ITEAM Lab NSF REU Summer 2019 Internship opportunity *

The Idaho Terrestrial Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling Lab (ITEAM) at the

University of Idaho is seeking one paid undergraduate Research Experience

for Undergraduate (REU) intern for the Summer 2019. This National Science

Foundation REU opportunity provides 11 weeks of funding ($500

stipend/week). *The project offers ample opportunities for an undergraduate

to develop a research project and pursue a senior-thesis while building the

necessary foundation to pursue a career in ecological research*.

The ITEAM lab studies forest ecosystems in relation to the interactions

between climate change, policy decisions, and natural and anthropogenic

disturbances. Current research projects include: exploring the use of

ecosystem measurements in differing forest types to estimate carbon

balances in the context of climate conditions; modeling forest ecosystem

responses to changes in climate, wildfire, and forest management.

During the summer of 2019, *the REU intern will assist the ITEAM lab with

field work, data management, and research project development*. The REU

intern will be exposed to field techniques associated with forest

inventories, and terrestrial vegetation and soil sampling to quantify

ecosystem properties. The student will learn database usage,

statistical/spatial analyses, and will communicate research findings in

both oral and written forms.

*Through this hands-on experience, the REU student will have to develop and

implement a unique and independent research project associated with the

lab’s field research. * There are many opportunities to develop an

independent project with the mentoring of ITEAM members from both

previously collected and the upcoming 2019 field season data. The student

will have 11 weeks of full-time (40 hours/week) participation in the summer

of 2019. For students attending U. Idaho, there is a possibility to

continue their independent research with the ITEAM lab in the fall 2019

semester.

*Requirements:* Junior-standing undergraduate (as of Fall 2019) who plans

to reside near Moscow, ID for summer 2019; minimum GPA of 3.0; significant

interest in forest ecology, field research, camping, hiking, and outdoor

elements; ability to take direction and learn from others; strong work

ethic, self-motivated, and critical thinking skills with a desire to learn

and develop research and professional communication skills. Ability to

complete 11 weeks of full-time work between May 1 and October 1, 2019.

Participants

must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and currently enrolled as an

undergraduate student. Students with backgrounds that are underrepresented

in forest science are encouraged to apply.

*Application:*  Please submit a cover letter (detailing your interest,

relevant previous experience(s), relevant skills to the ITEAM lab, and

summer availability), resume, academic transcripts (unofficial fine), and

1-2 letters of recommendation (minimum one from academic faculty member

familiar with your work) to Dr. Tara Hudiburg (thudiburg@uidaho.edu) by

April 1st, 2019.

(2) Field Technician Positions Available in Coudersport, PA/Susquehannock State Forest for Summer 2019

Monday, May 13th – Friday, August 9th, with possible extension through Friday, August 16th

Pay: Full time, 40hr/week appointment. Field Technicians – $11.50/hr.

Furnished housing and a vehicle for work-related travel are also provided for field crews.

Description: These positions are part of a long-term vegetation research and monitoring project assessing the effects of white-tailed deer browsing and other factors on understory plant community composition and tree regeneration in central and northern Pennsylvania.

Duties:

Technicians must be able to find, monument, and inventory permanent forest vegetation plots using GPS and other tools in central or northern Pennsylvania. Daily duties include navigation to remote parts of Pennsylvania state forest lands, hiking 2-4 miles, daily, with equipment, and collection of quality vegetation monitoring data, which includes the identification, size class, and abundance of more than 100 species of overstory and understory plants—with a field PC.

Key qualifications:

At least two years toward a natural resources baccalaureate degree; demonstrated plant identification skills (as evidenced by a course in plant ID, such as dendrology, and/or field experience collecting vegetation data); ability to work independently and reliably without direct supervision in challenging field conditions; and possession of a valid driver’s license.

Questions: Contact Michael Perkins at mdp297@psu.edu.

Application deadline: Applications reviewed as received.

