Month: June 2020

GIS position at UC Davis

The Cadenasso Landscape and Urban Ecology Lab at UC Davis, Department of Plant Sciences, seeks a GIS Analyst to fill a Research Data Analyst position. The GIS Analyst will work on interdisciplinary projects focused on water use and vegetation in Sacramento, CA. Within this overarching goal, the GIS Analyst will be responsible for locating, curating and analyzing datasets of urban tree inventories; mapping vegetation, parcel, and socio-demographic data; maintaining all appropriate metadata; and contributing to the documentation of methods.  A basic understanding of ecology and environmental science is desired so that the candidate can meaningfully engage with the research. The successful candidate should expect to work with a variety of data and data types, be comfortable with ESRI ArcGIS, and be willing to learn new tools and techniques.

The Analyst will work closely with the Principal Investigator (Cadenasso), a Post-Doctoral Researcher, and undergraduate employees and interns located at UC Davis, as well as with members of the larger collaborative team located throughout California. The successful applicant is expected to generate high quality mapping products for reports, publications, and presentations and, maintain and organize databases. They will also be expected to engage with collaborators, handle data sharing, and be able to articulate the goals of the research project to a wide range of audiences, including academic, public agency, and local community groups.  The Analyst will be considered a full member of the Cadenasso Lab, and as such will be expected to be an active member of a vibrant intellectual community, preparing for and attending lab meetings and providing critical feedback to other projects occurring in the lab.

Qualifications:

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    BachelorÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s or MasterÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s degree in ecology, or related field, with strong GIS skills; Certificate in Geographic Information Systems desired.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Experience using ESRI ArcGIS software suites, specifically the tools and functions within ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro 2.5+, ArcMap 10.7+, Survey123 (online and desktop) & Collector for ArcGIS utilizing both tabular and geographic data creatively. Experience using & maintaining these software platforms on iPad and desktop connections is highly desired.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Willingness to think about and use various spatial tools creatively.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Familiarity with spatial statistics tools within ArcGIS.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Strong data and file management skills.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Familiarity with eCognition software a plus.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Excellent written and oral communication skills; comfortable seeking data and information from other professionals by phone.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Flexibility to work both as a team member and independently.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Excited to work with diverse undergraduate interns and graduate students in the lab.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Willingness to travel to Sacramento for project meetings.

Duration:  This position is full time and the initial offer will be for one year with up to a 6 month extension based on performance.  Start date is negotiable, but on or before 1 August 2020 is highly desirable. The position includes salary and benefits commensurate with experience and demonstrated accomplishments.

To apply:  Please send a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and expertise, what interests you about the position, and career goals. Include a CV and the names and addresses of 3 professional references that can be contacted. It may be helpful to review the Cadenasso Lab website to get a better idea of the type of research we do: cadenassolab@weebly.com Email all materials as a single pdf file to Mary Cadenasso at MLCadenasso@ucdavis.edu, with Ãf¢ÒÂEURÃ’ÂoeResearch Data AnalystÃf¢ÒÂEURҝ in the subject line. Applications will also need to be uploaded to the UC Davis HR site at: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhr.ucdavis.edu%2Fcareers&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C2b900661188543da01f508d819b12124%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637287595840204204&sdata=v42V%2FrdbX91aNV4nuhlVrf3Ifr28F3xYbwUoZmZzMag%3D&reserved=0

Virtual (international) internship program

Dear Colleagues,

Greetings from Gustolab International Italy!

Could you kindly forward the following to students who might be interested in applying?

Our virtual academic internship program is accepting applications for this summer.

The program is unique and designed to help students gain an international working experience while learning.

Students will work on projects for Italian organizations and focus on the food, sustainability & related fields.  They will be introduced to food & sustainability through through short independent learning modules, and receive Italian language instruction.  They will learn to narrate and think critically about their entire experience by completing graded assignments.

A learning facilitator will support their journey.

