Month: April 2023

Job posting: summer forestry field technician (Michigan)

Summer forestry field technician (Michigan)

Position description:

Would you like to work on a research project that will result in meaningful changes to the health and management of hardwood forests in the Great Lakes region? The Applied Forest Ecology (Silviculture) Lab in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is looking to hire research technicians for the 2023 field season (late May through mid-August). Our lab is currently collecting tree regeneration data following various harvest treatments. This work takes place across 70 northern hardwood forests in Michigan (scattered throughout the northern lower and upper peninsulas) and consists of quantifying tree regeneration density and herbaceous vegetation coverage on these sites. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply (see instructions below in “To Apply”).  Work may be available through the end of 2023.

Qualifications:

  • Experience or aptitude for plant identification
  • Familiarity with Google Maps and GPS navigation
  • Interest in forest ecology/silviculture
  • Ability to walk 2-3 miles per day on rough terrain
  • Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record may be required

Compensation:

Starting wage is $15/hour minimum, commensurate with experience, up to 40 hours per week.  Field housing will be provided free of charge to all crew members, as well as transportation on work days.

Time Frame:

Work would begin in late May, with work available through late-August for current students, or mid-October (or later) for recent graduates.

Working Conditions:

The position will be field based, including some hot and humid weather.  Field conditions may include carrying a less than 30 pound pack and exposure to inclement weather, uneven terrain, insects and allergens.

Location:

Field sites are located throughout the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula in Michigan.

To Apply: Please include a CV/resume, a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience as well as your dates of availability, and three professional references to Evan Farinosi at farinosi@msu.edu with MSU Field Technician 2023 in the subject line.

Deadline:

Applications will be considered until the positions have been filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Marine Fisheries Research Program Research Assistant

Marine Fisheries Research Program Research Assistant

Category: 12-month, full-time.

May 2023 – April 2024 with possible option to renew.

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) Marine Fisheries Research Program is

offering a unique opportunity to join a small but dynamic team as we expand

our community-based collaborative research program. Marine Fisheries

Research (MFR) projects involve cooperative research and education, working

directly with fishermen and shellfish farmers, primarily in the Cape Cod

region. The program fosters collaboration and understanding between

fishermen and scientists by actively seeking out partnerships and providing

a neutral forum for discussion.

The Research Assistant will work full-time (40 hrs/wk) with the MFR Program

Director, scientists at CCS and other partner organizations, as well as

commercial fishermen and shellfish farmers in the Cape Cod region. This is

a new position with potential for growth, opportunities for graduate

student research and authorship of publications. Ample opportunities exist

for program and position expansion, as well as integration with other CCS

programs such as our Marine Debris and Shark Ecology Programs, depending on

the candidate’s skills and interests. The position features flexible hours

(dependent on fieldwork) and a non-traditional work environment.

Responsibilities will include coordinating and participating in fieldwork,

laboratory work, data entry and management, preliminary data exploration

and analysis, and assisting with preparation of reports and peer-reviewed

publications. This position requires an individual to have a bachelor’s

degree in marine science or related field and prior experience working on

the water. The position comes with a comprehensive benefits package and salary

is commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities:

Working with the Director to coordinate and execute fieldwork on land and

at sea;

Data entry, management and preliminary exploration/analysis, generating

tables and figures for reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Job Requirements:

  • Familiarity with and interest in science and policy related to marine fisheries
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and R;
  • Ability to work as part of a team and independently;
  • Attention to detail in written and oral communication.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in marine science or related field.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

Able to lift 50 and drag 100 pounds, work outside or at sea for shifts of

up to 12 hours.

Kindly send CV or Resume and Cover Letter to: Employment@coastalstudies.org.

Application Deadline May 19, 2023. No phone calls please.

The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and

encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions,

experiences and backgrounds is a key asset.

Invertebrate Community Research Fellowship

Osa Conservation is accepting applications for our  Invertebrate Community

Responses to Experimental Scavenger Exclusion Research Fellowship

at our biological station in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Ocean.

