Month: April 2021

Research Internship on greenhouse gas fluxes from subtropical bioenergy crops

Subject: Research Internship on greenhouse gas fluxes from subtropical bioenergy crops


*Research Internship on greenhouse gas fluxes from subtropical bioenergy crops*
*Starting Date:*Mid-Late May *Application Due: *April 30

Internship at Archbold Biological Station’s Buck Island Ranch (BIR), in south-central Florida in the Agro-Ecology Program. 

Ideal for students with Undergraduate Degree contemplating Graduate School

Includes independent research project. Provides weekly stipend and room

We are seeking an intern (6 months) to assist with a project investigating the environmental sustainability of sugarcane for biofuel production. This project is a collaborative effort between the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI, Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois) and Archbold’s BIR. BIR is a division of Archbold Biological Station with ten research staff and four operations staff, located 11 miles away from the main field station. BIR is operated as a commercial cattle ranch which serves as a research platform to investigate ecological and economic dynamics on working landscapes. The successful intern will be supervised by Dr. Elena Blanc-Betes (University of Illinois), Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas (University of Illinois), Dr. Elizabeth Boughton (BIR), and Mr. Nathaniel Spicer (BIR). The intern will be exposed to research in biogeochemistry, crop and grassland ecology, and disturbance ecology (harvesting, grazing, fire, flooding). Archbold Biological Station is active in research, conservation, and education. Facilities include a 5000 ha preserve, an outstanding regional library and a GIS lab. The station has a staff of about 50 with many visiting scientists, an active seminar program, and a relaxed biological station atmosphere. Here are two documentaries about Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch:
(Youtube: Cowboys and ScientistsYoutube: The Science of a Florida Ranch


*Internship Highlights*
This internship offers an opportunity for providing novel insights into some of the most profound issues challenging our world: securing food and energy in a sustainable way; and for learning how research works. The intern’s independent research project will improve understanding of how changes in land use affect the exchange of greenhouse gases (CO_2, CH_4 ) between the atmosphere and subtropical bioenergy crops and pastures.

This internship is ideal for students with an undergraduate degree contemplating graduate school, as you will learn vital skills such as experimental design, technical field and lab skills using state of the art equipment to study biogeochemistry, and collaborating with other scientists.

*Duties*
The successful intern will be trained to use a variety of instruments to measure ecosystem CO_2 , CH_4 and N_2 O fluxes from ecosystems. Other fieldwork will include aboveground and belowground biomass, and soil and water collection. Labwork will include drying and weighing biomass, grinding biomass using a Wiley Mill, soil sieving, acid washing etc. Long days and work on weekends may be required during intense data collection campaigns.

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate experience with similar measurements or a strong background (coursework) in biogeochemistry, but all are encouraged to apply. Field work regularly consists of long days of moderately demanding physical labor in hot and humid conditions. Candidates with experiences that demonstrate proficiency working outdoors will be considered. The intern must be highly motivated and enthusiastic about living and working in a rural field-station setting. A valid driver’ s license and own transportation for personal activities is required.

Interns typically work 20 hours per week as research assistants and the remainder on their research project. Internships run for 6 months but are flexible in their duration. Interns are required to give an oral presentation based on their independent research project. The format of this presentation will likely be a Zoom Webinar due to Covid-19.

*Compensation*
Interns receive room and a weekly stipend of $245, subject to deductions for Social Security and Medicare (paid bi-weekly). Free of charge lodging ending no later than three days after the conclusion of the internship, as residing on Ranch property is a requirement for this position. Please note that lodging includes communal kitchen, living space, and bathroom, but interns have their own bedroom.

To *apply for this internship*, please provide the following: a cover letter stating research interests, a description of previous research experience, a resume or CV, a summary of grades, and two letters of recommendation *by* *April 30, 2021*. Please email applications to: Dr. Gomez-Casanovas, ngomezca@igb.illinois.edu. Applications from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged. The Station cannot hire people without legal status to work in the U.S. Should you require further information please email Dr. Gomez-Casanovas.

Due to Covid-19, we require new staff and interns to quarantine for 2 weeks in a visiting researcher cabin. Limited interaction with staff will occur in the first two weeks. Masks are required indoors, except
when sitting at a personal desk, and during field work if maintaining 6 foot distance is not possible.

Seed Collection Crew Leader – IAE Southwest

Subject: Seed Collection Crew Leader – IAE Southwest

The Institute for Applied Ecology Southwest is hiring a Crew Lead for a seed collection crew to be based out of Tucson, AZ. The crew will split their time between the Tonto and Coronado National Forests collecting native seed for seed increase, research, and restoration.

