Field Technicians – Osprey Recovery in Illinois

I am looking for four field technicians with a strong work ethic to assist with the osprey hacking program in Illinois as part of the osprey recovery effort for this state-endangered species.

The positions, based at different sites, have the following responsibilities:

* Daily Observations – conduct daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure their well-being.  Make notes of presence of potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking site.

* Daily Tracking – conduct daily tracking of ospreys once they fledge and note their locations before migration.

* Food Preparation and Feeding – conduct daily preparation of fish and feeding to the hacked ospreys.

* Planning and Coordination – conduct regular fish pick-ups from the project partners.  Coordinate with the field personnel at the other hacking site for project purposes when required.

* Daily Reports – contribute to daily reports regarding the behaviors, locations, and fish consumption by ospreys.  Record any other notable events related to the birds.

* Maintenance – assist with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking box/tower after the season, as well as the maintenance and inventory of the field gear and equipment.

Qualifications for the positions:

Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field.  Experiences working with birds of prey, as well as paddling skills, are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable.  Successful candidates must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Individuals must have and maintain a valid driver’s license as well as be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and for long hours.

Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the positions are filled.

Starting date: July 1, 2019.

Anticipated ending date: October 6, 2019.

Salary: $500-$560 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences).  Housing or camping gear (except sleeping gear) are provided.

To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu:

1)  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications;

2)  Resume, including contact information for three references; and

3)  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).

Tih-Fen Ting

Department of Environmental Studies

University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, IL 62703

(217) 206-7876

tting1@uis.edu

Field Technicians – Franklin’s Ground Squirrel in Illinois

I am looking for three field technicians with a strong work ethic to conduct a statewide survey of Franklin’s ground squirrels in Illinois.  The field technicians should be effective and skillful in data collection, including trapping and handling of Franklin’s ground squirrels.  Field technicians know how to operate and adjust, when necessary, various instruments for data acquisition and are required to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.  Successful candidates also need to have many important character qualities for working effectively with private landowners.

Duties and responsibilities include: 

Survey – Conduct sign survey and live-trapping of Franklin’s ground squirrels.

 

Tagging – Implant a passive integrated transponder (PIT) to each newly captured squirrel for identification.

 

Daily Reports – Submit daily reports on the survey, trapping, and tagging of Franklin’s ground squirrels. 

Maintenance – Assist with the maintenance, clean-up, and inventory of the field gear and equipment for trapping and tagging of Franklin’s ground squirrels.

Requirements:

Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field.  Experiences in working with small mammals in the field are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable.  Willingness to travel and flexibility with work schedule are required.  Successful candidate must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidate must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Individual must have a personal vehicle, maintain a valid driver’s license, and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours.

Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the position is filled.

Starting date: May 13, 2019.

Anticipated ending date: August 31, 2019 or beyond pending the project needs.

Salary: $500-$560 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences).

 

To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu.

1.  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications;

2.  Resume, including contact information for three references; and

3.  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).

Tih-Fen Ting

Department of Environmental Studies

University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, IL 62703

(217) 206-7876

tting1@uis.edu

seasonal, wisconsin

The Gratton Lab in the Entomology Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is now accepting applications for full-time seasonal field positions to begin around June 3, 2019 and continue for 12 to 16 weeks. Our lab studies the links between insects, landscapes, and their conservation in support of healthy ecosystems and human well being. Specific projects are listed below, though assistants may work across multiple projects.

Available positions:

Undergraduate summer assistants (multiple available)

Pay rate: $10/hour

Start date/duration: Full-time seasonal position for ~12 weeks between June and August

Field technician (multiple available, undergraduate degree required)

Pay rate: $14/hr

Start date/duration: Full-time seasonal position for ~12-16 weeks between May and September

Job responsibilities: Field technicians and summer assistants will work with graduate students and staff scientists to conduct field work, collect and process data, and maintain equipment. Some projects may require long hours or weekend work. All positions will be based out of Madison, WI, with frequent travel around southern Wisconsin.  

Requirements:

·      

·     Valid

·      US driver’s license and ability to obtain driver authorization from UW Risk Management. (http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/risk_mgt/drivetable.html)

·      

·      

·     Attention

·      to detail and ability to stay focused on tedious or repetitive tasks

·      

·      

·     Coursework

·      or interest in ecology, biology, entomology, or related fields

·      

·      

·     Ability

·      to work independently and with others

·      

·      

·     Experience

·      with or willingness to learn insect handling and processing techniques

·      

·      

·     Enjoy

·      being outside, comfortable working in hot/humid conditions.

