Title: Geneticist (Student)

Position: Student Service Contractor

Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Location: La Crosse, WI

Hourly Rate of Pay: $18.78-26.03 (depending on current academic level and experience)

Duration: minimum 6 months, can be extended up to 2 years

Project Description: The USGS provides scientific support to agencies and partners to help monitor invasive species as well as native communities of conservation concern. The USGS requires help for molecular ecology projects including, but not limited to, eRNA development and sequencing for invasive carp, metabarcoding of multiple native communities, and point-of-use eDNA development. The projects will be in support of informing natural resource management actions to prevent invasive species spread, control existing invasive species populations, and monitor or mitigate effects on native species communities.

Services to be Provided: The student or recent graduate hire will be expected to help primarily with genomic library preparation for high throughput sequencing for both DNA and RNA, DNA/RNA extraction, and some assay development/validation.  Some assistance with data analysis and report or presentation generation may also be requested. There may be occasional opportunities for field collection if of interest.

Qualifications: Completion of at least 1 year college-level coursework in genetics, molecular biology, molecular ecology, or closely related field. Experience in the laboratory with DNA extraction, PCR, genomic library preparation or similar techniques, with the ideal candidate having prior experience with environmental DNA. Careful attention to detail and demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently in a laboratory setting.

Required Documents: Cover Letter: brief letter describing interest in position. CV: include contact information, as well as relevant knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and contact information for three references. Unofficial undergraduate transcripts.

Eligibility: Students are eligible if they have graduated but received a college/university degree less than 12 months ago and are at least 18 years of age. Non-US citizens may be eligible to participate, depending on their immigration status and the applicable regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. USGS employees, their spouses, and their children are not eligible to participate in this program.

Notice: Students are paid for each hour worked. Students will be working as independent contractors and do not receive a premium rate for work beyond 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. Additionally, students are paid only for hours worked (with no holiday or personal leave benefits). Students do earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Pay Rates for students include cost of self-employment taxes for social security and Medicare. This announcement is to fill one vacancy.

Application materials and questions about the position can be sent to Stephen Spear, sfspear@usgs.gov.

We are developing a novel weed control method using electricity. This project will further develop and evaluate the tool for weed control in vineyards. The MS student will have the opportunity to gain knowledge in weed science, soil science, agronomy, viticulture, soil microbial ecology, and even electrical engineering (if desired). The project will be based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at the main campus of New Mexico State University (nmsu.edu).

Funding is $28,384.56 annually for two years. Addition compensation will be provided to cover tuition and health insurance.

If interested, please email Dr. Erik Lehnhoff ASAP at lehnhoff@nmsu.edu, providing a brief CV, GRE scores (if available), IELTS or TOEFL scores (international students), and contact information for two references. Reply by March 31 for full consideration.

Title: M.S. Assistantship – Vernal Pool and Seep Wetland Mapping in Eastern Oklahoma

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Start Date: January 1, 2027

Position Description: A 2-year graduate research assistantship for a Master of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and Management is available with Dr. Bryan Murray at Oklahoma State University to map vernal pools and seep wetlands in southeastern Oklahoma. Vernal pools and seep wetlands are vital fishless ecosystems providing seasonal habitats that sustain amphibians and macroinvertebrates of high conservation concern. The student will develop, assess, and refine a mapping framework to identify vernal pools and seep wetlands using geospatial modeling, remotely sensed data, and ground truthing. This mapping framework will advance conservation planning for ephemeral wetlands and species of greatest conservation need in the region.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, ecology, earth science, geography, or a related field, undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.0, and a valid driver’s license are required. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in studying the application of cutting-edge mapping techniques to support conservation planning. Strong verbal and written communication skills, strong quantitative and analytical skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and balancing lab/field work with office responsibilities are necessary.

Salary and Benefits: $24,000/year, resident and non-resident tuition waiver, and health insurance at $25 per month (for student only; family coverage is available for an additional fee).

Application Procedure: Applications will be accepted until April 24, 2026, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  Send a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for 3 professional references to the e-mail addresses below. All information must be in a single PDF with the cover letter at the beginning, followed by resume/CV, then references. Please name the file using the following format: last name_first name_OSU2027.

