2020 Seasonal Fisheries Technicians – Kansas

Position Description: One or two fisheries positions will be available this summer working for Pittsburg State University under the supervision of Kali Boroughs and Dr. James Whitney. Tasks will include conducting Neosho Madtom surveys, collecting measurements of physicochemical stream habitat variables, and sampling benthic macroinvertebrates. Lab work involving the identification and measurement of macroinvertebrates will also be part of technician responsibilities.  Training will be provided.

Minimum Requirements: Technicians need to be able to think and work independently and as part of a team to complete assigned tasks. Must be able to travel and stay overnight during the week and weekends if necessary. Extended travel with overnight stays away from Pittsburg for up to one week may be required. Must be able to work long days and in harsh field conditions (e.g. mud, rain, 100+ degree temperatures, poisonous plants, biting insects, etc.). Handling of live organisms including fish and insects is required. Required to be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Individuals working towards a natural resources or biology degree will be given higher preference.

Start Date: May 18, 2020

End Date: August 14, 2020. There is the potential for one position to continue into the school year working ~20 hours/week.

Benefits: Hourly wage: $11.00 per hour. Normal work week will be Monday-Friday, sometimes weekends (if necessary), 40 hours per week. No paid holidays. Hotel, meal, and travel expenses for overnight work-related trips will be covered.

How To Apply: Send a resume and contact information for 3 professional or academic references to Kali Boroughs at kboroughs@gus.pittstate.edu or Dr. James Whitney at jewhitney@pittstate.edu. Please include “PSU Fisheries Technicians” in subject line.

Closing Date: March 16, 2020

Field technician position in permafrost research in Alaska

Project description: The focus of our research program is to understand the effects of climate change on carbon cycling in tundra ecosystems. The field site borders Denali National Park in Healy, AK. Find more information about the research at:

(https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.nau.edu%2Fschuurlab-p%2Fresearch.html&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C485466738a754f67ed0008d7baa4ef2f%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637183089895998329&sdata=XFtbVUhGRInMTrCoQjfqioruZMwNEgbIJF5rw05zTzE%3D&reserved=0).

Position duration: March 25th until November 2020 with some flexibility

Job description: Fieldwork will include the operation of technical sensors and data loggers, maintenance of experimental plots, measurements of ecosystem-level carbon exchange and ancillary environmental variables. The technician will work closely with a field manager, other technicians, graduate and undergraduate students to collect data and maintain field equipment. Other responsibilities will include data entry, preliminary data processing, and data quality control.

The technician will work and live in a shared rustic cabin with an outhouse, on the outskirts of Healy, Alaska near Denali Nat’l Park. Travel to and from the field site is via ATV or car.

Required qualifications:

B.S in biology/ecology or other related fields.

Must be eligible to work in the US (Canadian or Mexican applicants with TN visa eligibility is OK).

Must have a valid drivers license.

Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.

Must have attention to detail, ability to work independently as well as part of a research team.

Must have the desire to live and work in a remote setting.

Must have willingness to learn and operate technical sensors and data loggers.

Applicants should be prepared to work long hours, sometimes in cold and adverse weather conditions.

Desired qualifications:

Prior experience with technical sensors and data loggers, scientific fieldwork.

Carbon flux or ecosystem function measurements is beneficial, but not necessary.

To apply, please email Justin Ledman (justin.ledman@gmail.com) by March 1st 2020 with the following:

Cover letter,

CV or resume,

List of 3 references

Applications will be reviewed after the closing date, and you will be contacted for an interview.

Field Technicians – Osprey Recovery in Illinois

I am looking for three or four field technicians with a strong work ethic to assist with the osprey hacking program in Illinois as part of the osprey recovery effort for this state-endangered species.

The positions, based at different sites, have the following responsibilities:

* Daily Observations – conduct daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure their well-being.  Make notes of presence of potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking site.

* Daily Tracking – conduct daily tracking of ospreys once they fledge and note their locations before migration.

* Food Preparation and Feeding – conduct daily preparation of fish and feeding to the hacked ospreys.

