Graduate positions (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) are available in the Atallah Lab (https://sites.google.com/view/atallahlab) in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of New Orleans (UNO). We are currently looking for students interested in working on the evolution of the early embryonic transcriptome in Drosophila species. Embryonic transcriptomes from diverse species can be readily compared due to similarities in embryonic stages. We are analyzing transcriptomes from different stages of early embryogenesis in flies. Students interested in this project should be prepared for molecular lab work, bioinformatic analysis and field collection of samples.
Interested students should send an email to jatallah@uno.edu<mailto:jatallah@uno.edu>. Please include a brief description of your background (or a CV or resume), and mention why you’re excited about this project.
The University of New Orleans is a public research university and part of the University of Louisiana system. New Orleans is a diverse and historic city with a vibrant culture.

Joel Atallah, Ph.D.
Assistant professor
202 Biology Building
Department of Biological Sciences
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70148
(504) 280-7057
https://sites.google.com/view/atallahlab

2018 SEASONAL VEGETATION MONITORING TECHNICIANS – Ely, NV

The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition (ENLC) is currently seeking vegetation monitoring technicians for our upcoming 2018 field season.
Located in Ely, Nevada, the ENLC is a non-profit conservation organization comprised of public, private, and non-profit partners dedicated to the restoration of Western ecosystems through collaborative teamwork. The ENLC conducts a variety of vegetation/wildlife monitoring projects throughout Nevada and surrounding states. We are requesting applications for a minimum of two to three (2-3) vegetation monitoring technicians to work out of our main office in Ely, NV.

VEGETATION MONITORING TECHNICIAN DUTIES: Field technicians’ primary responsibility will be to collect post-fire vegetation response data in burned areas on public lands managed by the BLM as part of the Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ES&R) program. Data collected will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of post wildfire rehabilitation treatments.
Technicians will be responsible for driving (in company vehicles) and hiking to sampling locations, following rigorous sampling protocols for data collection, data quality control and data entry.

Field work will involve driving on and navigating backcountry dirt roads, hiking and navigating potentially long distances off trail, establishing and monitoring plots using the BLM’s Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy, all while camping in the backcountry for 4-8 days at a time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

Other duties include data entry using the Database for Inventory, Monitoring, and Assessment (DIMA), collecting herbarium quality plant specimens, identifying plants to species in both a field and office setting, operating 4WD vehicles, communicating effectively in a small crew setting, and operating safely in sometimes harsh and stressful field conditions.

LOCATION: Ely is centrally located in the Great Basin and offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, bouldering, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, disc golf, fishing and hunting opportunities abound near the town of 4,200 people. Over 20 separate BLM and USFS designated wilderness areas occur within three hours of Ely, and several national parks, including Great Basin (60 miles), Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon National Parks, are located within a six hour drive. In addition to outdoor opportunities, urban centers such as Salt Lake City and Las Vegas are only a four hour drive. For outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Ely is a perfect place to experience.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Applicants should have graduated from a program in biological sciences, ecology, natural resources or a related field. The ideal applicant will have experience in plant identification and a general knowledge of plant taxonomy.

Applicants should be able to hike 2-10 miles a day while carrying a pack with field equipment, and be comfortable with truck camping in the backcountry for up to 8 days at a time in sometimes harsh weather conditions. Preferred applicants will be experienced with 4WD vehicles, GPS navigation, have had a clean driving record for the past 3 years, and are passionate about the outdoors.

COMPENSATION: $15-$16/hour depending on experience (plus $34/day per diem when camping)

SCHEDULE:  Positions will begin in late April and continue through late August to September as needed. Work will occur on an 8-days-on/6-days-off schedule (10-hour days).

Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three references to Patrick Hellmann at phellmann@envlc.org.
All materials should be emailed by February 9th, 2018.

For more information, please visit our website (http://www.envlc.org) or email any questions to Patrick Hellmann at phellmann@envlc.org.

A PhD position is available in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto to study lake food webs in Algonquin Park, Ontario beginning in September 2018. The project aims to apply stable isotopes, fatty acids, netting survey data and hydroacoustic assessment to quantify the niche diversity of lake whitefish in lakes with either Mysis diluviana or Chaoborus punctipennis as diel vertical migrators.

