Context: Old-growth boreal forests are recognized both for the distinct biodiversity they harbour and for the large amounts of carbon they store. The concept of “old-growth forest” however encompasses stands that are particularly heterogeneous in terms of history, structure, and composition, which also implies heterogeneity in biodiversity and carbon stocks. The main disturbance agents in boreal forests (timber harvesting and natural wildfires) also have impacts that vary depending on the structure and composition of old-growth stands. In this context, it is difficult to establish conservation targets capable of guaranteeing the maintenance of all habitats associated with old-growth forests, as well as the carbon stocks they have accumulated over centuries. This project will therefore draw on a monitoring network of more than fifty old-growth boreal forest plots in Québec to address the following objectives: 1) assess the correlation between old-growth forest carbon stocks and indirect biodiversity indicators (dendromicrohabitats and deadwood), 2) evaluate the association between bryophyte communities (inventoried as part of an associated PhD project) and soil fungal communities, identified here through metabarcoding, and 3) determine the extent to which forests regenerating from old clearcuts (>50 years) recover carbon and biodiversity characteristics approaching those of old-growth forests. The results of these analyses will be disseminated through scientific publications, conference presentations, and knowledge mobilization activities.

Project start dates: Winter 2027 semester (January – April) or Fall 2027 semester (September – December)

Candidate profile: We are looking for someone passionate about issues related to forest ecosystem ecology, biodiversity, natural disturbances, botany and/or mycology. A Master’s degree in biology, ecology, forest sciences, or a related field is required. Academic record quality and demonstrated research potential will be among the criteria considered in the evaluation of applications. We place equal importance, however, on qualities such as curiosity, creativity, autonomy, and the ability to work as part of a team. Experience in bryology or molecular biology is an asset. Given the remote nature of the study sites, the ability to work in the field in wilderness settings and a valid driver’s licence are required. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview following an initial review of their application.

Stipend: A research stipend of CAD $24,500/year for four years will be awarded to the selected candidate.

Location and supervision: The selected candidate will be based at the Institut de recherche sur les forêts (IRF) at the Rouyn-Noranda campus of the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT). They will be supervised by Maxence Martin (IRF-UQAT), a specialist in old-growth boreal forests, and Xavier Cavard (IRF-UQAT), an expert in forest carbon.

Application materials: To express your interest, please send a CV, a cover letter, copies of your transcripts (which may be unofficial), and the contact information of two references to Maxence Martin (maxence.martin2@uqat.ca; personnal page) and Xavier Cavard (xavier.cavard2@uqat.ca; personnal page).

The Tremble Mycology Lab (officially starting January 2027) is recruiting two graduate students (to begin Fall 2027), and a postdoctoral researcher (to begin Spring 2027) in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

The lab studies the function and evolution of fungi in the plant soil microbiome. Using field ecology, common-garden and greenhouse experiments, metatranscriptomics, and population and comparative genomics, we ask how rhizosphere fungi partition function, shape host nutrition and stress tolerance, and how those functional traits evolve across landscapes and time. We work primarily in two systems: the Populus soil microbiome and the ectomycorrhizal porcini mushroom (Boletus edulis), for which we maintain one of the largest genome datasets for any symbiotic fungus.

1) POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (start Spring 2027)

We seek a postdoc to help establish a Populus common garden and lead a deeply sampled metatranscriptomic study of rhizosphere communities across a season. The goal of this project is to characterize how rhizosphere fungal communities partition niches and how their functional programs and host interactions shift through time. The position is funded for three years, with strong possibility of extension. Strong candidates will have a background in statistical community ecology and fungal biology; experience with genomics or bioinformatics is a significant advantage but can be developed on-site. We are also glad to co-develop fellowship applications (e.g., NSF PRFB, USDA NIFA, NIH F32) with postdocs whose interests intersect the lab’s themes.

2) GRADUATE STUDENTS, M.S. and Ph.D. (start Fall 2027)

We are recruiting graduate students in two of the lab’s overarching themes. One focuses on the population genomics of Boletus edulis, asking how these fungi adapt and diverge across continents; this suits someone drawn to evolution, genomics, and computational biology. The other focuses on the soil microbiome of Populus, combining field sampling, common-garden experiments, and gene-expression data to characterize the ecological niches of cryptic soil fungi; this suits someone drawn to community ecology, fieldwork, and plant-microbe interactions. Students join through the Department of Plant Biology and are supported through a mix of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and external fellowships. Strong applicants will have a background in biology, ecology, microbiology, or a related field, and some combination of field, wet-lab, or quantitative skills.

