A paid summer internship is available at the Smithsonian Marine Station in

Fort Pierce, Florida to assist research on the effects of environmental

stress on reef-building corals. The intern will join a team of researchers

from the Smithsonian Marine Station and the University of Florida that

includes Drs. Maggie Johnson, Valerie Paul, and Andrew Altieri. The primary

task of the intern will be to assist with lab-based experiments in Fort

Pierce using experimental aquaria.

The ideal candidate will have a background in biology and/or marine

science, be able to work independently and as part of a team, and be

willing to maintain and monitor experimental aquaria (including cleaning

tanks). This position is largely lab-based, with the potential for some

fieldwork in the Florida Keys. AAUS scuba certification and experience

conducting lab and field research are desirable. Learning objectives

include coral responses to global change stressors, coral husbandry,

seawater chemistry, and mesocosm maintenance and experimental design.

Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter expressing research

interests, future plans, and the names and contacts of 2-3 references to

Maggie Johnson at *johnsonmd4@si.edu *.

The timing of the internship is flexible, with a start date at the end of

spring/beginning of summer. The weekly stipend is $400 (does not include

housing).

*Please submit application materials to Maggie Johnson by April 1*.

*Contact Information:*

Dr. Maggie Johnson, Postdoctoral Fellow

Smithsonian Marine Station

701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL

johnsonmd4@si.edu

https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.maggiedjohnson.com&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C4904ff9c80da4940335108d6a3afe5ca%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636876373243936180&sdata=na93EDF1wgV1Neob%2BIkYxPnU%2BozOWOteoqrc22OdZ%2Bw%3D&reserved=0

@MaggieDJohnson

The Integration and Application Network (IAN; ian.umces.edu) seeks a

science communication intern to join a dynamic group of Science Integrators

and Science Communicators at the University of Maryland Center for

Environmental Science (https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.umces.edu&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923937209&sdata=%2Fx0fbi9rBSU3Y9%2FSYUB%2FJ3l%2FMUs9FCh5ijcONyw5%2FoA%3D&reserved=0) and assist in the creation of

effective science communication products. This position will support IAN’s

goal of not just studying but solving environmental problems through data

synthesis and science communication. Previous interns have gone on to

graduate schools like Yale, Oxford University (U.K.), and American

University, and to other careers including at the National Aquarium,

University of Maryland, planning offices, etc.

Expected qualifications and skills:

This internship is targeted to graduate or advanced undergraduate students

with backgrounds in science and communication. A background in biology or

environmental science is required. Experience in sound editing skills is

highly preferred. Interns are expected to work with a variety of software

packages including Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and GIS

applications. Training will be provided, but familiarity with these

products is preferable.

Responsibilities and duties:

The science communication intern will have multiple duties depending on

their qualifications and interests. Tasks may include:

   – editing text, photos, and videos,

   – working with media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.,

   – creating new vector images and conceptual diagrams,

   – plotting spatial data and preparing maps, and

   – creating print-ready InDesign documents.

Included in internship:

This is a contractual, hourly appointment. The chosen candidate will

receive a competitive hourly wage and subsidized healthcare benefits may be

available depending on number of hours worked. Additionally, interns will

gain valuable skills in science communication, including desktop

publishing, spatial analysis, environmental assessment, and effective

communication. The team provides a dynamic, fun, and exciting atmosphere,

as well as a chance to work on some of the most pressing local, national,

and global environmental problems.

Location:

This position will be located in Cambridge, Maryland or Annapolis,

Maryland, based on the needs of the team. Send applications to

afries@umces.edu by March 15th, 2019.

Start date:

April 15th or sooner. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Internship duration:

Six months with the possibility of an additional six months.

