Month: May 2018

M.Sc. Assistantship – Effects of wildlife feeding on wildlife and plant communities

Subject: M.Sc. Assistantship – Effects of wildlife feeding on wildlife and plant communities

Wildlife feeding has become common practice across much of the terrestrial landscape. However, little empirical data have been presented to determine how those practices affect the community structure and function. We seek a highly motivated student to fill a fully funded M.Sc. position in the lab of Dr. Marcus Lashley. This research is part of a larger project (3 M.Sc.
positions) to evaluate how food subsidies such as supplemental feeding and baiting affect wildlife, associated diseases, arthropod vectors, and plant communities. The successful student in this position will be responsible for evaluating the indirect effects of subsidies on plant community structure via direct effects on the wildlife community. In particular, the student will be measuring wildlife community responses with camera traps, and the legacy effects of herbivory and directed seed dispersal on plant communities in relationship to feeder locations. Also, the student will be expected to participate in generating material for the MSU Deer Lab social media platforms. A stipend for living expenses, tuition and health insurance are provided.
Required Qualifications: B.S. in Ecology or closely related field.
Successful completion of the FAA UAS training will be required within the first semester. Possess or obtain a driver’s license. Ability to work in teams or individually in secluded and remote, hot and humid conditions, where most organisms want to sting, bite, or puncture you.
Preferred Qualifications: Strong plant identification, quantitative, and written skills are desirable. Strong interpersonal skills, fun attitude with a good sense of humor, and desire to promote research and technology transfer through peer-reviewed publications, social media, and public speaking. Experience with camera trapping and piloting unmanned aerial vehicles.
Interested applicants should submit via email a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, a current curriculum vitae, contacts for three references, and an example of writing (preferably a peer-reviewed
publication) to Dr. Marcus Lashley, marcus.lashley@msstate.edu.
We will be accepting and reviewing applications immediately until a suitable applicant is found. Start date is flexible but intended for August 2018.

Marine Laboratory Technician Postiion – Bowdoin College Schiller Coastal Studies Center

Subject: Marine Laboratory Technician Postiion – Bowdoin College Schiller Coastal Studies Center

Research and Instrument Support Technician Bowdoin College, Schiller Coastal Studies Center, Orr’s Island, Maine

Responsible for day-to-day operations of the Marine Laboratory at the Schiller Coastal Studies Center. Utilizes knowledge and experience to provide technical expertise to students, faculty, and outside researchers on the capabilities and operation of the marine laboratory systems and equipment. Maintains a safe and productive working environment for all end users. Works in a collaborative manner to support the mission of the Schiller Coastal Studies Center, including the expansion of teaching and research programs.

Independently manage the day-to-day operations of a flowing seawater laboratory, dry laboratory spaces, and associated support systems. Provides animal care for classes, laboratories, and visiting researchers, including daily maintenance to keep organisms healthy (~50% time). Work with campus facilities to maintain water quality and flow rates year-round.

Maintain equipment inventory and scientific instrumentation. Specific equipment includes compound and dissecting microscopes, molecular biology instruments, and field gear and sampling equipment. Maintain and calibrate a pier mounted environmental sensing platform, and manage an experimental seawater system (~50% time).

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science required. MS degree in Marine Science or related field preferred. Valid driver’s license and ability to meet the standards of the College’s current Motor Vehicle Policy.

Minimum of 2 years work experience in a technical marine laboratory setting and prior research experience in marine science. Excellent computer skills.
Computer programming and IT experience strongly preferred. Basic boat skills and a willingness to work on boats preferred. Proven ability to work independently, using judgement and discretion, in support of marine science research.

Apply at https://careers.bowdoin.edu/hr/postings?position_type_id=1

Native Seed Intern – Salt Lake City, Utah

Native Seed Interns
Bureau of Land Management Nevada and Utah State Offices/ Great Basin Institute
_________________________________________________________________
Member will provide national service at Bureau of Land Management Service host site for the AmeriCorps Intern Program.
 
Description:
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is recruiting one (1) Native Seed Intern to join our AmeriCorps program to conduct seed collection and ecological restoration activities within the Great Basin on Department of Interior (DOI) lands in Utah
 
Primary Responsibilities:
·         Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for the program;
·         GPS mapping populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other features;
·         Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times;
·         Collecting seed from plant populations for both operational and conservation collections and completing data forms in accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol;
·         Processing and shipping seed.
·         Taking herbarium vouchers, and processing and shipping as necessary.
·         Collecting tissue samples of target species for genetic analysis and processing and shipping.
·         Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities;
·         Assisting with the coordination of conservation crew work;
·         Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events;
·         Provide support for arid land restoration projects;
·         Monitoring and maintenance of reciprocal transplant study plots;
·         Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects.
 
