Graduate position (M.S.) in phenotypic plasticity and evolution of
animal behavior.

The Beckers’ lab at Murray State University accepts M.S. student
interested in phenotypic plasticity and evolution of animal behavior
starting in the fall of 2017.  Our lab works on male calling and female
preference behavior in two of the very few Orthopteran species that
display environmentally-induced call plasticity. We use crickets and
katydids as model organisms to address our questions. Our research is
focused primarily on behavior, but will soon extend in a collaborative
effort its focus to the underlying molecular underpinnings responsible
for behavioral diversity. We seek an enthusiastic and driven student to
join our lab, who has a B.S. in biology, ecology, evolution, or related
discipline. Teaching assistantships are available.

To apply or for inquires please send email to: obeckers@murraystate.edu

For applications, please attach a letter of application indicating your
research interests and career goals and a curriculum vitae including
undergraduate GPA and, if available, GRE scores. Review of applications
starts immediately and continues until the position is filled. Thank
you for your interest.

Find more information on Dr. Beckers’ research here (faculty
directory):

https://www.murraystate.edu/academics/CollegesDepartments/CollegeOfScie
nceEngineeringandTechnology/CollegeOfSciencePrograms/biologyDept/facult
y/

Oliver Beckers <obeckers@murraystate.edu>

The Invasive Species Research Group at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin is looking to hire a research technician.   The position will involve a mix of field and laboratory based investigations into the ecology and natural enemies of tawny crazy ants and imported fir e ants.  Please find the text of the posting below and apply at:

https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/search/0/.   Posting number:

17-03-02-01-4480.

We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible. The posting will close by March 24th.

LRA III –

Salary: Proposed Salary Minimum: $22,884 =96 Proposed non-published maxim um

limit: $26,000

General Position Notes: Job is a mixture of field and laboratory based investigation. Job requires frequent overnight travel to field sites in remote regions of Texas. Camping out will be required at some sites. Work will be outside during Texas summer. Experimental protocols will require  a non-standard work schedule. Work will often involve long days and short weeks, working evenings, mornings and/or weekends.

Purpose: Technician will follow the direction of the lead investigator to carry out studies examining the biology and ecology of tawny crazy and natural enemies of this ant, including microsporidian pathogens and phori d fly parasitoids. Driving a UT vehicle is an essential function of the position.

Essential Functions

=95=09Function 1: Perform field assays of tawny crazy ant, and native ant abundances and experiments on species interactions and ecology. =95=09Function 1 Percent Time: 30.00 %

=95=09

=95=09Function 2: Conduct laboratory experiments investigating the biolog y of a microsporidian pathogen and a phorid fly parasitoid of this ant.

=95=09Function 2 Percent Time: 25.00 %

=95=09

=95=09Function 3:  Conducting experiments into the chemical ecology of an t species interactions.

=95=09Function 3 Percent Time: 25.00 %

=95=09

=95=09Function 4: Staining and counting microsporidian spore loads in inf ected ants using compound microscope.  Sort, identify and record ants and other arthropods from pitfall traps. Identify ants and phorid flies to species level and other arthropods to order level. Function 4 Percent Time: 10.00 %

=95=09

=95=09Function 5: Record all data in field datasheets, and enter data int o spreadsheets. Use GPS to set out transects and record features. Store and label specimens in alcohol vials or in pinned collections. Curate materia ls and maintain records. =95=09Function 5 Percent Time: 10.00 % Essential Functions Percent Time Total: 100.00 % Marginal/Incidental Functions Maintain vehicles in clean, roadworthy condition. Maintain the workspace  in a orderly state. Organize work flow, and maintain activity schedule on multiple projects simultaneously. Collect fire ant colonies. Other relate d functions as assigned. Required Qualifications High school graduation or GED. A combination of two years of experience i n a natural science field, or a technical laboratory. A strong work ethic and attention to detail. Ability to work outside throughout the summer and ca rry loads over rough ground. Tolerance of heat and insect stings / bites. Fin e motor skills. Commitment to safety. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate: Yes Preferred Qualifications Bachelors or masters degree in biological science. Strong background and interest in entomology and ecology. Experience in field ecological studie s and experiments. Experience with insect identification. Experience with micro-dissection and microscopy. Laboratory experience in chemistry.

