Month: December 2018

Spring-Summer Research Assistant: Conservation Biological Control and Sustainable Agriculture

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Spring-Summer Research Assistant: Conservation Biological Control and Sustainable Agriculture
Title: Biological Science Aide
Series: 0404  Grade: GS2 or GS3
Vacancy Announcement Number: Seasonal L/A
Location: USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab, Sidney, Montana

Dates: March-August 2019 (24-26 week appointment).  Please specify your available start and end dates in your application.

Job Description/Duties: The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to serve as a biological science aide on projects examining the influence of landscape structure and crop diversity on pest insects and their natural enemies (e.g. ladybeetles, parasitoid wasps).  The research is focused on developing ecologically-based, sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to pest management in agricultural systems.  This position will involve a mixture of field and greenhouse work (~50%), and lab work to sort samples and identify insect pests and their natural enemies (~50%).  The successful candidate will gain hands on experience with insect field sampling methods, set up and maintenance of field and greenhouse experiments and insect rearing and identification techniques, as well as the chance to work with the diverse insect fauna associated with cropping systems in a team oriented research environment.

Salary: $11.68 (GS-2) or $12.74 (GS-3) per hour depending on experience and education. The candidate will receive overtime pay when working above the base work schedule of 40 hours a week.  Housing is not covered, but dorm-style shared housing is available on location for ~$140 per month, including utilities.

Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen, with a valid driver’s license.  Additionally, the candidate should be physically fit, and comfortable spending time outside in uncomfortable field conditions (hot, biting insects etc.). Willingness to work long days, and weekends when necessary is also a must. Undergraduate course work in ecology or entomology, and previous field and lab work experience is preferred but not required.
Application process: Please send cover letter, resume and names and contact information of two references (electronically) in a single file to Dr. Tatyana Rand (tatyana.rand@ars.usda.gov).
Open Period: Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on our research program visit our website at https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/sidney-mt/northern-plains-agricultural-research-laboratory/ or contact us directly.

Avian Field Technician for Spring/Summer 2019

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Job Title: Avian Field Technician

Agency: West Virginia University/U.S. Forest Service

Location: Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Position

Salary: $1,500-2,000/month for 3 months (April 8 to July 5). Housing and a field vehicle provided.

Start Date: 04/08/2019

Last Date to Apply: 1/31/2019

Description: Seeking a highly motivated avian field technician to assist with game bird surveys from April 15 to May 5 and avian point count surveys from May 10 to July 5. The data will be collected as part of research on avian use of wildlife openings in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. In addition, the point count data will continue a 25-year dataset of breeding bird surveys that is being used to assess long-term change in avian communities and abundance.

Fieldwork entails conducting evening modified singing-ground surveys for American woodcock, morning modified drumming/gobbling surveys for ruffed grouse and wild turkey, and 10-minute morning point count surveys for breeding songbirds. All survey protocols will be reviewed prior to conducting the surveys, but the field technician should have prior experience conducting point counts. Additional work will include deploying autonomous recording units and game cameras, vegetation sampling, data entry, and data proofing. The technician will be working closely with the supervisor, Hannah Clipp, to access field site locations, but actual game bird and point count surveys will mostly be conducted alone. The technician should expect to work 5-7 hours per day; because we are counting birds, field days will start early (before sunrise) and will likely involve work on weekends, with days off during inclement weather. Free housing and a field vehicle will be provided. The field technician should expect rugged housing accommodations (just the basics, no Internet), ranging from bunkhouses and cabins to campgrounds. First aid/CPR training and driver safety training will also be provided at no cost to the field technician.

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume/CV with 3 references to Hannah Clipp at hlclipp@mix.wvu.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Qualifications:

1.     Ability to identify eastern USA birds by sound and sight, as well as previous experience with avian point count surveys

2.     Earned (or are working towards) a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife science, natural resources, or a similar field

3.     Ability to navigate in the field and deal with challenging, difficult terrain (a lot of steep slopes)

4.     Comfortable working in a remote outdoor setting

5.     Ability and willingness to work in a two-person team and individually during early morning and late evening fieldwork

6.     Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

7.     Positive attitude and strong work ethic

Contact Person: Hannah Clipp

Contact Email: hlclipp@mix.wvu.edu

Job Announcement: Virginia Division of Natural Heritage: Southwest Region Stewardship Technician, Abingdon, VA, U.S.A. – Closes Jan. 11 2019

