We are currently seeking an individual to serve as a leader on our Wildland Restoration Team. This is an AmeriCorps position that starts on February 4th and ends on August 16th. Here is the link to apply:https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmtcorps.org%2Fjoin%2Fyoung-adult-programs%2Fwildland-restoration-team%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C53202bc9b0f34d942c7008d68136a9ff%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636838469116739604&sdata=KCOGiNPrxQfFePjYgLHxRtuMIHNzbJf0h08VjF9a88E%3D&reserved=0

More Info
MCC’s Wildland Restoration Program puts members on the frontlines of invasive species management and ecological restoration in an early detection rapid response model for wildland restoration.  Crew members are trained in plant identification, inventory and monitoring techniques using GPS, invasive species management that may include chemical, biological and mechanical treatments, and resource conservation management practices. Wildland Restoration crews may also participate in innovative wetlands and habitat restoration projects such as beaver pond mimicry. Projects are often rigorous requiring carrying a heavy backpack sprayer and working in hot weather across rugged terrain while wearing protective gear. But the exposure to resource professionals working on premier public lands in the West, and real-world job experience in wildland restoration is unparalleled.

Please pass this opportunity to anyone you know who might be interested.

Happy Trails,
Nate

Dear Colleagues,

I have a summer undergraduate internship available in my lab this year, working on a project exploring how environmental temperature effects schooling behavior in fish. The project is in collaboration with Andrew Berdahl (UW) and Jason Knouft (SLU).

You can read more about the project here (http://dellecologylab.org).

You can read more about NGRREC’s summer intern program here (http://www.ngrrec.org/internship/).

Applications are due by midnight tomorrow January 23, 2019.

Thanks for spreading the word.

Tony Dell

FIELD ASSISTANT FOR HOST-PARASITOID INTERACTION PROJECT IN WESTERN OAK SAVANNAS led by Dr. Kirsten Prior at Binghamton University SUNY (priorecologylab.com). The assistant will work as a part of a team on a project examining host-parasitoid interactions in oak gall-wasp communities in western oak savanna ecosystems. The study sites are spread throughout western North America (from Northern California up to Vancouver Island, British Columbia). The base of operations will be around Olympia Washington, with regular sampling trips to Oregon, Northern California, and likely 1-2 trips up to Vancouver Island. The assistant will live with the field team in shared provided housing in Olympia, WA, but will camping for several days at a time while working at further field sites.

Duties will involve daily travel to and from field sites, collecting oak gall-wasps from trees, sorting and rearing galls and gall emergents, collecting other spatial and environmental data at sites, and data entry and processing. Given the nature of conducting time-sensitive surveys in the field, and the logistics of traveling to several regions, the work schedule will be flexible, and work hours will depend on when tasks need to be completed and on weather conditions. Thus, the candidate should be able to work on a flexible schedule (not a M-F, 9-5 schedule). The candidate needs to like to spend time outdoors, be comfortable hiking long distances on hilly terrain, be able to drive and travel considerable distances in a vehicle, willing to camp for several nights at a time, to work well in a team, and to maintain a positive disposition under challenging field conditions.  

Qualifications: 1) A Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology & evolution, entomology, or a related field. 2) Previous field research experience (experience working remotely at a field site or station is a plus, but not a requirement). 3) Have an interest in ecology & evolution or entomology. 4) Be mature, highly responsible, flexible, dedicated, and motivated. 5) Be able to work well as a part of a team and to live and work well with others. 6) Be willing and able to work long irregular hours outside in remote conditions. 7) Be able to hike long distances and in hilly terrain. 8) Must have a driver’s license and a passport. 

Accommodations will be provided in a shared residence in Olympia, WA, along with a monthly stipend. A field vehicle will also be provided. Ideal work dates from May 1st to July 31st, but dates can be somewhat flexible. Ideally the candidate will travel with the field vehicle from New York to the west coast (travel costs will be covered); however, this depends on the current location of the applicant.  

To apply send (1) a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and list your relevant qualifications; (2) a CV or resume; (3) the names and contact information (email and phone number) for three references. Email the document as a single PDF file (file name should include your last name) to Kirsten Prior (kprior@binghamton.edu) with “western savanna field assistant position” in the subject line. We will begin reviewing applicants on February 15th – please apply by March 1st for full consideration. 

Hello,

The Plant Conservation Division of San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research in Escondido, CA is pleased to offer a research fellowship for summer 2019. The deadline is fast approaching: January 31, 2019. 

Internship summary: Summer Research Fellows will participate in a variety of research, management, and seed banking activities in addition to working on an independent project which they will be expected to present at a poster session at the end of the internship. The independent projects are likely to focus on factors influencing germination of either rare plants or a noxious weed of increasing concern at the Safari Park, but these topics will be developed in collaboration with the selected interns.

Internship Dates: 12 weeks; either May 20-Aug 9 OR June 17-Sept 6; internships are 40/week over the 12 weeks

Internship Location: San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, Escondido, CA

Stipend: $7,000 

Eligibility: open to an undergraduate who will be enrolled in Fall 2019 (e.g., continuing undergraduates or graduating seniors committed to graduate programs)

Application: send letter of interest, resume/CV, letters of recommendation, and a qualification statement via email (details in link below).

