PhD position: food web ecology

Posted on by
Hello Colleagues,
In addition to our advertisement for Lake Ecology Research Technicians, we are looking for a PhD student to join our research team at Colorado State University.  Please find the position description below:
PhD student position: Food web ecology and management of nonnative Mysis shrimp in Grand Lake, Colorado
Location: Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, & Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Description: The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University invites applications for a funded PhD student position to study ecology and management of nonnative Mysis shrimp in Grand Lake, Colorado. The successful applicant will be based in the laboratories of Dr. Zoe Almeida and Dr. Dan Preston. Nonnative species can restructure food webs, and Mysis have exemplified such consequences following their introduction from their native Great Lakes region to lakes throughout the Western US. In Grand Lake, where a trans-basin water project has contributed to reduced water clarity, there is strong interest in exploring whether reducing Mysis may restore native zooplankton populations and improve water clarity. The successful candidate will design and conduct research to assess how Mysis affect water clarity through food web interactions in experimental settings, especially using laboratory mesocosms. Research may also include leveraging long-term data on water quality and fish populations, in-lake mesocosm experiments, gut content and stable isotope analyses, bioenergetic modeling, and evaluating the ecological roles of Mysis at broader spatial scales using data synthesis. The successful candidate will collaborate with partners and stakeholders at CSU, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Northern Water, the Three Lakes Watershed Association, and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Candidates must have:
    • An undergraduate degree in limnology, ecology, biology, or equivalent Demonstrated excellence in science communication (scientific writing, presentations) and quantitative skills Ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively with a research team
Preferred qualifications include:
    • A Masters degree in a related field and demonstrated ability to publish research Experience with experimental design, limnology, fish ecology, and food web analyses (e.g., gut content, stable isotope, and metabarcoding analyses) Experience working with multiple stakeholders Familiarity with common programs used for data analyses (e.g., R software)
Position Start Date: Preferred start date is summer of 2026, which would provide the opportunity for field work before enrolling as a graduate student in Fall of 2026. A later start date is negotiable, but the ideal candidate would formally enroll during the ’26/’27 academic year.
Funding: The position is conditionally funded for 4 years through support from the Bureau of Reclamation and teaching assistantships. Funding includes stipend, health insurance, and tuition.
Application: Please submit a letter of interest (1 page), a CV, and contact information for three references as one PDF file to: Dr. Zoe Almeida (l.zoe.almeida@colostate.edu) and Dr. Dan Preston (Dan.Preston@colostate.edu) (please use subject “PhD application: Mysis experiments”). Finalists will be invited to apply through the Colorado State University Graduate School.
Closing Date: Review begins immediately with interviews on a rolling basis and will continue until the position is filled.
Jeremy Brooks
Postdoctoral Fellow Scientist
Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
Colorado State University P

