Opportunities

Field Assistant – Canada Warbler Demography

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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.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity in Alpine Ecology

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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.

6-Month and Summer AmeriCorps Restoration Team Member Positions Available

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POSITION TITLE: AmeriCorps Restoration Team Member

STATUS: Half Time, 900-hour term from May 27, 2019 to November 27, 2019 OR 450-hour term between May 27, 2019 to August 22, 2019 OR 300-hour term between June 17, 2019 to August 15, 2019

NUMBER OF POSITINS AVAILABLE: 34 Total of various lengths

REPORTS TO: AmeriCorps Program Manager

POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: None

LOCATION: Yerington, NV

BACKGROUND: Established in 2014, the Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC) is leading the effort to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental and recreational interests in the Walker Basin (www.walkerbasin.org). The nascent and dynamic nature of the WBC and its diverse management obligations provide unique opportunities to develop operations from the ground level up, working closely with staff who are passionate about their mission.

The WBC currently manages thousands of acres of land and assets on multiple properties in the Walker Basin.  Land planning activities are underway and focus on assessing public use opportunities, conservation values, long term land ownership and stewardship, active and passive revegetation and restoration activities. 

JOB PURPOSE: The Restoration Team Members will serve alongside other members and WBC Conservation Technicians conducting primarily invasive species removal and native plant re-vegetation within the Walker River Basin. Members may also work on recreational trail construction, sign installation, and fence construction. Members will work in conjunction with other WBC field staff, providing on the ground support to larger project operations.

A working knowledge of, or a desire to learn more about, desert plant ecology and ecological restoration, nursery or horticultural practices, or agricultural systems and irrigation equipment is essential. The Restoration Team Members should also have a sincere interest in expanding their knowledge of Great Basin Desert ecology, restoration practices, the flora and fauna of Nevada, and agricultural methods and equipment.

Members will serve in an outdoor setting and will sometimes be required to camp in the field for the duration of the tour. Camping will generally be in areas with at least primitive road access for crew vehicles, but the camping sites will usually be undeveloped backcountry sites. Both camp and project sites will generally not have access to potable water, restroom facilities, or cellphone signals, and members will be expected to follow Leave No Trace principals in camp and on project. Project work will frequently require hiking over rough terrain while carrying tools and equipment.

LOCATION: Yerington, Nevada is a beautiful rural farming community located approximately 95 miles south of Reno, NV in the foothills of the eastern Sierra mountains. Yerington is small but growing with about 3,100 residents. Established in 1907, the city has heritage and deep roots in agriculture, mining, railroads, and gaming. Some of the nearby attractions, activities and recreational opportunities include:

  • Camping, biking, hiking, backpacking
  • Fishing, hunting and boating and OHV trails
  • Flat and white-water boating (1 hour away)
  • Rock Hounding and climbing
  • Ghost Town Exploration
  • Ski Resorts (1.5-2 hours away)
  • Lake Tahoe (1.5 hours away)
  • Lahontan Reservoir (30 minutes away)
  • Walker Lake (45 minutes away)
  • Topaz Reservoir (45 minutes away)

Essential Functions:

·         Under the guidance of a WBC Technician, utilizing hand tools, backpack sprayers, and ATV mounted sprayers to conduct invasive plant removal and control.

·         Under the guidance of a WBC Technician, utilizing hand and power tools to conduct native plant re-vegetation and restoration.

·         Under the guidance of a WBC Technician, utilizing hand and power tools to conduct road decommissioning, recreation trail construction, and sign/fence installation.

·         Communicating effectively and professionally with other members, WBC staff, agency partners, and the public.

Secondary Functions:

·         Assisting with the management and supervision of community volunteers on WBC conservation projects.

·         Uploading field data into databases and compiling reports to inform future management plans.

·         Assisting with the inventory, maintenance, and repair of WBC tools and equipment.