Important Notes: Interns will be responsible for finding their own housing and transportation to and from the Institute for Conservation Research outside of Escondido. Consequently, access to a vehicle may be convenient.

More information, including application details can be found here:

https://institute.sandiegozoo.org/opportunities/summer-student-fellowships

Plant Conservation actively works toward recovery of rare and endangered plant species and restoration of their native ecosystems. Potential projects include seed collections of San Diego County rare plant species, germination and storage trials, and propagation for restoration; restoration site preparation and vegetation surveys; weed management; or population genetics. Projects are developed with mentors to meet program and conservation needs and aligned with the skill sets and interests of the selected applicants. In addition to independent projects, selected fellows will round out their fellowship with work on all facets of Plant Conservation programs. San Diego summers are hot and dry, and applying fellows need to be prepared to conduct field work under such conditions.

M.S. Opportunity: Control and Ecological Effects of Invasive Woody Plants  
 
We are seeking a motivated M.S. student to become part of an NSF- and Purdue University-funded project that is examining the control and ecological effects of invasive woody plants. The student will test the effectiveness of novel treatment options and examine how the plant community responds to the treatment of invasive plants. 

The position is budgeted for two years beginning in either the summer or fall semester of 2019 and includes a graduate stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. 

Applicants should have a GPA of 3.2 or higher. GRE scores are not required, but may be submitted. Desired qualifications: an undergraduate degree in botany, ecology, forestry, plant science, or a related field; experience conducting field research; and interest in the biology and control of invasive plants. 

To apply: Prospective applicants should send, via e-mail attachment, a brief letter of interest, CV (including GPA and contact information for three references), and unofficial transcripts to Mike Jenkins (jenkinma@purdue.edu). We will begin reviewing application materials immediately and continue until a candidate is found.  

Women and individuals for other historically under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Purdue University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action employer.

About Purdue: Purdue is a land-grant university of over 40,000 students and is ranked the 5th best public university in the U.S. by The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education. Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue is an easy drive from Indianapolis and Chicago. The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) is housed administratively in the College of Agriculture (#8 world ranking); emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches across a broad spectrum of natural-resource sciences; and offers vibrant, nationally ranked graduate programs in ecology, forestry, fisheries, and wildlife. The West Lafayette-Lafayette area is home to a diverse community with a population of 174,000, good schools, safe neighborhoods, over 40 parks and extensive trail systems, active farmers’ markets, and year-round community festivals and art events.

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 position running May 20th-November 20th, flexible upon request.  Apply by March 1st for full consideration.

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 focus of this particular apprentice position is to monitor butterflies in our butterfly habitat as well as conduct vegetation surveys on nectar resources in our prairies compared with cool season grasslands. The selected candidate will conduct an independent research project on these topics 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. While no monetary compensation is offered, on site housing will be covered. The position is ideal for acquiring practical career experience in conservation, pollinators, 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%7C9cf730d38d1240cc9f1b08d6807034f6%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636837616746311293&sdata=S9EYhIa4fenWt2HgocCjskUGSfPI%2FWnTcXxazpl8GQs%3D&reserved=0)

In your cover letter please mention that you are specifically interested in the butterfly position – other positions are available as well but do not cover housing costs. 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.

PROJECT TITLE: Global Genome Initiative for Gardens: Genome-quality
tissue collection and preservation in Texas, Summer 2019.

POSITION TITLE: Global Genome Initiative for Gardens Internship

TIMETABLE: 14 weeks, May – August 2019, expected

WHERE: Botanical Research Institute of Texas; Fort Worth, Texas

Payment: The selected applicants will receive a $2,000 stipend for their
work with this project.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Global Genome Initiative (GGI) is a
Smithsonian-led international collaboration directed toward collecting and
preserving genomic tissues from global biodiversity. The principle aim
of GGI is to collect and preserve genome-quality tissue from specimens
representing all families from the major branches of the tree of life
and 50% of genera. To achieve these targets for global plant diversity,
the Global Genome Initiative for Gardens (GGI-Gardens) was formed at
the National Museum of Natural History in 2015. In August 2018, the
Global Genome Initiative for Gardens (GGI-Gardens) moved its base of
operations to the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in Fort
Worth, TX. Here GGI-Gardens is building a network of preserved tissue
collections from botanical gardens throughout Texas. During 14 weeks
from May-August 2019, we will collect plant specimens and preserve genome
quality tissues from the flora of Texas, emphasizing living collections
in botanical gardens of Texas. The selected applicants for this internship
will assist in this effort.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Enrollment (or recently graduated) in a program for Bachelor’s degree
in biology, botany, environmental/life science, or horticulture (or
demonstration of equivalent experience).
Minimum of one undergraduate- or graduate-level course in botany, plant
science, plant ecology, etc.
Ability to work outside for several hours, lift 30 lbs of field equipment,
and collect plant specimens from herbs, shrubs, and trees in dense,
wooded vegetation.
A valid driver’s license and willingness to drive in and around
North/Central Texas.