Month: January 2020

Assistant field crew needed for forest pollinator research in the Oregon Coast Range

ASSISTANT FIELD CREW LEADER NEEDED FOR FOREST POLLINATOR RESEARCH led by Dr. Jim Rivers and Rachel Zitomer (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpeople.forestry.oregonstate.edu%2Fjim-rivers%2Fpeople&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cfa95fa37c876498e1a2508d79fecf518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637153712389443016&sdata=IfogSO5Ixm30y71VxgfHY2WOTptmWvF7eX8mZ8PQgZs%3D&reserved=0) in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University.

The objective of this research is to assess how space use and abundance of native bumble bees are affected by landscape characteristics in intensively managed forests using genetic capture-recapture techniques. Research assistants will conduct field work in managed forests to sample bumble bees and assess floral resources.  Duties will consist of:

•    collecting wild pollinators using a variety of techniques (netting, traps, non-lethal tissue samples)

•    identifying native and exotic flowering plant species

•    measuring plant community, environmental, and management-related variables

•    labeling and organizing sampled specimens

•    entering data

•    coordinating work with field crew leader

•    working with two undergraduate student research assistants and leading by example with respect to correct performance of tasks, safety, conduct, and work ethic

Field work will take place in the rugged and scenic Coast Range of western Oregon and will involve physically demanding work in challenging conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun, steep slopes, loose rock, logging slash, stinging insects, hazardous plants), working long days, including some weekends, driving on logging roads, and navigating through difficult forest terrain.

Position will run approximately 16 weeks (June 1-September 4, 2020). Pay rate is based on previous research experience with range of $500-$620/week. We will also provide free housing (including utilities) for the full duration of the position, as well as free project-related transportation.

Qualifications: Successful applicants will:

•    Have a B.S. degree in entomology, animal ecology, botany, or a related field

•    Have at least 2 years of field experience (2 season-long field positions=2 years of experience)

•    Demonstrate clear evidence of leadership and/or supervisory experience

•    Have a driver’s license and a clean driving record

•    Be able to harmoniously live, work and problem-solve as part of a team

•    Be able to maintain a positive disposition and high quality of work under challenging field conditions

•    Be able to carefully and accurately record and enter field data

•    Have a proven track record of working in a safe, efficient, and cooperative manner in a team setting

Preference will be given to candidates who are proficient with insect collection, are familiar with Oregon flora, and/or have previous experience with ecological field work, especially in challenging terrain. In addition, successful applicants will:

To apply: Applicants should create a single PDF containing (1) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the specific duties described in the position description; (2) a full-length CV or resume; and (3) the names and contact information (email, telephone) of three references. This document should be emailed to Rachel Zitomer at oregonpollinatorcrew[at]gmail[dot]com with “Bombus Crew 2020” in the subject line by February 15, 2020.

REU Internship Program at SERC (Edgewater, MD)

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, MD is now accepting applications for our summer 2020 REU program in Global Change Ecology.

Students conduct mentored research projects over 11 weeks utilizing our 2,650-acre research site on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to provide novel insights into multiple aspects of global change ecology, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and invasive species. In addition to guided research projects, students will also participate in a rich assortment of training workshops, including R/statistics, science communication, and career development, but also enrichment activities and experiential field trips to the National Mall and Smithsonian museums. Housing is provided in our on-site dormitories complete with kitchens, and funds are available to help defray the costs of travel to and from the program.

To apply:     https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsolaa.si.edu%2Fsolaa%2F%23%2Fpublic&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cfa95fa37c876498e1a2508d79fecf518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637153712389443016&sdata=u1zIFakAzw%2B7cM9Gv5a2mcS%2Fyt8zdhkxoNrvdOpOYFI%3D&reserved=0

Application deadline:      February 15, 2020 Midnight EST

Dates:         May to August, 2020 (specific dates to be TBD)

Eligibility:   Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and first semester seniors. Must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its possessions. Students of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Stipend:      $550 weekly stipend plus on-campus dorm housing available