Full descriptions and application instructions: https://tremble-mycology-uiuc.github.io/opportunities.html

Inquiries: Keaton Tremble, keaton.tremble@gmail.com. For grad inquiries please use the subject line “Prospective grad student”; for postdoc inquiries, “Postdoc inquiry.”

Job Ad

Position type: Student Contract, USGS Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, CO.

Title: Student Contractor — Quantitative Ecologist.

Pay and schedule: ~21 to ~$51  hour depending on academic experience. Up to 40 hrs/week during the summer; flexible ~20 hrs/week during the academic year (or as eligible/available). Appointment is temporary with defined start/end dates and deliverables aligned to an awarded project timeline.

Job Description: We are a team of scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey conducting research on land change dynamics and effects on US national natural resources. In particular in the fields of 1) urban forest ecology, which includes 1a) modeling urban forest times series with increased accuracy from 1985 to present day, building on methods from Corro et al (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-025-04816-0); and 1b) expanding applications of an urban heat model focused on human health impacts (https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2752-5309/ae4bfc); or the field of 2) monarch migration analysis, which includes 2a) comparative analysis on tagged monarch movement data from the 1990’s-2000’s with modern monarch movement data from Bluetooth enabled monarch tags; 2b) model gridded climate data to identify times and locations of extreme heat and drought which could act as monarch movement barriers. You will be hired as a student contractor with a fixed period of performance and will complete required onboarding steps (e.g., background check and documentation of eligibility) prior to start. The position will remain open until filled. Modeling and computational work could be completed either at the USGS Science Center offices, or at the student home institution.

We seek candidates who are well organized, careful with documentation, and comfortable delivering work products to clear specifications. Candidates for all positions should have experience in computational modeling with strong programming skills (Python and/or R, GEE), familiarity with reproducible workflows and geospatial data, and the ability to write maintainable code and clear documentation. Monarch movement candidates should have familiarity with tag-based movement data and movement models (correlated random walks, hidden Markov models, etc…).  Experience with GIS, remote sensing (extracting and processing satellite imagery, spatial projections and re-scaling spatial data, familiarity with imagery and data repositories, and API’s), gridded climate datasets (DAYMET, ERA5, PRISM…) statistical or machine-learning methods, and data QA/QC is strongly preferred for either track but not required for all applicants. Student contractors would ideally be in graduate school or recent graduates (within two years). Veterans are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply: Send a brief cover note (state your preferred track: Monarch and/or Urban) and a résumé/CV to Dr. Peter Ibsen (pibsen@usgs.gov). Please include “USGS student contractor (“Urban” or “Monarch”)” in the subject line.

National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc.
Job Description

Position:          Wildlife Biologist I – Grizzly Bear (1 position)

Reports to:      Sr. Research Scientist – Western Forest Wildlife Ecologist

Work Week:    40 hours per week
Revised:          March 23, 2026

Duty Station:   Corvallis, Oregon; limited field work will occur in NW Montana

Duration:         1.5–2 months, approximately May 18 – June 30, 2026

Salary:             $19.00-$22.50/hour; commensurate with experience

This is a non-exempt position, eligible for overtime.

Benefits:          Position not eligible for benefits, except for NCASI designated holidays; housing provided (FS barracks near Kalispell, MT)

Safety:            The following job posting is for a safety sensitive position for which impairment while working presents a substantial risk of death and is therefore exempt from Washington’s new marijuana testing law RCW 49.44.240, and pre-employment marijuana testing is required.

Key Words:     Grizzly bear habitat, remote cameras, logging roads, NW Montana

 

The field technician will be assisting with a research study investigating effects of timber harvest and roads on grizzly bear habitat use. Field work will take place in northwestern Montana, near Kalispell, MT (housing provided-Forest Service barracks). The job will involve physically demanding work in challenging conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun, snow, steep slopes, loose rock, logging slash, stinging insects, hazardous plants, etc.), carrying heavy loads, potentially working long days including some weekends, driving on logging roads, and navigating through difficult forest terrain. Primary duties will consist of setting remote cameras on or near roads and in roadless areas. Additional duties may be assigned by Supervisor. Team members will be required to have navigation skills such that they can safely navigate to specific locations by vehicle and on foot. The technician must be able to work as part of a team and be comfortable working and hiking in grizzly bear habitat. The position is anticipated to start on May 18 and last until June 30, with potential for additional work in mid-September dependent upon workload and technician availability.