Experience with molecular lab procedures. Computer skills including familiarity with spreadsheet manipulation, analysis and graphing in Microsoft Excel. Experience using GPS. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills needed. Ability to perform as a member of a dynamic research team.

The USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Center is seeking biological science technicians for the 2017 summer field season of the Annual Brome Prescribed Fire project. The position begins approximately May 29, 2017 and will end approximately August 19, 2017.  The Annual Brome Prescribed Fire project is an experimental comparison of the effectiveness and costs of various treatments for controlling invasive annual brome grasses in northern mixed-grass prairie.

DUTY STATION:  Wind Cave National Park, Hot Springs, SD.

DUTIES: The incumbent will perform a variety of tasks to gather and manage field data necessary to meet objectives of an invasive plant ecology research project in the northern Great Plains. The incumbent is assigned to the Center=E2=80=99s Black Hills station, with principal responsibility for collecting data related to cover, composition, and diversity of northern mixed-grass prairie vegetation. Specific study elements involved include measuring plant cover by species; recording species richness; and measuring litter depth and stem density. The incumbent works under the general supervision of a Principal Investigator, who outlines the objectives, responsibilities, and priorities to be met. The incumbent (1) navigates to data collection sites, (2) follows protocols in daily data collection, (3) cares for and maintains equipment, and (4) maintains data. The incumbent acts daily as a member of a field crew and performs correct use of field forms and techniques, organizes field equipment, confirms quality and accuracy of data, and alerts supervisor to procedural, technical, and logistical problems. The incumbent applies and adapts existing methods to accomplish project objectives. The incumbent works independently in most phases of duties and updates the supervisor occasionally to ensure coordination of all phases of the project. The supervisor and other Center staff are available to offer guidance, but the incumbent is responsible for the work. Completed work receives general review by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:  For the GG-4 level:  Beyond high school, 6 months field party experience OR 2 years sub-professional experience OR 1 year college study related to biology.

HOW TO APPLY:  By 5:00 p.m. CDT on March 24, 2017, submit a cover letter stating that you are applying for the position in announcement number NPWRC-2017-08, a resume, and (if applicable) transcripts via email or fax following the directions at https://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/node/3821.

Agency: United States Bureau of Land Management

Location: Rawlins, WY

Start Date: Mid to Late April 2017

Application Closing Date: Friday, March 26, 2017

Internship duration: 5 months

To apply: http://www.clminternship.org/applying

Position Reference Code (must be included when applying): WYREC2017

We are looking for a highly qualified individual for a 5-month internship with the Conservation and Land Management (CLM) Internship Program.

The intern will serve as a developmental trainee Outdoor Recreation Planner for one or more specifically assigned outdoor recreation programs (e.g. Wilderness, National Conservation Lands, Off-Highway Vehicles, Visitor Services, Visual Resources, Travel, Transportation, Wild & Scenic Rivers, Accessibility) in the Rawlins, WY Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Office. The intern will be primarily responsible for carrying out limited planning projects and assignments that involve the application of basic principles, concepts, and methods of outdoor recreation planning. Specifically the intern will be responsible for campground inspections & fee collection, maintaining recreation sites, and answering visitor=92s questions through in-person interaction. The intern will receive detailed guidance on specific tasks, as well as training covering critical aspects of each assignment. In some cases, the position may complete segments of an assignment or project of broader scope. The position will provide the intern the opportunity to learn about the implementation of all existing regulations, policies, and directives, as well as with BLM Washington Office (WO) program direction.

Work can be in remote areas in rough terrain for extended periods of time and experience operating 4×4 vehicles is required. Southern Wyoming frequently receives extended periods of high winds and temperatures can change quickly between extreme heat and cold. Individual should have experience in communicating with the public in a customer service setting.

Qualifications:

This position requires a bachelor=92s degree in natural resources management, biology, or related fields with experience in recreation. The selected intern will have to be able to work successfully as an individual or as part of a team. Good communication, equipment, and computer skills will be a necessary and important part of the job. The intern should have experience using handheld GPS devices, and have basic map reading skills. Other experience should include the use hand tools and some basic power tools.