At Osa Conservation, we reconnect the rainforest, monitor and protect

biodiversity, and work hand-in-hand with the local community to build

climate resilient ecosystems for people and wildlife. Our team works across

Southern Costa Rica, connecting and protecting landscapes and biodiversity

from the ridges of the Talamanca mountain  to the coral reefs of the Golfo

Dulce and the Pacific Ocean.

Broadly, the Movement Ecology Program at Osa Conservation aims to develop

and use novel animal tracking technology to increase our understanding of

the movement ecology of scavenger networks, and the predators which drive

them, in south and central America. It involves the capture and deployment

of tracking equipment on *cathartidae* vultures and large cat species,

taking biological samples and implementing a variety of different surveys

to estimate the density and determine the ecological roles of scavenging

communities.

Vultures play a vital role in the rapid decomposition of carrion in healthy

functioning ecosystems, reducing the potential for the spread of diseases,

stabilizing food-webs and assisting in nutrient cycling. However, as

vulture populations are declining globally, there is an urgent need to

understand the implications of their absence on decomposition processes.

This program  aims to address this fundamental issue through provisioning

animal carcasses on the landscape, then experimentally excluding vultures

from the decomposition process. Invertebrate community composition at the

carcass site (point sampling), behavior (mark recapture using fluorescent

dyes), and carcass decomposition rates will be determined. The *Invertebrate

Community Responses to Experimental Scavenger Exclusion Research Fellowship*

will explore this component and trial innovative methods to understand and

document the invertebrate community in relation to carrion removal in

tropical rainforests.

*Fellow activities, training  and experience *

Fellowships are designed to empower and immerse early-career

conservationists in one of the most important neotropical landscapes on

Earth while developing crucial career skills. Come live in a tropical

rainforest and learn, explore and achieve alongside an outstanding

community of conservationists, biologists, media-specialists, educators,

community outreach leaders, and more to fill knowledge gaps and push the

frontier of tropical conservation. This team will provide one-on-one

mentorship, advise on research methods, and equip Fellows with tangible

career skills to solve real-world conservation issues.

*The Invertebrate Research Fellow will: *

   – Test innovative invertebrate sampling methods in a tropical rainforest

   system; including tracking with fluorescent powders and trapping with

   plastic bottle traps for mark-recapture.

   – Perform invertebrate sampling at provisioned carcasses with and

   without scavenger exclusion to build on the current scavenger research.

   – Identify invertebrates collected to the lowest taxonomic-level

   possible (e.g species).

   – Write a report documenting the species observed and their key

   identifiable characteristics and carrion removal rates and prepare results

   for scientific publication.

   – Support Movement Ecology Team in vulture captures and radio tracking.

   – Produce a technical report detailing the invertebrates detected at

   provisioned carcasses.

   – Create a field-guide to aid with future invertebrate identification

   efforts in the region.

   – Generate a voucher specimen library of the invertebrate species

   detected at provisioned carcasses.

   – Contribute to a publication of invertebrate community composition in

   relation to carrion removal.

*In addition to the invertebrate research fellowship and Movement Ecology

Program activities, Field Fellows will interact with and build skills

alongside Osa Conservation’s wide breadth of programs. You will:*

   – Release baby sea turtles, monitor nesting mothers, and relocate

   threatened nests.

   – Plant and monitor native tree restoration efforts.

   – Trial new rewilding techniques for tropical rainforest restoration.

   – Install and organize data from camera traps, acoustic devices and

   citizen science apps for vital wildlife monitoring across the Osa region.

   – Practice regenerative farming techniques to grow sustainable produce.

   – Develop scientific communication skills and learn to produce cutting-edge stories from one of Earth’s greatest wilderness areas.

*Field Fellowship details: *

This field fellowships will span 6 months from May 15 November 15. May 15

is the required start date. Fellows live alongside the team at the Osa

Conservation Campus (OCC), located at the heart of Osa’s tropical

rainforest. The OCC is home to our top-tier biological station, boasting a

research lab and classroom, regenerative farm, arboretum, restoration

experiment, and over 30 km of trails through old-growth and secondary

forests, mangroves, rivers and pristine coastlines.