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For more information and to apply:
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Southwest Region Stewardship Technician, Abingdon, VA (closes Jan. 11. 2019)
The Southwest Region Stewardship Technician will assist DCR Natural Heritage staff with the management of Natural Area Preserves (NAP) in the Southwest Region of western Virginia. This is a temporary, part-time, hourly position, averaging 32 hours per week (40 maximum – no overtime), and no benefits other than worker’s compensation. The schedule is flexible and will include weekends and evenings.
Job Duties:
1. Assist DCR Natural Heritage Division stewardship staff with management of NAP in the Southwest Region of Virginia. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: management of invasive species; trail construction and maintenance; public access monitoring, education, and promoting responsible use among visitors to the natural area preserves; assisting with biological monitoring and mapping; maintenance of equipment and shop facilities; trash removal; and posting NAP boundaries. A significant portion of this position will be focused on public access management at 3 NAPs in Russell and Washington Counties: Pinnacle, Cleveland Barrens, and Channels. Work will also include sites in Grayson and Lee Counties and sites throughout western Virginia.
2. Operation of vehicles and equipment such as pickup trucks and trailers, tractors, UTVs, ATVs, chainsaws, pesticide sprayers, hand tools, power tools, and prescribed fire equipment.
3. Participate as DCR crewmember on prescribed burns on DCR and partner lands. Meet, or be willing to meet, requirements for DCR Crewmember, including the arduous work capacity test, a standardized 3-mile fitness test carrying a 45-pound pack while walking on flat terrain in less than 45 minutes.
4. Organize and recruit volunteers to assist with stewardship projects.
5. Investigate historical land use patterns by conducting literature searches, and locating historical aerial photography.
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PhD position using deep learning for wildlife ecology

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PhD Student Research Assistant: Bioacoustics and camera trap deep learning for wildlife community ecology – Oregon State University

 

The Levi and Lesmeister Labs at Oregon State University and USFS Pacific Northwest Research Station are accepting applications for a PhD Graduate Assistantship. We are looking for an experienced PhD. graduate student to begin in Fall 2019 for dissertation research focused on (1) implementation of convolution neutral networks for automated species detection using bioacoustics and camera trap data; (2) quantifying spatiotemporal dynamics in species distribution, abundance, and interactions; and (3) making inference about species response to forestry, development, and other land use change. The PhD student should be intellectually curious and will have the flexibility to pursue independent research interests. This position requires strong ecological and analytical capacity and aptitude. The student will work with Dr. Levi and Dr. Lesmeister based out of Corvallis, Oregon. This position is an excellent opportunity for students interested in avian and mammalian ecology, conservation, and management, and for students interested in applying quantitative and computational methods to applied ecological and conservation problems.

 

Successful candidates will be accomplished in writing, statistics, and ecological modelling. Applicants must have a MS degree except in exceptional circumstances. Preferred candidates will have previous experience in all or some of the following: a demonstrated ability to work with GIS and R, a strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals, and basic programming skills.

To apply, send (1) a letter of interest, (2) resume, (3) GRE scores, (4) transcripts, (5) writing sample, and (6) contact information (email and phone number) for three references to Prof. Taal Levi (Taal.Levi@oregonstate.edu) and Dr. Damon Lesmeister (Damon.Lesmeister@oregonstate.edu). Application deadline: January 31, 2019.

Internship for African Painted Dog Research Project – Missouri

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My PhD research focuses on zoological and wild painted dog behavior and growth rates, and I am excited to be collaborating with the Endangered Wolf Center and their painted dogs (including 23 new painted dog puppies!) for this project.

