Hiring: Research Assistant – Thunder Basin Prairie Ecosystem Association

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Research assistant for the Thunder Basin Prairie Ecosystem Association (TBGPEA). TBGPEA is a non-profit organization established to provide private landowner leadership in developing a responsible, science-based approach to long-term management of the lands of its members.  Over the last ten years the Association has focused its efforts on developing ecosystem-based conservation measures. These measures are designed to address the habitat needs of species of concern in northeastern Wyoming in balance with the need for sustainable economic and social activities and preservation of cultural values.

TBGPEA is collaborating with the USDA-ARS Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit (RRSRU) in Fort Collins, Colorado to develop new knowledge about ecological processes in Thunder Basin and apply this knowledge to improved management for production and conservation objectives. The Research Assistant will be supervised by the Board of TBGPEA with input from RRSRU scientists. The Assistant will be responsible for collecting scientific data from field experiments to evaluate how climate, fire, soils, grazing management, and global change affect ecological phases, states, transitions and thresholds in semi-arid rangeland ecosystems. If time permits, the Assistant may help evaluate Association member’s property as part of the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances implementation.

Location of work: Thunder Basin National Grassland, Bill, WY

Hours of work: 40 hours per week (4 x 10 hour days per week)

Salary: $2660 per month. On-site housing is provided. Three days of PTO and three paid holidays included.

Dates: May 22 – August 17, 2023 (13 weeks; start and end times may be flexible)

MAJOR DUTIES

Collects soil and vegetation data and is responsible for quality assurance/quality control of data collected.  Keeps exact, detailed records of experimental data.  Provides data in an appropriate format for incorporation into computer spreadsheets. Makes and records observations of unusual happenings, phenomena or trends that might influence interpretation of plot or field data.

Manages fieldwork program semi-autonomously; takes responsibility for solving problems and adapting to current conditions and events without constant supervision.

Operates, maintains, cleans, repairs and constructs equipment used in plot and field experiments including, but not limited to, vehicles and field equipment.

If time permits, the Assistant may participate in the development of livestock grazing management plans and may also collect ornithological or small mammal data.

Ensures that all safety and environmental concerns are addressed to provide a safe work environment, and that activities in support of research in the Thunder Basin do not pose an environmental threat.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

Technical knowledge of plant identification, structure and function of plant communities, and theory and practice of rangeland management, and a familiarity with the methods of biological sciences such as biology, chemistry, botany, etc., in order to participate responsibly in most phases of the experimental process.

Experience with bird and/or small mammal wildlife survey techniques is beneficial.

Ability to do efficient and high-quality work without direct supervision. Ability to proactively solve problems and manage tasks adaptively in order to get the job done on time.

Skill in the use of personal computers to utilize software packages such as: word processing, data entry and manipulation in spreadsheets (e.g., Excel).

Communication skills necessary to follow directions precisely and produce positive interactions with scientists, research personnel, and the general public.

Knowledge of range science, soil science, general biology and ecology.

Practical knowledge of general vehicle maintenance and repair. Knowledge of safe operating procedures when using equipment or vehicles. Knowledge of UTV operation and safety is beneficial.

Practical knowledge of livestock management and nutrition for use in development of livestock grazing management plans.

COMMUNICATION CONTACTS

Personal contacts are broad including TBGPEA members; scientists, technicians and graduate students from other institutions or other federal agencies; action agencies; non-governmental organizations; vendors and contractors; state or local government entities; visitors and the general public.

Personal contacts within the RRSRU involve support and assistance to scientists and support staff. The purpose of personal contacts is to mutually accomplish technical and support work; assist in planning and coordinating work efforts; discuss technical requirements of equipment with manufacturers and resolve problems concerning the work or the peculiar needs of the organization; coordinate help with other research projects; exchange information about research techniques; obtain supplies and equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires standing, walking, bending and lifting of objects weighing as much as 50 pounds.  Certain phases of the work require extended (such as most of a work day) periods of standing or sitting while accomplishing detailed experimental procedures.  Some procedures require stamina and endurance.  Need to have the physical capability to perform required duties without hazard to self or others when working with machinery, cattle, horses, fire or chemicals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job is located in a remote part of NE Wyoming. Weekend transportation to and from Fort Collins, CO is available. The work environment is about 85% in the field and 15% in the shop or office.  The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working outdoors. Throughout the year, the person may encounter belligerent livestock, insects, dust and extremes of weather. The person is required to wear protective clothing (e.g., coats, boots, goggles, gloves, and respirator) as conditions warrant.

