Operation Wallacea is a biodiversity and climate research organisation. We
are giving a series of online seminars to talk to students about the
biodiversity field research experience and skills they can gain over
the coming summer by joining one of our expeditions.  I was hoping you
would be able to share this information with your students.

Below, I have included a link to a PowerPoint slide which has all
the relevant information that could be displayed at the start/end of
lectures (or one electronic noticeboards around the department). I have
also attached below an email that can be sent out directly to students,
if you are able to do so.

PNG image link and PowerPoint link.

Operation Wallacea have been running biodiversity research expeditions for
the last 25 years in a series of sites around the world. Each year up to
200 academics, postdocs and PhD students join us on expedition to complete
their field research. In this time, the survey teams have published
over 600 papers in peer reviewed journals from these intensive research
programmes. The programmes are funded by students who pay tuition fees
to gain field experience, working with teams of scientists or gathering
data for their dissertation. As well as this, we have professional fund
raisers who can direct students on grant and activities that can help
them reduce or even eliminate the costs of joining our programmes.

With the pandemic, our research programmes have been scaled back however
for 2023 we are still running our projects in Croatia, South Africa,
Mexico, Honduras, Madagascar and Indonesia.

If you have any questions, are interested in any of the work we have
mentioned above or would personally like to get involved with Operation
Wallacea,please do not hesitate to get in touch. Please do also reply to
this email to let us know if you are able to share this with your students,
as this allows us to monitor our outreach.

Many thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Dr Tim Coles OBE
Project Director and Founder, Operation Wallacea (opwall.com)
CEO, rePLANET (replanet.org.uk)
Founder and Advisor to the Wallacea Trust (wallaceatrust.org)

Opportunities to gain remote fieldwork experience in biodiversity and
conservation research

Operation Wallacea has run biodiversity research expeditions for the last
25 years to a series of sites (mainly biodiversity hotspots) worldwide
(https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.opwall.com%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7C886f9202e42647be9c1e08dada7af060%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638062518892970294%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RiXivjWb%2FuMcSdg9jadHIBlQq5B79RcB3uNvWjSmhPU%3D&reserved=0), helping university students from around the world
gain valuable experience and get their hands dirty with real biodiversity
research. From dense jungle and European grasslands to coral reefs and
Mediterranean seagrass meadows, our network of more than 200 academics
assist in developing and leading cutting edge research projects that
help to inform local conservation management strategies.

More than 600 papers including some in high impact journals such as
Nature and PNAS have been published from these annual programs, so by
joining the field surveys you are guaranteed a high level of academic
involvement. By working alongside these academics, students either gain
broad experience as research assistants or to gather data for their
independent research project (thesis). The expeditions vary in length
from 2 to 6 weeks during the month of June to August.

Click to view our research assistant sites or

Click to view the topics available for dissertation/masters thesis

A number of our leading scientists are holding a series of webinars,
where you can learn about how to join one of these expeditions, how the
data collected are being used to help with wildlife conservation measures
and what benefits there could be to you and the career path you forge.

Click on the time and date below to register for the talk you would
like to attend. If for any reason you can’t attend but are interested in
finding out more then please email

expeditions@opwall.com

To register:

Tuesday 13th December – 10am
(PST)/1pm (EST)Tuesday 13th December – 5pm
(PST)/8pm (EST)


For more information and to register for the webinars you can also
click here.

After we successfully returned to a number of our research sites last
year,we are excited to continue supporting the local communities and
research needs at our established sites.

The expeditions carry a cost and when students sign up we give them
support in how to fundraise. Most students raise a good percentage or
even all of the funds needed from grants, sponsorship and fundraising
activities. Many universities provide a good level of financial
support, we also have professional fund raisers to provide support and
advice. Given the growing public concern about environmental protection,
species extinctions and climate change getting support for joining real
biodiversity research expeditions is increasingly possible. However,
raising funds takes time and planning which is why we like to introduce
the programs to students as soon as possible in the new university year.

Watch our introductory overview video(view here)which outlines who Opwall
are and the fantastic work we do. Want to watch the full version? You
can find it here.