I will be collecting data from December 2018 until May 2019, and am looking for interns to support our project. Additional details are below, but please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

The Endangered Wolf Center is a non-profit wildlife facility that is dedicated to preserving and reintroducing to the wild critically endangered species of wolves. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Learn more at https://www.endangeredwolfcenter.org/

Start Date: ASAP
Schedule to be determined based on availability
Minimum commitment: 3 months, but open to discuss
Location: Eureka, Missouri (near St. Louis)
Compensation: Unpaid

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
•       Assist with daily food preparation and feedings of painted dogs
•       Conduct daily behavioral observations of painted dogs
•       Assist with monthly painted dog pup checkups (obtaining weights, physical measurements, etc.)
•       Weekly camera trap maintenance (set-up, data downloads, footage review, etc.)
•       Assist with other project tasks as needed

Qualifications:
•       No prior canid or data collection experience necessary – training will be provided
•       Must be at least 18 years of age
•       Must have strong interest in wildlife and natural science
•       Must be willing to prepare or assist with food items (may involve carcasses or ground meat)
•       Must have strong work ethic and be dependable

Submissions will be reviewed as they are received. Please submit an email explaining why you are interested in this position, your availability, and your resume to Tammy Cloutier at tcloutier@antioch.edu.

Tammy Cloutier
Environmental Studies PhD Candidate
Antioch University New England
Author of Painted Dog Pursuit
www.tammycloutier.com

2nd announcement: Research assistantships at LSU in the School of Renewable Natural Resources for Fall 2019

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The School of Renewable Natural Resources at LSU is accepting applications for graduate study leading to either a Master’s or Ph.D. until February 14, 2019. The assistantship(s) are competitive bases on GRE scores, GPA, and a statement of research objectives. The award provides for a generous assistantship,  waivers for fees and tuition, research support, and travel to one or more scientific meetings depending on degree program.

 

Gilbert Foundation Research Assistantships

School of Renewable Natural Resources

Louisiana State University

 

The School of Renewable Natural Resources is seeking M.S. and Ph.D. applicants for Gilbert Foundation Graduate Research Assistantships. These assistantships are available to students concentrating in the study of forestry and closely related areas.  Research areas could include forest management and economics, wood science and technology, forest biometrics, silviculture, forest hydrology, wetland forests, hardwood regeneration, ecophysiology, forest genetics, and forestry-related wildlife and fisheries management and conservation.

 

Annual stipends are generous and include a full tuition waiver and student fees. Master’s degree applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.25 for last two years. Ph.D. applicants must a have a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.6. Verbal and quantitative scores of the GRE should be at least 310 with at least 153 and 144 on the verbal and quantitative sections, respectively. The writing score must be at least a 4.0. Performance on the GRE will be evaluated in combination with GPA, letters of reference, and other evidence of the applicant’s potential success in pursuing a graduate degree and representation of the Gilbert Foundation ideals.

 

Louisiana State University is a comprehensive Research I institution enrolling more than 28,000 students. The campus is located in south Louisiana, 60 minutes from New Orleans, close to Louisiana’s Cajun country, and in the heart of the state’s abundant forestry, wildlife, and fisheries resources.

 

The School of Renewable Natural Resources has a teaching, research, and extension faculty of 30, which includes adjunct professors of the US Geological Survey’s Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. The faculty in the School is committed to innovative teaching, state-of-the-art research, and quality extension programs designed to train well-rounded natural resource professionals.  Graduates of the School are employed in private industry, and state and federal natural resource agencies, but many choose to continue their graduate education.

 

For more information about graduate studies in the School of Renewable Natural Resources you are encouraged to visit the School’s web page (http://www.rnr.lsu.edu)

and the Graduate School web page (http://gradlsu.gs.lsu.edu/). Interested applicants should send a letter of interest summarizing your credential that includes a statement of possible research interest commensurate with level of graduate study. Also include names and email address for at least two references and copies of academic transcripts. The committee will meet February 15, 2019 to evaluate applicants. Awardees will then apply for admission for the Fall 2019 semester with a separate application to the Graduate School.

 

Send application materials via email or United States Postal Service to

 

Dr. Thomas Dean

Professor and Gilbert Committee Chair

227 Renewable Natural Resources Building

Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803

fwdean@lsu.edu

(225) 578-4216

Professional Science Master’s Graduate Assistantship in Sustainable Agriculture

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The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is the land-grant university of the Nation’s Capital. The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) embodies the land-

grant tradition of UDC and offers academic programs in urban agriculture, urban sustainability, water resources management, nutrition and dietetics, urban architecture and community planning.