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

Vegetation Sampling Field Positions, northeastern California 2020

To Apply: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnatureserve.atsondemand.com%2F%23%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cfa95fa37c876498e1a2508d79fecf518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637153712389453011&sdata=2U9LXJTrU1Qlj7a5VHmjOxfquxQ%2Fp3LJIt4JbKmqvFU%3D&reserved=0

Job Description:

NatureServe is a 501(C)3 organization that supports biodiversity conservation at the local, national and international levels through our network of member programs and other institutional alliances. NatureServe is recruiting seasonal biological field technicians to collect data in support of vegetation community sampling in sagebrush and woodland habitats in northeastern California. The project involves field data collection of Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) information on BLM lands in the Applegate and Eagle Lake districts in northeastern California and adjacent Nevada, with supplemental data collection in support of ongoing fuels and fire monitoring.

NatureServe is seeking to fill up to four full-time, seasonal (April 27th- August 12th) field biological technicians and up to four lead field biological technician to conduct field sampling. The work will include following established vegetation and soil sampling methods on existing ecological monitoring sites, including plot and line-based sampling, identification of plants to the species level, digging soil pits and analyzing soils. Knowledge of native plants, the flora of northeastern California, ecological field monitoring methods, field sampling and project management needed. Availability for participation in BLM AIM training in Reno NV, April 27th- April 30th strongly preferred.

Lead Technician positions would start up to 2 weeks in advance of the field season to assist with planning field logistics and safety. Lead Technician position includes responsibility for supporting crew safety in the field, and coordinating sampling logistics and scheduling, including organization and quality control of paper and electronic field data.

Must be able to work 10 hour days for 8 days at a time (followed by 6 days off), while camping in remote locations.

Required qualifications:

Two years of coursework in ecology, natural resources, range management, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Field experience collecting scientific data.

A valid driver’s license required for all positions.

Ability to identify plants in the field to the species level and experience using dichotomous keys required for all positions.

Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules (typically 10 hours a day for 8 days) while car camping.

Ability to hike up to 5 miles / day while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs), and ability to assist in digging soil pits and in analyzing soils and erosion data required for all positions.

Desired qualifications

Willingness to work in challenging conditions including hot and cold weather, rugged terrain, and outdoor hazards while maintaining a commitment to team safety.

Careful attention to detail and strong organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms and electronic data entry.

Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training preferred for all positions.

Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough roads preferred

Required Experience:

Required for lead

Experience coordinating logistics of data collection and safety planning for field crews conducting biological sampling required for Lead Technician position.

A completed BS/BA degree with two years of coursework in ecology, natural resources, range management.

Field experience collecting scientific data and experience with vegetation data sampling

Experience navigating with topographic maps, aerial photography and GPS to remote field locations

NatureServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

For additional information contact: Patrick McIntyre at patrick_mcintyre@natureserve.org

To Apply: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnatureserve.atsondemand.com%2F%23%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cfa95fa37c876498e1a2508d79fecf518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637153712389453011&sdata=2U9LXJTrU1Qlj7a5VHmjOxfquxQ%2Fp3LJIt4JbKmqvFU%3D&reserved=0

Crew Leader Position: Plague and mammal conservation

Agency: U.S. Geological Survey

Location: Ruidoso, New Mexico

Start Date: 10 May 2020

Salary: $1,800 – $2,000 per month DOE

Website:  https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usgs.gov%2Fstaff-profiles%2Fdean-biggins%3Fqt-staff_profile_science_products%3D0%23qt-staff_profile_science_products&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cfa95fa37c876498e1a2508d79fecf518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637153712389453011&sdata=obs300KVoqYsTkstiZnIycw0ARGIo%2BdO1kCkzi4yJSo%3D&reserved=0

Job description:

Plague (a vector-borne disease of mammalian hosts) is causing significant and chronic conservation dilemmas in the western US. We are studying the ecology of plague in the White Mountains of New Mexico.  The Penasco least chipmunk is a species of conservation concern and is currently only known to exist in a few locations within the White Mountains.  Their range has declined with some populations going locally extinct.  We will work with species associated with the Penasco least chipmunk in areas close to or within historically occupied Penasco chipmunk sites.  Our questions  include: (1) is plague present in any of the small mammals associated with the Penasco least chipmunk, (2) if plague is present, what is its effect on  demographics of the small mammal community, (3) what is the host flea community (fleas are the main vector of plague) and (4) what tools are most effective for plague management in this study system.   Our ultimate goal is to conserve wildlife and preserve ecosystems.