Qualifications

  • Willingness and ability to work outside in unpredictable weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team.
  • Willingness and ability to camp in undeveloped, primitive conditions for multiple days.
  • Willingness and ability to work irregular hours, such as starting early or working more days with shorter hours, in accordance with project specific requirements and conditions.
  • Ability to bend and crouch for long periods of time and occasionally lift heavy loads or equipment.
  • Ability to uses hand and power tools, operate motor vehicles, and work long days on labor intensive projects.
  • Willingness to use chemical herbicides in the treatment and control of invasive weeds while following strict application protocols.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills.
  • Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.
  • Meet AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements, including:
    • Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service;
    • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent;
    • Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States;
    • Pass a National Sex Offender Public Website check and National Service Criminal History Check; and
    • Be eligible to receive and AmeriCorps Education award, with a limit of four total terms in a lifetime and the equivalent of two full-time terms (3600 hours).

Physical and Mental Requirements

Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use tools and equipment for prolonged periods.  Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods of time.  Strength and dexterity to operate small, medium, and heavy equipment.  Strength and stamina to endure standing and working for long periods of time and in extreme weather conditions.  Dexterity and vision to observe oncoming traffic hazards and react quickly to emergency situations.  Some heavy lifting (over 75 pounds) is occasionally required.

In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations.  Applicants and incumbents are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Working Conditions

Technicians work in an outdoor setting with varying weather conditions, including, but not limited to, extreme heat, dry conditions, rain, snow or hail, and extreme cold.  Work sites will generally be in areas with at least primitive road access for crew vehicles. Work sites will generally not have access to potable water, restroom facilities, or cellphone signals, and Technicians will be expected to follow Leave No Trace principals on work sites without facilities. Work will frequently require hiking over rough terrain while carrying tools and equipment.

Position may occasionally be required to work around heavy machinery in hazardous environments. Environment is generally dirty, with prolonged exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, noise, or odors. Frequent interruptions to planned work activities occur.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Living allowance of $9,180;
  • Education award of $2,960;
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance, child care, and federal student loan forbearance are available for eligible members at no additional cost;
  • Uniform reimbursement;
  • Per diem when on spike (while camping);
  • Paid personal and sick leave; and
  • Paid holidays.

Members will receive a variety of technical and professional training related to their service activities as well as personal and professional development. Available trainings include:

  • First aid and CPR;
  • Leave no Trace principals; and
  • Plant identification, invasive species identification and treatment, and trails training.

Housing in Yerington can be difficult to find. WBC has limited and optional housing available for a low monthly rate. Housing accommodations are dorm or bunk style housing with shared bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen areas and common spaces.

Positions will remain open until filled. Only top candidates will be contacted.

Local applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to apply.

Please send cover letter and resume to:

Amy Gladding

amy.gladding@walkerbasin.org

Subject Line: 6-month Restoration Team Member

Please call Miguel Gonzales, AmeriCorps Program Manager, at (775) 463-9887 ext. 110 with questions.

Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  The above functions may be completed with or without reasonable accommodations.  This program prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or disability.

Equal Opportunity Statement – Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. WBC does not discriminate against any employee, applicant, director, officer, contractor, or any other person with whom it deals because of race, creed, color, disability, age, sex, veteran status, religion or political affiliation. WBC complies with all federal and local statutes prohibiting discrimination in employment.

Disclaimer – The statements contained herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the employees in these positions. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in each position. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the responsibilities, duties, and skills at any time.

Scuba Diving, Camping, Trailwork Crew- New Hampshire

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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.

Recruiting Interns, Hubbard Brook and Bartlett Experimental Forests

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Undergraduates or recent graduates seeking research experience in forest ecology are invited to apply for a 10-week expense-paid internship at Bartlett, Jeffers Brook, and Hubbard Brook Experimental Forests in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

About the Project: Multiple Element Limitation in Northern Hardwood Ecosystems (MELNHE) seeks to examine the limits to forest productivity in the context of resource optimization theory. In 2011, we began the first long-term N x P factorial manipulation experiment in a temperate forest; previous tests of N and P limitation in temperate forest systems have been few, and those few have been short-term with very high rates of fertilization. Our experiment involves 13 forest stands distributed across three sites in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Five years ago, we found that trees had grown more in response to P than to N addition (Goswami et al. 2018), which was important, as forests on recently glaciated soils have been presumed to be N limited. Perhaps anthropogenic N deposition has tipped many systems towards P limitation. This summer, we will measure trees again to test whether co-limitation has been attained within a decade, as predicted by the MEL model (Rastetter et al. 2013).