UW-Madison: NSF-REU Internships in aquatic ecology in Iceland Summer 2023

We are looking for NSF-REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) students to join our team of interdisciplinary researchers in northeast Iceland this coming summer. Our research focuses on interactions between the population dynamics of midges and the aquatic ecosystem. The project encompasses population ecology, community ecology, and ecosystem ecology. The fieldwork is conducted by a team of researchers at ‘vatn, including faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates.

ELIGIBILITY

We have two internships available for summer 2023. The internships are for NSF-REU eligible candidates, which includes only current undergraduates (not graduating before fall of 2023) with US citizenship. Our lab and the University of Wisconsin are committed to supporting scientists from historically underrepresented backgrounds (https://integrativebiology.wisc.edu/diversity-inclusion-statement/).

Interns must be available to work from 1 June to late August. The timing of the fieldwork is dictated by our research needs and therefore is inflexible.

SELECTION CRITERIA AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The research focuses on the population dynamics of midges and the consequences they have for the functioning of the aquatic ecosystem. The work includes conducting lab and field experiments, collecting and processing midge, plankton and sediment samples, and performing biogeochemical assays. All participants will contribute to all aspects of the project.

Our interns take primary responsibility for the routine sampling that forms the backbone of a long-term research program and are expected to conduct individual projects that align with the goals of the program. Technical lab and (especially) field skills are essential. However, we place primary importance on the ability of prospective participants to work both individually and as part of a research term.

APPLICATIONS

If you are interested in joining our team, please apply with the following:

1. Cover letter

Your cover letter should include and outline your background and the reasons why you would be a good candidate for this position. Include a discussion of why you want this position and how it relates to your intellectual interests and career goals. In particular, emphasize how your experiences and skills make you a good match for the position. Highlight specific details from your resume or other pertinent information that does not appear on your resume. Include your citizenship, whether you have a valid driver’s license, and your current and future educational plans. Finally, please let us know about how you found information about this internship, because we want to make sure we receive a diverse group of applications.

2. Resume

Include a current resume that details your education and work experiences. Provide names, email addresses, and phone numbers for at least two references whom we can contact to ask specific questions about your qualifications for the position.

Submit your application as a single PDF (only 1 file), including both the cover letter and resume. Email your PDF to Ian Hart, ishart@wisc.edu. Include your surname in the file (e.g., [name]_Iceland_Application.pdf). Put 2023 Summer Research in Iceland in the subject line of the email. After initial screening of materials, finalists will be contacted for interviews.

DEADLINE

For full consideration for the summer 2023 field season, please submit your application by 27 January, 2023.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

All positions include coverage of travel expenses to and from Iceland, food and lodging, and a small stipend ($4,000 for both interns and field technician).

We are motivated to support interns and the field technician in the continuation of their work on individual projects beyond the field season. Past summer research interns have completed their projects as senior research theses or have presented their work at national conferences. Past field technicians have co-authored papers on their work

Grants of up to $6000 will be awarded on a competitive basis to fund research with application to the conservation of species, populations, or ecosystems. Projects must be completed, at least in part, within Black Rock Forest of Cornwall, New York. All areas of study related to conservation are appropriate, however proposals addressing habitat disturbance and landscape connectivity, invasive species management, forest pests and pathogens, restoration ecology, or species inventories are highly sought.

We welcome applications from students, post-doctoral scholars, and senior researchers. Proposals from high school and undergraduate students must be submitted in collaboration with a faculty mentor who will directly supervise their research.

Award funds can be used to purchase project supplies and equipment, to pay for processing of samples at external laboratory facilities, as stipends for students or research assistants, and/or to cover transportation or other incidental costs.

Please see https://www.blackrockforest.org/david-redden-conservation-science-fund-small-grants-program/

## Applications must be received by 5 PM on January 29, 2023. ##

Black Rock Forest is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 to advance scientific understanding of the natural world. In addition to a 1,586 ha forest in Cornwall, NY the organization runs a field station with labs, classrooms, and lodging. The Forest features a diversity of terrestrial and aquatic habitats with nearly 70 km of forest roads and trails.

