We seek three full-time, temporary technicians in fire, wildlife, and sagebrush ecology with the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University. The research project site is at the Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area (PWSWA), near Dayville, OR. Daily work will primarily be vegetation surveys to quantify the changes following fire and post-fire restoration treatments in sagebrush communities, small mammal trapping, maintenance and observations for seed dispersal experiments, and data entry. Position is based out of OSU, but no housing is provided in Corvallis because less than 1 day will be spent there. However, transportation to field sites and primitive (ranch house) accommodations on site will be provided. Daily field conditions can be challenging, including varying weather and fire conditions, encounters with venomous reptiles, and remote and semi-primitive group living conditions at base camp.

Hourly Wage: $13/hour

Dates of Employment: Preferred start date will be May 17, 2019 but start date is somewhat negotiable. Field season can be expected to last up to 10 weeks

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in progress in Fisheries and Wildlife, Biology, Ecology, Botany, or another related biological discipline. Abilities/Knowledge/Skills: Basic knowledge of ecological principles and systematic data collection as well as basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel. Impeccable habits in data collection, recording, quality-checking and data entry. Willingness and ability to spend long days in the field in hot, cold, wet, or dry conditions, hike up to several miles with a 30-pound pack, camp in a field setting occasionally, and to be away from duty station (Corvallis, OR) for several weeks at a time. Ability to live and work effectively as a member of a team sharing a project base camp. Position requires a commitment to completing required animal handling training modules prior to field season and willingness to handle small mammals.

Desirable Qualifications: Current driver’s license and ability to drive an ATV and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Driving record subject to OSU review for approval to drive university and agency vehicles.Experience collecting biological data in a field setting. Prior training and/or experience in ethical live trapping procedures as applied to small mammals. Organizational, communication, and leadership skills with an ability to independently manage multiple task simultaneously. Resourceful in developing practical solutions to daily challenges. Knowledge of sagebrush ecosystems. Experience with issues surrounding rangeland or fire. Experience using GIS tools.

To apply, you must visit http://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/72533 

Upload your (1) resume or CV, (2) a cover letter detailing how you meet the minimum, and where applicable, desirable qualifications, (3) contact information for 3 references, and (4) academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are fine). Applications for full consideration due by March 8, 2019. Position closes March 15, 2019.

Direct questions to: Dr. Jake Dittel: jdittel@una.edu  

The University of Maine Initiative for One Health and the Environment is excited to announce a new NSF-funded REU program for summer 2019, entitled Accelerating New Environmental Workskills (ANEW). REU ANEW is a 10-week paid summer research internship. Each summer, we will invite 10 motivated undergraduate students to join our faculty and graduate students to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.  REU ANEW students will have the opportunity to work directly with faculty research mentors, as well as Broader Impacts mentors who  are working in the field to apply One Health research to real world problems.  Through our program, students will develop critical research and thinking skills that are directly relevant to future career success, and build lasting professional relationships with their undergraduate peers, graduate students, and faculty and broader impacts mentors.  

Are you interested in studying the link between genetics and marine mammal health, the risk of diseases known as zoonoses that can transfer from animals to humans, or how policy and climate change are impacting tick-borne diseases and their effects on iconic Maine species like moose?  If so, you should consider applying to our new program! For more information and to apply, visit https://nsfa.umaine.edu/one-health/REU.  Application review will begin on March 20 and all complete applications submitted before this deadline will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will continue to be reviewed until all positions are filled. Please direct any questions you have about the program or the application process to anne.lichtenwalner@maine.edu and kristina.cammen@maine.edu.

Stipend: All REU participants will receive a generous summer stipend ($5,750) and living expenses, including travel expenses and housing at the University of Maine in Orono.

Eligibility: All REU students must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent residents of the U.S.  Students must have completed at least one year of an Associates or Baccalaureate degree program prior to the summer internship, and must plan to continue in their degree program following this summer internship (graduating seniors are not eligible). As part of the National Science Foundation’s and our commitment to broadening participation, we especially encourage students who self-identify with groups that are under-represented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to apply, as well as students attending institutions with relatively limited research opportunities (e.g., community colleges and some undergraduate-only institutions).