Applications should include the following items:

   – A letter of interest including a clear statement of why you would like

   to participate in this internship

   – A Curriculum Vitae including two references (with email and phone

   contact information)

   – A writing sample

UMCES, a research institution, is comprised of four laboratories and

Maryland Sea Grant, which are located in different regions throughout the

state. More about UMCES can be found at https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.umces.edu%2Flocations&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923937209&sdata=tMjKkYhKe8mWR1ZrFEQDh0139whalUNitDOABQzoq3k%3D&reserved=0. Maryland

Sea Grant (https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.mdsg.umd.edu&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923937209&sdata=BJkralNwp2EDGo75xO3Ie%2B0nAoLoOVy2cW6p61GJXaw%3D&reserved=0), located in College Park, is a federal-state

partnership that supports scientific research, education, and outreach

focused on restoring and preserving the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s

coastal bays and watershed resources. We serve as a bridge between

scientific expertise and the needs of people who manage, conserve, enjoy,

and make their living from the Chesapeake Bay, America’s largest and most

productive estuary.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal

opportunity employer. The Center’s policies, programs, and activities are

in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on

nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin,

sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the

Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational

Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements

should be directed to the Director of Human Relations, Center

Administration, P.O. Box 775, Cambridge, MD 21613.

https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fian.umces.edu%2Fvacancies%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923937209&sdata=CIi9hbBpAJjGLj4mt7ol7NblxftU5ppTjVrdZxZ%2FeiU%3D&reserved=0

2019 SUMMER COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT (June 15 ­ July 10)

FIELD COURSE IN CORAL REEF ECOLOGY (CRE B-19)

COURSE LOCATION:  Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla

Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a hill

facing the Caribbean Sea.  Coral reef, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems are

in front of the station and lowland tropical forests lie directly behind.

This juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems provides

tremendous opportunities for education and research.  See

https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.itec-edu.org%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923927204&sdata=Y1SXInqdXkLXWW4wotKU9Tm5W5AyuqsVZ99ZY7WZudQ%3D&reserved=0   for details.

INSTRUCTOR:  Dr. Lonnie Kaczmarsky, St. Johns River State College, email:

longinkaczmarsky@sjrstate.edu  .

Specialty: coral reef ecology, coral diseases and anthropogenic impacts on

coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangroves and fish populations.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  NOTE: Diving certification is not necessary to enroll

in this course, but is recommended. For SCUBA-certified (PADI, NAUI, or SSI

certified) students who will be diving, there is a $100 Lab Fee with this

course which covers tank-recharging fees.  Students with SCUBA certification

are expected to bring their own BC, regulators, mask/fin/snorkel and proof

of certification. For those not diving certified, students are expected to

bring mask/fin/snorkel.  Students using only mask and snorkel are exempt

from the lab fee.

This course is designed to provide the student with a sound foundation in

ecological concepts, techniques and experimental design in field research as

applied to coral reef ecosystems. The material covered is equivalent to a

university upper level course in coral reef field ecology. The course will

begin with a global ecosystem perspective and then will progressively narrow

to assess the way in which local reefs are influenced by both global and

local phenomena. We will briefly survey reef systems in various parts of the

world and focus in depth on Caribbean reefs. Using the reef at Bocas del

Toro as an example, we will carry on an inventory of representative reef

biota to characterize a general reef community. We will examine several

theories of the origins of reefs and discuss some controversial arguments on

the ecological processes ruling the dominant state and health of coral

reefs.  Students will learn to characterize a general reef community and its

place among surrounding marine habitats.  The major reef biota will be

discussed in terms of their phylogeny, biology, physiology, ecological

requirements and roles in species interactions on reefs.  We will discuss

the impacts of anthropogenic stressors to coral reefs and the role of marine

reserves in reef restoration and conservation.  In the inventory we will

examine several experimental designs and sampling schemes with regard to

their usefulness in a reef setting.

Formal Lectures.  Lectures will present topics that provide a background for

the fieldwork in an interactive discussion format. Topics are selected to

teach students about the biology and ecology of the reef organisms they will

encounter and permit students to develop an awareness of the objectives of

research on coral reefs as well as an appreciation of current theoretical

and practical issues in ecology.

