1. Impact of production system on soybean microbiome with Drs. Greg Bonito and Frances Trail: This REU project is based on Michigan State University’s main campus in East Lansing, MI. There, the student will work on a project aimed at characterizing leaf, stem and root microbiomes of crops in a wheat- maize-soy rotation under three production systems: conventional, organic, and no-till. The overall project goal is to understand the impact of production systems, plant species, and chemical inputs on the assembly and function of the plant and soil microbiome. Deadline for applications: March 15, 2018. For more information on the position and how to apply, read the project description athttp://bit.ly/kbslterREUmicrobiome.
2. Remote Sensing Irrigation with Multi-Platform Imagery, Cloud Computing, and Machine Learning with Drs. Anthony Kendall and David Hyndman: This REU project is based on Michigan State University’s main campus in East Lansing, MI. There, the student will work on a project consisting of three primary components: 1) working with remote sensing data from different platforms within cloud-based tools such as Google Earth Engine, 2) developing a robust training and validation dataset for machine learning algorithms, and 3) helping to improve those algorithms and incorporate advances from the fields of deep learning and artificial intelligence. Deadline for applications: March 15, 2018. For more information on the position and how to apply, read the project description at http://bit.ly/kbslterREUirrigation.

Field Technicians: Oak forest regeneration and restoration

Job Description:
We are hiring two technicians to collect field data at sites within the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana as part of a collaborative study between Purdue University and the USDA Forest Service.  The goal of the project is to determine how overstory removal, competition control and prescribed fire can be used to regenerate and maintain oak forests.

Duration:
Mid-May to August 2018 (40 hours/week)

Pay:
$11.50 per hour. Housing is included.

Experience and Skills:
The ability to identify woody plants of the Midwest is strongly desired.
We also desire basic knowledge of forest measurement practices, experience with backcountry navigation using a topographic map and compass, familiarity with standard equipment including GPS, and experience/training in identifying herbaceous vegetation. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.

To apply:
Please email a cover letter describing your qualifications, resume (including contact information for two references) and unofficial transcripts to Mike Jenkins (jenkinma@purdue.edu).  We will begin reviewing applications on April 4, 2018 and will continue until the positions are filled.

Contact:
Please contact Mike Jenkins if you have any questions about the positions.

Volunteers are needed in tropical ecology research and conservation in the Las Piedras River watershed in the Madre de Dios region of Peru for periods anywhere between 1 week to 6 months. Join us to protect the Amazon Rainforest from external threats while living amidst amazing flora and fauna at our remote site.

The Alliance for Research and Conservation in the Amazon (ARCAmazon) is a Peruvian non-profit that supports research and conservation initiatives in collaboration with other non-profits in the region and with local communities on the Las Piedras River. Our field site, Las Piedras Amazon Center (LPAC), in a 4,460 hectare rainforest concession, acts as a hub that channels the energy and resources of volunteering and ecotourism to halt illegal logging, hunting and mining, improve our understanding of Amazonian wildlife, and develop sustainable solutions for the needs of local people making a living in the area.

Volunteers are invited to participate in our efforts at LPAC. We run programs in primate research, herpetofauna research, fungi research, mammal research, permaculture development, drone mapping/spatial ecology, and forest patrolling. Volunteers will work closely with an expert researcher in the particular field and contribute to data collection, monitoring, and analysis. More information on individual volunteer programs are available on ARCAmazon’s website:http://bit.ly/2Hk8SdN

Volunteers at LPAC stay at our remote off-grid camp/ecotourist lodge.
Comfortable accommodations and authentic Peruvian meals are provided.
Living at LPAC also gives access to beautiful trails, swimming areas and frequent wildlife sightings. Fees for accommodations vary by length and nature of the stay. Please refer to our website for details on pricing.

For any further inquiries, email karlu@arcamazon.org . To pick a program and apply for a volunteer program, please visit our website.

Agency: School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University
Location: Greene, Lamar, etc. Counties, MS Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Positions
Salary: $9-10/hour – Housing provided
Start Date: 4/30/2018, but flexible for students taking spring courses Last Date to Apply: 03/30/2018

Description:
We are seeking a full time field technician to assist with avian point counts and vegetation sampling on private lands in southern Mississippi, USA. This work is part of a research project in cooperation with the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service studying avian community composition in longleaf pine stands on private lands. Specifically, this project is focused on sparrow species of conservation concern (e.g., Bachman’s Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, and the Grasshopper Sparrow). Exact starting and end dates for the position are somewhat flexible, but applicants should expect to work from late April through July.