The position runs from July 26-November 5, but we are also offering an optional 8-week paid training period (May 24-July 23) in Santa Fe, NM where the crew lead would work with other seed collection crews in northern New Mexico. To learn more and apply please visit- https://appliedeco.org/get-involved/jobs/Subject: Seed Collection Crew Leader – IAE Southwest

The Institute for Applied Ecology Southwest is hiring a Crew Lead for a seed collection crew to be based out of Tucson, AZ. The crew will split their time between the Tonto and Coronado National Forests collecting native seed for seed increase, research, and restoration.

The position runs from July 26-November 5, but we are also offering an optional 8-week paid training period (May 24-July 23) in Santa Fe, NM where the crew lead would work with other seed collection crews in northern New Mexico. To learn more and apply please visit- https://appliedeco.org/get-involved/jobs/

summer part time research assistant UConn

Research assistant summer 2021

The UConn EEB fish lab is likely to have an part-time research assistant position available for June 1-August 27. The lab is working on a project studying the migration patterns of juvenile river herring populations in CT.

This work will involve a combination of field and lab work. Field work will occur in southeastern CT streams and involve collecting fish and monitoring equipment installed at various sites. Assistant will need to travel using own vehicle. Lab will involve taking data from photographs and/or video and dissecting fish specimens. Lab work will occur in Schultz lab on the Storrs campus.

The position will be funded at 20 hours per week, at $15 per hour.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to eric.schultz@uconn.edu.

Required qualifications: valid drivers license; completion of two semesters of college-level biology.

Preferred qualifications: experience in handling fish; experience in conducting field ecological research.

Southwest Conservation Corps hiring COVID Response Team crew leaders!

Southwest Conservation Corps is excited to partner with the Santa Fe National Forest to host COVID Response Teams. We are now hiring crew leaders! 


Title: Santa Fe National Forest, COVID Response Team – Crew Leader
Reports to: Adult Programs Manager
Locations: Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico
Status: Full-time, Non-exempt
Start/end date: May 17, 2021 October 2021
Wages: 685 / week
Benefits: Food provided while in the field, uniforms, development opportunities
Position open until filled.

Southwest Conservation Corps:
The Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, that is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. Members receive a weekly living allowance, training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award (for qualifying individuals).

For the health and safety of our crews, staff and communities, projects may be postponed or adjusted due to COVID-19. The information provided in this Position Description is an outline of how our program has typically been operating, however is subject to change. As this situation develops, and decisions are made, we will provide updates. We encourage you to continue with the application process and we will keep consistent and direct communication with all applicants.

Position Summary:
The Santa Fe Covid Response Team is a smaller crew, consisting of 1 Leader and 2 Members. This smaller size allows the crew more mobility and ease of travel throughout the forest to respond to unique project needs.

Crews work primarily in frontcountry locations in all weather conditions. Standard schedule consists of 5 days on-hitch (8 hours/day) and 2 days off with some exception. On-hitch, crews camp together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores. Does not provide accommodations off-hitch and Crew Leaders will be responsible for their own accommodations during that time. The Crews will be based out of Santa Fe and can expect not to return to office during work time.

Crew Leaders will lead crews in completing conservation projects while instilling interpersonal skills and leadership skills. Crew leaders will also be responsible for leading crews in environmental stewardship,   Leave No Trace, and risk management. A variety of soft skills and technical competencies are required to be successful in this role. See below for core competencies.

The Santa Fe National Forest, Covid Response Crew will work with the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District or the Jemez Ranger District for their season. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Districts received an amount of visitation far beyond the seasonal crew capacity to maintain recreation facilities’ cleanliness, address vandalism repairs, and address resource impacts to dispersed recreation areas.

Project work will include, but not limited to: Install signage in highly impacted areas, Replace doors and other structures that were vandalized during closures, Repair damaged picnic tables, Assist with the district’s cleaning schedule to ensure an acceptable state of recreational facilities, Remove trash, and address the immediate 3-5 miles of highly impacted trails.