To apply, email a cover letter, résumé, transcripts (unofficial OK), and contact information for three references (at least one reference should be able to comment on your plant identification skills)to:

Bobbi Joy Scovern, Administrative Support Assistant

Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

419 Forest Resources Building

University Park, PA 16802

Email: bys5@psu.edu

Phone: 814-865-4511

The Urban Resilience to Extremes Sustainability Research Network (UREx SRN) is pleased to announce six (6) potential research opportunities for undergraduate students to participate this summer in interdisciplinary research associated with urban infrastructure resilience and community vulnerability in the face of extreme weather-related events. UREx SRN aims to generate knowledge and promote actions that will ensure urban resilience. UREx SRN is interested in students who have their sights set on graduate school and careers in related scientific research and outcomes. The REU opportunity will provide four (4) selected students hands-on experience in data research, analysis, stakeholder engagement and active collaboration with the UREx SRN team.

Compensation: Each REU student will receive a competitive funding package up to US $4,500 for research stipends and travel (if applicable).

View REU opporunities at: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsustainability.asu.edu%2Furbanresilience%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C4904ff9c80da4940335108d6a3afe5ca%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636876373243926171&sdata=2E%2BlCGZ%2BMmp3MbOy0i7JZWSSF1S%2BmonuMeqhr8fmzJs%3D&reserved=0.

Submit student applications to: Emily Key (emily.key@asu.edu).Application deadline: Friday, April 12, 2019 @ 5:00 PM AZ-MST.

Opportunity 1: Pleasantville, NY or Corvallis, OR

The role of green infrastructure incentive programs in (in)equitably meeting urban stormwater challenges

Opportunity 2: Phoenix, AZ

Mitigating Extreme Heat as Tempe Densifies

Opportunity 3: Phoenix, AZ

How does the establishment of flow-control structures in an ephemeral desert wash influence surrounding vegetation?

Opportunity 4: Phoenix, AZ

Comparative Urban Futures for Flood Resilience

Opportunity 5: Miami, FL

Opportunities in Floodplain Management for Risk Reduction and Natural Systems Benefits

Opportunity 6: Miami, FL

Urban Wetland Restoration

GBI is recruiting Ecological Monitoring Field Technicians to work with

agency staff, GBI staff, and a GBI Ecological Monitoring Field Lead. Each

Field Technician will participate in a field crew (one Lead and two

Technicians) to characterize vegetation using the terrestrial AIM protocol,

Describing/Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health (D/IIRH), the

Habitat Assessment Framework (HAF) protocol, and/or the Proper Functioning

Condition (PFC) protocol, for which training will be provided. The

particular protocols implemented will vary by location.

Duties include following established field protocols to conduct vegetation

sampling and field data collection on new and existing monitoring sites.

Field data will be used by resource specialists and land managers to inform

decisions regarding range management and other resource management issues

of the area. During periods of field work, camping will be required.

To learn more and apply please follow the link below:

https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcrcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org%2Fcareers%2Fcareers.aspx%3Frf%3DECOLOG%26req%3D2018-RAP-074&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C4904ff9c80da4940335108d6a3afe5ca%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636876373243926171&sdata=hy4CMAfoCk92BTnWdXi42NrLKCGcwFjM%2FI10hDS92yo%3D&reserved=0

Have a great day,

—

Sage Bates

Recruitment and Compliance Coordinator

Great Basin Institute

16750 Mt. Rose Highway

Reno, NV 89511-8774

775-674-5489 (office)

The Great Basin Institute advances environmental research, education, and

service throughout the west. The institute promotes applied research and

ecological literacy through community engagement and agency partnerships to

support national parks, forests, open spaces and public lands.

A paid summer internship is available at the Smithsonian Marine Station in

Fort Pierce, Florida to assist research on the effects of environmental

stress on reef-building corals. The intern will join a team of researchers

from the Smithsonian Marine Station and the University of Florida that

includes Drs. Maggie Johnson, Valerie Paul, and Andrew Altieri. The primary

task of the intern will be to assist with lab-based experiments in Fort

Pierce using experimental aquaria.