* Planning and Coordination – conduct regular fish pick-ups from the project partners.  Coordinate with the field personnel at the other hacking site for project purposes when required.

* Daily Reports – contribute to daily reports regarding the behaviors, locations, and fish consumption by ospreys.  Record any other notable events related to the birds.

* Maintenance – assist with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking box/tower after the season, as well as the maintenance and inventory of the field gear and equipment.

Qualifications for the positions:

Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field.  Experiences working with birds of prey, as well as paddling skills, are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable.  Successful candidates must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Individuals must have and maintain a valid driver’s license as well as be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and for long hours.

Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the positions are filled.

Starting date: July 1, 2020.

Anticipated ending date: October 6, 2020.

Salary: $500-$560 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences).  Housing or camping gear (except sleeping gear) are provided.

To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu:

1)  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications;

2)  Resume, including contact information for three references; and

3)  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).

Tih-Fen Ting

Department of Environmental Studies

University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, IL 62703

(217) 206-7876

tting1@uis.edu

Summer Field Technician in Grassland Insect Ecology

JOB: Summer Research Technician in Grassland Insect Ecology (4 months, Montana and Wyoming)

The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to assist in grassland insect field research. Field work will be conducted both at ~9000 feet elevation in the Bighorn National Forest in northern Wyoming and on diverse native rangelands in eastern Montana and on the Little Missouri National Grassland in western North Dakota. Our research primarily focuses on grassland insect and rangeland ecology; specifically how interactions between grasshoppers and Mormon crickets affect grassland health and livestock grazing sustainability, how drought and weather variation affects grasshopper outbreaks and ecosystem processes, and how fire and livestock grazing can reduce grasshopper outbreaks. The diverse work duties will include sampling grasshoppers and other rangeland insects in large scale experiments, identifying and sampling rangeland plants, setting up and conducting small scale manipulative experiments in the field and greenhouse, behavioral observations, and lab work to sort and process samples collected.  Overnight travel to Wyoming and eastern Montana is required, with government vehicles provided. Candidates will gain hands on experience with diverse field sampling and experimental methods, as well as insect and plant identification techniques, while working in a team oriented research environment.

Salary: Full time, $12.21-$13.32 per hour (GS-2 – GS-3) dependent on experience and education.  The candidate will receive overtime pay when working more than 40 hours per week. Dorm-style, shared housing is available on location for ~$140 per month, including utilities, internet and basic cable TV.

Dates: June through the end of September, depending on a candidate’s availability.

Qualifications: The candidate should be able to walk rapidly over rangeland and work at high elevation sites, be physically fit, and able to spend long hours in difficult field conditions (hot weather, biting insects, mountain weather). Willingness to work long days and weekends when necessary is a must.  Undergraduate course work in ecology, entomology, or range science, and previous field research experience is preferred, but not required. Must be a US citizen.

Application process: Please send cover letter describing relevant experience or coursework, resume (including major, relevant experience/coursework, technical skills, and prior employment), and names and contact information of two references (electronically) to Nicole Davidson (nicole.davidson@usda.gov).  Be sure to include available start and end dates.

Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on the research program visit:  https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.ars.usda.gov%2Fpa%2Fnparl%2Fdbranson&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C99db14f02e20494744d508d7b9db870c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637182224861516404&sdata=pymSrUoNBCM3ol9%2BByTLmpq%2FEHfe4EHcD%2BOkvQ5LLAo%3D&reserved=0 or contact us directly.

Field technician position for vector ecology project in San Francisco, CA

The Swei lab at San Francisco State University seeks two (2) research technicians with field ecology experience to work with graduate and undergraduate students in a vector and pathogen ecology study in San Francisco, California. This research is part of an NSF-funded study to investigate small mammal host and pathogen genetic diversity of tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi. The successful candidate will conduct animal population surveys and pathogen infection monitoring in small mammal, reptile, and ticks in the San Francisco Bay Area. Specific tasks include small mammal live trapping and handling, tissue collection, lizard trapping and handling, tick drag sampling, and wildlife camera monitoring and analysis. Additional tasks will include data entry and some laboratory work to detect and characterize pathogen infection and data analysis. The position is short-term from April 6th through June 5th, 2020.

