****Outreach notice, multiple field crew positions with PNW-FIA, response due 3/28/2021*****

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The Pacific Northwest Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program is outreaching for the following permanent positions:

GS-0401-5/7/9 Biological Scientist, crew leader (18/8) in Mt. Shasta, CA; Redding, CA; and Cle Elum, WA 

GS-0462-5/6 Forestry Technician (Research) crew member (18/8) in Eugene, OR; Bend, OR; Mammoth Lake, CA; Fresno, CA; and San Bernardino, CA.

Please see the attached outreach notices for each position, and respond no later than March 28th, 2021 to Sm.fs.pnw_fia_jobs@usda.gov.  For questions about the positions, please send them to Sm.fs.pnw_fia_jobs@usda.gov.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/pnw/page/pnw-fia-data-collection-join-our-team

Part-Time Passerine Bander/Field Assistant, New York

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Subject: Part-Time Passerine Bander/Field Assistant, New York

Position: Part-Time Passerine Bander/Field Assistant
Employer: Clark Lab of Fordham Universit
Location: Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station, Armonk, NY
Salary: $2,000 – $3,000 for the summer, commensurate with experience
Application Deadline: Review of applications begins 4/1/2021

Details:
Experienced passerine bander needed for the summer field season: June – August (and possibly September) 2021. We are looking for one field assistant to work alongside undergraduates, graduate students, and experienced banders to assist with data collection for two graduate research projects. The banding schedule is dependent on weather, and the fieldwork schedule is generally decided on a week-to-week basis.

For one project (mostly June – July), we will be banding passerines and near passerines, color banding gray catbirds, and collecting blood samples from gray catbirds. Color-branded individuals are then tracked with a handheld GPS and audio recorder on non-banding days to record vocalizations and map nesting territories. We will also be piloting the use of tracking packages containing both a GPS data logger and a VHF transmitter to track bird movement and map territories.

For the second project (July – September), we will be banding passerines and near passerines and collecting ticks and blood samples for a project exploring birds in the ecology of tick-borne diseases. We will band birds and collect samples specifically for this project at least once a week in July and September and twice a week in August.

Primary responsibilities include: 1) extracting birds from mist nets, 2) handling and processing birds, 3) tracking catbirds, and 4) other fieldwork related responsibilities as necessary. Field assistant must have experience opening/closing mist nets, extracting birds, and handling, identifying, aging, and sexing passerines and near passerines. Experience color banding and collecting blood samples would be preferred but is not required. Experience identifying arthropods is welcome, but not required. Work will generally be 30 minutes prior to sunrise for 6-7 hours, 3-5 days per week for an average of 20-30 hours/week. Successful candidates should have an interest in birds, possess a positive attitude, be able to work in close company with coworkers, be able to follow protocols, be prepared to work long hours in sometimes adverse conditions (heat and humidity), and be meticulous.

We have a socially distancing bird banding protocol based on CDC guidelines, including the use of face masks. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, applicants would ideally be based in New York State or from states not on New York’s travel advisory list and be able to commute to field sites. The provision of basic housing is a remote possibility that is still being discussed.

Please submit a resume and two references to Medha Pandey (95pandey.m@gmail.com). Please include “Summer Passerine Bander/Field Assistant” as the email subject line.

Plant Ecology Technician Announcement

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Subject: Plant Ecology Technician Announcement

The Schoodic Institute located at Acadia National Park is recruiting one full-time, temporary position (June 1 to end of August) to conduct long-term vegetation monitoring and contribute to forest research in the Acadia National Park region.

Job Title: Plant Ecology Technician
Job Type: full-time, temporary position
Organization: Schoodic Institute
Location: Bar Harbor, ME
Open Period: March 12 – March 22, 2021
Vacancies: 1 position
Duration: 14 weeks June 1 to end of August
Compensation: $14/hour

Primary Responsibilities: The incumbent will assist with long-term vegetation monitoring programs in Acadia National Park. This is a field-based position, and incumbent will be required to carry a 35+ pound pack, work in all weather conditions, and hike off trail through rough terrain. Incumbent may be exposed to deer ticks that carry Lyme disease, biting insects, poison ivy and dense brush.

Duties:
-Attend forest crew training and sample permanent forest health plots in Acadia National Park (June and July).
-Assist with intensive wetland monitoring in 10 sentinel sites in Acadia National Park, including sampling vegetation, collecting water samples, and assessing buffer condition (August).
-Other duties may include disinfecting equipment, pressing unknown plant specimens, assisting with park vegetation inventories, preparing soil samples for processing, data entry, and data quality assurance/quality control.

