Employment opportunity – Aquatic Wildlife Specialist

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WILDLIFE SPECIALIST II
“Aquatic Wildlife Specialist”
FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION / REGION 4 / YUMA BASED
FLSA- Exempt / SALARY GRADE 20 ($36,814-$65,827)
REQUISITION #38234 – CLOSING DATE: 05/30/2018
 
The mission of the Arizona Game & Fish Department is to conserve Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and manage for safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations.  It is our vision to be the national conservation leader supporting the continuation of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and Arizona’s most trusted, respected and credible source for wildlife conservation products, services and information.
 
Description of Duties: Under the direction of the Aquatic Wildlife Program Supervisor, the Aquatic Wildlife Specialist will perform a variety of professional work related to fisheries management for the Yuma Regional Office. The Specialist will be responsible for planning and conducting fisheries management actions and projects in accordance with work plans. Develops and writes management plans and study proposals.  Coordinates and conducts management activities, surveys, and evaluations on fish populations and aquatic habitats.  Plans and coordinates work activities with Department personnel, other agencies, special interest groups, and the public. Collects data, manages databases, analyzes data, interprets analysis, and prepares various technical and popular reports.  Presents information to various agencies, fisheries professionals, special interest groups and the general public.
 
Develops and maintains positive working relationships with other local, state, and federal agencies, special interest groups, and the general public and provides high quality customer service to both internal and external customers.  Reviews and provides comments on proposed actions and management plans that could affect fisheries resources.  Coordinates and conducts various educational and outreach activities such as fishing clinics, educational talks/presentations, round-table discussions, and public meetings.  Assists in developing annual work plans and various reports.  Evaluates and issues special licenses and permits.  Facilitate efforts to enhance aquatic habitats, fish populations, fishing opportunities, and angler access.  Operates, maintains and repairs program equipment.  Trains and may oversee other Department employees, interns, and volunteers assisting the fisheries program.  Serves as acting program supervisor in supervisor’s absence, and other duties as assigned to maintain and implement the aquatic wildlife program.
 
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: (KSA’s) The position requires knowledge of: fish, wildlife, habitat research, investigation, management, and conservation techniques and procedures; species identification and habitat requirements of Arizona  fish and aquatic flora and fauna, fish and water monitoring, surveying, sampling, and collection techniques and procedures; federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to fisheries management; federal, state, and local agency roles and functions relative to fisheries management and environmental issues and administrative procedures for special licenses and permits.
 
The candidate must be skilled in effective writing and oral communication, mathematics and basic statistical analysis, data collection, management, analysis, interpretation, and presentation, GPS, GIS, and topographic use, vehicle, watercraft, and hand equipment operation, safety, and maintenance, report writing, project planning and execution, work management, supervision, leadership, working in remote areas, first aid, and survival skills, and working with others.
 
The candidate must have the ability to develop effective and positive working relationships with various federal, state, and local agencies, special interest groups and the general public, able to provide positive and effective customer service to a variety of internal and external customers, effective communication with a wide variety of audiences, work outdoors in extreme and isolated conditions and be able to train and lead others.
 
The candidate must have a Bachelor of Science degree in fisheries management, fisheries biology, wildlife management or closely related field. The preferred candidate will have a Master of Science degree or three years of experience designing and implementing fisheries management practices, investigations, or research.
 
Employment is contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/physical examination and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.  This position requires possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment.  Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.
 
All newly hired employees will be subject to the E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification program.  
  
The State of Arizona offers an outstanding comprehensive benefits package including:
 
* 13 days’ of vacation
* 12 sick days
* 10 paid holidays
* Participation in the nationally recognized Arizona State Retirement System
* Superior health care options
* Vision care, dental care, pharmacy benefits, and flexible spending account (options available)
* Life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance options are available
* Many more benefit programs are available
 
Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer
 
TO APPLY CLICK AZSTATEJOBS.GOV
CLICK SEARCH FOR JOBS, SELECT GAME AND FISH DEPT FROM AGENCY DROPDOWN
 

PH.D. Graduate Research Assistantship: Invasion Ecology in Agroecosystems

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Subject: PH.D. Graduate Research Assistantship: Invasion Ecology in Agroecosystems

