Location of work: Thunder Basin National Grassland, Bill, WY

Hours of work: 40 hours per week (4 x 10 hour days per week)

Salary: $2400 per month. Housing is provided. Three days of PTO and two holidays included.

Dates: May 20 – August 15, 2019.

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

Send application materials (cover letter, resume, references) and/or questions to:
Dave Pellatz
Executive Director
Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association
671 Steinle Rd
Douglas, WY  82633
307-359-1328
dave@rswyoming.com

and copy to:
Lauren Porensky
Research Ecologist
Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit USDA-ARS
1701 Centre Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80526 USA
970.492.7139
lauren.porensky@ars.usda.gov

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Research assistant for the Thunder Basin Prairie Ecosystem Association (TBGPEA). TBGPEA is a non-profit organization established to provide private landowner leadership in developing a responsible, science-based approach to long-term management of the lands of its members.  Over the last ten years the Association has focused its efforts on developing ecosystem-based conservation measures. These measures are designed to address the habitat needs of species of concern in northeastern Wyoming in balance with the need for sustainable economic and social activities and preservation of cultural values.

TBGPEA is collaborating with the USDA-ARS Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit (RRSRU) to develop new knowledge about ecological processes in Thunder Basin and apply this knowledge to improved management for production and conservation objectives. The Research Assistant will be supervised by the Board of TBGPEA with input from RRSRU scientists. The Assistant will be responsible for collecting scientific data from field experiments to evaluate how climate, fire, soils, grazing management, and global change affect ecological phases, states, transitions and thresholds in semi-arid rangeland ecosystems. If time permits, the Assistant may help evaluate Association member’s property as part of the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances implementation.

MAJOR DUTIES
Collects soil and vegetation data and is responsible for quality assurance/quality control of data collected.  Keeps exact, detailed records of experimental data.  Provides data in an appropriate format for incorporation into computer spreadsheets. Makes and records observations of unusual happenings, phenomena or trends that might influence interpretation of plot or field data.

Manages fieldwork program semi-autonomously; takes responsibility for solving problems and adapting to current conditions and events without constant supervision.

Operates, maintains, cleans, repairs and constructs equipment used in plot and field experiments including, but not limited to, vehicles and field equipment.

If time permits, the Assistant may participate in the development of livestock grazing management plans and may also collect ornithological or small mammal data.

Ensures that all safety and environmental concerns are addressed to provide a safe work environment, and that activities in support of research in the Thunder Basin do not pose an environmental threat.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
Technical knowledge of plant identification, structure and function of plant communities, and theory and practice of rangeland management, and a familiarity with the methods of biological sciences such as biology, chemistry, botany, etc, in order to participate responsibly in most phases of the experimental process.

Experience with bird and/or small mammal wildlife survey techniques is beneficial.

Ability to do efficient and high-quality work without direct supervision. Ability to proactively solve problems and manage tasks adaptively in order to get the job done on time.

Skill in the use of personal computers to utilize software packages such as: word processing, data entry and manipulation in spreadsheets (e.g., Excel).

Communication skills necessary to follow directions precisely and produce positive interactions with scientists, research personnel, and the general public.

Knowledge of range science, soil science, general biology and ecology.

Practical knowledge of general vehicle maintenance and repair. Knowledge of safe operating procedures when using equipment or vehicles. Knowledge of UTV operation and safety is beneficial.

Practical knowledge of livestock management and nutrition for use in development of livestock grazing management plans.

COMMUNICATION CONTACTS
Personal contacts are broad including TBGPEA members; scientists, technicians and graduate students from other institutions or other federal agencies; action agencies; non-governmental organizations; vendors and contractors; state or local government entities; visitors and the general public.

Personal contacts within the RRSRU involve support and assistance to scientists and support staff. The purpose of personal contacts is to mutually accomplish technical and support work; assist in planning and coordinating work efforts; discuss technical requirements of equipment with manufacturers and resolve problems concerning the work or the peculiar needs of the organization; coordinate help with other research projects; exchange information about research techniques; obtain supplies and equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requires standing, walking, bending and lifting of objects weighing as much as 50 pounds.  Certain phases of the work require extended (such as most of a work day) periods of standing or sitting while accomplishing detailed experimental procedures.  Some procedures require stamina and endurance.  Need to have the physical capability to perform required duties without hazard to self or others when working with machinery, cattle, horses, fire or chemicals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The job is located in a remote part of NE Wyoming. The work environment is about 85% in the field and 15% in the shop or office.  The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working outdoors. Throughout the year, the person may encounter belligerent livestock, insects, dust and extremes of weather. The person is required to wear protective clothing (e.g., coats, boots, goggles, gloves, and respirator) as conditions warrant.