Leadership & Mentorship:
*   Integrate values pertaining to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) within the corps
*   Implement skills training on worksite and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics.
*   Foster 21stcentury work skills in corps members, i.e.: collaboration & teamwork, creativity & imagination, critical thinking, problem-solving, flexibility & adaptability
*   Must be willing to follow and enforce all SCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent SCC. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program

Project Management & Implementation:
*   Implement an 8 to 10-hour workday and ensure professionalism is always maintained
*   Delegation of project work & investment among crew
*   Manage the on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work
*   Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems
*   Effectively coordinate logistics with project partners, crew, & SCC staff

Risk Management:
*   Analyze, manage, and inform on hazardous conditions and crew health
*   Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety
*   Transport crew and equipment safely in vans or large SUVs with trailers

Administration:
*   Meet all deadlines for documentation, i.e., timesheets, evaluations, incident reports
*   Record all project related outcomes and deliverables
*   Manage food budget and credit card for purchases

Minimum Qualifications:
*   Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission
*   Ability to effectively and manage all aspects of crew life and production within a 40 to 50-hour work week
*   Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment
*   Willingness to learn
*   Must be adaptive, patient and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout the season
*   Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions
*   Must be able to speak, understand and write English
*   High School diploma or GED certificate
*   Must hold current/relevant medical certification (WFA, WFR, WEMT, or OEC) with CPR/AED
*   Must be 21, have a clean driving record (insurable by SCC) and a current driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:
*   Experience with SCC or other conservation corps or youth corps
*   Be a local resident of New Mexico
*   Experience with experiential and/or environmental education
*   Facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people
*   Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently as well as with others
*   Desire to work on a variety of conservation-based projects
*   Strong conflict resolution skills
*   Leadership experience with youth or young adults
*   Technical trail experience
*   Relevant Bachelor’s Degree
*   Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others.

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To apply:
Upload resume, cover letter and complete the Crew Leader application here!
Any questions can be addressed to: Lisa Slupianek, Four Corners Adult Program Manager – lslupianek@conservationlegacy.org

Ecological Monitoring Positions in Las Cruces with Southwest Conservation Corps and Bureau of Land Managemen

Southwest Conservation Corps is currently accepting applications for Ecological Monitoring crew leaders and members in Las Cruces, NM.

Crew Leader
Number of Positions:  3
Location: Las Cruces BLM District Office in New Mexico
Program Dates:
1 position: July 5, 2021 to July 1, 2022 (52 weeks)
2 positions: July 5, 2021 to February 18, 2022 (33 weeks)
Salary:  $685/week
Benefits:  Paid training; camping food allowance ($13/day via company credit card); health benefits package
Hiring Benefits:  Public Land Corps hiring authority: eligible to use, for two years upon completion of term, a noncompetitive hiring status for consideration when applying to competitive service positions for a federal agency.

Crew Member
Number of Positions:  6
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Living Stipend:   $520/week
Benefits:  Paid training; camping food allowance ($13/day via company credit card); AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,907.50 upon satisfactory completion of term
Hiring Benefits:   Public Land Corps hiring authority: eligible to use, for two years upon completion of term, a noncompetitive hiring status for consideration when applying to competitive service positions for a federal agency.  See below.  Must be under age 31 upon issue of certificate.
Program Dates:  July 12 – December 17, 2021

Crews will conduct vegetation monitoring using the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Terrestrial Assessment, Inventory, & Monitoring (AIM) methodology. More information on the BLM’s AIM strategy can be found on the AIM website: BLM AIM.    Crews will consist of three individuals: two crew members and one crew lead.  Together, they will monitor land health on BLM lands including National Monument lands, vegetation treatments, rangeland allotments, or reference areas using AIM methodology.

Within all plots, the crew will identify vegetation to species, gather species cover and composition data using line-point intercept and gap measurements, measure soil stability, and describe the site and soil pits.  All data will be georeferenced using a GPS unit and stored in an ArcGIS geodatabase.  Data are entered into a database on site with ruggedized tablets and are further analyzed and, at the end of the season, synthesized into various reports for future land management planning.  The crew may also have the opportunity to assist with other public land management projects involving wildlife, range, and forestry.

Thank you,

IMMEDIATE HIRE – Northern Spotted Owl Crew Surveyor

From: Turnstone Jobs <jobs@turnstoneenvironmental.com>
Turnstone Environmental Consultants, Inc.
IMMEDIATE HIRE – Northern Spotted Owl Crew Surveyor

Location: Southern & Western Oregon
Salary Range: $2500 to $3500 monthly (compensation may be salary or hourly)
Dates of Employment: Immediate start through June or August 31, 2021

Job Description:
Turnstone is a small, locally owned environmental consulting firm. We help our clients protect and manage shared natural resources with solutions that are practical, forward thinking, and built on a foundation of good science. We are passionate, motivated, and team-oriented professionals who all started as seasonal field technicians ourselves and now strive to be leaders in the wildlife field. Turnstone is currently seeking to fill surveyor positions based out of the Medford area & western Oregon. These are a full-time, temporary-seasonal position, with surveyor duties including, but not limited to:

  *   Conduct broadcast surveys for northern spotted owls; identify, record, and map locations of spotted owls and other owl and raptor species including barred owls, great horned owls, northern pygmy owls, and northern goshawks
  *   Conduct daytime surveys after spotted owl detections in order to locate nests and determine nesting status
  *   Significant job-related travel, including nighttime travel on unpaved forest roads
  *   Record clear, concise, and accurate field data
  *   Communicate clearly with crew leader, project manager, and landowners
Housing is available from April to June with extended work of July and August requiring extensive camping for positions in the Medford area. Field vehicles will be provided unless employees choose to use a personal vehicle for reimbursement. CDC recommended COVID safety guidelines will be observed. Salary range is roughly equivalent to $14-20/hour. Salary will be based on experience as position and location is outlined. Other survey locations are distributed throughout Oregon and will require significant travel. Please indicate your willingness to travel, and any limits or strong preference for general location in your cover letter.

Announcements will remain open until the position is filled.

Minimum Requirements:
A minimum of one year of field survey experience is required. Spotted owl experience is strongly preferred but may not be required if applicant has avian or other relevant field experience. Having a B.S. degree in wildlife biology or related field is required for crew leads. The successful applicant will possess the following characteristics:

  *   Strong data collection skills
  *   Comfortable with a schedule that may include night, day or split shifts which typically range between 9-12 hours per shift
  *   Flexible, detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable working independently or as part of a team of peers
  *   Integrity, quality and accuracy in adhering to scientific protocols
  *   Consistent record of working in a safe and efficient manner
  *   Good physical fitness and the ability to hike off trail in steep and/or brushy conditions, sometimes in the dark and/or in inclement weather
  *   Excellent field skills: orienteering, GPS, map reading skills
  *   Ability to operate 4WD vehicles and navigate forest roads of various conditions
  *   Good vision and hearing
  *   Comfortable using electronic (PDF) data forms and Adobe Reader
  *   A solid sense of humor and joy of working in an outdoor setting
Successful candidates will gain outstanding experience in field ornithology, endangered species surveys, advanced field skills, and get a chance to see what a lifelong career in environmental consulting could look like, all while working closely with a diverse team of other motivated folks in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!
To Apply:
To apply, please complete an application through the employment section of our website under the Northern Spotted Owl Crew Leads & Surveyors post. Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Company website: Turnstone Environmental

Alaska Field Technician Position

Subject: Alaska Field Technician Position

The Hydro-Biogeochemical Research Group at the University of Washington is looking to fill a paid summer field technician position.

Starting in late May 2021, the hydro-biogeochemistry group at UW in Seattle (UW Hydro-biogeochemistry Opportunities) has an opening for a summer field technician. The technician will be working at two field sites located in Alaska “one in Fairbanks and one in Kenai” on a project investigating methane production and methane oxidation in permafrost thaw bogs. The project is focused on advancing understanding of how permafrost landscapes in Northern latitudes affect, and are affected by, climatic change. The site in Fairbanks is in the Bonanza Creek LTER research forest and is part of the Alaska Peatland Experiment (APEX). The site in Kenai is in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The technician will live in Fairbanks over the summer in supplied housing and travel back and forth to the two field sites by car. All travel, including flights to Alaska (if needed) and transportation while in Alaska, are paid for by the program. Position responsibilities include assisting the field efforts of a graduate student researcher, making various routine measurements (e.g., gas flux, well elevations, water levels, active layer depth, etc.), overseeing performance and troubleshooting of an automated belowground root imaging and oxygen sensor network, and carrying heavy loads of equipment to and from the site (~1 mile distance).

If you are interested, please contact Rebecca Neumann (rbneum@uw.edu) with:
1) A cover letter expressing why you are interested and qualified for the position
2) A CV or resume
3) Names and contact information of three individuals able to provide a letter of recommendation.

Nyholm lab

The Nyholm Lab in Molecular and Cell Biology is looking for some help taking care of our squid this fall! This would involve monitoring water quality, feeding squid/shrimp, and sometimes going into the field to catch shrimp. We will teach you everything you need to know on the job. It’s a great opportunity to work hands-on with animals. This is a volunteer position, BUT if you are eligible for work study, we can hire you through the work study program so you can be paid for this work. 

To apply, fill out this Google form by end of day, April 28, 2021: https://forms.gle/YBijHc6TexPrFYNp9

If you are interested in the lab’s research, you can learn more at our site this here: https://nyholmlab.uconn.edu/

If you have any questions, you can email me at derrick.kamp@uconn.edu