Ph.D. Assistantship –
Integrating new technologies to understand invasion ecology in Agroecosystems

We seek a highly motivated student to fill a fully funded Ph.D. position in the labs of Drs. Marcus Lashley and Garrett Street at Mississippi State University to study Invasion Ecology in Agroecosystems. This research is an extension of an ongoing 6+ year project (beginning year three now). The student will be expected to collect data with unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAV) to integrate with other in situ data sets into a landscape modelling framework with the objective of predicting the spatiotemporal probability of human wildlife conflicts, the effects of swine invasion on native wildlife communities, and swine population vulnerability as predicted by island biogeography theory. The successful student will have access to large data sets from radiotags and accelerometers deployed on feral swine, remotely sensed agricultural data, a captive feral swine facility, the Center for UAV Research, and camera traps deployed in remnant forest patches across Agroecosystems of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley.

Required Qualifications: Successful completion of the FAA UAS training will be required within the first semester. Possess or obtain a driver’s license. Ability to work in teams or individually in secluded and remote, hot and humid conditions, where most organisms want to sting, bite, or puncture you.

Preferred Qualifications: Strong quantitative, GIS, and written skills are desirable. Strong interpersonal skills, fun attitude with a good sense of humor, and desire to promote research and technology transfer through social media and public speaking.

Interested applicants should submit via email a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, a current curriculum vitae, contacts for three references, and an example of writing (preferably a peer-reviewed
publication) to Dr. Marcus Lashley, marcus.lashley@msstate.edu.
We will be accepting and reviewing applications immediately until a suitable applicant is found. Start date is flexible but intended for August 2018.

Two MS positions in Ecotoxicology

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The Glaberman Lab is looking for two graduate students to perform research on ecotoxicology as part of the Masters in Environmental Toxicology Program
(ETOX) at the University of South Alabama (USA).  This is a two-year program that combines coursework and a thesis research experience. We are looking for students to work on each of the following general projects:

(1)     Computational ecotoxicology: the student will focus on looking at the
genetic and protein basis for understanding differences in species sensitivity to chemicals. This project combines examination of molecular biology data and bioinformatics with available information on chemical toxicity. Experience with statistical software (e.g. R) or bioinformatics tools (e.g., BLAST) is a plus.

(2)     Nematode ecotoxicology: the student will help develop our new toxicity
testing system in nematodes. This includes performing nematode husbandry and designing toxicity testing procedures. The project will focus initially on looking at effects of neurotoxic pesticides on nematode behavior, survival, and reproduction. The goal is to build an improved system for examining effects of chemicals on soil health.

The deadline to apply to the MS program for Fall 2018 is July 15th, so prospective students should contact me at least several weeks in advance.
Students have the ability to earn an assistantship and stipend and serve as teaching assistant for extra money. More information on USA’s ETOX program can be found at:
http://southalabama.edu/graduatemajors/etox/

The Glaberman Lab is based in the Department of Biology at the University of South Alabama. We specialize in applying evolutionary biology approaches to ecotoxicology. More information on Dr. Glaberman’s laboratory can be found at:
http://scottglaberman.com

The University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, Alabama on the Gulf Coast. Mobile is a short drive from beautiful beaches and wildlife viewing spots and its Mardis Gras is the oldest Carnival celebration in the US.

If you are interested in these MS positions or have any questions, please contact Dr. Scott Glaberman (scottglaberman@southalabama.edu).

bog turtle graduate position

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M.S.  Graduate Assistantship on Bog Turtle Conservation Planning 
A graduate position for a master’s student will be available Fall 2018.  The student would sample potential habitat for bog turtles in southwestern Virginia using an occupancy modeling framework, and estimate changes over time in population size and growth rates, using a previously developed GIS model and a long-term mark-recapture database.  Major goals are to work closely with state agency personnel to develop a conservation plan based on trends in land use and human population growth and to improve our understanding of wetland size and connectivity required to maintain viable populations of bog turtles.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries & Wildlife, Ecology, or related fields.  Successful applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA above 3.3, strong quantitative and writing skills, and GREs above 50th percentile. Experience with conservation planning, demographic analyses, occupancy modeling, wetland habitats, and/or GIS is desirable, as is having previous scientific publications.
Anticipated starting date: August 2018
To apply: Applicants should submit a letter of interest and a c.v. (including undergraduate and M.S. grade point average and GRE scores) as well as contact information for three references.  Letters of interest received by June 6th will ensure full consideration but applications will be considered until position is filled.  Promising candidates will need to submit an official application to the graduate school at Virginia Tech (https://graduateschool.vt.edu/admissions/how-to-apply.html).  Contact information:  Dr. Carola A. Haas, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences, Mail Code 0321, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, cahaas@vt.edu, 1-540-231-9269.  Please put “bog turtle graduate position” in subject line of emails to Professor Haas.