Description of Duties:
Point counts will occur from sunrise to around 10 am every day, with 0-2 days off a week, depending on weather conditions. Vegetation sampling will occur for a couple of hours each afternoon. Technicians will be required to perform avian point counts independently, and may be required to hike through and work in adverse conditions, particularly high heat, humidity, and dense vegetation.

Qualifications:
Candidates possessing or pursuing a degree in wildlife, ecology, forestry, natural resources, or a related field are preferred. Applicant must also be in good physical condition, able to walk long distances and work in areas with dense vegetation during the summer in Mississippi. Previous field experience (specifically point count experience) and familiarity with southeastern bird species associated with open pine ecosystems are strongly preferred. Applicants must possess a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and be tolerant of environmental discomfort. A valid driver’s license is required.

To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Natalie Harris, nrh0030@auburn.edu. Early submission of application materials is recommended, as the position may be filled prior to March 30 if a qualified candidate is identified.

Summer Research Position: Evolutionary ecology of the yucca-yucca moth
interaction

Syracuse University
June 11, 2018 through August 3, 2017

We are seeking highly motivated undergraduates broadly interested in
plant-insect interactions to assist with on-going research examining the
basis of plant host use by yucca moth species.  The research includes
recording pollination behavior, mating behavior, feeding by larvae,
as well as measurement of insect morphology and plant morphology.

Student Experience: Students will work in a laboratory and outdoor
setting.  Moths are nocturnal and active from twilight to midnight.
Students will learn how to handle moths, conduct behavioral recordings,
basic experimental design, and will receive training in species
interactions.  Depending on student motivation, there is the possibility
to design and implement an independent project.  The student will join
a group of undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty conducting
research on the patterns of host use by yucca moth pollinators
(althofflab.syr.edu).

Requirements:  Ability to stand for long periods of time, and work in
changing weather conditions.  Good communication skills and ability to
work in a team-setting is essential.

Application process:  Please submit a CV, detailing any relevant skills,
unofficial transcripts, a one to two paragraph rationale for your interest
in the position, and the names and contact info for two references to
Dr. David Althoff at dmalthof@syr.edu. Application evaluation will begin
May 5th and will continue until the position is filled.  Please direct
questions about the position to Dr. Althoff at the above e-mail.

Funding:  Students will be paid $12/hr for eight to ten weeks depending
on the field season.

**Under-represented groups in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply**

Subject: Fully-funded Master (MS) position in Movement Ecology at the University of Florida starting Fall 2018

We are seeking a motivated MS student to join a large international project funded by the Human Frontiers Science Program (HFSP) aiming at understanding how seabirds navigate and the role of infrasound in their movement [1]. The MS thesis will follow one of two possible paths, requiring students with two distinct profiles: one in applied statistics/mathematics; and one in quantitative ecology. Applications are encouraged for both profiles, but only one student will be selected.

1) Applied statistics/mathematics profile: The student will focus on the development of movement models integrating environmental cues. Applicants should have a background in mathematics or statistics, including at least a course in mathematical statistics (and not just applied statistics) and strong programming skills; fluency in R and a genuine interest in ecological applications are highly desirable. Previous experience, e.g., internships in movement ecology-related subjects or previous work with tracking or satellite data, is a plus. Interactions with the trajectometry group PathTIS in France [2] should be expected.

2) Quantitative ecology profile: The student will work to quantify and understand the associations between individual movement and abiotic conditions (such as meteorological conditions or the infrasoundscape) at multiple scales.  Applicants should have a background in ecology and several courses in applied statistics, and are expected to demonstrate basic programming skills; fluency in R is highly desirable. Previous experience, e.g., internships in movement ecology-related subjects or previous work with geospatial data, is a plus. Interactions with Dr.
Samantha Patrick and Dr. Thomas Clay from the University of Liverpool in the framework of the project [3, 4] should be expected.

The student will be expected to publish the results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at national/international conferences.