**Please note that you MUST include the Position Reference Code, WYREC2017, when you complete the online application.

Internship Description: We are looking for 4 interns interested in taking
part in a field ecology project on Columbian ground squirrels. Positions
will begin on May 15, 2017 and will finish on Aug 31, 2017. The project
investigates the ecology of Columbian ground squirrels. As a member
of the study, interns will be involved with monitoring the phenology
(when animals emerge from hibernation), reproduction and survival
of individuals. Fieldwork will involve live-trapping and handling of
animals, radio-telemetry, behavioural observation and assistance with
the measurement of physiological (metabolism) traits on free-ranging
animals. This is an excellent opportunity to gain training and experience
working with a collaborative research team on a long-term study of a
wild mammal. Opportunities for independent research projects are also
available.

All fieldwork is carried out in the spectacular Rocky Mountains of
southwestern Alberta, Canada, home to some of the most majestic wildlife
in North America. Interns will have the opportunity to interact with,
and learn from, other researchers working with ground squirrels on a
diversity of projects in behavioural and population ecology. Additionally,
a number of other researchers in the area are studying a range of species,
from insects to large mammals.

International applicants: We welcome applications from all individuals. If
applicants are not Canadians or permanent residents, there is the
opportunity to enter Canada and complete the internship as a Visiting
Research Student. To be eligible for this program, you must be an
undergraduate student, a graduate student, or be in between degrees
(e.g., following graduation from a bachelors degree and looking to
pursue graduate school). As part of this program, applicants will be
registered at the U of S in a non-credit activity and it is expected
that you will gain a demonstrable educational benefit from being
involved. We are particularly interested in applicants who wish to use
this opportunity to pursue an independent research project. Applicants
are eligible for this program for a maximum of 6 months per 12
month period. Application forms and information are available at
http://grad.usask.ca/admissions/alternate-applicants/visiting-research-student.php
If you are interested in this program, please contact us (contact details
below) and we will guide you through the process.

Skills Required: These positions are best suited to applicants with
interests in ecology, evolutionary biology, wildlife, field biology,
and/or physiological ecology. As evidence of this, applicants must either
be enrolled in, or have graduated from, a relevant discipline. Successful
applicants will need to be able to cope under these field conditions
(including periods of time spent camping), enjoy the outdoors, be up-beat,
positive, responsible and work well as a member of a team. Evidence of
these abilities (gained, for example, through previous involvement on
field projects or extended back-packing trips) is expected.

Terms of Employment: Salary is not provided as part of these
positions. Accommodation and food are provided. Volunteers are required to
provide for their own travel to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Travel between
the field station and Saskatoon is provided.

If you wish to apply for one of these posts then please send a CV with
a cover letter and contact details for three references (with e-mail
addresses), by email to Jeff Lane (contact info below) ASAP. Applications
will be evaluated as they are received. To ensure full consideration,
please apply right away.

Contact:

Dr. Jeff Lane

jeffrey.lane@usask.ca

Department of Biology

University of Saskatchewan

http://www.lanelab.ca

“Lane, Jeffrey” <jeffrey.lane@usask.ca>

*Project:* The University of Vermont, Rubenstein School of Environment

and Natural Resources is seeking two summer research assistants to

assist on a large-scale study in northern New Hampshire examining the

effectiveness of different adaptive silvicultural strategies at

sustaining northern hardwood forest ecosystems in the face of climate

change and invasive species impacts.  These positions would be working

on a multi-disciplinary team on a collaborative project between the

University of Vermont, Dartmouth College, and the U.S. Forest Service

Northern Research Station based in the beautiful landscapes contained

within Dartmouth College’s Second College Grant in northern New Hampshire.

*Applicant requirements:*  Applicants should have a background in

forestry, natural resources, environmental science, ecology or biology.

A working knowledge of tree identification and common forest

measurements is strongly desired.  Applicants must be willing and able

to work efficiently in remote forested settings as part of a research

team.  Applicants must also be able to hike through varied terrain to

reach study areas and be willing to work long hours outdoors.