field technician, NJ Audubon

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NEWARK BUILDING FIELD TECHNICIAN needed 10 August through 9 November 2018 for research evaluating building/bird interactions in Newark, NJ.  Modern tall building in US cities, including Newark, have the potential to cause significant mortality to migrant birds.  Duties include but are not limited to pre-dawn surveys around buildings to document grounded birds, transporting injured birds to the rehabilitator and data management.  Proficiency with MS Excel and Word software a must.  Familiarity with birds of the northeastern US and use of hand-held GPS preferred.  Applicants must be able to work independently or as part of a team, and work irregular hours, including occasional weekends. Salary $1800 – $2200/month, depending on experience.  Must have a valid and clean driver’s license.  Send cover letter of interest, resume and three references, as a single pdf document, no later than July 6 to New Jersey Audubon by email to hr.research@njaudubon.org. Please include “Newark fall” in the subject line so that your application is routed properly.  The New Jersey Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.
 

MSc or PhD opportunity – Examining susceptibility to the Emerald ash borer (EAB) in the ash understory, University of New Hampshire

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Subject: MSc or PhD opportunity – Examining susceptibility to the Emerald ash borer (EAB) in the ash understory, University of New Hampshire

The Garnas lab (http://mypages.unh.edu/garnaslab) seeks a highly motivated graduate student (MSc or PhD; PhD preferred) for a USDA-APHIS funded project to advance understanding of how chemical and morphological traits vary across tree size and species, and how such variation may influence Emerald ash borer (EAB) oviposition behavior, larval performance and survival, and parasitism by native and introduced natural enemies. Key aspects of the project include the systematic characterization of defensive compounds across ash species and tree sizes using pyrolysis-GCMS and the design and implementation of experiments to examine how chemical and morphological trait variation influences EAB and its key biological control agents. Successful candidates must have a keen interest in plant defensive chemistry and associated consequences for plant-insect interactions. Some basic chemistry background (e.g., coursework or lab
experience) is preferred but not required. Opportunities for related ecological modeling and/or genetic analyses also exist, particularly in the case of PhD applicants.  The position will be housed in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (NREN;
https://colsa.unh.edu/nren) or in the Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science program (NRESS;https://www.unh.edu/nressphd) for MSc and PhD students respectively. Position ideally begins in Fall 2018.

The University of New Hampshire and NREN/NRESS programs are home to a vibrant community of productive researchers with a strong commitment to student success.  Located in the town of Durham, UNH is a beautiful campus surrounded by forest and natural landscapes.  Only 30 minutes from the ocean and under two hours from the White Mountains, outdoor and other recreational activities abound, including right on campus.

Interested applicants, please send:

– a CV
– a brief summary of research interests and any relevant experience
– GRE scores
– contact information for three references

as a single pdf file to jeff.garnas@unh.edu.  Position will be open until filled.

PhD opportunity in Coastal Wetland Ecology at UConn

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Beth Lawrence’s research group at University of Connecticut has an opening for a PhD student in wetland ecology. We conduct primary and applied research focused on improving our understanding of wetland plant community composition, restoration, and ecosystem function. The applicant will develop and examine questions related to how vegetation alters carbon cycling in coastal marshes, possibly examining the role of root exudates and rhizosphere oxygenation in organic matter persistence.
Top candidates will have an MS in a related discipline with relevant field and biogeochemistry research experience. Ideally, the Graduate Research Assistant will begin this fall semester (late August 2018), but a January 2019 start may be possible.