 

Position Description

CAUSES seeks a Graduate Assistant to join its Professional Science Master’s Program in Urban Agriculture to start in spring 2019 (preferably). The Graduate Assistant will evaluate cultural practices and growing methods for two new ethnic crops. Of particular interest is how the two hardy and highly nutritious crops may benefit urban agriculture and sustainability, with a goal of improving food security, mitigating climate change, increasing green-economy jobs and small businesses, and bringing locally-grown and nutritious food to residents. Research will be conducted at UDC’s main campus and the agricultural experiment station. The Graduate Assistant will also contribute to community outreach. He/she will be expected to conduct research 20 hours per week during spring and fall semesters and 30-40 hours per week during summer, which carries a stipend of approximately $20,000 for 12-months and a reduction or complete payment of tuition.

 

Primary qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in agriculture, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, biological sciences, ecology, or closely related field. Or, demonstrated work experience in these fields

• Good organizational skills, attention to detail, and a self-driven curiosity

• Proven ability to conduct independent research and/or maintain agricultural systems

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to convene and organize research groups, work as part of a scientific team, and relay information to the general public

• Strong quantitative skills and a basic understanding of biostatistics are preferred

·   Knowledge and/or experience in field research and/or growing leafy vegetables is preferred

• Physical ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions

• A valid driver’s license is required and personal transportation is essential

 

Application

Applicants apply for the Graduate Assistantship through the PI and then the selected student will apply for the PSM Program through UDC. Applicants should email the PI: 1) a letter of interest detailing their qualifications for the position (two-page maximum); 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) unofficial transcripts; and 4) three professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number).

 

Application deadline: Open until filled. Priority deadline is February 8th.

 

Start date: Spring (preferably) or Fall semester 2019.

 

Duration: One year, renewable for a second year if expectations are met

 

Contact: To apply for the Graduate Assistantship or for questions, please contact Dr. Mamatha Hanumappa: mamatha.hanumappa@udc.edu; Ph 202-274-5499.

 

Full time job announcement: Research Technician in Environmental Science

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University of Michigan
Research Technician in Environmental Science
We are seeking a laboratory and field technician to assist in research projects involving environmental and ecological science, including field collection of environmental samples, the chemical analysis of samples in the laboratory, the computer entry of data, and the statistical or graphical analysis of data. A suitable candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree in a natural science discipline such as chemistry, biology, or environmental sciences, plus the ability to translate, adapt and apply this knowledge. Candidates should have lab experience in detailed, high-quality biogeochemical analyses of samples, and must show evidence of skill in computer data entry and analysis including graphics. In addition, desired qualifications include experience in field collection of environmental samples in remote areas under difficult conditions, and experience in operating and coordinating sample collection and analysis with minimum supervision. The position requires moderately strenuous field work in the Arctic during summer (hiking with full packs over tundra). Experience in photochemistry, aquatic ecology, microbiology, or with the following laboratory instruments is a plus: Dissolved Inorganic Carbon analyzer, Total Organic Carbon analyzer, nutrient autoanalyzer, Carbon-Hydrogen-Nitrogen (CHN) analyzer, spectrometer, fluorometer, gas and liquid chromatography.

Interested applicants can apply at the University of Michigan (http://www.umich.edu/~jobs/), job posting # 165700. You must include a resume and cover letter describing your qualifications and experience and including three names for letters of reference. The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer.

Disease Ecology Project Assistant Opportunities Available at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