At Black Rock Forest we value diversity, in our ecosystems and in our organization. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in our science, education, and conservation. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented group members as we seek to diversify and strengthen our organization, science, and society.

Summer botany position at Indiana Dunes National Park

We are seeking an applicant for a summer Botany position at Indiana Dunes National Park, centered around Porter, Indiana. The position runs from June 8, 2023 to August 24, 2023 (dates are firm), with a compensation of approximately $20.75/hour.

The incumbent will be employed by the University of Minnesota, but will work directly with, and report to, the Great Lakes Network of the National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program. The goals of the I&M program include monitoring key environmental variables so that ecological change can be detected and addressed in a timely manner.

This is largely a field-based position. The incumbent will assist with the sampling of permanent forest monitoring plots at Indiana Dunes National Park around Porter, Indiana. The incumbent will collect extensive data on the herbaceous layer and browse. They will be expected to identify at least 350 herbaceous species, and have considerable experience identifying members of the family Poaceae and genus Carex. Field work will be performed in teams of 2-3 people, and the incumbent will act as a crew leader. The incumbent may also spend approximately 5-10% of time performing computer work.

This position operates on an 8-day on/6-day off schedule. During the 8-day sampling periods, incumbent will be expected to carry field equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. They will be exposed to high temperatures, stinging and biting insects, including thick mosquitoes, and poisonous plants. Hikes to and from plots will be as long as one mile, each direction.

The incumbents are responsible for securing and paying for their own housing in Porter, IN, or the nearby area.

Note on COVID: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment or complete a request for an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, detailed resume (no page limit), professional references, and unofficial transcripts to Suzanne Sanders (suzanne_sanders@nps.gov) by January 22, 2023. Include a phone number and email address that you check regularly. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by telephone in late January or early February. No phone calls or emails, other than applications, please. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

Amphibian Research Technicians Needed

EASTERN ECOLOGICAL SCIENCE CENTER AT PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH REFUGE AND S.O. CONTE ANADROMOUS FISH RESEARCH LAB (Turners Falls, MA & Laurel, MD)

Only applicants who are current or recent students (graduated no earlier than May 2022) are eligible for these positions.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative in the Northeast region will be hiring 6-8 student or recent graduate contractors as field research technicians in 2023. Field work will be based out of separate duty stations located in Maryland and Massachusetts. The technicians at both duty stations will work as part of a team that surveys for amphibians within National Parks, Refuges, Forests, and other protected areas, including work in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park. Surveys will include wetland-associated amphibians as well as stream salamander and terrestrial salamander populations. Maryland technicians will be hired to work from March-October and conduct surveys primarily in MD, VA, and the District of Columbia. Massachusetts technicians will be hired to work from April-September and conduct surveys primarily throughout the states of MA, NY, NH, VT, CT, and RI.

Applicants must be willing to do 8-10-day long camping trips for amphibian surveys in other parts of the region (which includes ME, NH, VT, NY, CT, RI, PA, DE, VA, WV, NJ) as a part of a range-mapping effort. Camp sites and survey locations could be in locations with limited to no cell service.

Field work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking amphibians, as well as collecting water quality and environmental data. All work is outdoors, often under harsh or hot conditions or in rain, sleet, hail, and snow. All field work will be conducted as part of teams of 2-4 people, so a demonstrated ability and desire to work effectively with a group is imperative.

The position requires previous completion of academic coursework or work experience related to wildlife biology, as well as experience working in groups. It is preferred that applicants have prior field experience with amphibians and in the survey techniques involved in this position, including visual encounter surveys, dip-netting, stream transect cover searches, temporary removal sampling, terrestrial cover sampling, and marking animals with visible implant elastomer. The position will require the use of GPS units, pH/conductivity meters, passive integrated transponder (PIT) equipment, and computer software for data entry (e.g., Microsoft Excel, web-based database), and prior experience with these technologies is preferred. Technicians may also be asked to euthanize animals if voucher specimens related to amphibian disease studies are necessary.

The technicians need to be in good physical condition, as the job requires long hours in the field (including some night-time surveys) and hiking with heavy equipment, up to 45 pounds on some occasions. Hiking in mountainous areas will be conducted off-trail in remote areas on rocky, steep terrain and often for extended periods of time (10-12 hours).

