Ph.D. Assistantships in Integrated Deer Research at Purdue University

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Three Ph.D. Assistantships in Translational and Integrated Deer Research at Purdue University

The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources seeks energetic and motivated applicants to join an interdisciplinary team of faculty, staff, and state agency personnel conducting translational science to inform management of white-tailed deer and public engagement in Indiana.
We anticipate funding for 3 Ph.D. positions, with individual dissertation foci addressing (A) estimation and modeling of deer populations, (B) ecological condition of plant communities, and (C) stakeholder perceptions of deer populations, habitats and management.
Successful applicants will begin in August 2018 and work closely with each other, agency personnel, and stakeholders to integrate research foci in ways that explicitly inform management by linking deer abundance to habitat integrity and stakeholder perceptions.

Each position is budgeted for 4 years, with a beginning annual stipend of $23,310, a tuition waiver, and health insurance.

Required qualifications include GPA of 3.2, GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores above 50th percentile, and GRE Analytical at least 4.0. Strongly preferred qualifications include: (1) M.S. degree in wildlife, ecology, natural resources, or related social sciences field. In addition, applicants for position (A) will benefit from experience with aerial, remote camera, and pellet-based sampling, strong quantitative skills, and experience with population and statistical modeling, preferably with R and BUGS. Applicants for position (B) will benefit from experience with experimental design, vegetation sampling, and analysis of multispecies data. Applicants for position (C) will benefit from experience with experimental design, survey research, and econometric modeling.

To apply: Prospective applicants should send via email a brief letter of interest and CV (including GPA, GRE scores, and contact information for
references) with “Deer Assistantship” in the subject line. Those interested in position (A) should address their email to Rob Swihart at rswihart@purdue.edu; inquiries for position (B) should be sent to Mike Jenkins at jenkinma@purdue.edu; and inquiries for position (C) should be sent to Zhao Ma at zhaoma@purdue.edu. Review of materials will begin on
1 February.

Women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Purdue University is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer.
For more information, contact the appropriate investigator or visit his/her web site (Dr. Swihart:
https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/sites/swihart/; Dr. Jenkins:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?
strAlias=jenkinma&intDirDeptID=15; Dr. Ma:
http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~zhaoma/Ma/wordpress/).

About Purdue: Purdue is a land-grant university of over 40,000 students and ranked the 5th best public university in the U.S. Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue is an easy drive from Indianapolis and Chicago. The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) is housed administratively in the College of Agriculture (#8 world ranking), emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches across a broad spectrum of natural resource sciences, and offers vibrant, nationally ranked graduate programs in wildlife and ecology. The West Lafayette- Lafayette area is home to a diverse community of 174,000, with good schools, safe neighborhoods, over 40 parks and extensive trail systems, active Farmers Markets, and year-long community festivals and art events.

Field and Lab Technician Jobs in Pollination Ecology

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Field and Lab Technician Jobs in Pollination Ecology

The Winfree Lab at Rutgers University (winfreelab.com) invites applications for two research technician positions to collect and process data on wild bees and the plants they pollinate in Great Lakes region National Parks. The goals of the larger project are to determine the most important plant species supporting spring forest bee communities, and to explore scientific questions about bee biodiversity at large spatial scales.

These are both 6-month positions that start 15 March 2018 and end 15 Sept, with exact start and end dates being somewhat flexible. Both technicians will assist with field work from March to June, and with curation of bee, plant and pollen specimens in the lab from June to September. Pay is $600 per week.

Required Qualifications:
Field research experience; willingness to work long hours outside in difficult conditions (humidity, sun, cold, mud, gnats/mosquitos); willingness to tent camp at remoter sites where housing is not available; ability to carry up to 40 lbs; maturity and ability to work independently; good communication skills; drivers’ license.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with field entomology, plant identification, curating insect and plant collections, and/or pollen identification.

To Apply: As a single PDF, send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position, your resume, and names and contact information for three references to: Lucia Weinman (luciaraew at gmail.com). Please use “Great Lakes Pollination Tech” as the subject line of the email. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.

Rutgers University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and the Winfree Lab encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

Graduate Student Opportunity in Plant Ecology

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M.S. Opportunity in Plant Ecology – Texas State University

The research is located in the pine-juniper woodlands of New Mexico and will focus on the ecological consequences of the widespread pine mortality that has occurred in these ecosystems for over a decade. The student’s responsibility will be to investigate tree recruitment in plots where adult tree mortality has been experimentally manipulated. This involves following the survivorship and growth of mapped tree seedlings. The student is also encouraged to lead or participate in a stable-isotope labelling experiment to examine the effects of vegetation manipulation on hydraulic redistribution.