During your Fellowship, all food and accommodation will be provided and you

will receive a small stipend. Reasonable transportation costs are included

in the fellowship. At the OCC, you will live in the middle of the

rainforest in basic shared-living accommodation. You will be provided with

one cooked meal a day by our campus kitchen (lunch) and groceries to cook

breakfast and dinner in your living quarters.

*Apply to be an Invertebrate Research Fellow now! *

If you are interested in this unique research opportunity to develop your

scientific and conservation career, please send your CV, cover letter and a

1-minute video explaining why you are the perfect person for this tropical

rainforest research experience to hr@osaconservation.org with the email

title Invertebrate Research Fellowship by 31st May 2023. We strongly

encourage candidates from Latin America to apply.

Marine Fisheries Research Program Research Assistant

Please see the job posting below and at https://coastalstudies.org/about/employment/

Marine Fisheries Research Program Research AssistantCategory: 12-month, full-time.

May 2023 – April 2024 with possible option to renew.

The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) Marine Fisheries Research Program is offering a unique opportunity to join a small but dynamic team as we expand our community-based collaborative research program. Marine Fisheries Research (MFR) projects involve cooperative research and education, working directly with fishermen and shellfish farmers, primarily in the Cape Cod region. The program fosters collaboration and understanding between fishermen and scientists by actively seeking out partnerships and providing a neutral forum for discussion.

The Research Assistant will work full-time (40 hrs/wk) with the MFR Program Director, scientists at CCS and other partner organizations, as well as commercial fishermen and shellfish farmers in the Cape Cod region. This is a new position with potential for growth, opportunities for graduate student research and authorship of publications. Ample opportunities exist for program and position expansion, as well as integration with other CCS programs such as our Marine Debris and Shark Ecology Programs, depending on the candidate’s skills and interests. The position features flexible hours (dependent on fieldwork) and a non-traditional work environment. Responsibilities will include coordinating and participating in fieldwork, laboratory work, data entry and management, preliminary data exploration and analysis, and assisting with preparation of reports and peer-reviewed publications. This position requires an individual to have a bachelor’s degree in marine science or related field and prior experience working on thewater. The position comes with a comprehensive benefits package and salary is commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities:● Working with the Director to coordinate and execute fieldwork on land and at sea;● Data entry, management and preliminary exploration/analysis, generating tables and figures for reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Job Requirements:● Familiarity with and interest in science and policy related to marine fisheries;● Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and R;● Ability to work as part of a team and independently;● Attention to detail in written and oral communication.

Education:Bachelor’s Degree in marine science or related field.Physical Requirements & Work Environment:Able to lift 50 and drag 100 pounds, work outside or at sea for shifts of up to 12 hours.Kindly send CV or Resume and Cover Letter to: Employment@coastalstudies.org.Application Deadline May 19, 2023. No phone calls please.

The Center for Coastal Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences and backgrounds is a key asset.

Summer Field & Lab Technician Job at Harvard Forest

The Harvard Forest invites applications for a full-time, temporary (13 weeks) Summer Field & Lab Technician in measurements of forest and wetland carbon cycling within Jackie Matthes’s Lab at Harvard Forest. Summer research in the Matthes Lab focuses on measuring soils, streams, and trees to characterize the processes that produce and release carbon dioxide and methane and influence the cycling of carbon and other nutrients. The Technician will assist with field data collection and laboratory measurements of soil, leaf, and water nutrient and carbon chemistry at Harvard Forest, and will assist with data organization, documentation, and preliminary data analysis.

See full job ad with details here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MmsE4mOF3RQPBRYOaFEd0LtXlY3uEmAW/view

Work Environment: The position is based at the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA. Work within a week will generally be partitioned among 1-2 days of fieldwork, 1-2 days of labwork, and 1 day of computer work. Summer fieldwork at Harvard Forest involves working full days (up to 8 hours) in conditions with heat and humidity and biting insects (mosquitos, flies, ticks). The Lab is a team environment, but the work conducted by this Research Assistant will require regular periods of independence. Please learn more about our Lab here.