Texas A&M University is hosting a Research Experience For Undergraduates: ECOHYDROLOGY OF TROPICAL MONTANE FORESTS – DIVERSITY IN SCIENCE, INTERDISCIPLINARY BREADTH, AND GLOBAL AWARENESS. The 10-week summer program (May 28- August 2, 2019) includes 5 weeks at the Texas A&M Soltis Center for Education and Research (Costa Rica) and 5 weeks on the campus of Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas, USA). Participant costs (stipend, travel, housing, etc.) are fully supported by the National Science Foundation.

Purpose: The goal of this REU program is to provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to develop essential skills in designing, executing and disseminating original research that quantifies the hydrologic and biogeochemical fluxes in the watershed of a tropical montane forest in Costa Rica. Students will have an opportunity to work on field and laboratory research under the guidance of faculty mentors at the Soltis Center near San Isidro in central Costa Rica (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoltiscentercostarica.tamu.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C371f5bba5d7e49d64af008d657879ea6%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636792637331981699&sdata=u60%2BGsgcqN70waZxlaNJbp%2FMirBU53Hm46ZyE2Tdg5s%3D&reserved=0). Past years of this REU program (2011-2013, 2018) resulted in several students enrolling in graduate school and publishing work from their research, in addition to gaining a rich cultural immersion and unique opportunity to conduct research in the tropics.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students must be US citizens or permanent residents, be 18 years of age or older (on March 1, 2019), be currently enrolled in a major in the earth or environmental sciences, engineering, or a related field, expect to graduate no earlier than December 2019, and be eligible to have a passport that is valid for 6 months past the REU summer.

For more information about the REU selection process, program, and study area, please visit our websitehttps://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcostaricareu.tamu.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C371f5bba5d7e49d64af008d657879ea6%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636792637331981699&sdata=1WpWJj7AkqqRL1cVJHAvr6CSNI6oSg9rmaOwi%2FiIPyI%3D&reserved=0.  For general inquiries and questions about our application, contact: tamu.costaricareu.application@gmail.com or the program leaders, Dr. Georgianne Moore (Department of Ecosystem Science and Management) and Dr. Kelly Brumbelow (Civil Engineering)

Greetings!

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook NY is now accepting applications for the summer 2019 REU program in “Translational Ecology”! Thank you for sharing this information with students who may be interested!

 

To apply:  http://www.caryinstitute.org/students/reu-program

Application deadline: January 25, 2019 Midnight

 

Dates: May 20 to August 9, 2019 (12 weeks)

Eligibility: Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors or first semester seniors. Must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its possessions. Underrepresented minorities and first generation college students are encouraged to apply.

Stipend: $6,600 stipend, plus a $900 food allowance and free on-campus housing.

Other support:  Assistance is available for travel to and from the program as well.

 

Research projects for the summer of 2019 include:

·        Eavesdropping Behavior and Social Information Use in Songbirds

·        Competitive Dynamics Between Invertebrate and Vertebrate Scavenger Guilds

·        Ecosystem Regulation of Mosquitoes and Disease Risk

·        The Role of Natural Enemies in Governing Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation

·        Effects of Global Change on Streams of the Northeastern US

·        Hudson River Habitats in a Changing World

·        Ecological Change in the Sky Lakes on the Shawangunk Ridge

·        Lake Management and Recreational Fisheries in Coupled Human-Natural Ecosystems

·        Ecology of Urban Streams/High School Student Mentoring

 

For more information about the Cary Institute, visit http://www.caryinstitute.org/

 

For more information about the program, contact Aude Lochet, REU program coordinator (locheta@caryinstitute.org)

 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Great Basin Bird Observatory (GBBO), Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and Idaho State University (ISU), is seeking to fill multiple positions for Crew Leaders, Technicians, and Interns to conduct avian biological surveys primarily targeted at greater sage-grouse at multiple study sites across Nevada and California. Primary duties may include sage-grouse capture and handling, lek counts, radio-telemetry, nest and brood monitoring, habitat sampling, avian predator surveys, data entry and management, and other biological surveys as needed. Work hours will be irregular and include nights, early mornings, and weekends. The Great Basin landscape is beautiful but rugged and challenging to work in. Temperature extremes can range from well below freezing to above 100 degrees F, and inclement weather is always a possibility.