The ideal candidate will have a background in biology and/or marine

science, be able to work independently and as part of a team, and be

willing to maintain and monitor experimental aquaria (including cleaning

tanks). This position is largely lab-based, with the potential for some

fieldwork in the Florida Keys. AAUS scuba certification and experience

conducting lab and field research are desirable. Learning objectives

include coral responses to global change stressors, coral husbandry,

seawater chemistry, and mesocosm maintenance and experimental design.

Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter expressing research

interests, future plans, and the names and contacts of 2-3 references to

Maggie Johnson at *johnsonmd4@si.edu *.

The timing of the internship is flexible, with a start date at the end of

spring/beginning of summer. The weekly stipend is $400 (does not include

housing).

*Please submit application materials to Maggie Johnson by April 1*.

*Contact Information:*

Dr. Maggie Johnson, Postdoctoral Fellow

Smithsonian Marine Station

701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL

johnsonmd4@si.edu

https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.maggiedjohnson.com&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C4904ff9c80da4940335108d6a3afe5ca%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636876373243936180&sdata=na93EDF1wgV1Neob%2BIkYxPnU%2BozOWOteoqrc22OdZ%2Bw%3D&reserved=0

@MaggieDJohnson

The Integration and Application Network (IAN; ian.umces.edu) seeks a

science communication intern to join a dynamic group of Science Integrators

and Science Communicators at the University of Maryland Center for

Environmental Science (https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.umces.edu&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923937209&sdata=%2Fx0fbi9rBSU3Y9%2FSYUB%2FJ3l%2FMUs9FCh5ijcONyw5%2FoA%3D&reserved=0) and assist in the creation of

effective science communication products. This position will support IAN’s

goal of not just studying but solving environmental problems through data

synthesis and science communication. Previous interns have gone on to

graduate schools like Yale, Oxford University (U.K.), and American

University, and to other careers including at the National Aquarium,

University of Maryland, planning offices, etc.

Expected qualifications and skills:

This internship is targeted to graduate or advanced undergraduate students

with backgrounds in science and communication. A background in biology or

environmental science is required. Experience in sound editing skills is

highly preferred. Interns are expected to work with a variety of software

packages including Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and GIS

applications. Training will be provided, but familiarity with these

products is preferable.

Responsibilities and duties:

The science communication intern will have multiple duties depending on

their qualifications and interests. Tasks may include:

   – editing text, photos, and videos,

   – working with media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.,

   – creating new vector images and conceptual diagrams,

   – plotting spatial data and preparing maps, and

   – creating print-ready InDesign documents.

Included in internship:

This is a contractual, hourly appointment. The chosen candidate will

receive a competitive hourly wage and subsidized healthcare benefits may be

available depending on number of hours worked. Additionally, interns will

gain valuable skills in science communication, including desktop

publishing, spatial analysis, environmental assessment, and effective

communication. The team provides a dynamic, fun, and exciting atmosphere,

as well as a chance to work on some of the most pressing local, national,

and global environmental problems.

Location:

This position will be located in Cambridge, Maryland or Annapolis,

Maryland, based on the needs of the team. Send applications to

afries@umces.edu by March 15th, 2019.

Start date:

April 15th or sooner. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Internship duration:

Six months with the possibility of an additional six months.

Applications should include the following items:

   – A letter of interest including a clear statement of why you would like

   to participate in this internship

   – A Curriculum Vitae including two references (with email and phone

   contact information)

   – A writing sample

UMCES, a research institution, is comprised of four laboratories and

Maryland Sea Grant, which are located in different regions throughout the

state. More about UMCES can be found at https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.umces.edu%2Flocations&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923937209&sdata=tMjKkYhKe8mWR1ZrFEQDh0139whalUNitDOABQzoq3k%3D&reserved=0. Maryland