·      

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.  Our lab aims to make science and ecology more inclusive of people of all identities, and we strongly encourage people of color, and people of all genders, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds to apply.  See our full equity and inclusion statement on our website:  http://gratton.entomology.wisc.edu/equity-inclusion-statement/

 

Reviews of applications will beginning on  March 11, 2019 on a rolling basis. To apply, please visit our website or this link: https://go.wisc.edu/318m8e.If you have any questions or have trouble submitting using the form, please contact Jeremy Hemberger (hemberger@wisc.edu).

Overview of projects: For more project information visit gratton.entomology.wisc.edu/summer-2019

·      

·     Monarch

·      landscape ecology – How do local and landscape-level characteristics

·      influence monarch use of a patch of milkweed? Daily surveys of 1-2 prairie/grassland sites per day for monarchs, milkweed, and blooming plants.

·      

·      

·      

·     Pollinator

·      conservation (NRCS) – Evaluating the effects of prairie restoration

·      variability

·     and their location in a landscape on bumble bee abundance and diversity.

·      

·      

·      

·     Urban

·      bumble bees – We will capture and identify bumble bees across a

·      range of landscape types to understand how urbanization impacts their populations. Our team will survey prairies, suburban neighborhoods, and city blocks as well as discuss related scientific papers, prepare field equipment, and begin preliminary data analysis.

·      

·      

·      

·     Pollinator

·      habitat value (DATCP) – Investigating the value of pollinator habitat

·      to crop pollination and yield on small, mixed vegetable farms.  We will do pollinator observations and collect fruit for seed counts and yield measurements.

·      

·      

·     Effectiveness

·      of pollinator plantings – We will survey wild bees in cucumber

·      fields and field-edge flower plantings to understand how planting effectiveness varies in different landscapes. Duties will include: observational pollinator surveys, flower surveys, and pollen deposition experiments. Living in a rural cabin for several weeks

·      will be necessary.

·      

·      

·     Honey

·      bee landscape ecology – Studying how habitat in the surrounding

·      landscape influences the health and survival of commercial honey bee hives.  We will visit commercial bee yards across southwest Wisconsin to extract data from in-hive sensors and take measurements of hive health.  Beekeeping experience preferred but not required.

·      

·      

·     Lady

·      beetle (“ladybug”) landscape ecology – Researching

·      how resource continuity in the landscape affect lady beetle abundance, health, and biocontrol potential. We will conduct surveys on farms and in natural sites across southern Wisconsin.

·      

·      

·     Citizen

·      science specialist – Working with farmers of pollinator-dependent

·      crops to establish a citizen-science program using a Smartphone app to measure wild pollinator communities (bachelor’s degree required).

·      

 

Erin Lowe 

MSc Candidate, Agroecology and Entomology

Gratton Lab, University of Wisconsin-Madison

http://gratton.entomology.wisc.edu/

M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship, Wetland Water Quality and Macroinvertebrates, West Virginia University

M.S. or Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship –

Wetland Water Quality and Macroinvertebrates, Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program, West Virginia University

STARTING DATE: May 2019

CLOSING DATE: Position is open until filled.

DESCRIPTION:  Student will be supported by an EPA-funded 12-month Research Assistantship. 

Student will work with an interdisciplinary team on a statewide wetland water quality and macroinvertebrate index of biotic integrity (IBI) study in West Virginia.  Student will be responsible for collecting and analyzing water quality samples, developing a macroinvertebrate IBI, and evaluating wetland condition.  Ample opportunities for developing independent research questions related to wetlands, water quality, and invertebrates and for presenting at conferences is available.

Specific objectives of the study are to: 1) characterize water quality conditions for a statewide wetland sample stratified by ecoregion and wetland type; 2) evaluate water quality conditions in relation to surrounding landuse, and biotic and abiotic parameters, 3) identify functional groups of wetlands with high (or low) water quality functions and those with high potential for restoring water quality; 4) develop a macroinvertebrate IBI; 5) investigate the role of hydrologic variation in temporal water quality variation, and 6) review national and state standards, and use existing and proposed WV data to recommend standards for state wetland water quality regulatory guidance specific to WV wetlands.

The student will be working toward a Ph.D. in Natural Resources Sciences or an M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries at West Virginia University (http://bit.ly/WVUForestry).

QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in Wetlands, Ecology, or closely related field and M.S. for PhD.  Minimum GPA of 3.5 and combined quantitative/verbal GRE scores of 310.  A strong interest and experience in wetlands, macroinvertebrates, and water quality is required.  Experience in GIS, statistics, modeling, and wetland vegetation identification is desired. 

STIPEND: $21,605/year (PhD.) or $18,000 (M.S.) plus health insurance and tuition waiver.