The Master’s degree awarded will be either in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation or in Interdisciplinary Ecology (with concentrations in Geographic Information Systems, Mathematics or Statistics). The Master’s program will consist of three semesters mainly dedicated to classwork during the first year and a second year exclusively dedicated to the Master’s thesis. This position will be completely supported for the two years (stipend + tuition) and the program is expected to start in fall 2018.

Classwork during the first two semesters will take place on the main UF campus in Gainesville. Research will be performed at Dr. Mathieu Basille’s lab [5], under the supervision of Dr. Basille and Dr. Rocio Joo [6]. Dr.
Basille’s lab is located at the University of Florida’s Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC), in Davie, Florida. Davie is a town within the large Miami metropolitan area in South Florida, just miles away from the Florida Everglades.

Please apply by sending an email including a cover letter describing your interest, experience and career goals, a CV, unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to Dr. Rocio Joo (rocio.joo@ufl.edu). Write “master application” as the email subject.
Applications will be processed in the order they are received until April 15th or before if a suitable applicant is found.

[1] https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__seabirdsound.org_&d=DwIDaQ&c=pZJPUDQ3SB9JplYbifm4nt2lEVG5pWx2KikqINpWlZM&r=fUqryl6k9G4nZHa3j4i9CwGHGosQc60u5GTpOWeHcCk&m=WE5ZR0B6IgP2LrUGYyi5-lRUgYbcXkFPai_nflI46xE&s=2t1YOZ7TRdMkVuCATTOSirlSrnLgR3f4991c4eHq1FI&e=

[2] https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__sites.google.com_site_statistiqueettrajectoires_&d=DwIDaQ&c=pZJPUDQ3SB9JplYbifm4nt2lEVG5pWx2KikqINpWlZM&r=fUqryl6k9G4nZHa3j4i9CwGHGosQc60u5GTpOWeHcCk&m=WE5ZR0B6IgP2LrUGYyi5-lRUgYbcXkFPai_nflI46xE&s=m4-dOdvgze4qcEcB3GCnLb518ZCo1Cc_isu7nD0XVXI&e=

[3] https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__seabirdsound.org_meet-2Dthe-2Dteam_&d=DwIDaQ&c=pZJPUDQ3SB9JplYbifm4nt2lEVG5pWx2KikqINpWlZM&r=fUqryl6k9G4nZHa3j4i9CwGHGosQc60u5GTpOWeHcCk&m=WE5ZR0B6IgP2LrUGYyi5-lRUgYbcXkFPai_nflI46xE&s=ZAbFSLcHmnWNToXSeIHo-Iq4F8OkatLlrYvJ5h_kKmw&e=

[4] https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__seguliverpool.wixsite.com_home&d=DwIDaQ&c=pZJPUDQ3SB9JplYbifm4nt2lEVG5pWx2KikqINpWlZM&r=fUqryl6k9G4nZHa3j4i9CwGHGosQc60u5GTpOWeHcCk&m=WE5ZR0B6IgP2LrUGYyi5-lRUgYbcXkFPai_nflI46xE&s=PzfzhRlmPKd1wzvAWWXXb68iuPPgRWrhAtQ4mRxIJOw&e=

[5] https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__mablab.org_&d=DwIDaQ&c=pZJPUDQ3SB9JplYbifm4nt2lEVG5pWx2KikqINpWlZM&r=fUqryl6k9G4nZHa3j4i9CwGHGosQc60u5GTpOWeHcCk&m=WE5ZR0B6IgP2LrUGYyi5-lRUgYbcXkFPai_nflI46xE&s=bEtp7xNjZhO6aasSWRreszb0QYK4jEedeJBRoSFFxMs&e=

[6] https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__mablab.org_people_rocio-2Djoo_&d=DwIDaQ&c=pZJPUDQ3SB9JplYbifm4nt2lEVG5pWx2KikqINpWlZM&r=fUqryl6k9G4nZHa3j4i9CwGHGosQc60u5GTpOWeHcCk&m=WE5ZR0B6IgP2LrUGYyi5-lRUgYbcXkFPai_nflI46xE&s=9HlymzWMM_yEhqRN15qYSMaz2ufR3W_4PmL8XDBcG10&e=

POSITION: VEGETATION ECOLOGY INTERN
ORGANIZATION: National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring Program
LOCATIONS: Sausalito, and Point Reyes Station, CA.
POSTING DATE: March 5, 2018.
TO APPLY: Email your resume, a cover letter, and three references to Eric Wrubel at eric_wrubel@nps.gov