Students interested in sustainability may find this program particularly interesting. However, students from all disciplines and universities are welcome to apply!

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. The last day to submit an application is July 7, 2020. Applicants will receive admissions decisions as soon as possible.

*Learn more at *https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gustolab.com%2Fvirtual-internship%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C2b900661188543da01f508d819b12124%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637287595840194209&sdata=xm4yxq%2BLhMb4fC4OR7ROhBNxSBElYudorocANfrT80o%3D&reserved=0

Job Announcement – Science Communicator

We are restarting the hiring process to add a Science Communicator to our team at the Integration and Application Network, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

Please apply here: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fumces.peopleadmin.com%2Fpostings%2F1385&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C37a178ebd2b5402423aa08d818e7f1b4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637286731771921720&sdata=WP1qpPFiFQe0N%2FIcGGJ0FZ7KlVAt3QzYmUe4F0Oggrw%3D&reserved=0

We will start reviewing applications on July 13th.

Best,

Alexandra Fries

Program Manager

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Integration & Application Network

429 4th Street, Annapolis, MD 21403

Freshwater Research Unpaid Internship

World Wildlife Fund seeks a Freshwater Research Intern to undertake an assessment of basin health report cards in order to review and compile basin health indicators and associated methods for data analysis.

The intern will assess the 300+ indicators that have been used and are being used in basin health report cards over the last twenty years. They will categorize these indicators into major categories and determine groups of broadly similar indicators under each category. They will then catalogue the methods for analyzing each indicator, including documentation of minimum data requirements and information on thresholds. The results of the assessment will be compiled in a summary report that includes guidance on methods for processing and analyzing common groups of indicators.

For more details and application process, please see:

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareers-wwfus.icims.com%2Fjobs%2F2653%2Fin-20051-freshwater-research-intern%2Fjob&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cc146cc521741470a543508d8143247e6%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637281553482510245&sdata=2rEYjdUebwBxUYk9rxDu%2BCkxT9wNEl4lj3Rn%2Bupdzsg%3D&reserved=0

USDA-ARS term position; Miles City, MT; drought experiment technician

The USDA Agricultural Research Service Livestock & Range Research Laboratory will be hiring a term position to conduct research from 2020 to 2023.

This position will be full-time position (GS-5) with paid holidays, sick and annual leave.  The position is now open and closes 6/26/2020.

The posted announcement can be found at USA Jobs (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usajobs.gov%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cad62ae70ca7e4dee45dc08d80f7af33b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637276368051960978&sdata=%2FvHR7q%2BJuuRHRv1CDBKl1VIrwfB9YyCTCdPAPFsDQJU%3D&reserved=0) and enter the keyword: ARS-S20Y-10839365-AED

The position will support research on drought resilience of rangelands in the Northern Great Plains.  We are conducting an experiment in Montana that is replicated in Wyoming.  The experiment tests the effects of several drought and grazing treatments on numerous plant and soil properties.  The position will be supervised by research scientists and will provide opportunities to gain experience with plant and soil field and lab techniques; working with livestock; data collection, entry, and processing; and installation and maintenance of rainfall exclusion shelters. Work will be a mixture of indoor and outdoor settings and may involve sitting for long periods of time or physical activity under potentially extreme working conditions (e.g., high heat, pollen levels).  A familiarity with rangeland plants and plant biology is preferred.

Suggested majors are Soil Sciences, Ecology, Natural Resources, Rangeland Ecology, and Botany.

Questions may be directed to:

Dr. Kurt Reinhart, Research Ecologist, 406-874-8211, kurt.reinhart@usda.gov

NPS Physical Science Technician Position Outreach

*Overview*

This is an outreach notice for a physical science technician position with the National Park Service (NPS) Southeast Coast Inventory & Monitoring Network (SECN).  Interested applicants should email their resume and an example of GIS work to Lisa Cowart Baron (lisa_baron@nps.gov) before 30 June 2020.