Required Qualifications:

Coursework in biology (esp. ecology, entomology, mammalogy, or wildlife biology) and one year of technical research or field ecology work experience are required. Must be able to work well in a team under adverse, outdoor conditions. Must also be interested in and willing to learn field and molecular techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates with experience conducting field ecology projects. In particular, experience handling and identifying vertebrates, especially small mammals is preferred. Additional animal handling experience and molecular lab experience will be given preference. Experience working both independently and as a part of a multidisciplinary team, and a demonstrated ability to problem-solve independently are ideal. A valid California driver’s license is preferred.

Salary:

Salary for one full time research assistant from April 6th, 2020 through July 5th, 2020 is $3103/month. This position is based in San Francisco, CA but will involve extensive field work and occasional camping in more remote locations in northern California. The candidate is responsible for their own housing but costs for camping, when applicable, will be covered.

Application Instructions:

All interested, qualified persons must contact Andrea Swei at aswei@sfsu.edu with a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references. The deadline for applying is March 15th, 2020; If you have questions regarding this position, please email Andrea Swei or refer to the lab website: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.sweilab.com&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C99db14f02e20494744d508d7b9db870c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637182224861506407&sdata=niwRWr2XlpEyEhUMKrE5ICgfsrOsplP6laHvf8gQpAY%3D&reserved=0

Field assistant job – EcoEpidemiology lab at Columbia University (2nd call)

The eco-epidemiology lab at Columbia University (Diuk-Wasser lab: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fecoepidemiologylab.e3b.columbia.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C99db14f02e20494744d508d7b9db870c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637182224861496414&sdata=4rMDVBw49BQG1oxBHqfG9sCuLjsJvs%2Bt7ttFWKDbqTI%3D&reserved=0) has multiple paid research assistant positions for the 2020 summer field season to work on one of these projects:

(1) Host association of the Lyme disease agent on Block Island, RI

(2) New York City coupled natural-human system (human dimensions)

(3) New York City coupled natural-human system (the natural cycle)

Host association of the Lyme disease agent on Block Island, RI

This research will examine mammalian and avian host specialization by the spirochetal bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. We are recruiting motivated field technician(s) for field sampling from late May through the end of August on Block Island, RI. Primary duties will include handling and processing (collecting blood, tissue, and ticks) samples from small mammals, sampling for questing ticks, and mist netting, handling, and processing samples from birds. Other duties include bird surveys (depending on skills), maintaining field equipment and data entry. This position will provide strong field training in tick species and life-stage identification, data collection and management skills, tick collection methods, and mark-recapturing of small mammals. Preference will be given to individuals with experience collecting blood samples, having knowledge of the New England avian fauna, and having experience conducting bird point counts.

NYC coupled natural-human system (human dimensions)

This project examines the human dimensions of the coupled human natural system of Lyme disease on Staten Island, NY. Our research team will conduct household epidemiological surveys and tick dragging in residential properties to evaluate the human exposure to ticks and the risk of Lyme disease in urban areas. The responsibilities of the RA will include: conducting in-person recruitment and surveys to householders, conducting an ecological assessment of the property that includes tick sampling in the yard, and coordinating field logistics and data entry with a field crew of 3-4 students. The start date is negotiable; however, we aim to start the position May 25th, 2020. This position will provide strong training in conducting epidemiological surveys in the field, tick collection and identification, and data management skills.

NYC coupled natural-human system (the natural cycle)

This project examines the natural transmission cycle of the Lyme disease agent within the coupled human natural system on Staten Island, NY. Our mobile research team will collect samples from small mammals (blood, tissue, and ticks), sample questing ticks, and use camera traps in urban public parks to understand the ecological drivers of Lyme disease risk on Staten Island. Experience leading a field crew and small mammal trapping is preferred. The start date is negotiable; however, we aim to start the position May 18th, 2020. Early morning and late afternoon hours, as well as Sunday evenings, are required. This position will provide strong field training in tick species and life-stage identification, data collection and management skills, tick collection methods, and mark-recapturing of small mammals with opportunities to participate in mesomammal trapping.