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Sarah E. Harebo, Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Field Assistant: Demography of Canada Warblers (Cardellina canadensis) along an elevation gradient in the central Appalachians

School of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program, West Virginia University

Description: The School of Natural Resources at West Virginia University is seeking a research technician to assist with a mark-recapture study of breeding Canada Warblers along an elevation gradient in the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia. Fieldwork will occur from approximately May 1 to€ June 30. The position will entail capture and banding of Canada Warblers, subsequent re-sighting of color-banded individuals, and other duties as they arise (e.g., vegetation surveys, data entry during rainy days, etc).

The ideal candidate should have experience mist netting, banding, and re-sighting color-marked birds. Candidates should expect early mornings and rugged field conditions. A remote field house is provided, but candidates should expect to spend the majority of working days camping in the field. Terrain in the central Appalachians can be steep and rocky. Candidates should be able to haul equipment off-trail over steep terrain. A field vehicle will be provided.

Stipend: $12.50 / hour for 40 hours / week.

To Apply: Interested individuals should send a CV, 1-page cover letter, and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF file to Dr. Christopher Rota at christopher.rota@mail.wvu.edu  . Review of applications is ongoing, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

The Doak lab at CU Boulder and the Morris lab at Duke University are recruiting two motivated undergraduates for a summer research internship in alpine plant ecology as part of NSF’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.  The students will design and conduct independent research that contributes to a larger NSF-funded project to investigate how demographic variation across geographic ranges determines species range limits and responses to climate change. To answer this question, we have been conducting a long-term, multi-site study of the demography and flowering phenology of two widely distributed and well-studied herbaceous perennial tundra plants, moss campion (Silene acaulis) and bisort (Polygonum viviparum). The REU students can combine short-term experimental or observational field studies with 15+ years of existing demographic data, spanning multiple populations, habitat types, and geographic regions, to ask compelling questions about the ecology or evolution of alpine plants. Examples of excellent questions that REU students could address include:

• How do changing climate conditions (snowmelt, temperature) influence the timing of flowering and pollinators?
• Studies of pollination limitation for plants in female or hermaphrodite-dominated subpopulations of the gynodioecious Silene acaulis
• Evidence for up or down-slope range expansion of either species in response to climate change
• Impacts of plant neighborhood structure on growth and survival
• Studies of these or other species across local elevational gradients, to assess changes in form or population structure that would correspond to or arise from demographic shifts.

The REU students will be based at the Mountain Research Station at Niwot Ridge, CO from June 1 to August 3, 2019(the main flowering and growth season). Staying at the Mountain Research Station will allow the student to engage in rigorous field work at Niwot Ridge, take advantage of long-term research plots, and interact with other REU students and researchers. In addition, the student will be able to supplement field research at Niwot Ridge with trips to nearby alpine areas and other greenhouse or computer modeling work at CU Boulder. In late July, the student will also participate in the main project by collecting demographic data in long-term plots at Niwot Ridge and New Mexico.

We will provide the REU student with travel expenses, room and board at the Mountain Research Station, and a $400/week stipend. We will also provide support for research expenses, including materials or research-related travel.

The ideal candidate will be interested in pursuing a career in ecology, environmental sciences, or evolutionary biology, and have demonstrated abilities in critical thinking, organization, and working as part of a team. Candidates should have some background in ecology, environmental sciences, or evolution, and the ability and willingness to engage in physically strenuous or uncomfortable activities (e.g., hiking at high elevation, carrying heavy packs, working outdoors under a variety of weather conditions, etc.). Candidates must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at the time of the REU (i.e., students that graduate prior to the program are not eligible). Students from underrepresented backgrounds (first-generation college students, women, minorities, etc.) are especially encouraged to apply!

Applications should include: 1) copy of unofficial transcripts, 2) contact information for two professors or other academic references who have agreed to be references for the applicant, 3) CV, and 4) a one-page description of your academic background and goals, your interest in the REU position, any previous research experience, and any experience working or hiking at high elevations.