*Position Information*

This position is with the NPS SECN and is based in the networkÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s Jacksonville, Florida field office at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The SECN is one of thirty-two networks across the country that gather and analyze information on specific National Park natural resources that can indicate the overall health of parks. The information collected helps parks make sound, science-based management decisions that help us preserve America’s special places.  The work performed by this position is part of networkÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s long-term Vital Signs monitoring program and will be supervised by the SECN Coastal Ecologist.

The National Park ServiceÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s Southeast Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network Coastal Program is seeking an enthusiastic, responsible, and meticulous individual to work with coastal shoreline change and salt marsh monitoring projects.  This position will assist the Coastal Ecologist in planning and executing physical science monitoring efforts at coastal parks located in the Southeast. These parks include Canaveral National Seashore, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Fort Frederica National Monument, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and Cape Lookout National Seashore. For more detailed information about these projects and our parks, please visit our website at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscience.nature.nps.gov%2Fim%2Funits%2Fsecn%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cad62ae70ca7e4dee45dc08d80f7af33b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637276368051960978&sdata=bV%2B46DX7k2IpOIpDpRZvP%2F5I5ajzb%2BUJhwvnds1Gous%3D&reserved=0.

The coastal shoreline change monitoring project involves working on the beach both on foot and with the use of Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) or All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). The salt marsh monitoring project involves accessing salt marsh monitoring stations by boat or on foot and working on narrow structures in the marsh. Both projects require the ability to drive and maneuver large trucks with a trailer or trailered boat on roads, in parking areas, and on boat ramps.   Basic training in general safety, boat safety, use of power tools, use of ATV/UTV, and Motorboat Operation training will be provided (if applicable). Previous boat and UTV/ATV experience is not required, but it is highly desired.  In general, the incumbent will need to be comfortable being on the water, in isolated environments, have a safety conscious attitude, and exercise good judgement.  This position will be the Coastal Program field lead and will be responsible for equipment inventory and maintenance, field preparations, and data management (data collection and entry).  For this position, experience with GPS and GIS is required.  The incumbent will be trained to collect, post-process, and manage geospatial data according to SECN protocols.  Once trained, the incumbent may assist in training others using these methods and techniques.  Occasionally, the incumbent will assist with other physical science and monitoring efforts, which may include supporting stream monitoring and terrestrial monitoring efforts.  In addition to general office duties, such as scanning, copying, and filing documents, etc., the incumbent will be expected to assist in editing and providing feedback on standard operating procedures.

This position entails a high level of responsibility and initiative.  The ability to work efficiently, independently, and be detail oriented is essential.  Previous experience organizing and leading field efforts is preferred.  Good leadership skills, commitment to program mission, and respect for authority are essential.

*Major Duties*

The incumbent will be responsible for implementation of the SECN protocol for monitoring shoreline change and salt marsh elevation change. In addition, the incumbent will assist with other network monitoring activities. This position may require up to 50% travel for fieldwork, training, or other work-related duties.