Lecture Topics

* Fundamentals of oceanography, global ecology

* Plate tectonics, formation of ocean basins, continents and ocean currents

* Reef morphology, distribution of reef systems

* Seagrasses and mangroves: interactions with reef systems

* Coral reef community study – sampling methods for distribution and

abundance of organisms

* Coral reef community study – components and interactions, trophic dynamics

* Biology of coral reef organisms: Cnidarians

* Biology of coral reef organisms: Poriferans

* Biology of coral reef organisms: Echinoderms, Arthropods and Annelids

* Biology of coral reef organisms: Fishes

* Biology of coral reef organisms: Macroalgae

* Ecosystem stability, resilience and fragility

* Anthropogenic effects on reefs: climate change, over-fishing, diseases

* Marine protected areas and reserves

Readings.  Assignments relating to lecture topics will be made from the

texts and supplementary research articles provided in the library.

Required Texts

Sheppard, CRC, Davy, S.K. and G.M. Pilling The Biology of Coral Reefs,

Oxford Press, USA.

Humann, Paul. Reef Coral Identification, New World, Jacksonville, FL.

Humann, Paul. Reef Creature Identification, New World, Jacksonville, FL.

Field Work Briefings.  Prior to departing for the reef site, dive teams will

be formed and the objectives for the day will be outlined and discussed.

Assignments will be made to the dive teams and coordinated.

Group Exercises.  During the first week, students will visit several sites

in the vicinity of the station to familiarize themselves with the area and

to make observations that may lead to hypotheses that could be tested in

individual projects. Students will be organized into dive teams and will

carry out field exercises in which they will gain experience in the use of

sampling equipment and techniques used in reef research and monitoring.  In

the evenings, students will participate in Œdebriefing sessions¹ during

which they will identify the reef organisms they saw during the dives of the

day and record the common name and scientific name of the species in a

logbook.

Individual Research Projects.  Each student will be expected to prepare a

research proposal for an original project in consultation with faculty.

Projects may be suggested by observations made during group exercises or

from the research literature, and will be evaluated on the basis of

feasibility in the available time, soundness of experimental design and

concept. During the final week of the course, data analysis and writing of

project reports will be carried out and students will present their results

orally in an end-of-course symposium. They will present the research report

on their findings in the form of a journal article for evaluation.

BOQUETE CLOUD FOREST FIELD TRIP:  This field trip will allow students the

opportunity to visit other areas of Panama, to experience Panamanian

culture, and to visit tropical cloud and seasonal forests first hand.  We

travel in ITEC boats to the mainland and then by chartered bus to Boquete

which lies at the base of 11,000 ft. Volcan Baru.  The bus trip will take us

up and over the central mountain range and through Palo Seco National Park.

Several stops will be made in route.

COURSE LENGTH:  ITEC Summer field courses are about four weeks in length.

The CRE B-19 will run from June 15 through July 10, 2019.

TUITION: $2250 USD plus a $100 lab fee.  Tuition fee includes all lodging,

meals and airport transfers in Bocas del Toro.  The tuition also covers

transportation and lodging during the 3-day cloud forest field trip on the

mainland.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  May 15, 2019.  The course is limited to 10 students

and applications will be evaluated as they arrive. Applications can be found

at https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fitec-edu.org%2Feducation-programs%2Fapplication%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923927204&sdata=6171FPi4OIHpvFlfGFWNzBGj%2FYAH2bPgBIxT5I4H%2FeI%3D&reserved=0.  If you believe that

your application may arrive late, notify ITEC.

GRADING and COURSE CREDIT:  Grades will be assigned based on attendance at

lectures, exams, reports, proposals, as well as by less tangibles such as

personal attitude, motivation, and contribution to the course. The

instructor will provide a breakdown of points earned and final letter grade

to your academic institution. The student is to provide direct evidence of

course participation such as the syllabus, schedules, handouts, lecture

notes, proposals, reports, etc. Course credit must be arranged in advance

through the student¹s institution and academic advisor.  Contact ITEC for

details.