Contact:

Dr. Bryan Murray: bryan.murray@okstate.edu

Institutional Information: Oklahoma State University (OSU) is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is within an hour of both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. OSU is a land-grant institution with an enrollment of ~25,000 students, and it is located on the ancestral lands of the Kickapoo, Osage, Kiowa, and Quapaw peoples. Indigenous people from other Native nations also reside here, many of whom were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. They all contribute to the history and current vitality of our region. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the wildlife, forest, rangeland, and fishery resources of Oklahoma and beyond. The Department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.  Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.

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The Buzzards Bay Coalition is a Massachusetts non-profit organization focused on the protection, restoration and sustainable use and enjoyment of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. We are seeking a full-time Research Associate to support our water quality monitoring efforts. The in-person position will be based out of our Marion Science and Field Operations Center.

The Research Associate’s primary responsibility will be supporting the Coalition’s bay-wide water quality monitoring program, focusing on continuous loggers and data management. The position combines data management and analysis, fieldwork, lab work, and coordination of monitoring activities conducted by year-round and seasonal staff. The Research Associate will oversee and aid in deploying, retrieving, calibrating, cleaning, and maintaining continuous water quality sensors at 20+ locations around Buzzards Bay and on Martha’s Vineyard. The Research Associate will work with and oversee data management, quality assurance, and processing, including statistical analysis and data visualization. The position also supports discrete water quality monitoring, salt marsh monitoring, and a variety of rotating funded projects.

Full job description and details on how to apply available at:  https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/job-opportunities/

Application review will begin April 2, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.

• Office of Sustainability Hiring Fall Interns

The Office of Sustainability is hiring a new cohort of undergraduate student interns. These $17.50/hr paid internships provide excellent work experience, hone leadership skills, and set students up for success in environmental positions after graduating. Positions are 10 hours per week and will begin Fall ’26. Interns deal with all kinds of sustainability topics – from energy use to environmental communications. All majors welcome!

Apply by 11:59pm on April 26

Must be a current first-year or a second-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree at UConn

DETAILS + APPLICATION HERE

For more information, contact: Betsy Mortensen at sustainability@uconn.edu

Tick Summer Research Assistant
Seeking Tick Research Field Assistants for Summer 2026!
The Eco-Epidemiology Lab at Columbia University has multiple paid positions for highly motivated Research Interns to assist with field research and outreach activities for the 2026 summer field season. This work will contribute to our long term project studying the eco-epidemiology of vector-borne diseases throughout New York City and Long Island, and creating a tick urban surveillance system (TUSS) intended to inform public health programs.

Through this work, the successful candidate will gain experience working in the field conducting tick collection and identification, general field-research techniques, and science engagement with the public.

What you will do (one or more of):
* Conduct field collections of ticks in a variety of NYC and Long Island
  greenspaces
* Conduct data collection
* Manage field notes and datasheets
* Prep field materials (i.e. fill tubes, organize equipment)
* Work as a part of a field crew of 3-4 people
* Engage with the park-going public and answer questions about our work

What you will bring:
* A passion for ecology, epidemiology, and/or the natural sciences
* A positive attitude and ability to work in a dynamic team environment
* The ability to work outside in various conditions
* Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive to field sites within
  NYC and on Long Island
* Previous field experience is preferred but not required

This is a full-time, temporary and seasonal position for Summer 2026 (May to August). Daily hours may be irregular (due to long travel distances and traffic conditions) and may include weekend work, but weeks will not exceed 35 hours per week. Overnight stays near field sites on Long Island may also be required. Hotel or Airbnb accommodation will be provided.

This will be a fieldwork-intensive position. Applicants should be capable of working outdoors in challenging environmental conditions (e.g. rain, heat, overgrowth, steep slopes, fog, vector-infested habitat, etc.).

Compensation: $22.50/hour.

To apply, please email our lab manager Adara (aa5294@columbia.edu) with your CV and a brief message outlining your interest in working with our lab and why you would be a strong fit for the position.