*Major tasks*

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Organizing, scheduling, coordinating, and conducting the collection of shoreline and salt marsh data and other samples as needed, and evaluation of quality assurance compliance. He/she will synthesize ancillary data from related network coastal monitoring activities, conduct geographic information systems (GIS) analysis, and assist the SECN Coastal Ecologist to complete analysis needed to inform park resource management staff.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Maintains up-to-date working knowledge of coastal monitoring equipment maintenance/use and competently performs tasks documented in standard operating procedures. Assists in training Park staff and interns on basics of coastal program monitoring field and office methods. Assist Coastal Ecologist in working with Park staff and partners on technical issues related to coastal program monitoring and/or equipment issues when appropriate.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Utilizes a variety of computer programs to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, analyze, and report data and other related information.  Conducts data entry and implements quality assurance/quality control procedures. Works with the Coastal Ecologist and Data Manager to ensure preservation of paper and electronic files.  Generates metadata for data generating, including tabular data, pictures, and GIS files.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Provides cartographic, GPS, GIS, and spatial data management assistance when needed in support of the Coastal ProgramÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s shoreline and saltmarsh monitoring projects, including processing GPS data, analyzing GIS data, drafting professional quality maps, and generates computerized digital maps.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Prepares graphs, computations, mathematical calculations, and illustrations for technical studies and presentations.  Compiles and summarizes information. Prepares draft project reports which include literature research, descriptions of methods, preliminary data analysis, graphs and charts, results, and recommendations for planning, protection, and mitigation activities. Performs research and assists in writing scientific reports.  Provides advice, assistance, and training to students, student conservation assistants, and volunteers involved in projects and field research.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Ensures safe use and maintenance of field sampling equipment and vehicles. Evaluates and mitigates safety risks prior to and while conducting field operations.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Provides assistance to other SECN data collection efforts and protocol development effort when needed. Works with supervisor and other SECN protocol leads to ensure efficient allocation of time and resources.

*Basic Requirements*

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ BachelorÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s degree in science related area, such as environmental science, geology, etc.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Experience with GPS and GIS Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Comfortable in isolated environments Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Comfortable being on the water in small boats Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Ability to be trained to operate UTV and ATV Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Ability to be trained in small boat safety and operations Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Ability to learn how to trailer small boat and trailer Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Comfortable driving long distances (8-10 hours) Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Ability to carry 50 pounds

*Desired Skills and Experience*

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Experience with survey GPS equipment and SOPs Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Experience with small boat operations Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Experience with trailering Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Experience operating UTV and ATV equipment

*AREA INFORMATION*

The Southeast Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network (SECN) is based in Athens, Georgia with remote office locations in St. Marys, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. The Southeast Coast I&M Network includes fifteen parks with significant natural resources and extends along the Atlantic coast from the North Carolina-Virginia border south to Cape Canaveral, Florida and inland as far as Atlanta, Georgia and the Alabama Coastal Plain. Parks within the Network include: Canaveral National Seashore, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Congaree National Park, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Fort Sumter National Monument, , MooreÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s Creek National Battlefield, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Kennesaw Mountain National Military Park, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Ocmulgee National Monument, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Fort Frederica National Monument, and Fort Matanzas National Monument. These parks host important examples of a broad range of ecosystems including upland forests and streams; bottomland and floodplain forests; and coastal barrier islands and estuaries.

This position is duty stationed at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve in Jacksonville, FL.   The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve park units are located on or near the banks of the St. JohnÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s River, approximately 13 miles from downtown Jacksonville.  The park contains multiple operating sites and is spread throughout Duval County.  All services and amenities are available within the city of Jacksonville.  Temperatures are usually above 90 degrees more than 90 days per year and seldom fall below 30 degrees in the winter.  There are two four-year universities, a state college/community college with 4 campuses and other educational opportunities in Jacksonville or within commuting distance.

internship in plant ecology

Research Internships in Plant Ecology, Archbold Biological Station, Florida

Beginning September 2020; running about 8 months.

Applications due June 30, 2020.

Ideal for Students with Undergraduate Degrees Contemplating Graduate School

Includes independent research project. Provides Stipend, Room and Board.