APPLICATIONS can be found at:

https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fitec-edu.org%2Feducation-programs%2Fapplication&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923927204&sdata=VhRJqe4U42Jic0yiIT2sfTCQfNF1%2BP9RjAkem2Ep%2B%2BU%3D&reserved=0.

CONTACT:  Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation, 2911 NW 40th PL,

Gainesville, FL 32605, phone: 352-367-9128, email: itec@itec-edu.org

, web: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.itec-edu.org&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923927204&sdata=qsSr7exxmIhPUdGaLjzJhMzqkIRe2gvyHV6J%2FEAg9wM%3D&reserved=0

.  ITEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

founded in 1996.

Investigating the use of remote sensing technologies for collecting population and habitat use information for colonial nesting birds in coastal Maine

An M.S. research assistantship (including stipend, tuition, health insurance) is available in the U.S.G.S. Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Maine beginning September 2019 to develop remote sensing tools and guidelines for monitoring colonial nesting birds in Maine’s coastal habitats. The student will collaborate with a team of graduate students and faculty testing the quality and efficacy of bird survey data collected across various specifications, including those collected with different imaging systems at varying spatial resolutions from fixed wing aircraft, ground surveys, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and analyzed with advanced image processing approaches. The student will assist with developing guidelines for deploying UASs for surveying nesting birds in coastal habitats and toolkits for collecting and analyzing imagery for avian population surveys in marine conservation, recreation, and industry applications. The study’s geographic area spans the coastal regions of Maine, with a focus on islands hosting large nesting colonies of various seabirds and wading birds. Prior experience with geographic information systems, spatial and statistical analysis, and fieldwork is required. Prior experience with waterbirds, seabirds, or UASs is desirable but not required. The candidate must have a sincere interest in learning and combining traditional field survey techniques with emerging technologies and data analytical tools in wildlife survey applications. This project is a collaboration of several students and faculty from four academic programs on two University of Maine campuses, state, federal, and extension agency biologists, and will involve significant team science and community outreach and engagement during the project work. Applicants must have relevant coursework and field experience in ecology or wildlife biology, spatial ecology/GIS, and statistics.

The selected student will be supported by a research assistantship for 2 years and teaching assistantship for 1 semester, with an anticipated total program duration of 2.5 years. Stipend level (minimum $22,500 annually) will be based on relevant experience and coursework. The student is responsible for 50% of the health insurance cost (waived with proof of insurance); tuition and the remaining 50% of health insurance is provided. The student may complete program requirements for either the M.S. Wildlife Ecology degree or the M.S. Ecology and Environmental Sciences degree in the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology department.

Please send a pre-application cover letter expressing interest in the position, CV with references, and unofficial copies of GRE scores and transcripts to Dr. Cynthia Loftin (Cynthia.Loftin@maine.edu), with subject line “Colonial Nesting Bird Surveys M.S. Assistantship”. Review of pre-application materials will begin immediately.

Field Assistant needed from 29 April through late July 2019 (end date is flexible, start date is not) for a large-scale study assessing how Black-backed Woodpecker demographic rates vary relative to wildfire and forest management activities. This work is being conducted in the Forest Animal Ecology Lab at Oregon State University (https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpeople.forestry.oregonstate.edu%2Fjim-rivers%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c1b1f3ac6634481e8c608d6a21df6c0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636874646923917199&sdata=qDZ1k9ZvLLhgGiX8sesvxrlXiDBmJdW9JmcJ4jTKops%3D&reserved=0) and will take place in the rugged and scenic Crater Lake area of southern Oregon, an area of exceptional woodpecker diversity. Field work will consist of early mornings, hiking alone in difficult terrain, and working long days under challenging field conditions (cold, rain, intense sun, loose rock, hazard trees), including some weekends. Primary duties will consist of locating and monitoring of Black-backed Woodpecker nests, climbing nest trees, using radio telemetry to measure juvenile survival and habitat use, surveying vegetation, undertaking regular data entry, and assisting with additional project-related duties as needed. Salary is based on prior experience with a range of $2000-$2300/month. Free housing and project-related transportation are provided for duration of field work.