Technicians must be able to work at least 40 hours per week and have flexibility in their schedules to accommodate longer days when necessary. Applicants must be willing to keep a flexible schedule, as hours will depend on weather, refuge/park access and staff availability, and other factors that may not be known in advance. Technicians are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the duty station. A valid state driver’s license is required. Government vehicles will be provided, for field work initiated from the duty station. Housing costs are not included, but some housing may be available on the Patuxent Research Refuge. Every attempt will be made to assist technicians in finding affordable housing in the area. Approximate wages are $16.80/hour; overtime rates are not provided but technicians can be compensated for all hours worked.

We encourage applications from members of traditionally under-represented populations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions, such as women and minority racial or ethnic groups to apply. The USGS cannot and will not tolerate discrimination and all those who seek to participate in USGS programs, activities, and services will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sex stereotyping, gender identity, gender expression, or transgender status), national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age, protected genetic information, status as a parent, marital status, or political affiliation. In addition, the USGS will not tolerate any type of harassment, either sexual or nonsexual.

Principal Duty Stations:

Eastern Ecological Science Center at SO Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab

1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls, MA 01376

Eastern Ecological Science Center at Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge

12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, Maryland 20708-4038

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. To apply, email the following to Maddie Chartier (mchartier@contractor.usgs.gov) by no later than December 22nd, 2022:

1) Letter of intent (please specify the time period in which you will be able to commit to this position and your duty station [MA or MD] preference)

2) Resume, including previous field experience, list of relevant course-work, contact information, and two or three reference contacts

3) One piece of evidence of current or recent enrollment in degree-seeking program (e.g., unofficial transcript, enrollment verification, a current registration card). Candidates who graduated prior to May 2022 are ineligible.

Evan H. Campbell Grant, PhD

NE Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative: USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center

S.O. Conte Research Laboratory, 1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls MA 01376

The Great Basin Institute is hiring crew members and crew leads for a cooperative partnership with National Park Service Klamath Network (KLMN) Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program. The overall objective is to perform Vegetation Community monitoring in Klamath Network parks. Data collected will contribute to a multi-year dataset aimed at detecting changes in status and trends in park vegetation. Products from this effort are intended to provide decision-makers with data indicating change in status and trends of vegetation communities. The Crew Leads will also assist the KLMN Vegetation Ecologist with implementing the Vegetation Monitoring protocol and provide day-to-day oversight of workflow and data collection. Training and oversight will be provided for all duties. Specific duties include:

Be a member of the KLMN I&M Vegetation Community monitoring field crew;

Participate in preparing for the field season;

Properly identify vascular plant species and utilizes dichotomous keys;

Estimate cover of vascular plants;

Collect and prepares voucher specimens of difficult taxa for later identification;

Collect Tree DBH, Height, Height to Crown data;

Collect dead and down fuel data;

Assists with field data collection, data entry, and QA/QC;

Maintain field equipment and tools;

Participate in GBI or partner-sponsored training opportunities;

Additional Duties for Biotech Crew Lead:

Communicates regularly with supervisor to provide updates, prioritize work, and address issues;

Supports work schedule development and logistics;

Serves as Crew Leader and supervises Biotech Crew Members in the performance of assigned tasks;

Monitors site specific conditions, mitigates risk factors, and reports safety concerns to supervisor.

General field duties include walking long distances over uneven terrain, off-trail, often in dense vegetation; navigating off-trail with map compass and GPS; relocating monitoring sites; collecting vegetation and fuels data using established procedures; taking photos at each site; ensuring the consistency of data quality during the field season; and maintaining safety awareness and practices. The successful applicant must have strong communication skills (both verbal and written) and exhibit strong leadership and organization skills. Office tasks are only about 5% of work but include data organization, processing and QA/QC; and compiling concise field notes. This position will require regular overnight travel and camping during the field season. The field schedule is an 8 day on 6 day off hitch, requiring long hours (10+ hrs a day), including early mornings and some weekends.

