The Flory Lab (florylab.com) at the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, FL is seeking a highly motivated undergraduate for a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position for summer 2019. This position is part of a larger research project funded by the NSF/USDA/NIH Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease program aimed at understanding how plant pathogens might mediate the long-term outcome of interactions between an invasive grass (stiltgrass) and native plant species. Depending on the student’s interest, the project may include experiments in a greenhouse or growth chamber, field work experience, and programming in R. With the help of mentors, the REU student will develop an independent project, acquiring skills in question formulation, experimental design and execution, data analysis, and science communication. The REU student will work closely with Amy Kendig, a postdoc in the Flory lab, and Luke Flory, one of the project principal investigators, and will interact with other UF researchers involved in the project.

Applicants must be enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program with an anticipated graduation date after September 2019 and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (including possessions/territories). The ideal candidate will be interested in pursuing a graduate degree or career in ecology, evolution, environmental science, or biology following graduation.

The REU position is 10-12 weeks in duration during summer 2019 with a flexible start date and a stipend of $497/week.

To apply, send the following to Amy Kendig at amy.kendig@ufl.edu (if possible combined as a single Word or PDF file):
1. A brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience, interest in the position, and career goals (maximum one page, single spaced)
2. A resume or CV
3. Undergraduate transcript (official or unofficial)
4. Contact information for two references (research advisors are preferred if you have prior experience)

Applications are due February 15, 2019. Please email Amy with any questions.

Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) project, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems.  Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data.  Once structures are completed, a leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information.  The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales. For more information about the NEON project, visit https://www.neonscience.org/ .

LOCATION/TERM DATES – Nationwide. Visit our website for specific locations and term dates.

JOB SUMMARY
Temporary Field Technicians perform seasonal and periodic sampling of physical, chemical and biological data at one (1)-five (5) field sites, while exercising good judgement and decision-making abilities to interpret protocol requirements. Temporary Field Technicians are assigned an area of primary responsibility within the scope of data collection: botany, entomology, mammalogy (except Puerto Rico and Hawaii), or limnology (except Hawaii).

Field observations and collection are conducted using approximately 30 different protocols and multiple Standard Operating Procedures with varying schedule requirements based on local ecosystem and current field conditions.

Daily and weekly work schedules will fluctuate.  Workdays can be up to twelve hours long and may be split with both morning and evening work, with work, at times, beginning at dawn and going through to dusk.  Workweeks can include weekends and occasionally may be up to 12 consecutive days.

Individuals are responsible for their own housing and transportation to primary work location.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•       Performs field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes, etc.).
•       Follows established, standardized field procedures for sample collection; records data from sample collection; and processes samples.
•       Records activities and completed work according to Field Operations protocol.
•       Follows safety and Field Operations policy and procedures.
•       Reports issues with implementation of procedures and coordinates resolution with manager and technicians.
•       Assists with routine administrative duties, special projects and other duties as assigned.
•       Carries, moves and lifts field supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (which involves diverse and uneven terrain).

REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
•       High School Diploma.  Some post high school, specialized training or technical certificate may be required.
•       Knowledge of best practices for accurate and repeatable field and laboratory measurements across multiple scientific disciplines. Complex and variable systems require judgment and independent decision-making abilities
•       Technical skills using best practices in field and ability to identify aquatic or terrestrial flora and fauna to genus and species.
•       Due to the limited number of positions in each domain, technicians must be willing and able to learn and perform procedures and methods outside of the primary responsibility.
•       Willingness to perform maintenance and field sampling outdoors in sparsely populated, remote locations, with distances ranging from 1/2 hour to 6 hours from the domain office. Overnight travel, hiking off trail, and wading in water are typical in most locations.
•       Ability and willingness to work varied field operations schedules (up to 12+ hours per day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early mornings, evenings and weekends.
•       Ability to hike off trail, long distances, on uneven terrain, at remote locations, in all types of weather, carrying packs weighing up to 40lbs.
•       Ability to work on instrument towers ranging in height from 26 feet to 240 feet and at altitudes of up to 11,000 feet (depending on assigned Domain), involving the ability to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs.
•       Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise. Field work may require frequent exposure to toxicodendrons (e.g. poison ivy and poison oak), ticks, biting insects and other natural hazards.
•       Proficiency with MS Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word).
•       Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
•       High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
•       Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•       Strong work ethic and enthusiasm.

