigorous in work with attention to detail Able to synthesize data in a concise and meaningful way; Excellent writing skills; Flexible, eager to learn, and excited about carnivore conservation.

Conservation Technology and Innovation Intern

We are looking for an intern to work at the interface between S.P.E.C.I.E.S.
and several of our institutional partners to collate and collect information on emerging technologies and innovation to be applied to wildlife monitoring and research, the resolution of human-wildlife conflict, and the disruption of illegal wildlife trade.

Key responsibilities:
Conduct comprehensive research on the available foundational technology available for wildlife monitoring in the field Build upon our understanding of how technology innovation can be used to mitigate and resolve human-wildlife conflict in the field Determine technologies that can be used to improve monitoring of or reduce illegal wildlife trafficking Communicate and work with S.P.E.C.I.E.S. team members and our partner, ConservationXLabs, to identify and potentially integrate potential technologies into our research projects

Education, skills and experience:
Undergrad degree or higher in relevant field: biological sciences and/or engineering/ technology background preferred, but mixed educational backgrounds welcome to apply Keen interest in conservation technology and innovation; Excellent research skills with keen attention to detail; Ability to work independently under some supervision; Organized and rigorous in work; Able to synthesize data in a concise and meaningful way; Flexible, eager to learn, and excited about carnivore conservation.

Intern Opening with a Rainforest Conservation NGO in Peru

Subject: Intern Opening with a Rainforest Conservation NGO in Peru

An intern is needed at the Alliance for Research and Conservation in the Amazon (ARCAmazon) to conduct communications, marketing and other office work in the jungle city of Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon Rainforest of Perú. This position is based out of ARCAmazon’s office in Puerto Maldonado. The intern will work closely with 1-2 permanent staff and 1-2 other interns to meet the organization’s outreach and communications goals. This position has a negotiable start date in May or June, 2018 and lasts for 3 months with a possibility for extension.

ARCAmazon is a Peruvian non-profit organization that supports research and conservation initiatives in collaboration with other non-profits in the region and with local communities on the Las Piedras River. Our field site, Las Piedras Amazon Center (LPAC), in a 4,460-hectare rainforest concession, acts as a hub that channels the energy and resources of volunteering and ecotourism to halt illegal logging, hunting and mining, improve our understanding of Amazonian wildlife, and develop sustainable solutions for the needs of local people making a living in the area. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2EmfFC9

DESCRIPTION
The Communications Intern position at ARCAmazon is responsible for social media, email correspondences, and advertising of the organization’s volunteer programs and ecotourism offers. These responsibilities later expand to include other office tasks, such as grant searching and application, fundraising, budget analysis and organizational partner outreach. In social media, the intern is tasked with managing ARCAmazon’s Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, making regular posts using photo and video media provided by staff and/or created by the intern. Email communications will involve responding to client inquiries and volunteer applications, filing information from incoming volunteers and visitors, and maintaining contact with incoming volunteers and visitors leading up to their arrival in Puerto Maldonado. Advertising tasks include creating promotional materials and campaigns for social media, mass emails and other mediums of communication. Other responsibilities will vary based on the needs of the organization and will be integrated into the position as the intern expands their knowledge and skills.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
–       Good written communications skills
–       Experience with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel
–       Robust work ethic and flexibility under high-stress, rapidly-
changing conditions
–       Good organization and capacity for independent work
–       Familiarity and passion for environmental issues and causes
Preferred:
–       Bachelor’s degree
–       Experience with social media platforms for businesses or
organizations
–       Professional or academic writing experience
–       Experience with video and/or photo editing
–       Experience with speaking Spanish

COMPENSATION
The Communications Intern will be provided housing at the ARCAmazon House
in Puerto Maldonado and a food stipend for the duration of the position.
This includes a bedroom and living/kitchen/dining/work space shared with
other staff and volunteers. The intern will also have at least one visit
to Las Piedras Amazon Center to experience the rainforest, engage in
several activities such as tree climbing, witness wildlife and meet
foreign and Peruvian researchers, staff, volunteers and local community
stakeholders. This internship is also an excellent opportunity to learn
and practice marketing skills, communications skills, grant writing and
Spanish language. It also offers a chance for an immersive travel
experience in Peru’s Madre de Dios region, with frequent interaction and
collaboration with local Peruvians, including Quechua-speaking people
indigenous to the Andes who migrated to this region.

APPLY
Interested persons can write to executive marketer, Karl Uy
karlu@arcamazon.org with inquiries. To apply, send a CV or resume and
cover letter.

Graduate position: TempleU.Bioinformatics

A new PhD program in Bioinformatics is accepting applicants for Fall
2018.
http://phdbioinform.cst.temple.edu/
Accepting applications until May 1,  2018.