Contact Beth via email (beth.lawrence@uconn.edu) before June 1, 2018 to warrant full consideration with the following information: CV, GPA and GRE scores, and a brief statement of research experience/interests/career goals. See the following links for more information on my research program: http://lawrencelabuconn.weebly.com/,
the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment:
http://www.nrme.uconn.edu/ and details about applying to the Graduate School at the University of Connecticut:http://grad.uconn.edu/.

M.Sc. Assistantship – Effects of wildlife feeding on wildlife and plant communities

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Subject: M.Sc. Assistantship – Effects of wildlife feeding on wildlife and plant communities

Wildlife feeding has become common practice across much of the terrestrial landscape. However, little empirical data have been presented to determine how those practices affect the community structure and function. We seek a highly motivated student to fill a fully funded M.Sc. position in the lab of Dr. Marcus Lashley. This research is part of a larger project (3 M.Sc.
positions) to evaluate how food subsidies such as supplemental feeding and baiting affect wildlife, associated diseases, arthropod vectors, and plant communities. The successful student in this position will be responsible for evaluating the indirect effects of subsidies on plant community structure via direct effects on the wildlife community. In particular, the student will be measuring wildlife community responses with camera traps, and the legacy effects of herbivory and directed seed dispersal on plant communities in relationship to feeder locations. Also, the student will be expected to participate in generating material for the MSU Deer Lab social media platforms. A stipend for living expenses, tuition and health insurance are provided.
Required Qualifications: B.S. in Ecology or closely related field.
Successful completion of the FAA UAS training will be required within the first semester. Possess or obtain a driver’s license. Ability to work in teams or individually in secluded and remote, hot and humid conditions, where most organisms want to sting, bite, or puncture you.
Preferred Qualifications: Strong plant identification, quantitative, and written skills are desirable. Strong interpersonal skills, fun attitude with a good sense of humor, and desire to promote research and technology transfer through peer-reviewed publications, social media, and public speaking. Experience with camera trapping and piloting unmanned aerial vehicles.
Interested applicants should submit via email a cover letter outlining your interest in the project, a current curriculum vitae, contacts for three references, and an example of writing (preferably a peer-reviewed
publication) to Dr. Marcus Lashley, marcus.lashley@msstate.edu.
We will be accepting and reviewing applications immediately until a suitable applicant is found. Start date is flexible but intended for August 2018.

Marine Laboratory Technician Postiion – Bowdoin College Schiller Coastal Studies Center

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Subject: Marine Laboratory Technician Postiion – Bowdoin College Schiller Coastal Studies Center

Research and Instrument Support Technician Bowdoin College, Schiller Coastal Studies Center, Orr’s Island, Maine

Responsible for day-to-day operations of the Marine Laboratory at the Schiller Coastal Studies Center. Utilizes knowledge and experience to provide technical expertise to students, faculty, and outside researchers on the capabilities and operation of the marine laboratory systems and equipment. Maintains a safe and productive working environment for all end users. Works in a collaborative manner to support the mission of the Schiller Coastal Studies Center, including the expansion of teaching and research programs.

Independently manage the day-to-day operations of a flowing seawater laboratory, dry laboratory spaces, and associated support systems. Provides animal care for classes, laboratories, and visiting researchers, including daily maintenance to keep organisms healthy (~50% time). Work with campus facilities to maintain water quality and flow rates year-round.

Maintain equipment inventory and scientific instrumentation. Specific equipment includes compound and dissecting microscopes, molecular biology instruments, and field gear and sampling equipment. Maintain and calibrate a pier mounted environmental sensing platform, and manage an experimental seawater system (~50% time).

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science required. MS degree in Marine Science or related field preferred. Valid driver’s license and ability to meet the standards of the College’s current Motor Vehicle Policy.

Minimum of 2 years work experience in a technical marine laboratory setting and prior research experience in marine science. Excellent computer skills.
Computer programming and IT experience strongly preferred. Basic boat skills and a willingness to work on boats preferred. Proven ability to work independently, using judgement and discretion, in support of marine science research.