Hiring: Research Technician in Agroecology in Salina, KS

Posted on by
There’s a new Farm Operations research technician position at The Land Institute that will be focused on plot maintenance, field work, and grain threshing. If you know anyone who may be interested and suitable, please share the opportunity with them.
Summary of the job duties:
Field and Lab Work
Initiate, oversee, and maintain research plots through a variety of tasks that include sowing and transplanting, weeding, mowing, irrigating, applying fertilizer, insecticide, fungicide, and herbicide.Sample and harvest field plots in accordance with research timelinesProcess and clean post-harvest samples, including de-hulling, threshing, removing chaff, and collecting sample data such as biomass, seed size, thousand kernel seed weight, etc. Carefully record the time and location of field operations in notebooks, spreadsheets, and online databases; maintain a system of organization consistent with research goalsEnsure that equipment and supplies are available, clean, and in good working order before, during, and after useAssist with natural area management as requested, including burning, brush control, trail maintenance, and revegetationHelp install or remove high tunnels, tunnel covers, weed fabric, plot markers or fences, and temporary irrigation systems. Assist with special events, including tent setup and teardown, signage, etc. Assist with snow removal and spring campus clean-up.
Communication & Outreach
Maintain relationships, communication, and coordination between farm, operations, and research staff;
Organization & Management
Direct & oversee the work of research assistants in the field and seed cleaning tasks, as well as assisting with any necessary trainingHelp with post-harvest sample cleaning and help coordinate the use of cleaning equipment with research programsManage the Land Institute’s shared seed threshing/cleaning facilities, including space organization & scheduling, equipment maintenance & storage, and user training. This role could be expanded to include other specialized equipment or facilities that are designated for research.  Research and make recommendations about equipment features and integrations between equipment, and about new equipment purchase options. Help to refine field and sample processing protocols
Salary range: $45,968-$55,000 annually, depending on experience
Learn more and apply here: 
You may wish also to visit The Land Institute for our 50th Anniversary. The Prairie Festival happening Fri, Sep 25 through Sun, Sep 27.
About The Land Institute:
The Land Institute co-leads the global movement for perennial, diverse, regenerative grain agriculture at a scale that matches the enormity of the intertwined climate, water, and food security crises. An independent 501c3 non-profit founded in 1976, the organization seeks to reconcile the human economy with nature’s economy, starting with food. The transdisciplinary team of scientists, together with global partners, is developing new perennial grain crops, like Kernza©, and diverse cropping systems that function within nature’s limits while researching the social transformation required for a just, perennial human future.
—
Laura van der Pol
Lead Soil Ecologist
P: +1 713.504.0067

Wetland Modeling M.S. Research Assistant; Central Michigan University

Posted on by

Wetland Modeling M.S. Research Assistant Position

Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI

We are seeking a M.S. student to characterize and model nutrient dynamics in managed wetlands in Michigan. Specifically, the student will assist in field data collection, perform data analysis, and develop and run process-based models of wetland hydrology and nutrient cycling. This position will involve some field and lab work, but the bulk of the research will focus on data analysis and numerical modeling. The student will be jointly supervised by Drs. Roderick Lammers and Amanda Suchy.

 

The target start date is August 2026 with the potential for employment on the project from May 2026 to August 2026. This research assistantship includes 2 years of stipend and tuition waiver. The ideal candidate will have a BS degree in ecology, environmental engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Research or class experience in water quality, hydrology, biogeochemistry and/or numerical modeling is preferred.

 

Depending on background, the student could enroll in either the MS in Engineering (https://cmich.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/graduate-bulletin/colleges-and-departments/engineering-and-technology-school-of/engineering-m-s) or MS in Biology program (https://cmich.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/graduate-bulletin/colleges-and-departments/biology-department-of/biology-m-s).

 

Interested students should submit: 1) a resume or curriculum vitae, including the names and contact information of at least 2 references; 2) a letter summarizing research interests and skills relevant to this position; and 3) an unofficial copy of transcript(s). Priority will be given to applications received by April 17, 2026. This position is open until filled.

To apply or for more information, please email Dr. Roderick Lammers (lamme1r@cmich.edu).

JOB OPPORTUNITY: eDNA/eRNA TECHNICIAN, STUDENT SERVICE CONTRACTOR, USGS

Posted on by

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.

Wildfire Specialist Intern

Posted on by
ApexRMS is seeking a Wildfire Specialist Intern to contribute to national-scale wildfire hazard modeling and science communication. This is a 6-month paid internship supported through the NRC-IRAP Youth Employment Program (YEP).

Location: Remote (within Canada)
Duration: 6 months
Start Date: April 6, 2026
Salary: $60,000 annual equivalent
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

—

ABOUT THE ROLE

The successful candidate will work with BurnP3+ and SyncroSim to develop wildfire hazard models and translate outputs into materials for diverse audiences including Indigenous communities, insurers, utilities, and government agencies. Responsibilities include processing and analyzing spatial datasets (fuels, weather, topography), developing case studies and technical summaries, and collaborating with internal scientists and external partners.

About ApexRMS:
ApexRMS is an environmental modeling company and developer of SyncroSim, a widely used platform for ecosystem simulation and decision support. Our tools are used by organizations including the U.S. Geological Survey, Canadian Forest Service, and The Nature Conservancy.