Relevant information for all positions

Housing, field equipment, and transportation within the study area will be provided. Jobs are full time, 35-40 hours/week.  Wage is commensurate with education and experience. Applicants should have interest in disease ecology/environmental health/epidemiology/public health, have strong leadership skills, and be highly organized with clear handwriting. Technician(s) must be in good physical condition and capable of working in unfavorable environmental conditions (e.g. rain, heat, tick infested forest). A valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record is required. If interested, please fill the google form where you can provide a list of three professional references and attach a single pdf document (with your last name in the subject) including 1) a cover letter (noting which position you are applying to) and relevant field experience; and 2) a CV/resume by March 15, 2020, for full consideration.

Link to the application: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgoo.gl%2Fforms%2FR1pYMxHOmGZhyPb32&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C99db14f02e20494744d508d7b9db870c%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637182224861496414&sdata=TTW7AHaERa5TgmBMjSBEuq9RkZlZANT8bOAetdyytjM%3D&reserved=0

Please contact Maria Diuk-Wasser if you have any questions: mad2256@columbia.edu

Field Technicians – Franklin’s Ground Squirrel in Illinois

I am looking for three field technicians with a strong work ethic to conduct a statewide survey of Franklin’s ground squirrels in Illinois.  The field technicians should be effective and skillful in data collection, including trapping and handling of Franklin’s ground squirrels.  Field technicians know how to operate and adjust, when necessary, various instruments for data acquisition and are required to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.  Successful candidates also need to have many important character qualities for working effectively with private landowners.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Survey – Conduct sign survey and live-trapping of Franklin’s ground squirrels.

Tagging – Implant a passive integrated transponder (PIT) to each newly captured squirrel for identification.

Daily Reports – Submit daily reports on the survey, trapping, and tagging of Franklin’s ground squirrels.

Maintenance – Assist with the maintenance, clean-up, and inventory of the field gear and equipment for trapping and tagging of Franklin’s ground squirrels.

Requirements:

Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in wildlife, environmental science, biology, or related field.  Experiences in working with small mammals in the field are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable.  Willingness to travel and flexibility with work schedule are required.  Successful candidate must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidate must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Individual must have a personal vehicle, maintain a valid driver’s license, and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours.

Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the positions are filled.

Starting date: No later than May 11, 2020.

Anticipated ending date: August 31, 2020 or beyond pending the project needs.

Salary: $500-$560 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences), with lodging provided.

To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu.

1.  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications;

2.  Resume, including contact information for three references; and

3.  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).

Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Communications Internship

Title: Outreach and Communications Intern

Location: Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA

Project: Changing Landscapes Initiative

Project Description:

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI – https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnationalzoo.si.edu%2Fconservation&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cb79f285819f54ca2951108d7b6b70fbc%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637178769686480781&sdata=CRXSyZnlPyj4MsgjBfPyaMpBSX1AZfTcGnuokRgoDsY%3D&reserved=0) is offering an internship in outreach and communication as part of the Changing Landscapes Initiative (CLI). CLI’s mission is to combine scientific rigor with community wisdom to help secure a vibrant and healthy future for people and wildlife. The goal is to provide local land use planners with insights into the potential future of the region as informed by conservation science. In this way, CLI provides relevant information for supporting strategic decision making that balances the diverse needs of people and the environment that supports them.

Learning Objectives:

In this internship, the selected intern will learn, expand, and refine skills essential for community outreach—including event planning, logistics, and conservation communication—by assisting with the execution of CLI’s communications strategy and preparation of stakeholder meetings throughout late spring/summer. The intern will gain first-hand insight into how science is communicated, especially in the context of influencing policy. They will have the opportunity to meet individuals from a variety of NGOs and government agencies and learn how these different groups interact with each other. The intern will also be able to improve their skills in public speaking, writing and design by contributing to outreach communications materials and presentations. The intern’s work/schedule will be active and diverse, ranging from digital to intrapersonal communications requiring travel.