Internships available at Archbold Biological Station in south-central Florida in the Plant Ecology Program, led by Dr. Eric Menges, which emphasizes conservation biology, plant demography, restoration ecology, fire ecology, landscape ecology, and fire management. We study many rare species of endemic vascular plants in endangered Florida scrub and related communities. Active fire management provides outstanding opportunities for short-term comparative studies in fire ecology. Our long-term (as long as 31-year) datasets on dozens of scrub plants gives context to short-term, focused, field projects. Additional information can be found at the Archbold website:  https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.archbold-station.org%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cad62ae70ca7e4dee45dc08d80f7af33b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637276368051970966&sdata=hkDp8hMpqcQ8l0TIqFqsTKsrP6PjgEtP1mj9z7Q%2B3Z4%3D&reserved=0 or the plant ecology program website: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.archbold-station.org%2Fhtml%2Fresearch%2Fplant%2Fplant.html&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cad62ae70ca7e4dee45dc08d80f7af33b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637276368051970966&sdata=3P6FnyEAGduJK5szki4bZhkssA2KHF2uz%2F9HV1U9%2Bbg%3D&reserved=0 or our intern website: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.archbold-station.org%2Fhtml%2Fresearch%2Fplant%2Fplantinternship.html&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cad62ae70ca7e4dee45dc08d80f7af33b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637276368051970966&sdata=iT4bZmEg9UrGzgKZdoPpRaQQrgnTf4eKDUJRWp3vL2c%3D&reserved=0

Interns receive a weekly stipend of $160 plus meals (breakfast and lunch Mon-Fri) and lodging at the Station (sharing housing, no pets).    Each intern works 20 hours per week assisting with a wide range of ongoing research projects. The remainder of the week can be devoted to an independent research project. Internships run for about 8 months (can sometimes be shorter or longer) and offer an opportunity for experience in every aspect of scientific research, from project choice and experimental design to oral and written presentations. Our internships are ideal preparation for graduate research in ecology. Most of our interns have gone on to academic or professional positions and many have first-authored publications based on their intern projects.

Archbold Biological Station is active in research, conservation, and education. Our facilities include a 5000 ha preserve, an outstanding regional library and a GIS lab running ArcINFO. We have a staff of about 50 with many visiting scientists, an active seminar program, and a relaxed biological station atmosphere.

Ideal candidates will have independent research experience, classwork and experience in ecology and botany, field ecology experience, strong grades, statistical and GIS skills, and excellent letters of recommendation.

To apply for an internship in the plant ecology lab, please provide the following: a cover letter stating research interests, a resume or CV, and a summary of grades. Arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent to us via email. Materials should be sent by November 1, 2019.

EMAIL APPLICATIONS ONLY! Send to Eric Menges at emenges@archbold-station.org

Archbold is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications

from members of underrepresented groups

JOB: Landscape Scale Planner with New Mexico State Land Office

The New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO) is hiring its first-ever Landscape Scale Planner.  We would be grateful for your help in circulating this job announcement so that we can attract a talented and well-qualified pool of candidates.

This job exists to develop, employ, and institutionalize landscape scale planning at the New Mexico State Land Office to secure better long term conservation outcomes for state trust land while optimizing the location and generation of revenue generating activities. Historically, NMSLO’s land decisions have been predominantly made on a project by project basis. While NMSLO is involved in several collaborative planning projects across the state, we recognize the need to shift toward even broader based resource planning that allows for more comprehensive public input and, consequently, proactive planning and land use.

To apply for this job please proceed to: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spo.state.nm.us%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C147d1971205b4128432208d80d1fbbed%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637273777236757922&sdata=BTTLyeNcto9t07y7%2B1Tw8k95rl5ditWZr3hAW%2BPsvfA%3D&reserved=0

1.            Click on Ãf¢ÒÂEURÃ’ÂoeView Job Opportunities & ApplyÃf¢ÒÂEURҝ

2.            Search for keyword:  #10111871

This posting closes on June 11th.

More information

The Planner will research and choose landscape-scale planning models best suited for NMSLO and state trust land, recognizing that these lands are widely distributed across New Mexico with varied levels of contiguity and intermixed jurisdictions. These planning models will need to address state trust landÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s diverse natural and cultural resources, uses, and levels of economic activity. The Planner will also need to develop a rationale for choosing planning areas for initiating this program. The Planner will use NMSLO’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and work with NMSLO staff to inventory resources present, revenue-generating opportunities, and conservation opportunities on state trust land. This includes augmenting our GIS with additional data, as needed, to apply the selected planning model(s). The Planner will use these data and analyses to inform decision-making and engage stakeholders in the planning process. These stakeholders include tribes and pueblos, state and federal agencies, local communities and governments, current state trust land lessees, conservation and recreation interests, soil and water conservation districts, and industry partners. The Planner will produce area land use plans with strategies for conserving trust resources and identifying preferred locations for revenue-generating activities. The Planner will explore options for institutionalizing landscape-scale planning at NMSLO.