Qualifications: Successful applicants will have demonstrated experience with (1) bird identification by sight and sound, (2) nest-searching, (3) bird handling and banding, and (4) radio telemetry to quantify movement and habitat use. Prior experience with woodpeckers is desirable but not necessary. Successful applicants will also be self-motivated, have a strong work ethic, be in top physical condition, work harmoniously in a group living situation, have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, and be able to maintain a positive disposition under challenging work conditions.

Application instructions: Email a single document that consists of (1) a cover letter outlining qualifications for the position, (2) a resume, and (3) the name, email, and phone number of 3 references to Dr. Jim Rivers (EM: jim.riversoregonstate.edu) with “2019 Woodpecker Field Assistant” in the subject line. Position will be filled as soon as qualified applications are received.

A research assistant position is available in my lab at KU to work on
the genetic analysis of complex traits in flies. The position will
involve both fly work and molecular biology (including approaches
using high-throughput sequencing), and might be great for someone
interested in gathering more research experience before going to graduate
school. Experience with flies would be a plus, but isn’t required. The
formal announcement, and links to the institutional employment website
are provided below. Feel free to email me with any questions. Stuart
(sjmac@ku.edu)

A research assistant position is available in the Macdonald lab in the
Department of Molecular Biosciences at KU. We explore the genetic basis
of complex phenotypic variation using Drosophila as a model system. The
successful candidate will help maintain a panel of fly lines, supervise
and carry out large-scale phenotyping screens for response to toxic
metals (see https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2H6Lcge&data=02%7C01%7Cpamela.diggle%40uconn.edu%7C790d53a0805347dc881008d6a1496e4b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636873734100794244&sdata=XYocQqoGAT%2BYr85Kz6QrpBVPk%2FPuOh2fwehDkUOJwkU%3D&reserved=0), and generate next-generation
sequencing libraries for various genomics applications. We are looking
for an enthusiastic and organized individual who is willing to learn new
skills, and has excellent oral and written communication skills. Previous
research assistants in the Macdonald group have undertaken independent
research projects and been authors on research publications from the
lab. The position is funded through a new multi-year NIH grant and has
an anticipated start date of June 1, 2019 (although this is negotiable).

Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in biology (or a
related field) by the time of appointment, and some experience with
laboratory molecular biology techniques. Prior experience with flies
and/or next generation sequencing library construction would be a plus.

For a complete announcement and to apply online, go to
employment.ku.edu/staff/13828BR

Please direct any questions about the position to Stuart Macdonald
(sjmac@ku.edu).

A complete online application includes the following materials: A
CV/resume, a cover letter outlining relevant experience, and contact
information (phone/email/address) for three referees. Initial review of
applications begins 1 April 2019 and will continue until the position
is filled.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of
race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry,
disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status,
parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic
information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is
also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been
designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies
and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Executive
Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity & Access, IOA@ku.edu,
1246 West Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711
TTY 9for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses);
Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission
Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita,
Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).

 

This 6-week field class is especially good for Environmental Science and Environmental Studies majors, as well as anyone who would enjoy an immersive experience in the great outdoors of Wyoming:

GEOL 1950 Wyoming Field Studies in Ecology and Paleontology (6 credits)

Instructors:  Mandi Lyon of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Dr. Steve Latta of the National Aviary

Dr. Charles E. Jones, University of Pittsburgh

Do you love nature?  Wildlife?  Being outside?  Fossils?  Science?