Salary and benefits: The position comes with a salary of $20/hour for 40 hours/week over 13 weeks. This position may include shared housing and support for up to $600 for relocation travel to/from Harvard Forest. If the chosen candidate needs to relocate to Petersham, MA for the summer, we will cover up to $600 in relocation travel to/from Harvard Forest, and we will provide shared housing for 13 weeks.

Basic Qualifications: Skills in clear communication; Strong organizational skills for physical samples and digital data; Previous experience working outdoors for full days; Skills in data entry and graphing with spreadsheet software such as Excel; Willingness to learn new field and lab methods while asking questions when needed and identifying mistakes (which are expected, respected, inspected, and corrected in our lab); Some prior coursework at any level in environmental science, ecology, or related fields.

Additional Qualifications (not required): Prior experience processing large numbers of laboratory samples while staying organized; Some experience using R for reproducible data cleaning and analysis; Experience doing quality checking and quality assurance for digital data entry.

Apply by sending PDF bundled cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 relevant references to hfapps@fas.harvard.edu

Subject line: Summer Field & Lab Technician: Forest and Wetland Carbon Cycling

Application deadline: 4/30/23

OREGON SILVERSPOT BUTTERFLY MARK-RECAPTURE FIELD TECHNICIAN

The Conservation Biology lab  at WSU Vancouver in collaboration with Pacific University is recruiting 4

full-time field technicians to join our team researching the endangered

Oregon silverspot butterfly on the Oregon Coast. We are conducting a

mark-recapture study to understand butterfly dispersal and survival rates

across a network of coast range meadows, as well as concurrent distance

sampling surveys. Work takes place at Mt.Hebo on the Oregon Coast.

Duties:

  • Daily butterfly surveys, netting and marking adult butterflies
  • Vegetation sampling
  • Data collection via voice recorder, field notes, and GPS
  • Data entry

Dates: July – September. Must be available through mid-September

Schedule: 40 hours/week. Because we never know what days are going to be

“good” days for butterflies – sunny and calm, the weekly schedule may

change according to weather. We do our best to provide technicians with

two-day weekends, but may shift schedules as needed.

Housing: Shared housing and transportation between housing and field sites

is provided

Qualifications: Main qualifications are enthusiasm, flexibility, and

curiosity! Previous experience netting and handling insects and using

binoculars is a plus, but not required. Applicants must be able to work

outside in the elements for long periods of time.

We welcome applicants of all races, gender identities, religions, sexual

orientations, and ages. We believe having a diverse team that can approach

questions from numerous viewpoints makes us all better scientists.

Please submit applications to the Google Form here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIy-s9Pg6O9FB1uhFNo_sTi_Ht26QyCamSXXgMEU9hVZeRuw/viewform

Applications will be reviewed as received and continue until positions are

filled.

If you have any questions, please contact Izzy Bur at isabel.bur@wsu.edu.

Hiring: Summer Research Assistant – Plant Ecology

Location of work: Thunder Basin National Grassland, Bill, WY

Hours of work: 40 hours per week (4 x 10 hour days per week)

Salary: $2660 per month. On-site housing is provided. Three days of PTO and three paid holidays included.

Dates: May 22 – August 17, 2023 (13 weeks; start and end times may be flexible)

Send application materials (cover letter, resume, references, and college transcript) and/or questions to both:

Dave Pellatz

Executive Director

Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association

671 Steinle Rd

Douglas, WY  82633

307-359-1328

dave@rswyoming.com

Lauren Porensky

Research Ecologist

Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit USDA-ARS

1701 Centre Ave.

Fort Collins, CO 80526 USA

970.492.7139

lauren.porensky@usda.gov

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Research assistant for the Thunder Basin Prairie Ecosystem Association (TBGPEA). TBGPEA is a non-profit organization established to provide private landowner leadership in developing a responsible, science-based approach to long-term management of the lands of its members.  Over the last ten years the Association has focused its efforts on developing ecosystem-based conservation measures. These measures are designed to address the habitat needs of species of concern in northeastern Wyoming in balance with the need for sustainable economic and social activities and preservation of cultural values.