Sea Grant (https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.mdsg.umd.edu&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923937209&sdata=BJkralNwp2EDGo75xO3Ie%2B0nAoLoOVy2cW6p61GJXaw%3D&reserved=0), located in College Park, is a federal-state

partnership that supports scientific research, education, and outreach

focused on restoring and preserving the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s

coastal bays and watershed resources. We serve as a bridge between

scientific expertise and the needs of people who manage, conserve, enjoy,

and make their living from the Chesapeake Bay, America’s largest and most

productive estuary.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal

opportunity employer. The Center’s policies, programs, and activities are

in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on

nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin,

sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the

Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational

Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements

should be directed to the Director of Human Relations, Center

Administration, P.O. Box 775, Cambridge, MD 21613.

https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fian.umces.edu%2Fvacancies%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923937209&sdata=CIi9hbBpAJjGLj4mt7ol7NblxftU5ppTjVrdZxZ%2FeiU%3D&reserved=0

2019 SUMMER COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT (June 15 ­ July 10)

FIELD COURSE IN CORAL REEF ECOLOGY (CRE B-19)

COURSE LOCATION:  Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla

Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a hill

facing the Caribbean Sea.  Coral reef, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems are

in front of the station and lowland tropical forests lie directly behind.

This juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems provides

tremendous opportunities for education and research.  See

https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.itec-edu.org%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923927204&sdata=Y1SXInqdXkLXWW4wotKU9Tm5W5AyuqsVZ99ZY7WZudQ%3D&reserved=0   for details.

INSTRUCTOR:  Dr. Lonnie Kaczmarsky, St. Johns River State College, email:

longinkaczmarsky@sjrstate.edu  .

Specialty: coral reef ecology, coral diseases and anthropogenic impacts on

coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangroves and fish populations.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  NOTE: Diving certification is not necessary to enroll

in this course, but is recommended. For SCUBA-certified (PADI, NAUI, or SSI

certified) students who will be diving, there is a $100 Lab Fee with this

course which covers tank-recharging fees.  Students with SCUBA certification

are expected to bring their own BC, regulators, mask/fin/snorkel and proof

of certification. For those not diving certified, students are expected to

bring mask/fin/snorkel.  Students using only mask and snorkel are exempt

from the lab fee.

This course is designed to provide the student with a sound foundation in

ecological concepts, techniques and experimental design in field research as

applied to coral reef ecosystems. The material covered is equivalent to a

university upper level course in coral reef field ecology. The course will

begin with a global ecosystem perspective and then will progressively narrow

to assess the way in which local reefs are influenced by both global and

local phenomena. We will briefly survey reef systems in various parts of the

world and focus in depth on Caribbean reefs. Using the reef at Bocas del

Toro as an example, we will carry on an inventory of representative reef

biota to characterize a general reef community. We will examine several

theories of the origins of reefs and discuss some controversial arguments on

the ecological processes ruling the dominant state and health of coral

reefs.  Students will learn to characterize a general reef community and its

place among surrounding marine habitats.  The major reef biota will be

discussed in terms of their phylogeny, biology, physiology, ecological

requirements and roles in species interactions on reefs.  We will discuss

the impacts of anthropogenic stressors to coral reefs and the role of marine

reserves in reef restoration and conservation.  In the inventory we will

examine several experimental designs and sampling schemes with regard to

their usefulness in a reef setting.

Formal Lectures.  Lectures will present topics that provide a background for

the fieldwork in an interactive discussion format. Topics are selected to

teach students about the biology and ecology of the reef organisms they will

encounter and permit students to develop an awareness of the objectives of

research on coral reefs as well as an appreciation of current theoretical

and practical issues in ecology.

Lecture Topics

* Fundamentals of oceanography, global ecology

* Plate tectonics, formation of ocean basins, continents and ocean currents

* Reef morphology, distribution of reef systems

* Seagrasses and mangroves: interactions with reef systems

* Coral reef community study – sampling methods for distribution and

abundance of organisms

* Coral reef community study – components and interactions, trophic dynamics

* Biology of coral reef organisms: Cnidarians

* Biology of coral reef organisms: Poriferans

* Biology of coral reef organisms: Echinoderms, Arthropods and Annelids

* Biology of coral reef organisms: Fishes

* Biology of coral reef organisms: Macroalgae

* Ecosystem stability, resilience and fragility

* Anthropogenic effects on reefs: climate change, over-fishing, diseases

* Marine protected areas and reserves

Readings.  Assignments relating to lecture topics will be made from the

texts and supplementary research articles provided in the library.