Qualifications and Job Requirements:
-Experience conducting field work in difficult conditions (e.g., harsh terrain, high heat/humidity, and biting insects)
-Experience with and interest in learning plant identification, including ability to identify northeastern trees and shrubs.
-Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive NPS-provided vehicles throughout the season.
-Must be a US Citizen
-Upon selection, applicant will be subjected to a federal background investigation and must receive favorable adjudication to be hired.
-o be considered for the position, incumbent must agree to follow COVID-safety measures, which will be discussed in more detail during the interview process.

For more information and to apply, view the job announcement on the Schoodic Institute website: https://schoodicinstitute.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/

Forestry Technician Sierra Nevada, California (April Start)

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Subject: Forestry Technician Sierra Nevada, California (April Start)

The Bisbing Lab & the Adaptive Management Experiment (AMEX) is seeking an additional Forestry Technician to assist in the early spring seedling planting endeavor and then continue on into a field season.  The Forestry Technician will support silvicultural operations as part of the experimental treatment and reforestation initiatives, including planting and site preparation. Duties will primarily include, but are not limited to: marking timber, site preparation, hand piling, felling hazard trees, and planting seedlings.  Housing on-site is provided as is a field vehicle for on-site work. Non-traditional housing may be necessary at some locations (camping, trailer, etc.).

Preferred candidates will have previous experience working in mountainous field conditions, chainsaw use and/or sawyer qualifications, cruising and marking skills, experience or interest in planting seedlings, and the ability to work well with others for long hours under strenuous field conditions.  Technicians should be capable of hiking long distances with a heavy pack, have the ability to work under inclement weather conditions, have experience driving a 4wd truck, hold a valid driver’s license, and be able to work collegially as part of a research team in remote environments. Field work will involve driving on backcountry dirt roads and hiking and navigating off- trail. After seedling planting, the field season will run for 16 consecutive weeks from early June (dependent upon snowpack) through the end of September. Pay is $17/hr for technician positions.

Additionally, any candidates interested in only aiding in planting across the Sierras (approximately April-May) may apply.

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Alexis Graves at: adaptiveforestmanagement@gmail.com.

For more information on the project, please visit: https://www.adaptive-forest-management-experiment.com/ 

Plant Conservation Seasonal Technician, Newton, Georga

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Subject: Job: Plant Conservation Seasonal Technician, Newton, Georga

The Plant Ecology lab at the Jones Center at Ichauway invites applications for three Plant Conservation Seasonal Technician positions. These positions emphasize the conservation of rare plant species in southwest Georgia, primarily through documenting rare plant populations and collecting seed for our developing seed bank.  Primary duties include seed collection, processing for long-term storage, viability testing, maintaining detailed records, and data entry. The position will also assist with other tasks of the Plant Ecology lab including collecting long-term vegetation and photo point data, or other field and laboratory work as needed. This 3-month position begins mid-May 2021, with the possibility of extension. No-cost on-site housing is provided on an as-available basis, but is optional. This position will report directly to the Plant Ecology Research Associate.

The 28,000-acre research center is located approximately 30 miles south of Albany, Georgia. The Center research, education, and conservation programs seek to understand, demonstrate, and promote excellence in natural resource management and conservation.  The site includes 16,000 acres of longleaf pine forests, more than 1,000 acres of wetlands, and 26 miles of stream and river ecosystems. For more information visit our web site: https://www.jonesctr.org/
Job Requirements: Ability to independently follow instructions. Field work requires moderate to strenuous physical activity in the field, under demanding conditions (e.g., heat, high humidity, exposure to poison oak/ivy, and insects). Must have a valid driver license.

Qualifications: Undergraduate degree or significant progress toward a degree in biology, botany, horticulture, plant ecology, or a related field. Previous experience with seed collection or plant identification in the southeastern U.S. and the use of dichotomous keys is highly desired. Computer and laboratory-related experience is also preferable.

Wages: $11.00 – $15.00 per hour, depending on experience (including housing)

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, resume, list of relevant coursework, list of three references with contact information, and the date they are available to begin working as a single document by email to: jobs@jonesctr.org, Subject: Plant Conservation Seasonal Technician. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by 3/19/2021.