We will capture and mark small mammals (mice, voles, woodrats, chipmunks, etc.).  In addition, we will anesthetize and collect fleas from individuals.  We will also use a vaccine to test for differences in survival among treatments.  The crew leader will be responsible for: 1) following field protocols, 2) both animal and technician safety, 3) checking data, 4) driving a work vehicle, and 5) maintaining field equipment.

Field work will occur between ~10-May and 10-October 2020.  Long days and odd hours will be required and work will be physically demanding.  You must be able to lift and carry traps over short distances (up to 300m).  Terrain is uneven and requires being able to maneuver with equipment over rocks, logs, and thorny vegetation.  Furthermore, temperatures do fluctuate between below freezing to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.  Hours and workdays will change depending on the temperature, weather, and capture rates so you must be willing to work a flexible schedule.  Technicians must be comfortable working at night.

We provide shared housing (trailers) and trucks to travel between the trailers and field work.  There will not be any running water and electricity is limited to powering the refrigerator and lights.  We will move regularly among the field sites.

Required Qualifications:

  *   Education: B.S. degree in Natural Resources, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or related field

  *   At least 2 field seasons of prior outdoor field work (1 season must be working with small mammals)

  *   Experience living/camping in remote locations for extended periods

  *   Excellent skills in time and data organization/management

  *   Demonstrated oral and written communication skills

  *   Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team

  *   Commitment to the entire duration of the field season (10 May – 10 October 2020)

Desired Qualifications:

*        Previous experience driving a four-wheel drive vehicle

*        Previous experience in a supervisory role

How to Apply:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and positions will remain open until they are filled.  Please submit application materials to: Dean Biggins (nm.plaguestudy@gmail.com.  Please include in a single document (PDF or Word) a brief cover letter, your CV/resume, list of 3 references (please include both email addresses and telephone numbers) and (if possible) unofficial/official college transcripts.  Please write “Crew Leader” in the subject line of the email.

Job: Summer forest ecology field crew leader (California)

Spend your summer collecting ecological data in the California mountains!

The Latimer Lab at UC Davis is hiring a forest ecology field crew leader for summer 2020. The leader will lead a crew in conducting forest vegetation surveys in the mountains of northern California for a project that will combine plot-based vegetation data with drone imagery to improve predictions of post-fire forest recovery.

Highlights include:

–The fieldwork will occur across four recent wildfires in northern California, most likely in the north Coast Range, Sierra Nevada (east and west side), and southern Cascades.

–Fieldwork will be split between burned and nearby unburned areas, and the forest and post-fire vegetation (primarily shrubs) in these sites is usually relatively easy to move through.

–There are beautiful camping locations near the study sites and great recreational opportunities nearby. Some study sites are in or adjacent to wilderness areas and within short hiking/driving distance of other interesting features like lava flows and hot springs.

Applications are due February 3.

For full details and application instructions, please see the job announcement here: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.changingforests.com%2Ffield-job-announcements%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cfa95fa37c876498e1a2508d79fecf518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637153712389473008&sdata=oyNaVtH9UKg1a88Ji%2FjTKzrFXHQQ56jooRgBHct8SzM%3D&reserved=0

Food Web Laboratory Analyst – University of Michigan, CIGLR

*Job Opening: Food Web Laboratory Analyst*

*Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research*

*University of Michigan*

The Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) is seeking a

candidate to join a research team working on food web ecology in the Great

Lakes. The Food Web Laboratory Analyst will be responsible for performing

field sampling and laboratory analyses related to zooplankton, larval fish

and Mysis ecology in the Great Lakes. Routine tasks assigned to the

candidate will include: (1) assisting aboard research cruises (net tows,

sample processing), (2) sorting organisms within samples, (3) performing

quantification and identification of zooplankton, mussel veligers, and

larval fish; and (4) processing fisheries acoustics data.