Previous NEON Project field experience will be highly considered
US Citizen or permanent resident only

To apply, and view all locations, visit https://jobs.battelle.org/ListJobs/ByKeyword/NEON/.

Battelle provides employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) project, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems.  Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data.  Once structures are completed, a leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information.  The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales. For more information about the NEON project, visit https://www.neonscience.org/ .

We are currently seeking Lead Temporary Field Technicians across the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii.

LOCATION/TERM DATES – Nationwide. Visit our website for specific locations and term dates.

JOB SUMMARY

Lead Temporary Field Technicians perform and supervise seasonal and periodic sampling of physical, chemical and biological data at one (1)-five (5) field sites, while exercising good judgement and decision-making abilities to interpret protocol requirements. Lead Temporary Field Technicians are assigned an area of primary responsibility within the scope of data collection: botany, entomology, mammalogy (except Puerto Rico and Hawaii), or limnology (except Hawaii).

Field observations and collection are conducted using approximately 30 different protocols and multiple Standard Operating Procedures with varying schedule requirements based on local ecosystem and current field conditions.

Daily and weekly work schedules will fluctuate.  Workdays can be up to twelve hours long and may be split with both morning and evening work, with work, at times, beginning at dawn and going through to dusk.  Workweeks can include weekends and occasionally may be up to 12 consecutive days.

Individuals are responsible for their own housing and transportation to primary work location.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•       Performs and supervises field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes, etc.).
•       Provides training to seasonal and temporary field personnel.
•       Follows established, standardized field procedures for sample collection; records data from sample collection; and processes samples.
•       Records activities and completed work according to Field Operations protocol.
•       Follows safety and Field Operations policy and procedures.
•       Reports issues with implementation of procedures and coordinates resolution with manager and technicians.
•       Assists with routine administrative duties, special projects and other duties as assigned.
•       Carries, moves and lifts field supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (which involves diverse and uneven terrain).

REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
•       High School Diploma.  May require an Associate’s degree or experience as a fully qualified Temporary Field Technician with one (1) – two (2) years of related experience
•       Knowledge of best practices for accurate and repeatable field and laboratory measurements across multiple scientific disciplines. Complex and variable systems require judgment and independent decision-making abilities
•       Technical skills using best practices in field and ability to identify aquatic or terrestrial flora and fauna to genus and species.
•       Due to the limited number of positions in each domain, technicians must be willing and able to learn and perform procedures and methods outside of the primary responsibility.
•       Willingness to perform maintenance and field sampling outdoors in sparsely populated, remote locations, with distances ranging from 1/2 hour to 6 hours from the domain office. Overnight travel, hiking off trail, and wading in water are typical in most locations.
•       Ability and willingness to work varied field operations schedules (up to 12+ hours per day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early mornings, evenings and weekends.
•       Ability to hike off trail, long distances, on uneven terrain, at remote locations, in all types of weather, carrying packs weighing up to 40lbs.
•       Ability to work on instrument towers ranging in height from 26 feet to 240 feet and at altitudes of up to 11,000 feet (depending on assigned Domain), involving the ability to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs.
•       Ability to withstand exposure to fumes, dust, and noise. Field work may require frequent exposure to toxicodendrons (e.g. poison ivy and poison oak), ticks, biting insects and other natural hazards.
•       Proficiency with MS Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word).
•       Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
•       High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
•       Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•       Strong work ethic and enthusiasm.

Previous NEON Project field experience will be highly considered
US Citizen or permanent resident only

To apply, and view all locations, visit https://jobs.battelle.org/ListJobs/ByKeyword/NEON/.

Battelle provides employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.