Jody Hey    hey@temple.edu
Director, Center for Computational Genetics and Genomics
https://ccgg.temple.edu
Professor, Department of Biology  https://bio.cst.temple.edu/~hey
Department of Biology (rm 206)
Temple University
1900 N. 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA  19122

Jody hey <tuf29449@temple.edu>

Summer field tech position

The Bernhardt and Wright Labs at Duke University are seeking a current undergrad or recent college graduate for a full-time technician position. Successful applicant will work closely with our graduate students and research technicians doing field and laboratory work this summer.

We are conducting a large scale field experiment in a coastal wetland (eastern North Carolina) to determine the effects of salt additions on vegetation and carbon cycling. Applicants must be comfortable spending long days outside and willing to endure potentially strenuous field conditions. Once a month we will spend 3-5 days (and nights) at our field site (2.5 hours east of
Raleigh/Durham) with accommodation provided. The remainder of the month is spent in the lab facility or greenhouses at Duke analyzing soil, water, and plant samples. The project is very wide in scope and there is opportunity for gaining experience in a variety of biogeochemistry and plant ecology research techniques.

Preference will be giving to applicants who can start the first week of May and stay on at least 10 weeks. Previous experience not required, but we strongly prefer candidates with undergraduate course work in ecology, biology, environmental science, geology, chemistry or similar, and demonstrated comfort working outdoors.

To apply, please send a 1-page cover letter and 1-page CV that includes contact information for two references to emily.ury@duke.edu by April 10th. In your cover letter, please include your earliest available start date and any other relevant constraints on your work availability.

Please direct any questions to emily.ury@duke.edu. For more information on our research visit our website:http://bernhardtlab.weebly.com.

Now Hiring: SW Oregon Field Technician (ID 46394) in Ashland, OR

Subject: Now Hiring: SW Oregon Field Technician (ID 46394) in Ashland, OR

I’m excited to share with you the SW Oregon Field Technician opening with The Nature Conservancy.  This position will be a member of the Ashland team engaging in stewardship and monitoring of high priority lands in southwestern Oregon.  The technician will coordinate with partners to implement the multi-party monitoring programs of the Ashland Forest All- Lands Restoration and Applegate Fuel Demonstration forest restoration projects and provide field support for developing projects under the Rogue Basin Cohesive Forest Restoration Strategy. The Technician will also support wetland mitigation performance monitoring and vernal pool habitat restoration at the Conservancy’s Whetstone Savanna Preserve and adjacent Oregon Department of Transportation properties.  The announcement is attached and a full position description can be found by following the link above or searching job ID 46394 on our careers page.

This is a full-time, 35 hours per week term position ending on June 28, 2019.

The deadline to apply is April 24, 2018 8:59 PM PST.

Long link to the position on our careers page:
https://careers.nature.org/psp/tnccareers/APPLICANT/APPL/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_
SCHJOB.GBL?
Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&amp;JobOpeningId=46394&Post
ingSeq=1
Shorten link: https://bit.ly/2E7aCVG

Seeking technicians for post-fire restoration research in Great Basin

Dr. Newingham’s Aridland Ecology Lab is seeking research technicians to assist with the collection and management of field data related to fire, climate change, and restoration/rehabilitation studies in the Great Basin and surrounding aridland ecosystems.
This is a great opportunity to learn about natural resource issues and land management in collaboration with universities, state, and federal agencies.

Studies include:
*       Effects of climate change on plant invasions and reestablishing native plants after fire.
*       Evaluating how grazing after fire affects plant recovery and rehabilitation.
*       Effects of post-fire rehabilitation treatments on plants, biological soil crust, and soil
properties.
*       Quantifying post-fire wind erosion and interactions with post-fire rehabilitation
treatments.

Job duties include:
*       Collecting plant and soil data in the field, sample organization, and sample processing in
the lab.
*       Data entry and management in Excel.
*       Use of a GPS and ArcGIS.
*       Willingness to travel to remote field sites and camp in primitive settings.
*       Willingness and ability to work in varied field conditions that may involve: 1) off-road
hiking up and down hills, 2) carrying loads up to 30 lbs, and 3) withstanding periods of inclement weather during all seasons.
*       Working with graduate students and other technicians in the lab.
*       Interacting with scientists and land managers from state and federal agencies, such as
the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Department of Wildlife, UNR, and other universities.

Minimum qualifications:
*       Education:  Pursuing or attained a BS degree in biology, ecology, natural resources,
geology, hydrology, or closely related field.
*       Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining accuracy and good organizational
skills.
*       Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a group.
*       Strong oral and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:
*       Plant identification, soil sampling and processing, proficiency in Excel and with GPS
units.

Please send a resume, unofficial transcript, a letter detailing your skills, experience, and/or interest, as well as contact information for three references to Beth Newingham at beth.newingham@ars.usda.gov. Full-time employment May – August with possible full or part- time work into fall and beyond pending funding. Review of applications will begin April 15,
2018 and continue until positions are filled.