The successful applicant’s appointment will be with CIGLR, which is part of

the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability

located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. CIGLR is a collaboration between the

University of Michigan and NOAA that brings together experts from academia

and government research labs to work on pressing problems facing the Great

Lakes region. The candidate will spend the majority of their time at NOAA’s

Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab (GLERL) in Ann Arbor.  The

University of Michigan is consistently ranked among the top American public

research universities, and Ann Arbor is routinely ranked as one of the best

places to live in the U.S. due to its affordability, natural beauty,

preservation of wooded areas, vibrant arts program, and lively downtown.

This grant-funded position offers a highly competitive salary plus full

benefits. The initial appointment is for one year, with opportunity for

extension based on performance, need, and availability of funds.

*Responsibilities*

   – Execute day-to-day laboratory operations including sorting,

   identification, enumeration, and measurement of zooplankton and larval fish.

   – Maintaining datasets, laboratory records, sample inventories, and

   standard operating procedures

   – Participate as a team member on multi-day cruises to conduct surveys

   on the Great Lakes

   – Help organize and analyze data from field collections,

   instrumentation, and laboratory analyses

*Required Qualifications*

   – A Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, limnology, oceanography, or aquatic

   environmental science from an accredited university

   – Experience processing and analyzing zooplankton and/or larval fish

   samples, and fisheries acoustics data, in a laboratory setting

   – Experience conducting field-intensive research

   – High attention to detail and the ability to focus on exacting tasks

   – A demonstrated ability to work both in a team environment and

   independently

   – Strong communication skills

*Desired Qualifications *

   – One or more years of experience working in an environmental research

   laboratory

   – Experience in the digital signal processing of fisheries acoustics

   data using Echoview software

   – Experience working on research vessels in large bodies of water under

   various weather conditions.

   – Experience with identification of zooplankton and fishes in the Great

   lakes

   – Experience working with relational databases to organize results and R

   for data visualization and analysis

*To Apply*

   – Visit: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareers.umich.edu%2Fjob_detail%2F183382%2Ffood_web_laboratory_analyst&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C056b87412be54089ca3f08d7a0b62ee7%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637154576664936009&sdata=9cgnHwmjacyjVD1yQ6I%2FqfFAJ1GFCJM5M2XmuIrNy%2Fg%3D&reserved=0

   – Application deadline: 2/20/20

*The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action

employer.*

Collision Monitoring Technician Position

Position: Collision Monitoring Technician

Employer: Oklahoma State University

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Category: Temporary/Seasonal

Last date to apply: 1 March 2020

Start date: 1 April 2020

End date: 31 Oct 2020

Description:

Bird-window collisions are one of the top sources of direct human-related avian mortality. Collisions occur when birds are unable to perceive glass as a barrier due to its transparent and reflective qualities. Multiple mitigation techniques exist to reduce bird-window collisions, including the use of window markers which reduce glass surface reflection and alert birds that windows are barriers. Our research project is investigating the effectiveness of window markers for deterring bird-window collisions at glass-walled bus shelters in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Primary duties for this field technician position will be conducting daily surveys for window-killed bird carcasses and collision evidence at bus shelters throughout Stillwater. Secondary duties will include data entry and management, collecting human disturbance data at bus shelters, conducting bird point count surveys at bus shelters, and assisting with other minor tasks as needed. Duties may change as the season progresses and there may be time for the technician to develop a mentored side research project related to the issue of bird collisions.

This is a full-time position (30-40 hours/week) that will last for 7 months (1 April – 31 October). There is some flexibility with the start and end dates. Salary is $10/hour (up to ~1,760/mo). Housing is not provided. Working conditions will vary with season with the possibility of heavy rains in the spring and humid heat in the summer.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications include ability to identify common birds found in Oklahoma by sight and sound, ability to work independently in field and office setting, an interest in conservation and ecology, and a strong work ethic. Preferred qualifications include experience surveying for bird carcasses, handling dead and live birds, and using Microsoft Office applications. Candidate must have own car to conduct fieldwork. Mileage will be reimbursed.