Related Responsibilities:
     Participate in trainings provided by BLM staff and community partners;
     Meet with Host Site Supervisor on a regular basis;
     Participate in required national service days; and
     Participate in regular AmeriCorps team meetings.
 
 
 
Physical Demands: 
Field work involves driving GBI trucks on both highways and 4WD roads, often for 100+ miles per day as well as hiking off designated trails or routes, across rugged terrain, up to 5 miles per day, but more typically 0-2 miles per day. Seed collection requires regular stooping, standing and maneuvering on uneven terrain for many hours a day. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds or rain in the early spring to temperatures over 100F in the summer. The use of global positioning systems (handheld GPS units), computers, PDAs, digital cameras, and on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on data collection trips will often be required. Schedules are often determined by plant phenology.  Incumbents must also be willing to spend days at a time working at a computer during periods of data entry and analysis.
 
·      Lift up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment
·      Bend, lift, pull, and push
·      Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time
·      Drive for many hours a day on highways and 4WD roads.
·      Handle plant material for many hours a day.
·      Walk and stand for long periods of time on uneven surfaces carrying equipment
·      Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending upon the season)
·      Occasionally work 10+ hour days
·      Travel and camp overnight & up to 8 days at a time for project work
 
Compensation: 
  1. Living Allowance stipend*: $6,100
  2. AmeriCorps Education Award**: $1,538.36
  3. Medical, dental and vision insurance provided at no cost
 
Final living allowance amount and AmeriCorps Education Award value are determined by the length of the appointment.
** AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future education experiences, including payment of qualifying federal student loans. Loan forbearance and accrued interest payment on qualifying student loans is also available.
 
Timeline:  June–September 2018 (13 weeks)
 
Location:
  • Salt Lake City, UT (BLM)
 
 
Salt Lake City: Nestled in between the Great Salt Lake and the stunning Wasatch Mountains the Salt Lake City metropolitan area has a population of about a million people. As Utah’s capital and largest city it has a rich history and offers year-round recreation opportunities. The BLM Utah State Office in Salt Lake City manages nearly 23 million acres of public land in Utah, ranging from alpine wilderness to sprawling red rock deserts, which are widely recognized as some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
 
Qualifications:
·         Bachelor’s degree with coursework and field experience related to biology, botany, ecology, plant science, or related field;
·         Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity with plants of the Great Basin;
·         Work independently or in pairs with little supervision and high attention to detail;
·         Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work as part of a tight knit team;
·         Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation;
·         Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
·         Understanding and/or experience using ArcGIS Pro 2.0 software, ArcCollector, and Survey 123, helpful;
·         Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team;
·         Ability to bend and stoop for long periods of time while collecting seed, and to use hand tools, and occasionally lift buckets of water and other heavy loads;
·         Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning at 5 am, to avoid heat-related issues, to follow plant phenology, or for coordination with team members. 
·         Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
·         Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days;
·         Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road;
·         Experience operating All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on difficult terrain helpful; and
·         Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement; and
 
How to Apply:
Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal:http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2018-ACI-027
 
The Great Basin Institute conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
 
 These AmeriCorps positions are made possible by a generous grant from the Nevada Commission for National and Community Service.

MS Scholarship in Plant Invasion Ecology

Subject: MS Scholarship in Plant Invasion Ecology

The Schwinning Lab at Texas State University, San Marcos, is searching for a graduate student to investigate recruitment dynamics of an invasive C4 grass (Johnsongrass; Sorghum halepense) in C4 native grasslands. This position is part of a large-scale, long-term ecological experiment that examines the use of native prairie species for biofuel production under a range of cultivation practices. The position is funded through a cooperative agreement with USDA and includes a tuition waiver and generous stipend.

Students with an interest and education in plant ecology or physiological ecology are encouraged to apply to start in the fall semester of 2018. Prior experience in field research is especially welcome. Please contact Dr. Susan Schwinning (schwinn@txstate.edu) for more information about the position and the project.

Peruse the following websites to learn more about the Plant Ecology Lab (http://www.susan-schwinning.net/Lab/index.html), the MS  Program in Population and Conservation Biology (http://www.bio.txstate.edu/Graduate-Programs/M.S.PopulationConservationBiology.html),
the Department of Biology at Texas State University
(http://www.bio.txstate.edu/) and the application process (http://www.gradcollege.txstate.edu/programs/biology.html).