For specific questions or more information, contact: Lisa Giencke, Plant Ecology Research Associate, by email: lisa.giencke@jonesctr.org or phone: (229) 734-4706.

The Jones Center at Ichauway aspires to fully embrace equity, diversity, and inclusion. We reject all forms of racism including overt and systemic, prejudice, discrimination or hate toward any race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, socioeconomic class, religion, or professional status. The Jones Center at Ichauway is an equal opportunity/affirmative action E-verify employer.

Undergrad Summer Internship Opportunity in Southern NY

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College Internship in Suburban Ecology at the Mianus River Gorge

Application link:
Suburban Ecology Program (CISE) Application

Program Description: Mianus River Gorge, a conservation organization and
950-acre nature preserve in southern New York, offers 10-week summer
internships for college students interested in the conservation of natural
areas in urbanizing landscapes.

-Internships last for a period of 10 weeks. Internships typically run from
early June to early August, but some flexibility is available.
-Each intern will work alongside Gorge staff and graduate students on a
variety of projects including wildlife monitoring, non-native species
management, and GIS applications.
-We work with our interns to provide a learning experience that fits their
interests and long-term educational goals.
-Given the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the vast majority of this summer
work will be outside, even more than the typically high amount of field
work. Applicants should be physically fit and comfortable with spending
most of their time in the field. Both staff and interns will comply with
social distancing requirements and wear masks when indoors.
-Stipend: $25/day or combination of school credit and stipend (depending
on university requirements).

Projects for 2021 include:
– Monitoring coyotes, bobcats, and other wildlife in Westchester, NYC, and
Fairfield using camera traps, roadkill surveys, and other methods
– Vegetation sampling, monitoring, and restoration
– Invasive species control and other land management work
– Data management, GIS work, and analysis on several long-term projects lab and other desk work may be limited this summer.

 Applicant Eligibility
– All undergraduate students are eligible to apply. We do not require
applicants to major in a particular discipline; however, exposure to the
fields of ecology, environmental science, or geography is encouraged. We do
accept interns that have graduated the academic year just prior to the
internship (rising seniors).
– Interns must be self-motivated and work well in group settings.
– Applicants should be prepared for strenuous work outdoors (e.g. field
research and land management projects) as well as perform indoor work when
necessary (e.g. data entry and GIS projects).
– This year the internship will run from June 1 to Aug 9 — applicants
should be available during this period, though some flexibility is possible.

We must give preference to local students or those that can commute daily
to Bedford, NY, as summer housing is not available.

Questions? Email chris@mianus.org

Aquatic Research Technician (two 2-month positions)

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Oregon Aquatic Research Technician (two 2-month positions) needed to conduct aquatic ecology surveys on public and private forest lands. Duties include backpack electrofishing, collection of macroinvertebrate and periphyton samples, habitat surveys, and working closely with primary investigators.  Experience with ecology field work and interest in aquatic ecology is desired.  Applicants should be comfortable navigating in remote backcountry settings and be able to work as a team member under difficult field conditions. Overnight camping is expected.  Position extends from July to August 2021.  Full position announcement available at: https://www.ncasi.org/about-ncasi/careers/  Pursuing a bachelor degree in a biological sciences discipline is required.  Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to: Laurie Clark, National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc.: lclark@ncasi.org.  Applicant review will begin March 1, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. NCASI is an equal opportunity employer.

Seasonal Field Technician – Illinois Natural History Survey Plant-Pollinator Ecology

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The Plant-Pollinator Ecology Team is seeking several field technicians for statewide biological monitoring of grasslands, including monarch butterflies and milkweeds. Field technicians will be measuring the abundance of nectar plants, aiding with pollinator surveys, and observing monarch butterfly eggs and larvae. Duties will include: conducting field surveys of flowering grassland plants, planting of milkweed plants in the field, driving and navigating to study sites, data entry in an office setting, assisting with other office and field work as needed, and work and travel in small teams.

Candidates must have field experience in plant or insect biology (candidates that have worked on other taxa will be considered), or undergraduate course work in biology, ecology, botany, entomology, or related fields. A valid driver’s license is required. Applicants must be willing and able to work outside under sometimes difficult field and environmental conditions (summer heat, rain, biting and stinging arthropods, poison ivy, etc.) while following detailed protocols for data collection. Travel to study sites with overnight stays, driving responsibilities, and competent use of a computer and other electronic equipment (including light power tools and GPS) are also required for this position. A strong applicant will demonstrate good organizational skills as well as the ability to work independently and in a group setting. This position will begin on approximately May 24, 2021. Position will end during the first half of September. Start and end dates are somewhat flexible.