—

QUALIFICATIONS

– Background in ecology, geography, forestry, or a related field, with interest or experience in wildfire science
– Spatial data skills in R or Python; comfort with raster/vector datasets in environmental contexts
– Ability to communicate complex modeling results clearly in maps, reports, or presentations
– Experience with wildfire modeling tools (BurnP3+, Prometheus, FlamMap) or familiarity with the insurance, utilities, or natural resource sectors is a strong asset

—

YEP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

This position is funded through the NRC-IRAP Youth Employment Program. Candidates must:
– Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
– Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
– Hold a post-secondary degree or diploma
– Be a first-time participant in a federal Youth Employment program targeted at post-secondary graduates

—

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to careers@apexrms.com with the subject line: “Wildfire Specialist Internship – [Your Name]”

Deadline: March 31, 2026

For more information about ApexRMS and SyncroSim, visit apexrms.com.

Seasonal forest and fire ecology field crew leads

Posted on by

Seasonal forest and fire ecology field crew leads for work on Coastal Redwoods and Giant Sequoias

Positions: Seasonal forest and fire ecology field crew leaders (2)

Employer: University of California, Berkeley

Dates:

Application deadline: rolling until filled

Coastal Redwood Crews: May 18th – September 30th

Giant Sequoia Crew: May 25th – September 12th

Constraints on availability may be accommodated, crew lead may start early.

Compensation:

All positions receive holiday pay, sick leave, and options for health insurance coverage

$27.46/hr

Overview:
The Shive Lab at UC Berkeley is currently hiring for two field lead positions to support two exciting research projects focused on forest recovery and fire resilience in California’s forest ecosystems. These projects aim to better understand postfire forest recovery in both coast redwood and giant sequoia forests.

Field methods, equipment, and safety training will be provided. The crews will be trained by UC Berkeley staff in the first week of work but otherwise will need to work independently throughout the season, communicating regularly with the project manager. The work schedule will include 8 ten-hour work days followed by 6 days off.

Crews will be provided with a vehicle, but crew members are responsible for their own transportation to and from the duty station at the beginning and end of the work week. Some field driving will be on remote and rugged roads.

Some shared camping equipment will be provided as necessary. Field work in mountain and coastal environments can be grueling, and crews will be expected to navigate off-trail, in hot or cold weather, on steep slopes and in harsh conditions. In some post-fire landscapes, field crew staff should anticipate traveling through dense shrubs for long distances to get to plots. Candidates with backcountry savvy will be preferred, but candidates with a proven hard work ethic in arduous conditions are welcome and will be trained in backcountry skills.

Giant Sequoia Crew (1 lead):

For the giant sequoia reforestation monitoring project, we are tracking seedlings that were planted in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to track survival and explore the potential drivers of that survival. Sequoia crew will collect data on planted seedlings primarily in burned giant sequoia forests, in both frontcountry and backcountry groves. The crew will measure seedlings and competing vegetation, and may also collect some data on forest structure and fuels. This monitoring will result in both original scientific research and tangible recommendations for the Parks in terms of future planting needs.

Field sites include groves in remote backcountry wilderness areas that will require self-supported backpacking ~10 miles with a heavy pack, likely for at least two 8-day trips. Other field sites will be frontcountry accessible, but will still require crews to camp during the work week sometimes in sites that lack running water or restrooms.

The duty station is the UC Reserve in Wawona, Yosemite National Park, where housing is also available for a monthly fee.

Coast Redwoods Crews (1 leads):

The coastal redwood fuels project will explore how fuels and forest structure vary by fire severity and time-since-fire, with the goal of understanding fuel re-accumulation patterns in burned forests. We will be hiring two separate crews to collect ecological data at sampling sites ranging from the Santa Cruz Mountains to Southern Oregon. The crews will collect field data on forest structure and fuels, and also collect woody fuel samples that will be later used to improve standardized methods for quantifying fuels in coastal redwood forests.