The ideal candidate will have:

-A Bachelor or graduate degree in land-use planning or a closely related discipline.

-Demonstrated history of leading or participating in complex land planning efforts that address both economic and conservation outcomes.

-Ability to engage and gather priorities from assorted stakeholders.

-Demonstrated knowledge of innovative land planning tools and techniques.

-Skilled in data management and analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

You can read more about this position and apply for this job by going to the website referenced above.

UAS Blackbird Technician – North Dakota

*Agency: *North Dakota State University (NDSU) in cooperation with USDA-APHIS-WS National Wildlife Research Center.

*Location: *Central North Dakota

*Salary: *$12/hr with housing provided near Bismarck, ND.

*Start Date: *08/28/2019

*Last Date to Apply: *July 1. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

*Description: *

Two technicians are needed from 28 August âÂEUR” 31 October, 2020 to assist a NDSU graduate student on a blackbird (Icteridae) research project. The research will evaluate the response of free-ranging flocks of blackbirds to a spraying UAS (i.e., drone) applying avian repellent to commercial sunflower fields. This project is part of on-going research to evaluate novel non-lethal hazing techniques to mitigate the conflict between blackbirds and sunflower producers.

This position is ideal for a recent graduate that wants to gain field experience and has previous experience, or strong interest, in operating drone platforms. The technician will be a full-time employee through NDSU, allowing for a 40 hour work week schedule. A typical week will be HIGHLY dependent on weather, and work day flexibility is a necessity (i.e., field work may not be M-F during set times, but will instead be weather permitting). However, there will be down time in the mornings or afternoon/evenings and days off provided. Field sites are commercial (privately owned) sunflower fields throughout central North Dakota, and thus requires long days spent in a truck driving to sites. The technicians will share a travel trailer for housing.

*Duties: *

The technicians are needed to operate a small UAS and collect field data, while the graduate student is conducting spraying trials with a larger UAS.

The technicians will also help manage videos and data collection concerning collective animal behavior in response to drones. Duties will include, assisting the graduate student with UAS set up, operating a small UAS, acting as a field observer, monitoring blackbird flocks and their behavior, estimating flock sizes, and using field equipment such as: binoculars, range finders, weather meter, sound meter, and other technology related to the UAS. Trials will most likely take place in the morning, requiring an early start to the day.

*Training will be provided so that the technicians receive their FAA Part

107 pilotâÂEURÂ(tm)s license in order to fly a small UAS prior to the field season.*

*Desired Qualifications: *

Ò·         Degree in Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental

Science, Zoology, Biology or other associated degrees.

Ò·         Previous experience conducting avian field research.

Ò·         Motivated, willing, positive, and dependable attitude.

Ò·         Excellent communication skills.

Ò·         Ability to work well on a small team, with constant car travel,

in small shared housing.

Ò·         Ability to work long/irregular hours.

Ò·         *Strong preference* for applicants that have previous experience

with operating a small UAS.

*How to Apply: *Send a single document (Word or PDF) that includes your cover letter, resume/cv, and contact information for 3 references to Mallory White at mallory.g.white@ndsu.edu.