Required Texts

Sheppard, CRC, Davy, S.K. and G.M. Pilling The Biology of Coral Reefs,

Oxford Press, USA.

Humann, Paul. Reef Coral Identification, New World, Jacksonville, FL.

Humann, Paul. Reef Creature Identification, New World, Jacksonville, FL.

Field Work Briefings.  Prior to departing for the reef site, dive teams will

be formed and the objectives for the day will be outlined and discussed.

Assignments will be made to the dive teams and coordinated.

Group Exercises.  During the first week, students will visit several sites

in the vicinity of the station to familiarize themselves with the area and

to make observations that may lead to hypotheses that could be tested in

individual projects. Students will be organized into dive teams and will

carry out field exercises in which they will gain experience in the use of

sampling equipment and techniques used in reef research and monitoring.  In

the evenings, students will participate in Œdebriefing sessions¹ during

which they will identify the reef organisms they saw during the dives of the

day and record the common name and scientific name of the species in a

logbook.

Individual Research Projects.  Each student will be expected to prepare a

research proposal for an original project in consultation with faculty.

Projects may be suggested by observations made during group exercises or

from the research literature, and will be evaluated on the basis of

feasibility in the available time, soundness of experimental design and

concept. During the final week of the course, data analysis and writing of

project reports will be carried out and students will present their results

orally in an end-of-course symposium. They will present the research report

on their findings in the form of a journal article for evaluation.

BOQUETE CLOUD FOREST FIELD TRIP:  This field trip will allow students the

opportunity to visit other areas of Panama, to experience Panamanian

culture, and to visit tropical cloud and seasonal forests first hand.  We

travel in ITEC boats to the mainland and then by chartered bus to Boquete

which lies at the base of 11,000 ft. Volcan Baru.  The bus trip will take us

up and over the central mountain range and through Palo Seco National Park.

Several stops will be made in route.

COURSE LENGTH:  ITEC Summer field courses are about four weeks in length.

The CRE B-19 will run from June 15 through July 10, 2019.

TUITION: $2250 USD plus a $100 lab fee.  Tuition fee includes all lodging,

meals and airport transfers in Bocas del Toro.  The tuition also covers

transportation and lodging during the 3-day cloud forest field trip on the

mainland.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  May 15, 2019.  The course is limited to 10 students

and applications will be evaluated as they arrive. Applications can be found

at https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fitec-edu.org%2Feducation-programs%2Fapplication%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923927204&sdata=6171FPi4OIHpvFlfGFWNzBGj%2FYAH2bPgBIxT5I4H%2FeI%3D&reserved=0.  If you believe that

your application may arrive late, notify ITEC.

GRADING and COURSE CREDIT:  Grades will be assigned based on attendance at

lectures, exams, reports, proposals, as well as by less tangibles such as

personal attitude, motivation, and contribution to the course. The

instructor will provide a breakdown of points earned and final letter grade

to your academic institution. The student is to provide direct evidence of

course participation such as the syllabus, schedules, handouts, lecture

notes, proposals, reports, etc. Course credit must be arranged in advance

through the student¹s institution and academic advisor.  Contact ITEC for

details.

APPLICATIONS can be found at:

https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fitec-edu.org%2Feducation-programs%2Fapplication&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923927204&sdata=VhRJqe4U42Jic0yiIT2sfTCQfNF1%2BP9RjAkem2Ep%2B%2BU%3D&reserved=0.

CONTACT:  Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation, 2911 NW 40th PL,

Gainesville, FL 32605, phone: 352-367-9128, email: itec@itec-edu.org

, web: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.itec-edu.org&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923927204&sdata=qsSr7exxmIhPUdGaLjzJhMzqkIRe2gvyHV6J%2FEAg9wM%3D&reserved=0

.  ITEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

founded in 1996.