CONTACT:  Student will be advised by Dr. James T. Anderson.  Interested individuals should send a letter of interest, resume, a 500-word statement of purpose (why do you want to work on this project, your research interests, and long-term career goals), unofficial copy of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references tojim.anderson@mail.wvu.edu

James T. Anderson, Ph.D.

Davis-Michael Professor Forestry and Natural Resources

West Virginia University

(304) 293-3825 Office

http://wildlife.wvu.edu/

Plant ecology summer internship

Position: Undergraduate summer research internship in plant ecology
Location: Moquah Barrens, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin
Employment period: Early June through early-mid August; temporary, full-time
Compensation: $4000, to be applied as an hourly salary over the 9-10 week internship

Job description:
We are seeking an undergraduate student interested in plant research to participate in a paid summer internship funded by the Lake States Fire Science Consortium (LSFSC). The intern will investigate how plant functional traits vary along gradients in soil and fire history and will be responsible for compiling a trait database for plants of the Moquah Barrens, collecting plant specimens in the field, and measuring plant traits in the field and laboratory. The intern will be mentored by Dr. Kathleen Quigley (Michigan State University), Dr. Sarah Johnson (Northland College), and Robert Liebermann (USDA Forest Service). The intern is expected to give a webinar presentation in spring of 2020.
We will provide on-site training in navigation skills (compass & GPS), plant identification, plant trait measurements, cartography & spatial analysis, and statistical data analysis. The intern will work alongside other field technicians, scientists, and land management professionals. Field housing is available in Ashland, Wisconsin for a modest rent contribution. Ashland is located on the shore of Lake Superior and offers excellent opportunities for summer recreation.

Desired qualifications:
-Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student. Sophomore-Junior students preferred
-Interest in pursuing a career in ecology, conservation, plant biology, or similar
-Basic plant identification skills (knowledge of local flora a plus)
-Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
-Positive attitude while working in a field setting, which may include long hours, exposure to ticks and biting insects, adverse weather conditions, and hiking through dense brush while carrying heavy equipment.

To apply:
Applicants should provide a brief cover letter and a resume/CV with contact information for 2 professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Contact: Dr. Kathleen Quigley
e-mail: kathlquigl@gmail.com 
Deadline: 01 March 2019

Opportunity to Attend a Day at Evolution 2019 in Providence

Dear undergraduates excited about biology,

 

Are you interested in evolutionary biology or want to see what happens at a scientific conference? The Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE) is sponsoring registration costs for ten local undergraduate students to attend one full day at the Evolution 2019 meeting in Providence, RI, on Saturday, June 22.

 

Evolution is an annual evolutionary biology conference that brings together over 2,000 scientists from around the world to discuss and present current research. The day at the conference will last from 8AM to ~7PM and will include hundreds of scientific talks, posters, and a networking event with other undergraduates attending the conference. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about scientific careers, receive helpful advice about how to get the most out of the event, and build new professional connections.

Undergraduates selected for this opportunity will be paired with graduate student mentors from around the country to help them navigate through this large, international meeting and answer any questions they may have both before and during the event. Accepted students will receive free registration for the event, but participants will be responsible for their own transportation to the Rhode Island Convention Center and any food they purchase.

 

Important links:

Conference Website

Application

Society for the Study of Evolution

 

Applications are due by 5PM PST on March 29, 2019. Students will be notified of their acceptance by April 8 in order to officially register for the conference by April 15. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, and we hope to see you in Providence!

 

Best,

Melissa Plakke

SSE Graduate Student Advisory Council

Mep115@pitt.edu

[ESA News] seeking field ornithologists, Great Basin (Nevada and California)

The Fleishman lab at University of California, Davis invites applications for up to three ornithological field assistants from mid May through mid July of 2019. Screening of applicants is ongoing and will continue as needed, but the initial application deadline is 7 March 2019.

This position will participate in interdisciplinary studies focusing on ornithology and vegetation ecology of the spectacular Great Basin (eastern California and western and central Nevada). General responsibilities include conducting point counts of breeding birds and measuring vegetation structure and phenology with multiple protocols. The position will maintain detailed data records and interact with local resource managers and the public. The activities expected of the position will lead to analyses and interpretations suitable for inclusion in manuscripts that will be submitted to peer-reviewed scientific journals. The position will interact with multidisciplinary teams of ecologists and geographers and engage in professional discussions relevant to the work. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills, and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

— BS in ecology, natural resources, or a related field with two or more years of experience in remote field settings.
— Experience and proficiency in identification of western birds by sound and sight. This existing skill is essential to the position.
— Experience performing point counts or similar surveys of breeding birds.
— Experience measuring vegetation structure and composition.
— Excellent organizational skills, including ability to collect and maintain accurate hard-copy data records.
— Good physical condition and the ability to work independently in remote field settings, including regular camping in the field.
— Valid driver’s license issued in the United States.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

— Experience driving four-wheel drive vehicles on county-maintained roads.
— Ability to operate manual-transmission vehicles.
— CPR and first aid certifications.