The student will be co-supervised by Bailey McMeans (University of Toronto,
Mississauga) and Mark Ridgway (OMNRF, Harkness Laboratory of Fisheries Research). Previous aquatic field experience, successful completion of an MSc in Ecology and Canadian PR or citizenship status is preferred, but not required to apply. Please send a cover letter detailing your research background and interests, unofficial transcript and CV with reference contacts to bailey.mcmeans@utoronto.ca before January 31, 2018.

2018 Field Research Technician: Climate Change and Herbivore Effects on Plant Communities

Position description: The Field Technician will directly manage a long-term climate warming experiment on early successional plant communities in Michigan, USA. The goal of the experiment is to quantify the single and interactive effects of climate warming and insect herbivory on plant communities through time. The Field Technician would oversee two experimental sites, to ensure their proper functioning and record long-term ecological data on plants, insects, and climate. The two sites are located at: Kellogg Biological Station Long-Term Ecological Research site (KBS LTER), in Hickory Corners, Michigan, and the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) in Pellston, Michigan. The individual will work directly under Dr. Phoebe Zarnetske to determine the experiment’s management needs, and will be based at one or both of the sites throughout the summer.
Responsibilities include field data collection, data entry, applying insecticide treatments twice monthly during the growing season, and maintaining the experiment infrastructure.
Preference will be given to individuals with experience in ecological field work with plants and/or insects. Position is available for 1 field season (March – early October 2018) with potential for extension, based on performance and funding.
​
For the full position description including eligibility and application see:
http://communityecologylab.weebly.com/opportunities.html.

Deadline: Applications will be considered until February 1, 2018, or until the position has been filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Title: Ecology and Botany Field Technicians – Research Associate I Number of Positions: 4-6 Work Location: Pensacola, FL; Biloxi, MS Pay Rate: $13-18/hour depending on experience and qualifications; housing provided
Duration: ~2 months (approx. Late May through July)

Summary of Position
Colorado Natural Heritage Program seeks 4-6 summer field technicians to use their knowledge of botany and ecology to conduct an accuracy assessment of a vegetation map at Gulf Islands National Seashore along the gulf coast of Florida and Mississippi. This work entails traveling to remote locations and identifying plant communities based on dominant species using the US National Vegetation Classification system (www.usnvc.org). Botanical skills are necessary. Travel to field sites include a combination of daytrips, short camping trips, and occasional boat trips to barrier islands.
This position provides an excellent opportunity for botanists/ecologists eager to explore a variety of different ecosystems and learn to use the US National Vegetation Classification standard. Gulf Islands National Seashore encompass a variety of unique ecosystems including dune complexes, sandy pine ridges, and salt marshes. These communities provide habitats for a wide variety of rare animals and plants including sea turtles, dolphins, pitcher plants, and many more. After this summer, field technicians will have a deep understanding of coastal woodlands and forests, salt marshes, and the US National Vegetation Classification standard.
Duties
1.      Work with a partner to navigate to plot locations and determine
plant community. Requires ability to reliably identify plants and plant communities of the project area, identify dominant species and community structure, and document presence of exotic or rare species.
2.      Reliably locate field plots, safely and efficiently access
sites, complete field forms, operate and maintain field equipment, and effectively manage collected data.
3.      Enter and maintain data in electronic formats (databases,
spreadsheets, GPS, GIS).
4.      Thoroughly document all fieldwork using field notebooks, survey
forms, maps, GPS, digital tablets, and cameras.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, forestry, or related field. Three years of equivalent field may be substituted for degree.
1.      Knowledge of dichotomous botanical keys and field guides
2.      Willingness to travel extensively during field season, work
unusual schedules (up to 8 consecutive days), backpack, car camp, and live in rustic conditions for extended periods in remote areas
3.      Good physical condition and ability to work long hours in the
field, travel by foot off-trail in rough terrain, and work through inclement weather
4.      Careful attention to detail in collecting data
5.      Comfort and familiarity with the use of computers
6.      Experience or familiarity with the use of GPS
Desired Qualifications
1.      Familiarity with flora of the gulf coast (FL, MS)
2.      Experience collecting vegetation and environmental data in the
field
3.      Experience with US National Vegetation Classification
4.      One year experience of species identification, community
classification, or habitat typing
5.      Experience working in hot humid conditions with little shade
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
————————————————————————
———————————————
Applications will be accepted until all positions have been filled or through June 30, 2018, whichever comes first. To apply send resume, cover letter, and three references (with phone #’s), to Joe Stevens at joe.stevens@colostate.edu References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.
————————————————————————
———————————————
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non- discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District is recruiting for several temporary botany positions in support of the stewardship programs at Fern Ridge Reservoir near Eugene, Oregon. One position will be in the GS-0404 Biological Technician series, temporary – not to exceed 6 months – GS 4/5, an and advertised through the USA jobs website, we expect the announcement to op open January 19th and close January 28th. This position is full time for 6 mo months and expected to start in early April, 2018. Two to three more botany po position may be hired through AmeriCorps.