Investigating the use of remote sensing technologies for collecting population and habitat use information for colonial nesting birds in coastal Maine

An M.S. research assistantship (including stipend, tuition, health insurance) is available in the U.S.G.S. Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Maine beginning September 2019 to develop remote sensing tools and guidelines for monitoring colonial nesting birds in Maine’s coastal habitats. The student will collaborate with a team of graduate students and faculty testing the quality and efficacy of bird survey data collected across various specifications, including those collected with different imaging systems at varying spatial resolutions from fixed wing aircraft, ground surveys, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and analyzed with advanced image processing approaches. The student will assist with developing guidelines for deploying UASs for surveying nesting birds in coastal habitats and toolkits for collecting and analyzing imagery for avian population surveys in marine conservation, recreation, and industry applications. The study’s geographic area spans the coastal regions of Maine, with a focus on islands hosting large nesting colonies of various seabirds and wading birds. Prior experience with geographic information systems, spatial and statistical analysis, and fieldwork is required. Prior experience with waterbirds, seabirds, or UASs is desirable but not required. The candidate must have a sincere interest in learning and combining traditional field survey techniques with emerging technologies and data analytical tools in wildlife survey applications. This project is a collaboration of several students and faculty from four academic programs on two University of Maine campuses, state, federal, and extension agency biologists, and will involve significant team science and community outreach and engagement during the project work. Applicants must have relevant coursework and field experience in ecology or wildlife biology, spatial ecology/GIS, and statistics.

The selected student will be supported by a research assistantship for 2 years and teaching assistantship for 1 semester, with an anticipated total program duration of 2.5 years. Stipend level (minimum $22,500 annually) will be based on relevant experience and coursework. The student is responsible for 50% of the health insurance cost (waived with proof of insurance); tuition and the remaining 50% of health insurance is provided. The student may complete program requirements for either the M.S. Wildlife Ecology degree or the M.S. Ecology and Environmental Sciences degree in the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology department.

Please send a pre-application cover letter expressing interest in the position, CV with references, and unofficial copies of GRE scores and transcripts to Dr. Cynthia Loftin (Cynthia.Loftin@maine.edu), with subject line “Colonial Nesting Bird Surveys M.S. Assistantship”. Review of pre-application materials will begin immediately.

Field Assistant needed from 29 April through late July 2019 (end date is flexible, start date is not) for a large-scale study assessing how Black-backed Woodpecker demographic rates vary relative to wildfire and forest management activities. This work is being conducted in the Forest Animal Ecology Lab at Oregon State University (https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpeople.forestry.oregonstate.edu%2Fjim-rivers%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923917199&sdata=qDZ1k9ZvLLhgGiX8sesvxrlXiDBmJdW9JmcJ4jTKops%3D&reserved=0) and will take place in the rugged and scenic Crater Lake area of southern Oregon, an area of exceptional woodpecker diversity. Field work will consist of early mornings, hiking alone in difficult terrain, and working long days under challenging field conditions (cold, rain, intense sun, loose rock, hazard trees), including some weekends. Primary duties will consist of locating and monitoring of Black-backed Woodpecker nests, climbing nest trees, using radio telemetry to measure juvenile survival and habitat use, surveying vegetation, undertaking regular data entry, and assisting with additional project-related duties as needed. Salary is based on prior experience with a range of $2000-$2300/month. Free housing and project-related transportation are provided for duration of field work.

Qualifications: Successful applicants will have demonstrated experience with (1) bird identification by sight and sound, (2) nest-searching, (3) bird handling and banding, and (4) radio telemetry to quantify movement and habitat use. Prior experience with woodpeckers is desirable but not necessary. Successful applicants will also be self-motivated, have a strong work ethic, be in top physical condition, work harmoniously in a group living situation, have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, and be able to maintain a positive disposition under challenging work conditions.

Application instructions: Email a single document that consists of (1) a cover letter outlining qualifications for the position, (2) a resume, and (3) the name, email, and phone number of 3 references to Dr. Jim Rivers (EM: jim.riversoregonstate.edu) with “2019 Woodpecker Field Assistant” in the subject line. Position will be filled as soon as qualified applications are received.