Application:

To apply, send a single document (PDF preferred) containing a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least 3 references to Georgia Riggs (georgia.riggs@okstate.edu) by 1 March 2020.

Contact information:

Georgia Riggs

Georgia.riggs@okstate.edu

Wet Meadow Research Technician – Summer 2020

Agency

Oklahoma State University

Job Description:

We are seeking a research technician to assist with a study examining habitat quality and restoration success of wet meadows in central Nebraska. Duties include conducting vegetation surveys, collecting belowground invertebrates, recording environmental data, and sorting and identifying invertebrates. This project will provide ample opportunity to gain knowledge about wet meadow plant and invertebrate identification, wet meadow ecology, and the impacts of conservation efforts. Our research will also provide opportunities to expand one’s professional network as we will regularly work with conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, and private landowners involved in Platte River management and restoration. Skills gained through this position will be widely applicable and will provide an opportunity for undergraduates (or recent graduates) to expand their résumé. Prior experience with vegetation/habitat sampling and invertebrate identification is desired. A valid driver’s license is required. Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Location

        The Platte River Crane Trust in Central Nebraska (near Grand Island).

Salary

$12.00/hour (Housing provided)

Qualifications:

1.      A positive work ethic- this position will involve working full days in the field.

2.      An interest in habitat assessment and conservation.

3.      The ability to relocate to the Platte River Crane Trust (near Grand Island, Nebraska) throughout the summer.

4.      Comfortable working in the outdoors- e.g. field sites may be hot, water-logged, abundant with insects, etc.

5.      Applicants pursuing a degree in Ecology, Biological Sciences, or other related fields are preferred; but not required.

Timeline

Start date is negotiable with training occurring mid-May and data collection beginning June 1st. Data collection will continue until mid-August (target date for completion being August 15th).

To apply, please send cover letter, CV or résumé, and at least three references to abraham.kanz@okstate.edu.  The application deadline is March 1st, 2020.

Oklahoma State University is an EEO E-Verify employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

field research technician in native bee ecology

Open: field research technician in native bee ecology

Experienced field researchers are invited to apply for an open field research position based in Rachael Winfree’s lab group (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.winfreelab.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C6bede41199034f828d0f08d79f23ceb1%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637152848462361696&sdata=9AX8kSYklDiGQQxnWVdQSCcghY4Lwq0Bk1SZjf%2Fo3OA%3D&reserved=0) at Rutgers University, New Jersey. The position is full time for July and August, 2020, at $12 – $15 per hour.

The technician will work on a research project investigating the how the spatial distribution of wetland-specialist bee species is affected by the abundance and distribution of floral resources. Field work will involve collecting bees in streams and tidal marshes in the New Jersey Pinelands, using bee traps and/or hand nets. We will move between sites at least in part by canoe or kayak. The job will also involve some amount of data entry and specimen processing.

The job will be based out of the Rutgers Pinelands Field Station, which has housing on site. The field station is located in a state forest, part of the greater Pinelands Biosphere Reserve. The Pinelands themselves cover 1.1 million acres (22% of New Jersey by area!), and is the largest remaining tract of Atlantic pine barrens ecosystem. It should be a fun place to work.

Desired qualifications: BA or BS degree in ecology or related field; experience collecting and entering ecological data; organizational and logistical skills; ability to work independently for long hours under challenging field conditions; a commitment to data accuracy; and a valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed).

To apply: Send a letter of interest, including a brief description of your field experience, your CV, and contact information for 2-3 references who can speak to your field research abilities. Please combine into a single PDF and email to Dylan Simpson (dylan [dot] tux [dot] simpson [at] gmail [dot] com). Use “tech position” as the subject line. Applications will be considered immediately and until the position is filled.

Rutgers University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.