Essential Job Functions:

Use map, compass, and GPS to navigate to remote locations. Gather data following specific protocols, enter in ESRI Field Maps and/or Excel. Position will require working outdoors in inclement weather, occasionally in recently harvested forest stands. Must be able to get to and work from several remote locations, drive forest roads, read maps, navigate through a forested landscape, and relate well with the public. Willingness to work as part of a team in grizzly bear habitat where there is potential for encounters with dangerous wildlife. Willingness to carry bear spray and follow appropriate safety procedures. Ability to drive safely on forest and logging roads, including on roads with logging traffic and/or active logging operations. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others toward meeting the goals of the National Council of Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI). Develop a familiarity with NCASI’s mission, policies, practices, and procedures. Become acquainted with the environmental issues of the forest products industry. Read, absorb, process, and communicate complex information. Assist the supervisor in responding to technical queries by NCASI clients and others in a competent and timely manner.  Possess ability to positively carry-out associated field work that may involve exposure to inclement conditions and a necessity to hike carrying equipment (20 pounds or more) over rough terrain (for 2 miles or more).Additional Responsibilities and Requirements:

Undertake additional activities assigned by Supervisor. Follow all safety protocols. Pass mandatory pre-employment drug test. 

Minimum Qualifications:

1.    Senior standing as an undergraduate (>3 years college education and >2 seasons prior field work) or a degree in a biological sciences discipline or related environmental field.

2.    Prior experience and proficiency in using GPS device and compass to navigate to remote locations.

3.    Must have driving record which can be approved by Federal Agencies to drive government vehicles.

4.    Basic data entry experience (e.g., Microsoft Excel).

Additional Desired Qualifications:

1.    Prior experience conducting fieldwork and managing data in remote settings.

2.    Experience setting, evaluating, troubleshooting, and cataloging remote camera stations and their data. Experience checking camera sites to ensure continued operation and collect field data. Attention to detail to ensure cameras are operational upon setting.

To Apply:  Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses in one combined file to: Laurie Clark, NCASI, 8769 Hwy 42, Tenmile, OR 97481, preferably delivered electronically to: lclark@ncasi.org.  Note “Wildlife Biologist I – Grizzly Bear” in the subject line. Applicant review will occur in April 2026 and continue until the position is filled. NCASI is an equal opportunity employer.

 

 

National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc.
Job Description

Position:          Aquatic Research Technician I (2 positions, 2.5-month duration each)

Project Code: FW-FWW-1055

Reports to:      Forest Watershed Scientist

Work Week:    40+ hours per week to meet work demands
Revised:          April 22, 2026

Duty Station:   Western Washington

Duration:         Seasonal Position, July – mid September 2026 (2.5 months)

Salary:             $18.00 – $20.00 per hour; commensurate with experience; position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay; no housing provided

Benefits:         Position not eligible for benefits, does provide paid NCASI designated holidays

Safety:            The following job posting is for a safety sensitive position for which impairment while working presents a substantial risk of death and is therefore exempt from Washington’s marijuana testing law RCW 49.44.240, and pre-employment marijuana testing is required.

Key Words:     Aquatic ecosystem ecology, managed forests, western Washington

 

Essential Job Functions:

Will assist with large spatial study in western Washington to evaluate aquatic ecosystem response to differences forest watershed stand age by quantifying physical, chemical, and biological data between July and September. Conduct fish and macroinvertebrate surveys following established methodology. Collect aquatic habitat data, water and benthic biomass samples, and download data from sensors. Position will require working outdoors in inclement weather, often in recently harvested forest stands.  Must be able to get to and work from remote locations, drive safely on forest roads that may have active log truck traffic, read maps, navigate through a forested landscape, and relate well with the public. Possess ability to carry-out associated field work that may involve prolonged (multi-day) exposure to inclement conditions and a necessity to hike carrying equipment (20 pounds or more) over rough terrain (for 2 miles or more). Gather and analyze data and related information. Willingness to have a flexible work schedule.      Overnight camping near study sites is expected. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others toward meeting the goals of NCASI. Develop a familiarity with NCASI’s mission, policies, practices, and procedures. Become acquainted with the environmental issues of the forest products industry. Read, absorb, process, and communicate complex information. Assist the supervisor in responding to technical queries by NCASI clients and others in a competent and timely manner. 