Apply at https://careers.bowdoin.edu/hr/postings?position_type_id=1

Native Seed Intern – Salt Lake City, Utah

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Native Seed Interns
Bureau of Land Management Nevada and Utah State Offices/ Great Basin Institute
_________________________________________________________________
Member will provide national service at Bureau of Land Management Service host site for the AmeriCorps Intern Program.
 
Description:
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is recruiting one (1) Native Seed Intern to join our AmeriCorps program to conduct seed collection and ecological restoration activities within the Great Basin on Department of Interior (DOI) lands in Utah
 
Primary Responsibilities:
·         Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for the program;
·         GPS mapping populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other features;
·         Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times;
·         Collecting seed from plant populations for both operational and conservation collections and completing data forms in accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol;
·         Processing and shipping seed.
·         Taking herbarium vouchers, and processing and shipping as necessary.
·         Collecting tissue samples of target species for genetic analysis and processing and shipping.
·         Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities;
·         Assisting with the coordination of conservation crew work;
·         Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events;
·         Provide support for arid land restoration projects;
·         Monitoring and maintenance of reciprocal transplant study plots;
·         Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects.
 
Related Responsibilities:
●     Participate in trainings provided by BLM staff and community partners;
●     Meet with Host Site Supervisor on a regular basis;
●     Participate in required national service days; and
●     Participate in regular AmeriCorps team meetings.
 
 
 
Physical Demands: 
Field work involves driving GBI trucks on both highways and 4WD roads, often for 100+ miles per day as well as hiking off designated trails or routes, across rugged terrain, up to 5 miles per day, but more typically 0-2 miles per day. Seed collection requires regular stooping, standing and maneuvering on uneven terrain for many hours a day. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds or rain in the early spring to temperatures over 100F in the summer. The use of global positioning systems (handheld GPS units), computers, PDAs, digital cameras, and on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on data collection trips will often be required. Schedules are often determined by plant phenology.  Incumbents must also be willing to spend days at a time working at a computer during periods of data entry and analysis.
 
·      Lift up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment
·      Bend, lift, pull, and push
·      Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time
·      Drive for many hours a day on highways and 4WD roads.
·      Handle plant material for many hours a day.
·      Walk and stand for long periods of time on uneven surfaces carrying equipment
·      Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending upon the season)
·      Occasionally work 10+ hour days
·      Travel and camp overnight & up to 8 days at a time for project work
 
Compensation: 
  1. Living Allowance stipend*: $6,100
  2. AmeriCorps Education Award**: $1,538.36
  3. Medical, dental and vision insurance provided at no cost
 
* Final living allowance amount and AmeriCorps Education Award value are determined by the length of the appointment.
** AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future education experiences, including payment of qualifying federal student loans. Loan forbearance and accrued interest payment on qualifying student loans is also available.
 
Timeline:  June–September 2018 (13 weeks)
 
Location:
  • Salt Lake City, UT (BLM)
 
 
Salt Lake City: Nestled in between the Great Salt Lake and the stunning Wasatch Mountains the Salt Lake City metropolitan area has a population of about a million people. As Utah’s capital and largest city it has a rich history and offers year-round recreation opportunities. The BLM Utah State Office in Salt Lake City manages nearly 23 million acres of public land in Utah, ranging from alpine wilderness to sprawling red rock deserts, which are widely recognized as some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
 
Qualifications:
·         Bachelor’s degree with coursework and field experience related to biology, botany, ecology, plant science, or related field;
·         Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity with plants of the Great Basin;
·         Work independently or in pairs with little supervision and high attention to detail;
·         Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work as part of a tight knit team;
·         Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation;
·         Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
·         Understanding and/or experience using ArcGIS Pro 2.0 software, ArcCollector, and Survey 123, helpful;
·         Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team;
·         Ability to bend and stoop for long periods of time while collecting seed, and to use hand tools, and occasionally lift buckets of water and other heavy loads;
·         Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning at 5 am, to avoid heat-related issues, to follow plant phenology, or for coordination with team members. 
·         Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
·         Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days;
·         Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road;
·         Experience operating All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on difficult terrain helpful; and
·         Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement; and
 
How to Apply:
Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal:http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2018-ACI-027
 
The Great Basin Institute conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
 
 These AmeriCorps positions are made possible by a generous grant from the Nevada Commission for National and Community Service.