The student will be enrolled in the Population and Conservation Biology master’s program at Texas State University.

The successful candidate must have a background in plant science, be willing and able to do field work under physically challenging conditions and work well in teams. Prior experience in data collection, analysis and scientific writing are desirable. Minority students are especially encouraged to apply. If interested, please contact Dr. Susan Schwinning at schwinn@txstate.edu and provide (1) a cover letter discussing research interests and relevant experience; (2) a resume or CV with three references and (3) unofficial transcripts.

Position Available: Forest Inventory and Monitoring Intern USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System (Feb 2018)

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Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking ONE Forest Inventory and Monitoring Assistant Intern to assist leaders in developing and implementing a Forest Inventory and Monitoring Program and collect forest inventory data on at least two National Wildlife Refuges in Region 5.  This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in natural resources and/or habitat management on our public lands. The purpose of the internship is to perform a variety of biological technical duties in support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) field projects pertaining to forest ecosystem inventory and monitoring and habitat restoration. The internship will last 50 weeks. The starting and ending dates are flexible to some degree.
 
Start Date: February 1st, 2018 (negotiable)
End Date: (50 weeks from start date)

Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree (or be pursuing a degree) in forestry, wildlife biology, ecology, botany, natural resource management, parks and recreation or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the internship announcement. 

To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website here:https://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS Recruitment Specialist, Melissa Early, 801-573-8984,mearly@usaconservation.org
 
Location: USFWS, Northeast Regional Office, Hadley Massachusetts, with temporary field duty assignments on at least two Refuges in Region 5.

Project Website: For more information on the Hadley, MA USFWS Office, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/northeast/ro.html
For more information regarding ACE, please visit www.usaconservation.org.

Compensation: The ACE Intern will complete 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $570/week paid out biweekly for food and incidental costs. For the periods requiring the intern to be away from their primary duty station, on site housing may be provided at no cost to the intern.

Position Description:

Percentage of Time: 40% – Forest Inventory and Monitoring Program Development 

Primarily assists Refuges Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning Terrestrial Ecosystem Team leaders in developing and implementing a Forest Inventory and Monitoring Program on Refuges.Duties will include providing technical assistance with the forest and wildlife habitat data collection, management and analysis. Assist with the development of inventory sampling design, spreadsheets and databases to facilitate survey efforts. Assist team leaders and Refuge staff in configuring forest inventory software to meet specific Refuge survey objectives.
Use knowledge of forest and wildlife habitat inventory techniques, spreadsheet and database programs, ArcGIS and statistical analysis to assess Refuge forest habitats.  Prepare and edit reports, survey protocols, training materials, standard operating procedures and other documents developed to assist Refuge biologists, foresters and technicians to implement the forest inventory and monitoring program. Participate on terrestrial ecosystem teams and assist team leaders by providing support for managing and coordinating teams. Support includes helping develop team agendas, taking and posting meeting and call notes, facilitating communication between team members and tracking actions.

Percentage of Time: 40% – Field Work
Collect forest inventory data on at least two National Wildlife Refuges. Duties will include assistance with the forest and wildlife habitat data collection, management and analysis. Assist with the development of inventory sampling design, spreadsheets and databases to facilitate survey efforts. Assist team leaders and Refuge staff in configuring forest inventory software to meet specific Refuge survey objectives. Use knowledge of forest and wildlife habitat inventory techniques, plant identification, spreadsheet and database programs, ArcGIS and statistical analysis to assist with the assessment of Refuge forest habitats.

Percentage of Time: 20% – Fire Management Assessment and Vegetation Classification
Assist with the development of a Fire Management Assessment and Vegetation Classification System for the FWS Northeast Region through research of and compilation of existing methods. Consider data collection needs prior to treatment, threshold for management action, after action data review processes and data needs.
Required:  
· US Citizen or Permanent Resident;
· Between the age of 18 and 35;
· A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to provide such documentation;
· A personal vehicle is required for off-duty hours due to the remoteness of the refuge, according to hurricane protocol, and for personal time off;
· Effective communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences;
· Able and willing to work alone and in a group;
· Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in sustained physical labor;
· Be in good physical shape (capable of carrying a 50 pound pack for up to 2 miles).
· Ability to operate independently and in remote areas;
· Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check;
· Able to complete agency computer, privacy, and records management training successfully;
· Have a positive, flexible attitude.