Applications and letters should be sent to Dr. Megan Peterson at megan.peterson@colorado.edu with “2019 REU application” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin March 15.

The Squam Lakes Association is a non-profit conservation organization that works to conserve the natural beauty, peaceful character, and resources of the Squam watershed. Through conservation, education, and low-impact recreation, the SLA promotes the protection, careful use, and shared enjoyment of the Squam Lakes Region. The Squam Lakes Association is a part of the Lakes Region Conservation Corps (LRCC), an AmeriCorps state program. The Squam Lakes Association has six half-year positions (22.5 weeks) available for the summer/fall LRCC program. LRCC-SLA members scuba dive to remove aquatic invasive species, act as caretakers of our back-country campsites, maintain the SLA’s 50+ miles of trails, monitor water quality, lead volunteer crews, run engaging environmental education programs, remove terrestrial invasive species, educate the public on local and regional conservation initiatives, and more. LRCC-SLA members receive numerous certifications, including scuba diving certification, weed control diver certification, and wilderness first aid. Housing is provided for LRCC-SLA members on the SLA’s campus. While serving with the SLA, LRCC-SLA members will also spend nights out camping while they act as campsite caretakers at SLA’s low-impact island campsites.

Summer/Fall LRCC-SLA members receive the following over the course of the program:
– Scuba diving certification
– Weed control diver certification
– Lake Host training
– NH Safe Boater Certification
– NH Commercial boating license
– Wilderness First Aid & CPR certifications
– Housing with kitchen facilities
– Living allowance: $200 weekly, distributed biweekly
– AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,907 received upon successful completion of program (minimum of 900 hours)

LRCC-SLA is one option of 6 total host sites for summer/fall LRCC. To learn more about other opportunities within the LRCC please visit https://http://www.squamlakes.org/americorps. 

Qualifications
– Must be 18 years of age by May 22, 2019
– Must be covered by health insurance for duration of program
– Must be a competent swimmer
– Able to lift 50 pounds
– Able to carry and use heavy tools while hiking
– Able to hike at least 8 miles in a day
– Able to work independently and with a group
– Available from May 22, 2019 through October 26, 2019 (end date dependent on completion of service hours)
– Must apply online
– Must meet the Corporation for National Community Service’s minimum requirements:
-Must clear all required National Service Criminal History Checks
-Must be a US citizen, US national, or legal permanent resident of the US
-Must be high school graduates, GED recipients, or must be working toward attaining a
high school diploma or GED during their term of service.*

* Although it is not a requirement, the majority of applicants have or are in pursuit of their bachelors degree.

To apply, please visit our website at https://http://www.squamlakes.org/lrcc-application . Application deadline is 3/15/2019, however the positions will remain open until filled. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

The eco-epidemiology lab at Columbia University (Diuk-Wasser lab: http://blogs.cuit.columbia.edu/mad2256/ ) has three paid research assistant positions for the 2019 summer field season:

(1) Host associations 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); and

We also have multiple unpaid part-time volunteer positions available in NYC. The time dedicated to the project is negotiable, but we request at least 1 full day a week.

Host associations of the Lyme disease agent on Block Island, RI
Research Assistant (1 paid position)

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 May 19-August 23, 2019 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)
Research Assistant (1 paid position, multiple part-time volunteer positions)

This project examines the human dimensions of the coupled human natural system of Lyme disease on Staten Island, NY. During June and July, 2019, 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 20th to run through July 31st, 2019. 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)
Research Assistant (1 paid position)

This project examines the natural transmission cycle of the Lyme disease agent within the coupled human natural system on Staten Island, NY. During the summer of 2019, 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 15th and run through August 30, 2019. 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 trap mesomammals.

Relevant information for all positions

Housing, field equipment, and transportation 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) with 1) a cover letter (noting which position you are applying to) and relevant field experience; and 2) a CV/resume by March 15, 2019, for full consideration.

Link to the application: https://goo.gl/forms/R1pYMxHOmGZhyPb32