Duties for the GS-0404 Biological Technician botany position include inventory and monitoring for sensitive and ESA listed plant species (Bradshaw’s lomatium, Willamette daisy, Kincaid’s lupine, and others), invasive species inventory and treatment, plant community inventory and site descriptions, seed collection, data entry, report writing, assisting with wildlife surveys, serving as point invasive species inventory and treatment, plant community inventory and site descriptions, seed collection, data entry, report writing, assisting with wildlife surveys, serving as point-of-contact for work crews (high school and corrections), and other stewardship related duties as needed.
The person in this position will work both as a member of a crew, and leader of a smaller crew (depending on project needs) leading a crew of 1-3 Amer AmeriCorps interns in fieldwork. We are seeking someone with strong plant iden identification skills, who will be excited and able to work outdoors in all weat weather, and who communicates and works well with others.

https://www.usajobs.gov/

USACE plans to two or three more botany positions through AmeriCorps (via Northwest Youth Corps). These are subject to funding, and will likely be two 675 hour positions (this would be about 4 months at 40 hours per week) beginning in April, 2018 and continuing through the summer. We encourage students to apply, and may accommodate spring term class schedules through June 15th on a case by case basis provided they can work at least two full days per week (M-F) and at least 20 hours/week; however, we may give pr preference to applicants who can work full time in May and June. Duties wi will be similar to the GS 4/5 botany position, but without crew lead re responsibility. Another 450 hour position may be available starting ea earlier. We expect these positions to post to the following website by the en end of January, 2018:

http://www.nwyouthcorps.org/m/OurPrograms/ConservationInterns

Contact:
Rhiannon Cochrane
Botanist – USACE Willamette Valley Project Rhiannon.C.Cochrane@usace.army.mil

A Master’s position is available in the Quantitative Forest Management lab of Dr. Steve Chhin in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University (WVU).

The graduate student will primarily conduct field and laboratory work
for a project funded by the USDA Forest Service.    The general
objective of the project is to develop new site index curves for Central Appalachian red spruce by correcting for historical growth suppression.
Models will also be developed which relate red spruce site index to the site index of commonly associated species such as American beech, black cherry, red maple, and yellow birch.  This will aid in restoration and resiliency efforts for red spruce by providing site quality information in areas where red spruce is absent or where new red spruce habitat is expected due to climate change.  Dendroclimatic models will be developed to examine sensitivity of red spruce to past and future climate change.

Qualifications:

A completed Bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field is acceptable.  Preference will be given to applicants that are highly self-motivated, possess a strong work ethic, and have strong oral and written communication skills.  Experience with statistical software packages (e.g., R) and proficiency with GIS would be assets.  A background or strong interest in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable.  Applicants must enjoy working (e.g., rigorous field work) and living outdoors (e.g., camping) and possess a valid driver’s license.  A cumulative GPA greater than
3.25 in undergraduate coursework is preferred.  The start date for this position is May 2018.  This position includes a tuition waiver and health benefits, and a competitive stipend.

Application materials:

Please submit: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcripts, 4) GRE scores, 5) contact information of two references, and 6) TOEFL scores (for international applicants).  Please describe your career goals in the cover letter.  Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled.  To ensure full consideration, please e-mail your application material to Dr. Steve Chhin (sc0061@mix.wvu.edu) by February 9, 2018.