Most of the season will involve car camping, either in designated campsites (paid for by the employer) or in unofficial “dispersed” campsites adjacent to remote roads. These latter sites lack running water and restrooms.

The duty station is the UC Reserve in Hopland, California, where housing is also available for a monthly fee.

Required qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in ecology, botany, forestry, range science, or related natural science field

A minimum of two seasons of related field work

Experience in conifer forest vegetation data collection methods

Experience in identifying trees and shrubs

Experience in use of map, compass, and GPS units for location and travel

Ability to maintain a positive attitude in physically demanding and/or uncomfortable conditions

Enthusiasm for the type of work to be conducted

Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Excel for data entry purposes

CPR and Wilderness First Aid certified (certification may be accomplished after job offer is made, with registration cost reimbursed by the employer up to $250)

Preferred qualifications:

Experience conducting forestry or ecological field work, preferably in similar environments to those planned for these positions

Excellent organizational skills and detail oriented for data management, equipment management, crew management , and planning

Ability to take a leadership role and make decisions without input from supervisor when needed

Experience in a variety of vegetation sampling techniques

Experience working with complex data recording equipment

Experience in backcountry camping

Valid driver’s license

Physical Demands:

Ability to hike 5+ miles per day with a heavy pack through difficult and steep terrain often without trails and often in areas burned by wildfire or prescribed fire

Willingness and ability to work in rugged/remote conditions, possibly with overnight stays away from vehicles

Ability to work in extremely hot and dry as well as cold and wet conditions

Covid-19 Precautions:

Crews will be expected to carefully follow required Covid-19 precautions outlined by their

supervisors (and required by the University of California). We expect employees to help protect the health of their fellow crew members by acting responsibly.

Crew Safety and Inclusion:

Outdoor safety is of the utmost importance in field work. This can have many meanings, including having first aid training, being a safe driver, being aware of your personal abilities and limitations when off-trail, and being prepared for potentially negative interactions with strangers. We will do all that we can to ensure every crew member is safe and secure in the field.

To Apply (please follow these instructions exactly):

Combine a cover letter (1 page maximum), CV/resume (2 pages maximum), and three references (including name, organization, phone, email, and relationship to you) into a single pdf. Name the pdf file with your last name and first initial . Upload your application to the google form below. Your cover letter must also clearly state whether you are applying for crew lead or crew member, which project you are interested in, and any potential constraints on your availability between May and October. Your CV should address all of the required and preferred qualifications that you meet.

https://forms.gle/7KCfNc8nPj548fSV7

Applications not following these instructions exactly will not be considered. Thank you for your interest!

Rachel Lloyd
Associate Research Specialist, Shive Lab
Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management

UC Berkeley | Ohlone Land

Cell: (724) 674 -2383
325 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720

MS Position, Weed Science, New Mexico State University

Posted on by

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.

 

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

Posted on by

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.

 

 

REU Opportunity Remote Sensing of Ash Tree Health

Posted on by
The Swenson Lab (www.swensonlab.com) at the University of Notre Dame has an open research experience for undergraduates position. The undergraduate student will work with Ph.D. student Alex Cox on a project investigating the responses of ash trees to emerald ash borer at the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC)(https://underc.nd.edu) in northern Wisconsin. The student will learn how to measure leaf-level physiology and how to collect and analyze Lidar and multispectral data and they will present their findings at the end of summer in the annual UNDERC undergraduate symposium at the field station..
The position would occur at the UNDERC site, would require routine field work and would last 10 weeks beginning late May. The student will receive a $6000 stipend, free housing and an allowance covering travel to and from the site.
Consideration of applications will begin immediately and interested individuals should send a brief (1-2 paragraph) statement of interests and a resume/CV to Alex Cox: acox22@nd.edu

—

Nathan G. Swenson, Ph.D.

Martin J. Gillen Director of the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC)
Professor of Biological Sciences
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana 46556

Research Associate – water quality, Southeastern MA

Posted on by

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.