Preferred:
· Knowledge of the basic procedure and technical terminology used in the field of forestry, wildlife biology, plant ecology, invasive species management and the inventory and monitoring of natural resources.
· Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps.
· Skills and abilities to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in a field or office setting.
· Knowledge and skills in taking exact measurements, performing mathematics, some of which may be complicated, and keeping detailed and precise records to collect and assemble data.
· Experience and/or knowledge with Microsoft Excel and Access, GPS, GIS and data collection software and equipment.
· Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation.
· Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional.
· Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies.

Amphibian Research Technicians Needed

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USGS PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER (Turners Falls, MA)
 
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative in the northeast will be hiring 3 student contractor field research technicians in 2018. Technicians will be hired for the spring & summer period (early March through July), with the possibility of extension for work during the fall field season (September through October). Technicians will conduct amphibian surveys primarily in protected areas in the Northeastern US, but primarily in MA, CT, ME and VT. The technicians will work as part of a team that surveys for amphibians within National Parks, Refuges, and Forests, including work in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park, Acadia National Park, and the Green Mountain National Forest.  Surveys will include wetland-associated amphibians as well as stream salamander and terrestrial salamander populations. Field work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking amphibians, as well as collecting water quality and environmental data. The students will be required to conduct field surveys using techniques including visual encounter surveys, dip netting, stream transect searches, temporary removal sampling, and conducting a mark-recapture study using visual implant elastomer. All fieldwork will be conducted as part of teams of 2-4 people, so a demonstrated ability and desire to work effectively with a group is imperative. 
 
The position requires completion of academic coursework related to wildlife biology. Previous field experience with amphibians common in the Northeast US is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS units, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). Technicians may also be asked to mark amphibians with injectable florescent elastomer and take voucher specimens related to amphibian disease studies. All of the work is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain/snow. 
 
The technicians needs to be in good physical condition, as the job requires long hours in the field (including some night-time surveys) and hiking with up to 25 pounds of equipment for extended periods of time on rocky, steep terrain. The technicians must be willing to go on overnight field trips to parks throughout the northeastern US, which will typically last 4-12 days at a time. Accommodations for overnight field work will be provided.
 
Technicians must be able to work at least 40 hours per week. Technicians are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from Patuxent.  Government vehicles will be provided for all field work initiated from Patuxent. Housing costs are not included. Every attempt will be made to assist technicians in finding affordable housing in the area. Approximate wages are $14-15/hour; overtime pay is not provided. 
Only applicants who are current or recent students (graduated within 12 months of the position’s end date) are eligible for these positions. 
 
Principal Duty Station: 
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 
SO Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab
1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls, MA 01376
 
To apply, send the following to Jill Fleming at the above address or via email (jefleming@usgs.gov; preferred) by January 12th, 2018: 
 
1) Letter of intent (please specify the time period in which you will be able to commit to this position) 
2) Resume, including previous field experience, list of relevant course-work, contact information, and two or three reference contacts 
3) One piece of evidence of current or recent (within past 12 months) enrollment in degree-seeking program (e.g., unofficial transcript, enrollment verification, a current registration card).  Candidates who graduated prior to July 2017 are ineligible (*unless they have proof of acceptance into a graduate program beginning the following fall*). 
 
Evan H. Campbell Grant, PhD 
NE Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 
Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory, 1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls MA 01376 

Funded MS position in fisheries biology – East Carolina University

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A MS student position is available for a recently funded Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission project and provisionally funded NC Sea Grant project within the Department of Biology at East Carolina University beginning fall 2018. The successful candidate will be involved in ongoing studies to quantify river herring spawning populations in North Carolina watersheds using environmental DNA techniques. This student will have the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research with Drs. Erin Field, Michael Brewer, and Roger Rulifson by integrating molecular quantitative PCR methodology, field sample collection, laboratory eDNA shedding experiments, and the coordination of a citizen science network with regional K-12 and community colleges. Previous research experience in any of these areas is preferable. Prospective students must have a B.S. in biology, fisheries biology, marine science, fisheries management, or related field. The qualified candidate should be proficient in communication skills including scientific writing, oral presentations, and the ability to work well in a collaborative environment. Additional information can be found athttp://www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/biology/.