Additional Responsibilities:

Undertake additional activities assigned by Supervisor. Follow all safety protocols. Pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test. 

Minimum Qualifications:

1.    Interest in aquatic ecology and experience with ecology field work.

2.    Must have driving record which can be approved by Federal Agencies to drive government vehicles and insured at standard rates.

3.    Basic data entry experience (Microsoft Excel).

 

Preferred Qualifications:

1.    Pursing a bachelor’s degree in a biological sciences discipline or related environmental field.

2.    Experience with fish identification and aquatic ecology sampling protocols.

 

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to: Ms. Laurie Clark at lclark@ncasi.org, identifying “Aquatic Research Technician – 2.5 mos position” in the subject line. Applicant review will begin April 30, 2026, and continue until positions are filled. NCASI is an equal opportunity employer.

 

 

National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc.
Job Description

Position:          Aquatic Biologist I (2 positions, duration of 5 months each)

Project Code: FW-FWW-1054 during the months of June and October

Project Code: FW-FWW-1055 during the months of July, August, and September

Reports to:      Forest Watershed Scientist

Work Week:    Non-Exempt position; 40+ hours per week to meet work demands
Revised:          April 13, 2026

Duty Station:   Western Washington (primary field work location); limited work in Oregon

Duration:         Seasonal Position, June through October 2026 (5 months)

Salary:             $21.35 to $24.23 per hour (commensurate with experience), no housing provided

Benefits:          Position not eligible for benefits, does provide paid NCASI designated holidays

Safety:            The following job posting is for a safety sensitive position for which impairment while working presents a substantial risk of death and is therefore exempt from Washington’s marijuana testing law RCW 49.44.240, and pre-employment marijuana testing is required.

Key Words:     Aquatic ecosystem ecology, managed forests, western Washington

 

Essential Job Functions:

Will assist with a forest management stream temperature study with deployment of temperature sensors across ~30 streams in western Washington in June and retrieval in October. Will work on a separate large spatial study in western Washington to evaluate aquatic ecosystem response to differences forest watershed stand age by quantifying physical, chemical, and biological data between July and September. Train crew in fish and macroinvertebrate surveys following established methodology. Train crew in collection of aquatic habitat data, water and benthic biomass samples, and download data from sensors. Position will require working outdoors in inclement weather, often in recently harvested forest stands. Must be able to get to and work from remote locations, drive safely on forest roads that may have active log truck traffic, read maps, navigate through a forested landscape, and relate well with the public. Possess ability to carry-out associated field work that may involve prolonged (multi-day) exposure to inclement conditions and a necessity to hike carrying equipment (20 pounds or more) over rough terrain (for 2 miles or more). Gather and analyze data and related information. Willingness to have a flexible work schedule.      Overnight camping near study sites is expected. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others toward meeting the goals of NCASI. Develop a familiarity with NCASI’s mission, policies, practices, and procedures. Become acquainted with the environmental issues of the forest products industry. Read, absorb, process, and communicate complex information. Assist the supervisor in responding to technical queries by NCASI clients and others in a competent and timely manner. 

Additional Responsibilities:

Undertake additional activities assigned by Supervisor. Follow all safety protocols. Pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test. 

Minimum Qualifications:

1.    Bachelor’s degree in a biological sciences discipline or related environmental field.

2.    Experience with fish identification and aquatic ecology sampling protocols.

3.    Must have driving record which can be approved by Federal Agencies to drive government vehicles and insured at standard rates.

4.    Basic data entry experience (Microsoft Excel).

 

Preferred Qualifications:

1.    Local fish identification experience (Oregon or Washington)

2.    Experience implementing standard protocols for collection of aquatic physical, chemical, and biotic data.

 

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to: Ms. Laurie Clark at lclark@ncasi.org, specifying “Aquatic Biologist I, 5-month Position” in the subject line. Applicant review will begin April 30, 2026, and continue until positions are filled. NCASI is an equal opportunity employer.