TBGPEA is collaborating with the USDA-ARS Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit (RRSRU) in Fort Collins, Colorado to develop new knowledge about ecological processes in Thunder Basin and apply this knowledge to improved management for production and conservation objectives. The Research Assistant will be supervised by the Board of TBGPEA with input from RRSRU scientists. The Assistant will be responsible for collecting scientific data from field experiments to evaluate how climate, fire, soils, grazing management, and global change affect ecological phases, states, transitions and thresholds in semi-arid rangeland ecosystems. If time permits, the Assistant may help evaluate Association member’s property as part of the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances implementation.

MAJOR DUTIES

Collects soil and vegetation data and is responsible for quality assurance/quality control of data collected.  Keeps exact, detailed records of experimental data.  Provides data in an appropriate format for incorporation into computer spreadsheets. Makes and records observations of unusual happenings, phenomena or trends that might influence interpretation of plot or field data.

Manages fieldwork program semi-autonomously; takes responsibility for solving problems and adapting to current conditions and events without constant supervision.

Operates, maintains, cleans, repairs and constructs equipment used in plot and field experiments including, but not limited to, vehicles and field equipment.

If time permits, the Assistant may participate in the development of livestock grazing management plans and may also collect ornithological or small mammal data.

Ensures that all safety and environmental concerns are addressed to provide a safe work environment, and that activities in support of research in the Thunder Basin do not pose an environmental threat.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

Technical knowledge of plant identification, structure and function of plant communities, and theory and practice of rangeland management, and a familiarity with the methods of biological sciences such as biology, chemistry, botany, etc., in order to participate responsibly in most phases of the experimental process.

Experience with bird and/or small mammal wildlife survey techniques is beneficial.

Ability to do efficient and high-quality work without direct supervision. Ability to proactively solve problems and manage tasks adaptively in order to get the job done on time.

Skill in the use of personal computers to utilize software packages such as: word processing, data entry and manipulation in spreadsheets (e.g., Excel).

Communication skills necessary to follow directions precisely and produce positive interactions with scientists, research personnel, and the general public.

Knowledge of range science, soil science, general biology and ecology.

Practical knowledge of general vehicle maintenance and repair. Knowledge of safe operating procedures when using equipment or vehicles. Knowledge of UTV operation and safety is beneficial.

Practical knowledge of livestock management and nutrition for use in development of livestock grazing management plans.

COMMUNICATION CONTACTS

Personal contacts are broad including TBGPEA members; scientists, technicians and graduate students from other institutions or other federal agencies; action agencies; non-governmental organizations; vendors and contractors; state or local government entities; visitors and the general public.

Personal contacts within the RRSRU involve support and assistance to scientists and support staff. The purpose of personal contacts is to mutually accomplish technical and support work; assist in planning and coordinating work efforts; discuss technical requirements of equipment with manufacturers and resolve problems concerning the work or the peculiar needs of the organization; coordinate help with other research projects; exchange information about research techniques; obtain supplies and equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires standing, walking, bending and lifting of objects weighing as much as 50 pounds.  Certain phases of the work require extended (such as most of a work day) periods of standing or sitting while accomplishing detailed experimental procedures.  Some procedures require stamina and endurance.  Need to have the physical capability to perform required duties without hazard to self or others when working with machinery, cattle, horses, fire or chemicals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job is located in a remote part of NE Wyoming. Weekend transportation to and from Fort Collins, CO is available. The work environment is about 85% in the field and 15% in the shop or office.  The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working outdoors. Throughout the year, the person may encounter belligerent livestock, insects, dust and extremes of weather. The person is required to wear protective clothing (e.g., coats, boots, goggles, gloves, and respirator) as conditions warrant.