The Klamath Network conducts long term monitoring at 6 parks: Crater Lake National Park (Crater Lake), Lava Beds National Monument (Lava Beds), Lassen Volcanic National Monument (Lassen), Oregon Caves National Monument and Reserve (Oregon Caves), Redwood National and State Parks (Redwood), and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (Whiskeytown), located throughout northern California and southern Oregon. The parks span a land area of complex topography in the geologically ancient Klamath-Siskiyou Ecoregion in the west (containing Redwood, Oregon Caves and Whiskeytown), and the younger, volcanic Cascades-Modoc Ecoregion to the east (containing Crater Lake, Lassen and Lava Beds). Vegetation of the two subregions ranges from temperate rainforests with enormous, world-record-height trees along the coast at Redwood, to barren shrublands on infertile soils and rock in the sagebrush desert of Lava Beds. Elevation extends from sea level at Redwood, to above timberline in Crater Lake and Lassen. Floristically, the parks capture elements of the southern Oregon and northern California Coast Ranges, the Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, and Great Basin, all near the northern end of the California Floristic Province.

Contract Timeline:

o Start early April 2023

o For 24 weeks

o Full time, 80 hours per pay period

Compensation and Benefits:

o Rate of Pay: $22.50/hour

o Camping per diem: $30.00/night (~4 nights per week during data collection)

o Benefits: Paid health insurance (medical, dental and vision)

o Paid holidays and personal leave

Job Qualifications:

o Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Botany, Ecology, or a closely related field in the biological sciences;

o Coursework in plant taxonomy and/or systematics (transcripts may be requested), botany, or forestry;

o Ability to identify native and non-native plants of the Pacific Northwest and/or Great Basin;

o Familiarity with ecological processes, and flora of the Pacific Northwest and/or Great Basin;

o Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting data;

o Experience training and leading others in field data collection;

o Experience with data entry and data management;

o Ability to work and camp in extreme and remote areas;

o Experience using hand-held GPS for navigation;

o Experience with tablet data collection and experience with MS Access or other database;

o Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;

o Willingness and ability to work long days (10+hrs), hike long distances (10-12 miles) carrying 30-40 pounds, and lift, carry and use equipment in harsh, variable weather conditions, including in rain, hail, wind, and extreme heat;

o Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;

o Experience working with federal land management agencies, members of the public, or non- profit organizations; and

o Willingness to work a variable schedule, but mostly 8 days on 6 days off, including some

weekends.

Applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation or submit paperwork to National Park Service human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position.

Additional requirements:

o Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;

o Experience operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, particularly with unimproved roads;

o Possess a commitment to personal and team member safety, and communicate perceived safety threats immediately;

o Ability to work independently to accomplish goals;

o Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public;

o Possess good organizational skills;

o Possess a favorably adjudicated background clearance

o Must be motivated, self-directed, organized, and detail oriented in order to balance multiple tasks simultaneously; and

o Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and the goals of the USFWS.

Full Listing:

https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/Careers.aspx?req=2022-RAP-154&type=JOBDESCR

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

North Biological Monitoring Unit

Brainerd, MN

We are looking for biologists to lead and assist with aquatic biomonitoring surveys on rivers and streams in northern Minnesota, during the summer and early fall of 2023.

Job duties include:

Lead a crew of 1-4 students to sample approximately 50 stream biomonitoring sites for fish, aquatic macroinvertebrates, habitat measurements, and water chemistry in order to assess water quality and habitat conditions.

Help maintain field equipment, train students, and keep field records. Enter and manage data on Agency computers

Compile summary data and conduct QA/QC.

Preferred qualifications include:

Field experience sampling fish, invertebrates using MPCA standard operating procedures

Course work in ichthyology, fisheries science, aquatic invertebrates, water chemistry or habitat.

Leadership experience in prior work, civic or school projects

Familiarity with biological indicators of water quality

Experience and/or course work using GPS and GIS equipment and software

The position requires extensive travel across northern Minnesota and the willingness to stay overnight (in hotels) for up to three nights per week. The work may be carried out in remote areas, in inclement weather, and can be physically-demanding at times. Candidates must be able to work well with others in small- and medium-sized field crews.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in water related science or environmental protection, or related field. OR a technical environmental degree (e.g., Natural Resources Technology A.A.S.) AND one year of technical/professional-level environmental protection experience; OR two years of technical/professional-level environmental protection experience. Applicants must pass a fish identification test and possess a valid driver’s license.