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Avian Summer Research Assistant
Seeking Avian Research Field Assistants for Summer 2026!
The Eco-Epidemiology Lab at Columbia University has multiple paid positions for highly motivated Research Interns to assist with field research and outreach activities for the 2026 summer field season. This work will contribute to our long term project studying the eco-epidemiology of vector-borne diseases throughout New York City and Long Island, and inform public health programs.

Through this work, the successful candidate will gain experience working in the field conducting avian sampling (including mist-netting, IDing, banding, processing, and blood collection), general field research techniques, and science engagement with the public.

What you will do (one or more of):
* Participate in avian point counts
* Conduct avian banding surveys using mist nets
* Collect and process avian biological samples
* Collect and process bird-attached ticks
* Conduct field collections of ticks
* Conduct ecological assessments of larger public spaces such as parks
  and preserves
* Coordinate data collection and management with a field crew of 3-4
  people Required qualifications:
* Previous experience handling, extracting birds from mist nets, and
  banding birds is required
* Available early mornings and weekends, flexible schedule (due to the
  unpredictable nature of fieldwork)
* The ability to work outside in various weather conditions
* The ability to work in a standing position for long periods of time

Preferred qualifications:
* Local (NYC) bird identification experience highly preferred
* Previous experience processing and collecting avian blood samples
  highly preferred
* A passion for ecology, epidemiology, and/or the natural sciences
* A positive attitude and ability to work in a dynamic team environment
* Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive to field sites within
  NYC and on Long Island is required
* Access to a personal vehicle is desirable (but not required)

This is a full-time, temporary and seasonal position for Summer 2026 (May to August). Daily hours may be irregular (due to long travel distances and traffic conditions) and may include weekend work, but weeks will not exceed 35 hours per week. Overnight stays near field sites on Long Island may also be required. Hotel or Airbnb accommodation will be provided.

This will be a fieldwork-intensive position. Applicants should be capable of working outdoors in challenging environmental conditions (e.g. rain, heat, overgrowth, steep slopes, fog, vector-infested habitat, etc.)

Compensation: $22.50/hour
To apply, please email our lab manager Adara (aa5294@columbia.edu) with your CV and a brief message outlining your interest in working with our lab and why you would be a strong fit for the position.

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Small Mammal Summer Research Assitant
Seeking Small Mammal Research Field Assistants for Summer 2026!
The Eco-Epidemiology Lab at Columbia University has multiple paid positions for highly motivated Research Interns to assist with field research and outreach activities for the 2026 summer field season. This work will contribute to our long term project studying the eco-epidemiology of vector-borne diseases throughout New York City and Long Island, and inform public health programs.

Through this work, the successful candidate will gain experience working in the field conducting sampling of mice and other small mammals (including trapping, processing, and tissue & blood collection), general field-research techniques, and science engagement with the public.

What you will do (one or more of):
* Conduct small mammal and medium mammal trapping and sampling (previous
  field and mammal handling experience is required)
* Conduct field collections of ticks
* Conduct ecological assessments of larger public spaces such as parks
  and preserves
* Coordinate data collection and management with a field crew of
  3-4 people
* Manage field notes and datasheets
* Prep field materials (i.e. fill tubes, organize equipment)

What you will bring:
* Previous field experience and mammal handling experience is required
* A passion for ecology, epidemiology, and/or the natural sciences
* A positive attitude and ability to work in a dynamic team environment
* The ability to work outside in various conditions
* Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive to field sites within
  NYC and on Long Island is required
* Access to a personal vehicle is desirable (but not required)
* Veterinary (technician) or similar experience is highly desirable

This is a full-time, temporary and seasonal position for Summer 2026 (May to August). Daily hours may be irregular (due to long travel distances and traffic conditions) and may include weekend work, but weeks will not exceed 35 hours per week. Overnight stays near field sites on Long Island may also be required. Hotel or Airbnb accommodation will be provided.

This will be a fieldwork-intensive position. Applicants should be capable of working outdoors in challenging environmental conditions (e.g. rain, heat, overgrowth, steep slopes, fog, vector-infested habitat, etc.)
Compensation: $22.50/hour.

To apply, please email our lab manager Adara (aa5294@columbia.edu) with your CV and a brief message outlining your interest in working with our lab and why you would be a strong fit for the position.