This class is an amazing opportunity to spend 6 weeks exploring the rich, natural treasures of Wyoming.  The first 4.5 weeks are split between Pitt’s very own 6,000 acre nature preserve and the Medicine Bow Mountains near Laramie, WY.  The preserve is a relatively arid mixed-grass prairie with several water holes that attract birds and other wildlife.  The snow-covered Medicine Bow Mountains reach up to 12,000’ and feature forests, mountain streams, and crystal-clear lakes.  The coursework consists of learning how to collect ecologic and geologic data to understand the modern and ancient ecology of the region.  The fossil resources cover some one billion years of time, but perhaps of greatest interest are the Jurassic dinosaur bones found within Pitt’s Spring Creek Preserve.  This first part of the class culminates in a week-long independent research project devised by each student.

The last 10 days of the class feature a camping and hiking trip around the state that includes several days in the spectacular landscapes of Yellowstone National Park and the Tetons.

This class involves real work and real skills-building, but it also is a great opportunity to see diverse arrays of western birds, mammals and plants, as well as some amazing geology.  This class is an awesome experience!

For more details and to sign up, visit https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.abroad.pitt.edu%2Fspringcreek&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c7b7a916a6e4a34ac4908d6a08abd7a%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636872915091108179&sdata=vC27t%2BRxC6hmLVhQTu2ObNBPowJrFfZ9JhtWL9QZPuU%3D&reserved=0

Application deadline is March 24, 2019

Offered by the Department of Geology and Environmental Science

at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Background: The Wyoming toad (Anaxyrus baxteri) is a critically endangered species endemic to the Laramie Basin. The species was abundant in the 1950’s and 1960’s but began declining in the 1970’s until the last known individuals were brought into captivity in the 1990’s to establish a captive breeding program. Individuals from the captive breeding program have been reintroduced into the wild, but self-sustaining breeding populations have not been reestablished. Research and monitoring is being conducted to assess progress the status of wild populations, including the effects of vegetation treatments.

Location: This position is based out of Laramie, Wyoming. Field work will occur at Mortenson Lake National Wildlife Refuge (approximately 15 miles southwest of Laramie) and several Safe Harbor reintroductions sites within the Laramie Basin.

Description: 2-3 technicians to assist with regular field duties including:

•    Building and installing soft release enclosures for tadpoles and adults

•    Daily feeding and measuring of tadpoles

•    Release and subsequent monitoring of adult toads

•    Extensive radio telemetry of release toads throughout the field season

•    Regular surveys for non-captive Wyoming toads

•    Swabbing of toads for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)

•    Data entry

•    Other activities as needed

Qualifications: Qualified applicants will have the willingness and ability to work long hours (including weekends and holidays) and be flexible with their schedule, as work hours will be determined by animal needs. Applicants must also be able to tolerate harsh field conditions (heat/cold, wind, rain, biting insects, mud, etc.), pay extreme attention to detail, and meet high standards of animal care. Interest in the research, a strong work ethic, and the ability to conduct meticulous data collection for the recovery of an endangered species are most important. Priority will be given to individuals currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an ecology, wildlife biology, or related program with past field experience. Qualified applicants need a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Compensation: Technicians will be paid $400-$440 per week (depending on experience) and provided with a shared field vehicle. Technicians will gain valuable field experience while contributing to the recovery of a critically endangered amphibian.

Duration: The position will start mid-May and continue through mid-August with the potential for some technician(s) to continue through September (start and end dates may be flexible for highly qualified applicants and field season may be adjusted due to weather conditions).

To Apply: Submit a letter of interest with dates of availability, résumé or CV, and contact information (name, email, phone number) for three references in a single PDF to Dr. Melanie Murphy (melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu).  Application deadline is March 8th, 2019 but review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. Questions about the positions can be directed to Dr. Melanie Murphy (melanie.murphy@uwyo.edu) or Dr. Doug Keinath (douglas_keinath@fws.gov).

Additional Information: This research is being conducted through a collaboration between the Murphy Lab at the University of Wyoming (for more information see https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmurphylandscapegenetics.com&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7C0c7b7a916a6e4a34ac4908d6a08abd7a%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636872915091098174&sdata=g%2B8%2BiKH53rWyQiNM7UGqkAWmXiqtG2sXsqMXm2s8bjQ%3D&reserved=0) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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