*

**Responsibilities:* Work will involve extensive field work, including

collection of soil, vegetation, and woody debris data. These positions

begin late May/early June 2017 and end mid/late August and will be based

out of Milan, NH.  Housing will be provided in the form of cabins within

the Second College Grant and hourly wage will vary from $10-$12

depending on work experience.

*Interested candidates should e-mail a letter describing their

background, qualifications and interests along with a resumé to Matthias

Nevins (matthias.nevins@uvm.edu) by March 28, 2017.*

A Crew Lead and one Crewmember positions are available for post-fire vegetation research projects in Yosemite National Park, with some work in neighboring National Forests, with the O=92Hara and Stephens labs at UC Berkeley. The crew will collect data on a suite of vegetation characteristics as part of several studies on fire effects. Applicants must be willing to work a flexible schedule that varies between 4 10-hour work weeks and some longer trips of up to 8 10-hour days. The 4-month field season will begin Tuesday May 30th.

The duty station will be at the Sierra Nevada Research Institute Yosemite Field Station in Wawona, California. The field station has bunk-style housing for $300/month (details on the station can be found here<http://snrs.ucmerced.edu/sites/snrs.ucmerced.edu/files/page/documents/yfs_what_to_expect_1.pdf>). Work will be a mixture of day trips, backpacking trips and a few car camping trips. Must be comfortable camping for extensive periods, working in remote locations without cell coverage, in inclement weather and sometimes uncomfortable conditions (e.g. shrubby burned sites in full sun), all while maintaining a positive attitude and attention to detail! Day-to-day work schedules are likely to include long days when visiting more remote sites. Applicants must be comfortable hiking up to 5 miles off trail per day in rough, uneven terrain, and backpacking with 50lb packs on maintained trails. Hazards include steep slopes, snakes, ticks, falling timber, and illegal marijuana plantations. But it will also be a fun summer outdoors! All employees must complete CPR & Wilderness First Aid on their own time.

Duties and Required Qualifications

Crew lead: $17-18/hour, depending on experience

Duties:  Crew lead is responsible for organizing day-to-day work plans, ensuring work plans are accomplished, managing crew safety and logistics, and maintaining good communication with project lead.  Crew lead will also coordinate schedules with other field crews as needed.

Required Qualifications

–Leadership experience in vegetation data collection

–Experience identifying plants to species using dichotomous keys & knowledge of California flora

–Experience navigating off trail using map and compass and GPS units

–Strong organizational skills

–Bachelor=92s degree in Biology, Botany, Natural Resources or related field

Crewmember: $15-16/hour, depending on experience

Duties: Work as a team to collect data using a suite of sampling protocols.

Desired qualifications

–Previous experience on field crews and/or a field measurements course

–Experience identifying plants to species using dichotomous keys & knowledge of California flora

To apply

Please compile a single pdf document with:

–a one-page cover letter that includes the position you wish to be considered for and dates of availability

–a one-page resume

–contact information for three references

Send single pdf document to Kristen Shive at rimfire.2014@gmail.com<mailto:rimfire.2014@gmail.com>, with the position you want to be considered for in the subject line (Crew lead, Crewmember or Both). Your application will not be considered if these directions are not followed in full.  Applications will be reviewed and the top-rated applicants will be contacted for an interview. Questions should also be directed to rimfire.2014@gmail.com<file:///C:/Berkeley/Hugh_Stuff/Budget/Crew%20Documentation/2017/rimfire.2014@gmail.com>.

The Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, West Virginia University, invites applications for a graduate research assistant (GRA) to conduct research on the role of the herb layer in nitrogen cycling in an Appalachian hardwood forest. The study is situated in and takes advantage of the data-rich environment of the Fernow Experimental Forest operated by the U.S. Forest Service’s Northern Research Station. West Virginia University is the state=92s flagship research-one institution, and is among the top universities in the nation, with demonstrated excellence in teaching and research.

The successful applicant will conduct field work and sample collection, processing, and analyses to: 1) assess whether particular herbaceous species are disproportionally found under tree species associated with either high N or low N availability,  2) assess the relative importance of overstory and understory plants in watershed nitrogen retention, and 3) to assess how the composition of different soil nitrogen compounds is influenced by tree species associated with high vs low N availability. Other duties include (but are not limited to) various field and lab work, maintenance of field equipment, coursework and publication. The production of an exemplary thesis is expected.