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

OVERVIEW
The National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M) collects, organizes, analyzes, and synthesizes natural resource data and information in the San Francisco Bay Area Network of National Parks. This internship will support the I&M Vegetation Ecology program. For more information about the San Francisco Bay Area I&M and the natural resources it monitors, please visit: www.nps.gov/im/sfan  and www.nps.gov/rlc/pacificcoast.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The San Francisco Bay Area Network is seeking two interns to assist with plant community monitoring and invasive plant early detection protocols.
The interns will work primarily in Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore, but will also make visits to Pinnacles National Park, and John Muir National Historic Site. One position will be stationed at Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA, and one position will be stationed at Point Reyes Headquarters, Point Reyes Station, CA.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Plant Community Monitoring Program: utilizing point intercept techniques to read vegetation plots; recording data; navigating using GPS; installing permanent plot markers; photography; entering field data in a Microsoft Access database and performing quality-control checks; assisting with production of plot location manuals, using GIS, Google Earth, and MS Word.

Invasive Plant Early Detection Program: assisting in surveys for invasive plants; collecting data using GPS units and/or tablets; uploading/downloading field data on a web-based and/or GIS database and performing quality-control; Creating survey tracklogs and other map products in GIS and Google Earth.
Herbarium Work: Collecting, photographing, processing, scanning and pressing plant specimens for digital and physical herbarium accession.

BENEFITS
Gain experience identifying plants of the Bay Area, one of the most botanically rich regions in the California Floristic Province, a global biodiversity hotspot. Learn vegetation sampling techniques that are industry standards in land management and research.  Become proficient in GPS and GIS technologies. Gain experience with photography, plant scanning and image management. Enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and cultural resources of spectacular National Parks while engaging park stewards. Professional development and training days are available to pursue interests in other departments within the Park Service and Parks Conservancy. Dormitory housing provided at Fort Cronkhite, Rodeo Beach, Sausalito; and Point Reyes National Seashore. Thirty Dollar ($30.00) per day stipend.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of one or more of the following college courses or equivalent
experience: Botany, Plant Taxonomy, Plant Ecology, Field Methods in Ecology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Biostatistics. Basic computer literacy, Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with database operations, ArcGIS, R, Photoshop, a plus. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT This is a mixed position with field and office time each week. Must enjoy working in an office setting and outside in various weather conditions and terrains while maintaining a good attitude. Occasionally, field work can include up to 8 miles of hiking/day, most often, 1-2 miles/day. Must be able to lift, carry and position objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Field work is both on and off-trail, and frequently involves bushwhacking through dense vegetation. Interns will frequently encounter poison oak, ticks, spiders, mosquitoes, and other wildlife. While we have a comprehensive safety program, and provide protective equipment, please do not apply if you have any hesitation about the physical requirements and work environment.

TERMS
Desired Start Date:  April 9, 2018.
Six month term, April – September, 2018.
Work week is Monday – Friday.
Two locations: Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA; and Point Reyes Station, CA.

The Parks Conservancy and National Park Service seek to increase diversity in the workplace and reflect the changing demographics of our Bay Area community. People of color and from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

MOORS END FARM AND NURSERY
SEASONAL STAFF

DATE: ASAP – mid October; starting and ending dates may be flexible
LOCATION: Nantucket, MA
COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience, free housing provided

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Moors End Farm is a small nursery/garden center/vegetable farm on Nantucket, Massachusetts looking for seasonal help starting this spring and going until the middle of October. This job encompasses all aspects of greenhouse growing and vegetable farming: from transplanting and seeding in the spring to nursery setup and maintenance, weeding, watering, and moving into retail and wholesale sales in May and June. In July we operate a roadside vegetable stand and will need retail help as well as vegetable and flower picking and working on our CSA and farmer’s market.

QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate would have a broad knowledge of plant material as we carry a large selection of perennials and annuals, have a strong work ethic, be conscientious and retail friendly. The ideal applicant will be able to both work independently and within a team setting. This is a great opportunity to learn all aspects of the growing industry as well as pass along knowledge from previous experiences. Please provide references.

Nantucket is an incredible place to work and live, and this is a great position for the right person.

To apply please email a resume to abslosek@earthlink.net or call 774-236- 9209.