Botany Technician position with USGS (GG-0404-05)

Botany Technician, U.S. Geological Survey (GG-0404-05)

Description:

This is a pre-announcement for a temporary 9-month Botany Technician position.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is recruiting a Botany Technician to assist with ecological restoration research on decommissioned OHV trails in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts of southern California. Research will take place within the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP) area, which encompasses approximately 22.5 million acres. The DRECP aims to integrate renewable energy planning with natural resource conservation and recreation to effectively allocate and manage land uses. The USGS will: 1) develop and test restoration protocols and techniques, and 2) gather and analyze ecological monitoring data to determine restoration success. The goal of this effort is to provide the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with a standardized comprehensive guide for future restoration and monitoring of decommissioned OHV trails and roads. The technician will assist the principle investigators in these efforts, both in the office and in the field. Work will primarily be based out of the USGS office in Henderson, NV, with travel to study sites in California required (average 10 travel days per month).

Schedules are highly variable, can change with little notice, and will sometimes require early morning (3 AM) start times, long days, and a few weekends of work. Overnight, primitive car camping in desert conditions (hot/cold weather extremes) is required. Physical work will entail walking and hiking in desert terrain with up to 40-lb packs, in hot or potentially inclement weather.

This temporary position will begin in the beginning of August 2020 and will continue for up to 9 months (180 working days). Extensions are possible, contingent upon performance and funding availability. Temporary employees are covered by the Social Security Retirement system; annual and sick leave will be accrued; employees are ineligible for life insurance coverage.

There is no promotion potential for this position. The full performance level of this position will be set at the grade level at which you are selected.

Relocation expenses will not be covered for the duration of this appointment.

Responsibilities:

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Identify desert flora in field or in office using dichotomous keys.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Gather and maintain ecological metadata from the field, develop databases, perform QA/QC, analyze and archive data.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Work with principle investigators to develop study design, select study sites, implement protocols, and train BLM crews.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Implement monitoring protocols to assess the effectiveness of restoration, including metrics to determine when routes are Ãf¢ÒÂEURÃ’ÂoerestoredÃf¢ÒÂEURҝ.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Perform lab analyses including, but not limited to, soil bulk density and soil texture analysis.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Synthesize and communicate results with the BLM and other cooperators.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Participate in workshops with BLM personnel to ensure products will comply with project goals.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Assist with the day-to-day operations of field research (e.g. preparing supplies, vehicle and equipment maintenance).

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Participate in other research projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn local desert flora required.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Experience collecting and analyzing transect data on vegetation, soils, and wildlife.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Background and strong interest in botany, desert ecology, plant ecology, and restoration.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Experience in statistical analysis (knowledge of R statistical programming preferred).

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Experience using ArcMap and Microsoft Office applications (Filemaker experience preferred, but not required).

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Experience analyzing remotely sensed data for ecological characteristics.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Ability to communicate effectively with crew members, BLM managers, and other agency personnel.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Demonstrated skills in data collection, synthesis, presentation, and technical writing.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Strong organizational skills.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Ability to work independently and with large groups.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Ability to hike and work in desert conditions with up to 40-lb backpack.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Ability to maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic under the trying conditions of desert restoration.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Ability to adapt to a variable and unpredictable schedule.

To qualify for a GG-5 you need 9 months of field experience OR 3 years of sub-professional work experience OR 3 years of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled (equivalent to 90 semester/135 quarter hours) plus 3 months of lab or field work experience. Sub-professional experience consists of working as a technician or aid in the field or in a laboratory or similar environment. A valid U.S. driverÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s license, safe driving record, pre-employment physical, and background security investigation are required. All applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Salary: $16.98 hourly, plus paid vacation and sick days.

Application instructions:

For each position on your resume, please be sure to include the number of hours worked per week, as well as exact start and end dates (month/day/year).

Please submit a resume/CV and the contact information for at least three references via e-mail to Ka-Voka Jackson (skjackson@usgs.gov) by 8:00 AM PDT on Monday, June 22nd, 2020. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

If claiming 5 point veterans preference, a DD-214 showing character of discharge is required.  If claiming 10 point veterans preference, a SF-15 with proof of claim is required.