Salary: $13 per hour, 40 hours per week.

To Apply: Email cover letter explaining your interests, qualifications, and dates of availability, CV/resume, and contact information for two references to Belén Muñiz at [muniz3@illinois.edu%20]muniz3@illinois.edu (please include “Summer Field Technician” in the subject line). Applications received before March 19th, 2021 will be given priority consideration; however, this position will remain open until filled.

The official job posting can be found in the link below:
Plant Pollinator Technician (Hourly) – Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI
Thank you.

Recruiting Interns, Hubbard Brook and Bartlett Experimental Forests

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Recruiting Interns, Hubbard Brook and Bartlett Experimental Forests

Undergraduates seeking research experience in forest ecology are invited to apply for a 10-week expense-paid internship in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

About the project: MELNHE (Multiple Element Limitation in Northern Hardwood Ecosystems) is the longest-running N and P fertilization study in a temperate forest anywhere in the world. Since 2011, we have been conducting nutrient manipulations in 13 stands in Bartlett Experimental Forest, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, and Jeffers Brook. The MELNHE project presents many opportunities for short- and long-term research. In addition, this summer we will be revisiting a successional chronosequence of 13 stands in the White Mountains, which presents opportunities for studying forest development over time. More information is available at Multiple Element Limitation in Northern Hardwood Ecosystems (MELNHE) project including a blog from previous field crews.

Internship Description:  Interns will be guided in the design of their research projects and will interact closely with graduate students and senior research scientists from SUNY-ESF, Cornell, and Miami University. Interns will gain a wide variety of skills by assisting in all ongoing projects. Interns have the opportunity to present their results at the annual Hubbard Brook Cooperators Meeting in July.

Possible research projects include:

  • The effects of nutrient addition on soil respiration, including a methodological test: is soil respiration increasing over time, or is this an artifact of collar installation?
  • The effects of nutrient addition on litter decomposition: we installed litter bags with beech and maple litter in fall 2020, and the first set of bags is due to be collected in June.  Nitrogen is known to suppress litter decomposition but the effects of P are less often studied–since we have the only long-term NxP fertilization experiment in a temperate forest.
  • Analyzing the development of beech bark disease in the chronosequence (compared to an earlier assessment in the same stands–also a unique experimental design).
  • Interference with tree regeneration by beech sprouts (a common response to beech bark disease) in stands of different ages.

Work days typically begin at 8:00 and end at 4:30, but may be shorter or longer depending upon the day’s activities. Interns are provided with shared housing near Bartlett Experimental Forest; tenting is optional. A stipend of $200 per week is provided for living expenses. Food is prepared communally by the interns and graduate student researchers, and costs for groceries average $6-7 per day.

COVID-19: We have experience with safely operating a field crew under COVID restrictions during 2020, and will acquaint you with rules established by SUNY-ESF and by the State of New Hampshire.  We will consider applicants who need to travel by air to join us.

Desired Qualifications:  Ideal applicants will have a strong interest in forest biology, ecology, or biogeochemistry.  Undergraduate students and recent graduates will be considered.  A positive attitude is important and a sense of humor is a plus.  Willingness to work and live in a communal setting is critical. Candidates should be able to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail in a field setting under adverse conditions.  Applicants should be flexible in their expectations, but an estimated breakdown of the summer is: 60% fieldwork, 15% lab work, 10% data management, and 15% research proposals and reports of independent projects.

To Apply:  Please send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to Joe Nash .  Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. The field season will begin on June 6 and ends on August 14, but please let us know if your availability differs from the given dates. Interviews will be conducted beginning in mid-March and will continue until the position is filled.

NSF REU Site Program – Wetland Science in a Modern World

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NSF REU Site Program – Wetland Science in a Modern World

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) in Alton, Illinois is now accepting applications for a newly funded National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site program, “Wetland Science in a Modern World.” During the program, students will conduct mentored research at NGRREC’s field station in Alton as well as at local field sites situated at the confluence of the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri rivers.  

The REU program runs from May 24 – August 02, 2021 and applications are due March 14. Information about the program and the online application can be found at NSF REU Site: Wetland Science in a Modern World.