East Carolina University is the third largest campus in the University of NC system and has an active and well-supported group of faculty working largely in the areas of ecology and evolution. Currently, there are >70 MS students and >20 doctoral students enrolled in the Department of Biology graduate programs. Additional information about the department and graduate programs can be found at http://www.ecu.edu/cs- cas/biology/.

Interested students should send a CV, short statement of research interests, and contact information for two references to Dr. Erin Field (fielde14@ecu.edu). Any questions can also be directed to this e-mail address. Review of applications will begin January 19, 2018.

Conservation Intern Openings with the Montana Conservation Corps

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Montana Conservation Corps is still accepting Conservation Intern applications for Summer 2018!

Are you passionate about the environment, have a strong service ethic, and are looking to gain professional development in a conservation- related field this summer? Check out this amazing opportunity!

APPLY HERE: https://careers-mtcorps.icims.com/jobs/1239/conservation-
intern/job?
mode=view&mobile=false&width=950&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false
&jan1offset=-420&jun1offset=-360

MCC’s Conservation Intern program provides opportunities for college students and recent graduates to gain professional experience in a conservation-related field.  Conservation Interns serve at partnering federal, state, and nonprofit agencies across the state of Montana and neighboring states.

Location: Varies based on host site placement (MT & neighboring states) Position Dates:
Summer Term: 5/16/18 – 8/17/18
Extended Term:  5/16/18 – 10/5/18
Living Allowance: $504 bi-weekly
AmeriCorps Education Award upon completion of the program.

Each internship is focused to help develop the interns’ professional skill set while providing expertise and valuable contributions to the host site. Conservation Interns (CI) are placed individually with a partner organization and work under the direct supervision of the Host Site Supervisor while coordinating with the MCC Program Manager to ensure successful completion of the program objectives.  CIs serve on a variety of projects including GPS and GIS projects, river ranger patrols, wildlife inventory, data analysis, public outreach and education, trails projects, research, and invasive weeds management.
Current students or recent graduates in the fields of resource conservation, forestry, biology, or environmental studies are encouraged to apply.

MORE INFORMATION HERE: http://mtcorps.org/join/big-sky-watershed-corps-
conservation-internships/conservation-intern-program/

Questions? Contact Mandy Hedstrom at mandy@mtcorps.org or 406-587-4475.

NSF REU Healthy Streams Healthy Coasts

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Please help us spread the word to undergraduate researchers!

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is currently taking applications for undergraduates to participate in a new National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates site located in Lafayette, LA.

We are seeking  highly motivated undergraduate students to participate in a life changing research experience. Students accepted to this competitive program will have the opportunity to spend 8 weeks (June 4- July 27, 2018) in the heart of Cajun Country in Lafayette, Louisiana, working with leading researchers in interdisciplinary fields related to coastal and watershed science. REU investigations will fundamentally expand our understanding of watershed and estuarine resources and processes in an urban- and agriculturally-influenced watershed. Southern Louisiana encompasses a rich network of watersheds connected to the Mississippi (the largest Delta in the US) and the Atchafalaya Basin (the largest swamp in the US). This region is one of rapid and ongoing change due to both climate and land use changes, and is the focal point for a multitude of efforts at local, state, regional, and federal levels directed towards ecosystem protection and restoration. Students involved in research in this REU program will experience a vibrant research community engaged in innovative, multidisciplinary research to address some of the most pressing watershed and coastal issues of present and future decades. Students will be paired with a faculty mentor and engage in hands-on research, field trips, and meet and greets with leading researchers in watershed science. Students will develop valuable skills conducting literature reviews, scientific integrity, scientific writing, innovation in research, data collection and analysis, and presentation of research findings to diverse audiences.  Students will gain the education, networking opportunities, and mentorship to prepare them for further academic pursuits in graduate school and future careers in science. For eight (8) amazing weeks during summer 2018, REU students will be housed on campus at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
This campus is located in the heart of Cajun Culture, is a walkable distance from downtown shopping, nightlife, and some of the best restaurants in the country.

UL Lafayette is seeking diverse students from Universities nation-wide.
Students from underrepresented groups, first generation students, and students without undergraduate research opportunities at their home universities or colleges are highly encouraged to apply.

Selected students will receive monetary compensation, food allowances, travel support, research support, and on-campus housing.
Applications are open now through Feb 15, 2018.