Pay rate:

$21.43 /hourly

Motel lodging provided during work week, plus meal expense reimbursement.

Work hours are typically Monday-Thursday 10 hours per day with overnight travel.

Start/End Dates:

May through September, 2023

Location:

The position will be based in Brainerd, but will require extensive travel throughout northern Minnesota (see above for more details regarding work-related travel).  Brainerd is located just north of the geographical center of Minnesota

Full Listing:

https://careers.mn.gov/psc/mnjob/MNCAREERS/HRCR/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U

Applications accepted through January 13, 2023.

About Us: The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE), a non-profit organization, has been actively engaged in the conservation of native species and habitats through restoration, research, and education for over 20 years. We fill a unique niche in this field by working with a diverse group of partners including federal, state and county agencies and municipalities to accomplish our mission. Our Southwest Office (IAE SW) works in New Mexico and Arizona. We cultivate partnerships to facilitate large-scale, regional conservation projects, develop ecologically appropriate sources of native seed, offer native species education opportunities and materials, provide technical assistance to restoration and management planning and implementation, and conduct on-the ground habitat restoration and applied research

START DATE: April 2023

END DATE: October 2023

LOCATION: Santa Fe, NM

Compensation:

$18.50/hr, plus travel expenses associated with overnight field work (food and lodging). No

additional benefits included. These are full-time temporary positions with paid holidays and sick

leave.

Position Description: Crew members will work with a crew lead for the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Rare Plant Monitoring Initiative, operated by the Institute for Applied Ecology. More information about New Mexico’s rare plants can be found here. The crew will consist of three individuals: two crew members and one crew lead. They will monitor demography of rare plants on BLM lands across NM following established protocols, particularly in areas where multipleuse land management (i.e. energy extraction) impacts on rare plants are expected. Crews will be required to drive to remote areas throughout New Mexico, camp overnight for 2-7 consecutive days, hike up to several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management. While rare plant inventories are the focus, where possible, crews will assist with other plant conservation program projects in progress during the summer. Projects may include native seed collection, pollinator monitoring, floristic diversity surveys and native plant restoration. This is a full-time, temporary position that requires overnight camping and non-traditional work hours inclusive of weekend and evening hours.

Minimum Qualifications:

● Valid US driver’s license and driving record in good standing

● Self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after initial

training period; must be capable of performing well in an office setting, as well as the

field

● Willingness to spend multiple days (1-8 days at a time) car-camping in remote areas;

familiarity or willingness to learn and adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave

No Trace principles

● Ability to work in and respond to adverse field conditions which may include extreme

heat and sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife

(i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions, bears)

● Experience working as part of a small team and ability to work well with others

● Experience safely operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, in remote areas on

unimproved roads and driving for extended periods of time

● Familiarity with basic plant taxonomy, including major families and botanical vocabulary

Preferred Skills:

● Current CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Defensive Driver Training certificates

● 1 to 2 years of experience using taxonomic keys to identify plants to species in the field,

from photos, and from pressed specimens

● Experience with ArcGIS tablet applications (Collector and Survey123)

● Coursework in botany, plant ecology, plant biology, plant systematics, ecology

● Knowledge of New Mexico plant communities

● Experience collecting data for plant and/or animal monitoring programs

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please submit the following as a single pdf:

o Brief cover letter describing your interest in the position and stating when you would be

available to start work.

o Resume identifying any relevant experience (paid or unpaid)

o Contact information (phone and email) for 2-3 professional references (including past

employers/supervisors).

Email application materials to swjobs@appliedeco.org with subject line “Southwest Rare

Plants-Technician” no later than Wednesday, December 28, 2022.

SMITHSONIAN GRASSLAND BIRD ECOLOGY INTERNSHIP

Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center is offering internship opportunities with our Northern Great Plains Program based at American Prairie in the grasslands of northeast Montana. Our research program is focused on understanding interactions between grassland keystone species (bison & prairie dogs) and grassland birds of conservation concern.