More information on the project is available at https://http://www.esf.edu/melnhe/ , including a blog from previous field crews.

Internship Description: In addition to all-hands activities such as applying fertilizer at the beginning of the field season, excavating soil pits in July, and measuring tree diameters in August, interns will be guided in the design of independent research projects and will interact closely with graduate students and senior research scientists. Research projects could include the effects of nutrient addition on soil pH and N availability, fine and woody litter production, or soil respiration and belowground carbon allocation. Interns will gain a wide variety of skills by assisting in all ongoing projects and will have the opportunity to present their results at the annual Hubbard Brook Cooperators Meeting in July.

The field season will begin on Monday, June 3 (arrive on June 2) and end on Friday, August 9 (depart on August 10). A stipend of $200 per week is provided for living expenses. Interns are provided with shared housing at Bartlett Experimental Forest; tenting is optional. Work days typically begin at 8:00 and end at 4:30, but may be shorter or longer depending upon the day’s activities. Days off may not always land on weekends due to logistical considerations. Food is prepared communally by the interns and graduate student researchers, and the cost of groceries generally runs $6-7 per day.

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

To Apply: Please send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to Alex Young, aryoung@syr.edu  . Interested students should apply by Sunday, March 10 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. 

Graduate Student Opportunity in Pollinator Ecology at New Mexico State University

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The Global Change Ecology Lab (GCEL) within the Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, led by Dr. Scott Ferrenberg, is seeking a graduate student interested in pollinator ecology and climate change. This position will begin in the fall of 2019 and will be supported by a research assistantship as part of an NSF funded research network. Students interested in insect species distribution models, characterization of ecological niches, and understanding population dynamics of important pollinators in the face of global change pressures are encouraged to apply. This position will provide opportunities to utilize interdisciplinary approaches to the characterization of ecological niches of important bee species, including physiology, genomics, and quantitative biology.

Interested, potential applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Ferrenberg at ferrenbe@nmsu.edu   to inquire further about the lab and research opportunities. Please include a letter of interest that states: 1) general research and career goals, 2) if you are interested in obtaining an M.S. or Ph.D., and 3) experience in the applicable fields/disciplines related to this position. In addition, applicants must provide a current curriculum vitae and unofficial transcripts. Official applications for admission to the NMSU graduate school for Fall 2019 are due on 15 April. More information about the GCEL can be found at https://ferrenberglab.wordpress.com/ and about NMSU’s Department of Biology can be found at https://bio.nmsu.edu/ 

3 Paid Eco-Epidemiology Research Assistant Positions

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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

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN POSITION IN PLANT ECOLOGY AT TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

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The Spigler lab in the Biology Department at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA is looking for a full-time research technician. General research areas in the laboratory include plant ecology, evolution, and genetics, with emphasis on the evolutionary ecology of plant reproduction. The technician is expected to carry out greenhouse and field studies investigating the demographic impacts of variation in plant mating systems. Duties will include: extensive fieldwork throughout the year; plant care in greenhouse; data collection and organization; working with a team of undergraduate researchers; and general lab maintenance. Although the technician will be based at Temple University, frequent travel to field sites (within driving distance) is required. Fieldwork will require long days throughout the year under challenging conditions, including hot summer and cold winter months; it will involve initiating experimental populations, collecting demographic data, and performing pollinations.

Anticipated start date is May/June 2019. This is a one-year position and is ideal for individuals planning on pursuing a graduate degree in ecology or evolutionary biology. An extension beyond one year is possible, subject to performance review and funding. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes benefits.