These temporary, full-time appointments will last from the first week of March through the beginning of August, with the potential for extended employment depending on funding and performance. Primitive field housing will be provided, and successful applicants will be required to stay on site during work periods.

Please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three references in a single PDF document saved with applicant’s last name in the title to: sagegrousescience@gmail.com. Please indicate in your cover letter which positions you would like to be considered for: Crew Leader, Technician, and/or Intern. Cover letters and correspondence may be addressed to Rebecca Kelble. Please include “Greater Sage-grouse Position” in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted throughout December. Interviews will begin the first week of January. Exceptional candidates may be contacted for interviews before January. Positions will be filled as successful applicants are identified.

Qualifications: B.S. degree in a natural resource field preferred although experienced undergraduates are encouraged to apply for intern positions. U.S. citizen with valid driver’s license required. Successful applicants must possess the ability to hike long distances over rough terrain often in inclement weather (snow, rain, hail, high winds). The ability to take direction and work independently, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, a desire to gain experience while maintaining an enthusiastic attitude, and good communication skills with field supervisor and teammates are essential for all positions. Prior experience driving ATVs/4×4 vehicles over rough terrain is also preferred for all positions.

Crew Leaders: We are seeking individuals with extensive experience working on wildlife-related field research projects, previous experience with animal capture and handling and radio-telemetry, and strong interpersonal communication skills. Prior supervisory experience, or demonstrated potential for supervising field crews, is preferred.

Technicians: Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience assisting with wildlife field research. Previous experience with animal capture and handling and radio-telemetry are also preferred.

Interns: Internships will be offered to applicants that lack demonstrated field experience related to this type of work, but demonstrate a passion for wildlife ecology, a willingness to learn new techniques, a desire to work as part of a team, a desire to work hard in a remote but beautiful field setting, and have strong references. Payment is based on reimbursement of travel expenses set on established rates and is not considered an hourly wage. Previous field experience is desirable, but not required.

Start Date:     25 February 2019 (possible early February for some)
Salary: Crew Leaders: (~$2400/mo)
Technicians: (~$1500-2200/mo, dependent on experience) Interns (~$1000/mo travel reimbursement)
Website:        https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.werc.usgs.gov%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C536bece752d7434235f108d657879157%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636792637113679942&sdata=SEy64dVIbOYw8ZChzgILM3BrE9O5RygmzEOuV1KQPuY%3D&reserved=0
Contact:        Rebecca Kelble
E-mail: sagegrousescience@gmail.com (Preferred)

The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world, offering diverse training programs for early career professionals.  The Wilds has nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine land and remnant forest patches which present opportunities for ecological restoration and research.

Six month positions start in March 2019 and continue through September 2019, flexible upon request.

Apprentices gain hands-on experience, participate in vegetation and wildlife studies and receive field training on a variety of ecological studies in wetland, forest, stream & grassland habitats.
•Focus: The selected candidate will conduct an independent research project with a final presentation to Wilds employees at the end of their term.
•Typical tasks: implementing habitat improvements and monitoring ecosystem recovery through invasive plant management, vegetation and wildlife surveys, environmental monitoring, photo point collection, data analysis and report writing.
•Training: field methods (species identification, survey protocols, research methodology), GPS & GIS applications/map making, biological monitoring and application of land management and restoration techniques, Wildlife ecology basics and techniques, landscape genetics.
•Position requires hiking and some physically demanding tasks, including outdoor work throughout the seasons.  This may include hot, buggy, cold or otherwise challenging conditions.  Participants should be prepared with appropriate field gear / foot wear.
•Candidates should be eager for learning opportunities and willing to practice new skills independently.  Apprentices must be responsible, flexible, self-motivated and able to work effectively with limited supervision, as well as in a team setting.
•Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to lift at least 45 lbs.

Schedule is typically M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. No monetary compensation is offered; however, on site housing is available for $250/month. The position is ideal for acquiring practical career experience in conservation, natural resource management, land stewardship or ecological studies, and is particularly well suited to prepare participants for graduate school or work in a conservation organization.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcolumbuszoo.org%2Fjob-details%2Fwilds%2Finternship%3Fjob%3D9e26cd32-bd2f-67d7-bdc2-ff0000bf4b43&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C1e08b9a1310849a8173d08d656c9a1a5%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636791821338593989&sdata=OjtqIBK4L0Rcdb77bhFRqAnP1AnyZZi%2FIyuMv%2F08NFU%3D&reserved=0

In your cover letter please outline what you would hope to gain from the position and how your past experience makes you an ideal candidate.  All training programs at The Wilds are competitive and we value placing individuals in programs that suit their career goals.