Work will be focused on two separate projects and interns will primarily work on one of these:

1) Grassland songbird breeding biology and demography on and off Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies.

2) Using the MOTUS animal tracking system to understand migratory ecology and demography of Sprague’s Pipit.

Interns will also have the opportunity to work on a secondary projects occurring in the same ecosystem: Long-billed Curlew nesting success, behavioral ecology, and movement ecology in relation to Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies.

This internship is an excellent opportunity for recent BS/BA graduates considering graduate school in wildlife biology or ecology & evolutionary biology. Smithsonian mentors/supervisors can and will spend time assisting interns with navigating the grad school application process and creating an independent research project.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the intern will support research led by Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center staff and fellows.

Through this internship, interns will:

• Learn shorebird and songbird nest-searching techniques.
• Learn songbird handling and Motus tagging techniques.
• Gain experience with grassland bird species native to mixed-grass prairie ecosystems.
• Learn vegetation survey and arthropod sampling techniques.
• Gain experience with behavioral ecology experiments on simulated predator responses.
• Learn to develop a scientifically sound independent research project.
• Gain experience navigating a large, remote landscape with 4×4 vehicles and on foot.
• Learn to collect ecological data and complete tasks efficiently as part of a small team.
• Learn to compile and review ecological data in standard formats.

LOCATION: Phillips & Blaine Counties/American Prairie region in northeastern Montana (nearest town Malta, Montana)

COMPENSATION: $1,600 – $1,800/month

HOUSING: Interns will be housed at no cost in buildings with standard amenities including hot water, full kitchens, and wireless Internet. Interns are responsible for purchase of their own food.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: May 1- August 1. Interns must commit to the entire season, although some flexibility on start date is available for graduating seniors.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Jan 31, 2022

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter and CV/resume to Dr. Andy J Boyce at Boycea@SI.edu. Your email subject must include Grassland Bird Internship 2023 or it will not be considered. International candidates are encouraged to apply, but must be responsible for travel expenses.

WORK ETHOS: We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone in the field, and we place a premium on the physical and mental health of all crew members when working in a remote environment. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to harassment or discrimination.

COVID Compliance: Please note that the Smithsonian Institution has a mandate requiring all employees and interns to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of location or arrangement (e.g., onsite, virtual, remote, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination during onboarding.

Job Description:

Research technicians will work closely under the supervision of a researcher from the Bisbing lab to sample a long-term provenance trial (i.e., baby tree garden) at multiple locations throughout the Sierra Nevada. Duties include: measuring seedling survival and growth, downloading weather station and temperature logger data, weeding or grubbing gardens, and conducting repeated measurements of planting site climatic conditions. The field technician(s) will be responsible for maintaining equipment/tools as well as regularly entering, quality checking, and uploading data. Field work will include hiking long distances with a heavy pack and potentially working during inclement weather.

The field season will run for~16 consecutive weeks from early/mid-April(snowpack dependent) through the end of October. Possibility to extend work through November (weather dependent) exists. Please specify whether you are interested in a technician position ($17/hour) or crew lead ($21/hour). Crew leads should have at least one summer of field technician experience and will be held to a higher standard of leadership, responsibility, and expertise. Housing (i.e., barracks) is provided at few sites, with tent camping necessary at some locations. A field vehicle is provided for on-site work. This crew will continually rotate between locations and should expect to change sites weekly.

Ideal candidates will have a strong ability to solve problems that arise in the field and the constitution to both act independently and work well as part of a field team.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications

– Hold a valid driver’s license

– Be comfortable driving a 4WD vehicle on remote forest roads

– Be able to hike long distances while carrying a heavy pack(> 35lbs)

Preferred qualifications

– Previous ecology-related field experience

– Knowledge of tree measurements and forest ecosystem sampling

– Chainsaw experience

– Capacity and eagerness for manual labor (lift, saw, dig, etc.), as needed

How to Apply:

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references compiled into a single PDF to: adaptiveforestmanagement@gmail.com.