Qualifications: The candidate must have a BS or BA in biology, ecology, horticulture/plant sciences, or similar; experience in ecological field work; a valid driver’s license and ability/willingness to travel; excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Previous experience working with and caring for plants is highly desirable. Experience with basic molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR) is preferred but not essential.

Interested? Please email as a single PDF document: a cover letter, CV including undergraduate GPA, and contact information for 3 references to rachel.spigler@temple.edu  . For more information on the lab, please visit http://rachelspigler.weebly.com . 

Seasonal vegetation sampling field jobs

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Biological Field Technician (4 positions) 
To Apply: https://natureserve.atsondemand.com/index.cfm#/jobDescription/671352/Biological

Job Description
JOB SUMMARY:
NatureServe is seeking to fill up to two full-time, short-term (April 29th- August 7th) field biological technician positions and up to two lead field biological technician positions to conduct vegetation field sampling according to BLM AIM terrestrial monitoring protocols. Lead Technician positions would start up to two weeks in advance of the field season to assist with planning field logistics and safety. Lead Technician position includes responsibility for supporting crew safety in the field, and coordinating sampling logistics and scheduling, including organization and quality control of paper and electronic field data. Work schedule is typically 10 hours a day for 8 days while car camping in remote locations.

Salary: $13.00 – 18.50/ hour + per diem

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The work will consist of following established vegetation and soil sampling methods on existing ecological monitoring sites, including plot and line-based sampling, identification of plants to the species level, digging soil pits and analyzing soils. Knowledge of native plants, the flora of northeastern California, ecological field monitoring methods, field sampling and project management needed. Availability for participation in BLM AIM training in Reno NV, April 29th-May 2nd strongly preferred.

The essential job functions listed above are not meant to be all-inclusive and may be subject to change at any time.

Experience and Skills
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Two years of coursework in ecology, natural resources, range management, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Field experience collecting scientific data.
• A valid driver’s license required for all positions.
• Ability to identify plants in the field to the species level and experience using dichotomous keys required for all positions.
Lead Technician
• Experience coordinating logistics of data collection and safety planning for field crews and conducting biological sampling.
• A completed BS/BA degree with two years of coursework in ecology, natural resources, range management.
• Field experience collecting scientific data and experience with vegetation data sampling.
• Experience navigating with topographic maps, aerial photography and GPS to remote field locations.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
• Careful attention to detail and strong organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms and electronic data entry.
• Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training.
• Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough roads.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules (typically 10 hours a day for 8 days) while car camping in remote locations.
• Ability to hike up to 5 miles / day while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs), and ability to assist in digging soil pits and in analyzing soils and erosion data.
NatureServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

To Apply: https://natureserve.atsondemand.com/index.cfm#/jobDescription/671352/Biological

 

Summer Field Technician, Northern Minnesota

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Silviculture and Applied Forest Ecology Lab, Iowa State University

The Silviculture and Applied Forest Ecology Lab at ISU is seeking a summer field technician to assist with vegetation sampling in beautiful northern Minnesota. The study is located on the Cutfoot Experimental Forest and addresses experimental approaches to increasing adaptive capacity of forest ecosystems to future conditions. Individuals will gain valuable field experience as well as have an opportunity to work collaboratively with researchers at ISU and the USFS Northern Research Station.

Qualifications:

·         Applicants should be pursuing or hold a degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology or a similar discipline

·         Skills identifying trees and shrubs are desired but not required

·         Previous vegetation sampling experience is desired but not required

·         Knowledge of map, compass and G.P.S. is desired but not required

Requirements:

·         Ability to perform extensive field work in remote areas

·         Ability to travel over uneven terrain

·         Be able to work in inclement weather conditions (rain, high humidity, heat)

·         Be willing to learn new skills

Duration: Late-May 2019 to Early-August 2019

Compensation:

$11.50-$13.00/hour, depending on experience. Shared lodging and transportation to and from research sites will be provided.

To Apply:

Please send a resume, contact information for two references, and a letter of interest to Lewis Wiechmann (wiechmlj@iastate.edu). The position will be open until filled but applications submitted prior to Friday, March 15th will be given priority.