Applicants must possess a bachelor=92s degree completed in natural resources, ecology, biology, environmental sciences, or a closely related field. Experience in forest plant identification, data processing, analysis, and GIS are a plus. Strong verbal, written, and computational skills are mandatory. Successful applicants will work collaboratively and independently, and conduct field work under variable weather conditions in steep, mountainous terrain. Applicants must possess a valid US driver’s license.

The preferred start date of the position is May or June of 2017. However, this position remains open until filled. If interested in applying, please forward by email the following documents (incomplete applications will not be reviewed): transcript, curriculum vitae, recent GRE scores, recent TOEFL/IELTS scores (international students), cover letter (including academic, research and professional goals and interests), and the names and contact information of three references to: Dr. Kirsten Stephan, Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, 337D Percival Hall, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; Tel: (304) 293-0024; Email: Kirsten.Stephan@mail.wvu.edu.

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY, is accepting

applications for a Seasonal Project Assistant to assist in studies of the

ecology of the Hudson River. This position reports to Dr. Stuart Findlay.

Desired dates of employment are approximately May 15th through September

15, 2017.

Duties include considerable fieldwork on boats and along shore or wetlands

of the Hudson River, as well as data entry and collection and processing of

zebra mussels, other invertebrates and water samples. To qualify,

candidates must be comfortable working in and around the water and handling

sample equipment weighing up to 75 pounds; experience with boats and

training in limnology and invertebrate zoology also helpful.

Finalist candidate will be required to successfully complete a post-offer,

pre-employment driving background check.

Position is hourly, non-exempt and non-benefitted.

All candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Posting is open until March 24, 2017 or until filled. Onsite housing may be available.

Consideration of applications will begin immediately. Visit our website a

http://www.caryinstitute.org/who-we-are/jobs and complete our online job

application. Please attach one document which includes a cover letter,

resume and the names and full contact information (including e-mail

address) for three professional references. Include job code 17012-I in

your correspondence.

The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative

Action (AA) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal

employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to

race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national

origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or

genetic information.

We are seeking two summer undergraduate researchers to participate in a

project investigating how variation of streamflow affects energy

transfer through stream food webs. The goal of the Food Chain Length

(FCL) project is to link the mechanisms of temporal variation in

streamflow and intensity of disturbance regimes to FCL in aridland

streams. Ongoing research conducted in streams across Arizona includes

repeated measures of variation in food chain length, ecosystem

metabolism, nitrate concentrations, and experimental nitrogen pulse

manipulations. Additionally, we are investigating how flood pulses of

water and nitrogen stimulate production in the riparian ecosystem by

measuring changes in soil processes, primary producers, and consumers.

Students will contribute both to the field campaign and laboratory

sample processing. Students will also collaborate closely with the

principal investigator, graduate students, and technicians to develop an

independent research project that will build on the ongoing research.

Fieldwork will consist of traveling to rivers across the state of

Arizona for aquatic biological surveys, water quality measurements,

sensor maintenance, and requires spending long days in the desert during

the Arizona summer, often carrying heavy equipment. Lab work will

consist of processing samples for stable isotope analysis, invertebrate

sorting, and soil microbial activity and nutrient assays.

Applicant requirements: Students must have demonstrated interest in

ecology. The position lasts 12 weeks, preferably starting in early May,

though exact dates are flexible and is based at Arizona State

University. Application is restricted to currently enrolled

undergraduates that graduate no sooner than fall 2017. All applicants

must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Desired qualifications: Previous experience with laboratory or field-

based research; coursework in biology, ecology, chemistry, and

math/statistics; enthusiasm about conducting both field and lab work,

with occasional long days in the field or multi-day field trips; valid

U.S. driver=92s license. Women, underrepresented minorities, and persons

with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply: 1) letter summarizing research interests and experience, 2)

list of relevant coursework, and 3) CV to Dr. Tamara Harms

(tkharms@alaska.edu) by March 21, 2017