Salary commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY

Please go to https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.employment.ucdavis.edu%2Fapplicants%2Fjsp%2Fshared%2Fsearch%2FSearch_css.jsp&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cc66a478b188a440f345408d69c1789ae%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636868022241173836&sdata=dJjahYP6j%2B01M8y2B%2FksxjD4TwBhUVW2cIEwxejm9QA%3D&reserved=0, and then search for requisition number 03023343. Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their qualifications, including but not limited to their ability to identify western birds by sound and sight and their previous experience with ornithological survey methods, experience with identification and measurement of the Great Basin flora, and backcountry experience. Applicants also must submit a curriculum vitae or resume. Documents or materials must be submitted as PDFs. Additionally, applicants must provide contact information (including email and telephone number) for three professional references.

QUESTIONS? Please direct questions to Erica Fleishman, efleishman@ucdavis.edu.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. The complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy is available at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpolicy.ucop.edu%2Fdoc%2F4000376%2FNondiscrimAffirmAct&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7Cc66a478b188a440f345408d69c1789ae%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636868022241173836&sdata=pyGwRe1XyaS%2B8IxAPwwpCp%2BaTU4viTwmnYrpj%2F%2FMkY0%3D&reserved=0.

Job Posting at Mass. Division of Marine Fisheries

Hi Everyone,

We are looking to hire a seasonal technician (33 weeks; Mar-Oct) to support a recently funded BREP grant.  The project is focused on developing a bycatch avoidance system for cod in the Gulf of Maine recreational fishery.  The position includes a mix of field work, data analysis/writing and outreach.  The technician also be responsible for sea sampling during the cod Industry Based Survey in the Gulf of Maine.

The full job description is available here: https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=190000AV       

Please pass this opportunity along to anyone that you think may be a good fit.

Thanks,

Greg

Greg DeCelles

Aquatic Biologist III – Stock Assessment Specialist

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries

836 South Rodney French Blvd. – Office 304

New Bedford, MA 02740

Phone: 508-742-9741

Fax: 508-990-0449

Gregory.DeCelles@state.ma.us

Anticipated Seasonal Research Assistant

Based in New Haven, it is a great opportunity for local CT students to gain experience in both lab and field settings. I have already posted the position to Handshake, and the flyer with the full description is attached.

 

Thank you,

Summer Stebbins

 

 

 

Summer E. Stebbins

Research Technician I

Invasive Aquatic Plant Program

Environmental Sciences

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

 

(203) 974 – 8545

Summer.Stebbins@ct.govSummer Assistant 2019 IAPP Soil

OklahomaStateU.REUprogram.Macroevolution

NSF funded Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
investigating morphological diversity of frogs and toads

The Moen Lab at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater is seeking
applications from highly motivated and diverse undergraduate students
to conduct independent research projects concerning the morphological
diversity of frogs and toads.

As part of the program, the successful applicants will be trained to
conduct scientific research and receive mentoring to advance their
careers as scientists. Successful projects may lead to future research
opportunities in the Moen lab and publication of a manuscript. Successful
applicants will also receive a $3200 stipend and housing through OK
State University.

Brief description of the program: The program runs for 8 weeks, from 27
May ¡V 19 July 2019 Students will work with a postdoctoral research
mentor to choose a project, collect and analyze data, and present the
results of the project at the end of the summer. Students will also travel
to the Biodiversity Institute at the University Kansas to see one of the
world¡Šs largest amphibian collections, select specimens for research,
and talk to curators and graduate students about collections-based
research and careers.

Research projects will focus on the evolution, morphology, and mechanics
of movement of anurans (frogs and toads). Potential subjects include:

(1) The relationship of body form and function
(2) Evolutionary biomechanics
(3) Macroevolution of ecology, morphology, and biogeography

Eligibility: Currently enrolled, non-graduating undergraduate students
majoring in biology, or biology-related discipline are eligible to
apply. Previous research experience is desired, but not strictly
necessary. Students from historically underrepresented groups in the
STEM-related fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply: The application will have four parts: a general form, an
essay, a transcript, and contact information for a reference. Applications
are due March 15, 2019. Successful applicants will be notified within
two weeks following the application deadline. For detailed instructions,
follow this link: moenlab.okstate.edu/reu

If you have questions or concerns, please contact either the principle
investigator Dr. Daniel Moen (daniel.moen@okstate.edu) or his postdoc
Dr. Gen Morinaga (gen.morinaga@okstate.edu).

daniel.moen@okstate.edu