MS scholarship: Forest Ecology, Ecophysiology, Sugar maple

We are searching for a motivated graduate student to work on a recently funded project studying the connections between climate warming, the physiology of sugar maple trees, and the future viability of maple syrup production. This position is part of a broad research program seeking to understand the interactions between forest management, climate change, and tree physiology. The position is at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), which is a doctoral-granting institution in Syracuse, New York that has a particular focus on the environment. This position is for a Masters of Science candidate in Forest Resources Management and includes a full tuition waver and a generous stipend. Students with fieldwork experience in forest ecosystems, proficiency with plant physiological measurements, experience with mathematical modeling, and/or sugarbush management experience are particularly encouraged to apply. Excellent MS students may be able to extend their degree into a PhD. Please contact Dr. John Drake (jedrake at
esf.edu) or Dr. Colin Beier (cbeier at esf.edu) for more information, and see the Departmental website (http://www.esf.edu/fnrm/) and the Drake and Beier lab webpages (https://drakelab.weebly.com/ ;http://www.esf.edu/faculty/beier/). Applications are rolling and students will be considered for start dates either in Fall 2018 or Spring 2019.

SUNY-ESF was established as a college of forestry in 1911, and is one of the oldest and most prestigious forestry schools in the United States. SUNY-ESF is relatively small with 1,751 undergraduates and 435 graduate students.
SUNY-ESF has a special relationship with Syracuse University, which is just a 5-minute walk away, and ESF students have access to many of the resources and benefits that come from an association with a larger university.
SUNY-ESF ranked 43rd in the 2017 US News and World Report rankings of the top public national universities. The Princeton Review ranked ESF as the #2 Green College, and the Sierra Club listed ESF among the nation’s top “Cool Schools”. ESF operates four field facilities and >25,000 acres of mostly forested land, providing excellent opportunities for field research.

AmeriCorps Land Conservation/Trail Crew Position

All applicants must apply online at https://www.squamlakes.org/lrcc- summer-application-2018. We are looking to recruit a final member for the Lakes Region Conservation Trust’s AmeriCorps program by the end of this week (5/18). The program begins Monday, May 21st at 8:30 AM.
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The Lakes Region 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 ensure 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 any occupational and educational field.

In 2018, Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) will host six LRCC-LRCT members for 22.5 weeks from May though October.  Members will work on a variety of projects including maintaining LRCT’s 95+ miles of trails, acting as island and property hosts at LRCT’s conservation properties, leading guided excursions and other educational and outreach opportunities, working on special property management projects such as construction of bridges and kiosks, updating property boundary markings and signage, monitoring conservation easements, removing invasive terrestrial plants, and conducting property research and property record keeping projects.  LRCC-LRCT members will receive training in land conservation methods, conservation and recreational land management, and education and outreach.  LRCT is a nationally Accredited Land Trust and an active member of the Land Trust Alliance and NH Land Trust Coalition. The Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) is an independent, nonprofit, member-supported organization dedicated to the permanent protection, stewardship, and respectful use of lands that define the character of the region and its quality of life.  LRCT protects more than 25,000 acres of land in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.  These lands encompass over 95 miles of trails, 5 islands, numerous mountain summits, and a variety of other destinations that are open to the public.
_____

All applicants must apply online at https://www.squamlakes.org/lrcc- summer-application-2018. We are looking to recruit a final member for the Lakes Region Conservation Trust’s AmeriCorps program by the end of this week (5/18). The program begins Monday, May 21st at 8:30 AM.

For more information please contact Katri Gurney, AmeriCorps Program Manager, at katri@squamlakes.org.

Summer 2018 Research Experience for Undergraduates in Desert Aquatic Ecology in Arizona

Subject: Summer 2018 Research Experience for Undergraduates in Desert Aquatic Ecology in Arizona

The Grimm Lab at Arizona State University is seeking motivated undergraduate students to participate in research in desert stream and wetland ecosystem ecology during summer 2018. Successful applicants will work with graduate students and technicians to assist with ongoing surveys of nutrient cycling, wetland and riparian plant cover, and oxygen dynamics in several streams across Arizona. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to work with Grimm Lab members and the PI to develop a personal research project.

We have 2 different opportunities available, both based in Tempe, AZ:

(1) Dry and drying stream nitrogen cycling: The student will investigate the nitrogen cycling capacity of dry stream segments across Arizona. The position will include work in the field as well as the lab, with potential to work with a computer model of watershed nitrogen cycling.

(2) Plant effects on oxygen and nitrogen status: The student will investigate how water availability affects wetland plant distribution, nitrogen uptake, and oxygen status in urban and desert contexts. This position will include work in the field, greenhouse, and lab, with the potential to work on statistical programming and soil-water balance modelling.

The successful applicants are awarded a stipend, which includes cost of travel, lodging, and food.

Eligibility
Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds 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. Graduating seniors are not eligible to apply.