Skill Building Opportunities:

Interns will have the opportunity to learn and develop skills and experience in community outreach by:

-Communicating with a network of current project stakeholders

-Searching for new stakeholders and integrating them into the project network

-Collaborating in the coordination of meetings, including developing presentation materials and keeping meeting minutes

-Helping draft and define communications strategy to inform stakeholders and the public about project initiatives and results

-Seeking out opportunities to share project initiatives and results with NGOs and academic organizations

-Traveling for intrapersonal partnership-building meetings with communications lead

-Aid with development and public delivery of presentations with the communications lead

-Helping prepare status reports, documenting ongoing activities, current schedule trend, challenges, events, and project requirements

Who Should Apply:

Interns with the following will benefit the most from this opportunity:

-Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with internal team members and external stakeholders

-Organized and self-motivated individuals, able to handle tight deadlines with strong multi-tasking and prioritizing abilities.

-Independent and team-oriented experience for a collaborative project

-Adaptable to a dynamic environment and its challenges with a flexible personality and strong problem-solving skills

-Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and computer proficiency

-Project management certification or previous experience in program management and communications

-Strong strategic thinking and planning skills

-Ability to work independently and remotely

-Experience working effectively with both governmental agencies and private parties

-Experience using database and/or visual graphics software (Access, Publisher, InDesign)

Stipend:

$1500 per month.

Terms of Appointment:

6-month full time (40 hrs/wk) internship. Internship will consist of remote digital work, in-person meetings, and at times weekly travel within Virginia and D.C.  Anticipated start date in April 2020.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license

Location:

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is located at the north entrance of the Shenandoah National Park about 60 miles west of Washington, D.C., in Front Royal, VA.

Often, the intern will travel to other parts of Northwestern Virginia, Washington D.C. or the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, MD for meetings.

Application Deadline:

March 8, 2020 11pm EST

To apply:

Send a resume and cover letter in a single pdf file to fergusc@si.edu using the subject line “COMMUNICATION INTERNSHIP APPLICATION 2020.” Title the pdf file “LastName_Communication2020”. Applications that do not follow this format may not be considered.

Your cover letter should explain your interest in this program, express how you could benefit from the training, how it could contribute to your future career goals, and why you would make a strong candidate

Job posting: Seasonal position at the Illinois Natural History Survey

Position: Plant Pollinator Technician (Hourly)

Description: 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.

Availability: This position will begin during the last week of May 2020. Position will end during the first half of September. Start and end dates are somewhat flexible.

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

For more information on the position, please visit the official job announcement at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.illinois.edu%2Fview%2F7426%2F806588&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C2251da8c9877444bfa7908d7b7802b2a%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637179633426717175&sdata=muCbAmephFHMtm2wSZjpqPrtwqdYsMgARI0xXlaZY7k%3D&reserved=0. An electronic copy of the announcement is attached to this email. Also, feel free to contact me at muniz3@illinois.edu with any questions.

Plant ecology research assistant job in Wyoming

I am still looking to fill a field technician slot for this summer in beautiful Wyoming. Please see below for details and submit your applications ASAP!

Best,

Lauren Porensky

Location of work: Thunder Basin National Grassland, Bill, WY Hours of work: 40 hours per week (4 x 10 hour days per week)

Salary: $2470 per month. Housing is provided. Three days of PTO and two holidays included.

Dates: May 26 – August 20, 2020 (somewhat flexible) Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

Send application materials (cover letter, resume, references) and/or questions to:

Dave Pellatz

Executive Director

Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association

671 Steinle Rd

Douglas, WY 82633

307-359-1328

dave@rswyoming.com

and copy to:

Lauren Porensky

Research Ecologist

Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit USDA-ARS

1701 Centre Ave.

Fort Collins, CO 80526 USA

970.492.7139

lauren.porensky@usda.gov