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The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is accepting applications for the following positions (22):
1) Disease Ecology Project Assistants, “Mouse-mast Project” (up to 3)
Job Description: Research the dynamics of mammalian communities and the relationships between mammals, ticks, oak trees, and Lyme disease.  Location is the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in New York’s Hudson River Valley.  Duties include live-trapping small mammals, taking blood, urine, and fecal samples, reliably recording trapping data, sampling abundance of ticks, collecting tree seeds, and conducting seedling surveys within eastern deciduous forest plots. Early morning and late afternoon hours, as well as occasional weekends, are required.
Qualifications: Prior experience handling small mammals is highly desirable.
Employment: Employment can begin as early as April 1 or as late as mid May, with an end date of approximately November 14, 2019.
To Apply: Please submit job application via http://www.caryinstitute.org/who-we-are/jobs and include a single PDF file consisting of a letter of application, a resume, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Be sure to cite Job Number 19001-I, “Mouse-mast Project”.
2) Disease Ecology Project Assistants, “Tick-Climate Project” (up to 6)
Job Description: Research the effects of weather and climate on the survival and behavior of blacklegged ticks and risk of tick-borne disease.  Location is the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in New York’s Hudson River Valley, with biweekly travel to sites between northern New York and North Carolina.  Duties include maintaining lab colonies of mice and ticks, establishing and maintaining field plots with ticks, assessing and recording tick survival, and downloading data from dataloggers.
Qualifications: Meticulous attention to detail and experience in field ecology is mandatory. Prior experience handling small mammals is highly desirable.
Employment: Employment to begin between March 15 and May 1, with an end date of approximately November 30, 2019.
To Apply: Please submit job application via http://www.caryinstitute.org/who-we-are/jobs and include a single PDF file consisting of a letter of application, a resume, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references.  Be sure to cite Job Number 19002-I, “Tick-Climate Project”.
3) Disease Ecology Project Assistants, “The Tick Project” (up to 12)
Job Description: Research the effects of tick management interventions on the survival and behavior of blacklegged ticks and risk of tick-borne disease in people.  Location is the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in New York’s Hudson River Valley, with travel to sites throughout Dutchess County, New York.  Duties include sampling, collecting, and identifying collected ticks from suburban/village neighborhoods, live-trapping small mammals, gathering and entering data on tick encounters with local residents and cases of tick-borne disease, deploying wildlife cameras, and identifying species captured in wildlife camera photos.
Qualifications: Meticulous attention to detail and experience in field ecology is mandatory. Prior experience handling small mammals is highly desirable.
Employment: Employment to begin between April 1 and May 15, with an end date of approximately October 4, 2019.
To Apply: Please submit job application via http://www.caryinstitute.org/who-we-are/jobs and include a single PDF file consisting of a letter of application, a resume, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Be sure to cite Job Number 19003-I, “The Tick Project”.
4) Disease Ecology Project Assistant, “Tick Control Liaison” (1 position)
Job Description: Research the effects of tick management interventions on the survival and behavior of blacklegged ticks and risk of tick-borne disease in people. Location is the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in New York’s Hudson River Valley, with travel to sites throughout Dutchess County, New York. Duties include acting as liaison between research staff at the Cary Institute and the pest control personnel who deploy tick control interventions on our study sites. The project assistant will:
-Assure compliance with research protocols and methodologies
-Maintain quality control of the preparation, delivery, and application of tick control interventions
-Maintain the double-blind study design
-Oversee the application of tick control interventions in study neighborhoods
-Address questions and concerns of study participants and members of the public in study neighborhoods
-Collect and maintain meticulous records of tick control treatments and other relevant field data
The project assistant will also spend approximately 25% of their time over the summer assisting on other tick-related projects and will perform a combination of lab and field work related to sampling the abundance of ticks.
Qualifications: Prior experience with field ecology, regulatory compliance, and vector control is highly desirable.
Employment: Employment to begin between April 1 and April 15, with an end date of approximately September 30, 2019 with the possibility of extension.
To Apply: Please submit job application via http://www.caryinstitute.org/who-we-are/jobs and include a single PDF file consisting of a letter of application, a resume and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Be sure to cite Job Number 19004-I, “Tick Control Liaison”.
All positions report to Dr. Richard S. Ostfeld and are full time, 35 hours/week. Wage is commensurate with education and experience. The final candidate will be required to complete a post-offer, pre-employment driving background check successfully. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. On-site or nearby housing is available. Review of applications will begin on January 14, 2019.  Postings are open until February 15, 2019 or until filled.
The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

PhD position in Forest Resources or Ecology and Penn State

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PhD position in forest ecology and management at Penn State University starting Fall 2019.
The student will work within a team to study forest resources from a Critical Zone perspective.  The Critical Zone spans from bedrock to the atmospheric boundary layer and this project integrates research on vegetation, bedrock, hydrology, soils, land use and ecosystem services to inform forest management.  The student will be part of a training program in Critical Zone Management and will work with a cohort of other graduate students, have access to the national Critical Zone Observatory network, and be trained in leadership and outreach.  The PhD can be through the Forest Resources or Ecology programs and will be housed in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (ESM), which is committed to advancing awareness and inclusion of diversity and creating a climate of mutual respect for all.  Please contact Margot Kaye (mwk12@psu.edu) to find out more about the position.