How to apply
Applications are evaluated upon submission, and positions will remain open until filled. Successful applicants will be interested in conducting research, be prepared start field work regularly at 5 am and work under high heat conditions, and be willing to learn computer programing. Please send application materials to Grimm Lab graduate student Amalia Handler
(amhandle@asu.edu) by  May 23, 2018.  Start and end dates are flexible based on the applicant’s schedule, but would ideally include 10 weeks of work.

Application materials must include:
1. Cover letter describing relevant experience and interests 2. Resume or CV 3. Contact information for two references 4. Unofficial undergraduate transcript

For any questions: Please contact Amalia Handler (amhandle@asu.edu).

National Park Service physical science technician position

Good morning,
 
The National Park Service’s Northeast Temperate Inventory and Monitoring network is hiring a physical science technician based at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (Woodstock, VT) to conduct monthly water quality monitoring in 10 parks located from NH south to NJ.  The technician will take field measurements of water quality parameters such as pH, conductivity, temperature, clarity, dissolved oxygen, and water quantity (lake water level, stream discharge) in park lakes and streams. The technician will also collect water samples from lakes and streams for chemical analysis at contract labs. The position involves calibrating and maintaining equipment in field and lab sites, conducting simple laboratory analyses, entering information into electronic databases and spreadsheets, compiling and analyzing information for use in interim and annual reports.
 
This is a seasonal position not to exceed 1039 hours or about 6 months. Once the seasonal duty is over this position will likely be filled as a permanent career seasonal position.
 
I would appreciate it if you could please share the announcement widely. The announcement is open until 5/22/2018. Please let me know if you have questions. 
 
 
Thanks,
 
Aaron
 
 

Clemson University’s Online non-thesis Master’s in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology

Subject: Clemson University’s Online non-thesis Master’s in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology

Clemson University is currently accepting applications for Fall 2018 for the Online Non-thesis, Masters in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology Program.
Admissions guidelines and a link to graduate admissions can be found on our website (http://www.clemson.edu/online/programs/wildlife-fisheries-
biology.html). If you need to take the GRE please plan to do so at least 2 weeks prior to the application deadline so official scores can be received before June 30th.

Vegetation Monitoring Technician – Great Basin Institute / Joshua Tree National Park

Vegetation Monitoring Technician
Great Basin Institute / Joshua Tree National Park
Description:
In cooperation with the National Park Service Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Vegetation Monitoring Technician to support vegetation monitoring and management projects. The Technician will be responsible for implementing on-the-ground monitoring protocols and will work with a research team to lead volunteers, collect data, and enter data into various databases. This program will focus on conditions and trends of park resources in order to improve scientific understanding of how the vegetation of the park is responding to the effects of climate and environmental change. JOTR has established a suite of long term monitoring programs and needs assistance in gathering data for analysis to guide management and policy. These projects will help create, promote, facilitate and/or improve the public understanding of natural, cultural, historic, recreational, and other aspects of JOTR. Another goal of the program is to provide youth with an opportunity to spend time working on projects in JOTR.
 
Other duties will include maintaining and establishing new volunteer-based programs to provide visitors and community members with opportunities to participate in natural resource management activities; coordinate species inventories, citizen science/external research partner studies done in the park. The Technician will support the JOTR Restoration staff with various projects. This will include native plant restoration including planting and irrigation, invasive plant inventory and control, boundary incursion mapping, protection and restoration activities, and plant propagation and nursery maintenance.
 
 Compensation:  
  • $18/hour
  • Health and Dental Benefits
 
 Timeline: 
o   6-month appointment beginning May/June 2018, or pending availability and completion of DOI Background Investigation
o   Full time, 40 hours per week, possibly including some weekends
 
Location:
Joshua Tree National Park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in southern California. Joshua Tree National Park is of special management concern, lying in the transition of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.
 
Qualifications:
o   Bachelor’s degree in biology, restoration ecology, botany, environmental studies/science or related discipline;
o   Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data;
o   Familiarity with ecological processes and the flora of the Mojave and/or Sonoran Deserts;
o   Familiarity with or previous experience working in the Mojave and/or Sonoran Deserts;
o   Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
o   Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation;
o   Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
o   Experience using ArcGIS software;
o   Willingness and ability to work safely, hike long distances carrying 40-50 pounds, and lift, carry and use equipment in harsh, variable desert conditions, including in extreme heat;
o   Willingness to work a variable schedule, possibly including some weekends; and
o   Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads.
o   Ability to work effectively on a diverse team that includes other Research Associates, interns, and volunteers
o   Demonstrated leadership skills, including coordinating and overseeing groups of volunteers
 
How to Apply:
Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/Careers.aspx?rf=PD&REQ=2018-RAP-035 
 
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.