Go to: https://coastalresearch.louisiana.edu/node/46 for more information on the program and how to apply!

—
*This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No 1659853. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.*

Research technician position in plankton and larval fish ecology

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Research Technician Position in the Department of Biology at East Carolina University

Position description and key responsibilities: The Asch Fisheries Oceanography Lab at East Carolina University (located in Greenville, NC; http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/biology/Rebecca_Asch.cfm) is seeking to hire a research technician for a full-time, temporary position.  Our lab is partnering with the Beaufort, North Carolina branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in order to expand the Beaufort Inlet Ichthyoplankton Sampling Program (BIISP).  BIISP has been collecting weekly ichthyoplankton samples at Beaufort Inlet during fall through spring months since the year 1987, making it the longest continuously operating ichthyoplankton time series on the east coast of the U.S.  The goal of this program is to measure estuarine ingress of larval fish species that spawn offshore but utilize estuarine habitats during the fish’s juvenile life history stage.  This time series has the potential to provide valuable information on how local fish communities are responding to climate variability and climate change.  The Asch Fisheries Oceanography lab is investigating this question by examining variations in the seasonal timing of larval fish ingress and changes in species composition as a function of a number of climatic and ecological variables.  We plan to expand upon the BIISP time series by lengthening the duration of the sampling season so that it is year round, collecting weekly mesozooplankton samples, and conducting YSI profiles of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and fluorescence.

We seek a technician to assist our lab with this work.  The technician’s responsibilities will initially focus on analyzing the mesozooplankton samples using a ZooScan system (http://www.hydroptic.com/zooscan.html).  A ZooScan consists of a flatbed scanner that is used to electronically scan size-fractionated zooplankton samples.  ZooProcess software is then used to semi-automatically identify species in the sample using a machine learning algorithm adapted to local ecological conditions.  The technician will be in charge of scanning samples, working with ZooProcess to train the machine learning algorithm, and verifying classification accuracy once the algorithm has been trained.

Beginning during spring 2018 and together with other members of the Asch lab, the technician will also be responsible for traveling to Beaufort once a week, collecting the enhanced BIISP samples, and recording and transcribing YSI water quality measurements.  Since larval fish are capable of avoiding capture by plankton nets during the day, all sampling will be conducted at night and will be timed to coincide with tidal fluctuations.  The technician will also be in charge of sorting and identifying larval and juvenile fishes in 2-4 ichthyoplankton samples collected each week that represent additional sampling beyond the standard BIISP routine.

Lastly, it is expected that this technician will take on some duties associated with lab management including training undergraduate and graduate students in lab protocols, helping to order lab supplies, assuring compliance with lab safety regulations, and maintaining the lab in clean and functioning order.  The successful technician will potentially be encouraged to take on additional roles associated with statistical analysis of data, preparation of manuscripts for publication, and the presentation of results at scientific conferences.

This will initially be a one-year position, with the potential for renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funding.  There will be a two-month probationary period associated with this hire.

Minimum qualifications:
-B.S. degree in marine science, biology, ecology, oceanography, natural resource management, or similar fields.  Must have taken at least introductory coursework in marine ecology.
-Some experience working in an ecology lab and using a dissecting microscope.
-Ability to drive state owned vehicles, conduct ecological fieldwork in wet and occasionally uncomfortable conditions at night-time, and carry field equipment weighing up to ~30 lbs.
-Independent self-starter who is exciting to learn new skills and has the ability to problem shoot technical challenges.
-Occasionally travel overnight to receive technical training or attend scientific conferences.

Preferred qualifications:
-Masters of science degree in marine science, biology, ecology, oceanography, natural resource management, or similar fields.
-1-2 years of experience at the post-baccalaureate level working in a lab focused on conducting marine ecological research.
-Previous experience operating a ZooScan and collecting and processing ichthyoplankton and zooplankton samples in marine and estuarine environments.  Experience with identification of ichthyoplankton and zooplankton species, especially those found in the Southeast U.S.
-Experience analyzing data and writing computer programs with MATLAB or R.  Experience with multivariate ecological statistics.
-Written and published scientific manuscripts and presented scientific results at conferences.

Application instructions: Applications for this position are to be completed online, with full instructions available at the following URL: https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/11157.  Please contact Rebecca Asch (aschr16@ecu.edu) regarding any questions that you may have about this posting.  The deadline for applications is on January 4, 2018.