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

Dave Pellatz

Executive Director

Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association

671 Steinle Rd

Douglas, WY  82633

307-359-1328

dave@rswyoming.com

AND

Lauren Porensky

Research Ecologist

Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit

USDA-ARS

1701 Centre Ave.

Fort Collins, CO 80526 USA

970.492.7139

lauren.porensky@usda.gov

The Polaris Project – UG Annual Research Expedition to Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, AK

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Funded by the U. S. National Science Foundation since 2008, the Polaris

Project  trains

future leaders in Arctic research and informs the public about the Arctic

and global climate

change. During the annual field expedition to the Yukon Kuskokwim (YK)

Delta,

Alaska, undergraduate students conduct cutting-edge investigations that

advance scientific

understanding of the ecological impacts of climate change on tundra

ecosystems.

Expenses associated with travel, room, and board will be covered by the

project. There

are no tuition or fees, and each student will receive a $3750 stipend. A

portion of this

stipend ($750) will be provided before the field expedition for students to

purchase required

field gear; the remainder will be provided upon completion of the

expedition.

ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT

The program is open to students who are 18+, currently students with at

least two full years of college remaining (preference for have students in

third- or fourth-year standing) or recently graduated. All students should

be working toward completing a bachelor’s degree. All students must be

eligible to attend a university without a visa (e.g. a US citizen,

permanent resident, DACA recipient).

COVID – 19  VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

All participants will be required to show proof of full vaccination against

COVID – 19 upon acceptance to the program. A person is considered fully

vaccinated two weeks after their final dose of a primary vaccine series.

Additionally, all program participants accepted to the program must have

the most up to date COVID-19 booster by June 1, 2023 (currently the

bivalent booster). If updated boosters are released, we require the most

recent booster available. We will require proof of the most recent booster

by June 1, 2023.

https://www.thepolarisproject.org/2023-polaris-application-materials/

*The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on Jan 9, 2023 (CST).*

Program Description

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland offers undergraduate and beginning graduate students a unique opportunity to gain hand-on experience in the fields of environmental research and education. The program enables students to work on specific projects while getting experience in valuable lab techniques all under the direction of the Center’s professional staff. The program is tailored to provide the maximum educational benefit to each participant.

SERC is focused on understanding the causes and consequences of environmental change for marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Interns at SERC conduct independent projects over 12-16 weeks utilizing our 2,650-acre research site on the shores of Chesapeake Bay to provide novel insights into some of the most profound issues challenging our world today, including habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. Choose from 17 different opportunities including research labs, environmental education, citizen science, and science communications. Our intern alumni have used our professional-training programs as a stepping-stone to pursue advanced careers in the environmental sciences.

How to Apply

Application to the SERC Internship Program consists of on-line registration,

student copy of transcripts, personal essay, resume, and one letter of recommendation using the Smithsonian On-line Academic Appointment (SOLAA)

Application deadline:

Summer (May-August): Deadline is February 15th

Paid internships weekly stipend of $625 with on-campus housing available

These can be remote or in-person internship opportunities

https://serc.si.edu/internships/education-department-internship

Ecology Assistant

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (CHOH) is seeking an Ecology Assistant position as part of the National Park Service’s Scientists in Parks program. CHOH is located along 184.5 miles of the Potomac River in Maryland along a large stretch of unfragmented, unique, and highly biodiverse riparian forested and open habitats. Included in this biodiversity are a recorded 200 state rare, threatened, and endangered plant species, which are frequently the subjects of conservation and restoration efforts. This participant will be primarily focused on identifying pollinators and collecting natural history data on critically imperiled and imperiled plant species. Duties will include conducting floral visitor observations and collections, assessing pollination efficacy of floral visitors, collecting data on floral phenology, insect pollinator identification, and seed collection to determine ovule development.

Term of Service: 12 week program: 5/15/2023- 8/4/2023 with flexible (+/- 2 week) start date

Location: Williamsport, MD

Benefits:

  *   Weekly stipend of $480

  *   Relocation allowance: $350

  *   Free shared housing provided

 *   Mentorship with National Park Service staff

  *   Multiple training and networking opportunities

Required Qualifications:

  *   Applicants should be majoring in or have earned an undergraduate degree in ecology, biology, wildlife ecology, botany, plant ecology, or entomology.

  *   Strong applicants should have strong research skills with ability to digest and synthesis information quickly; an ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a small, interdisciplinary team; strong oral and written communication skills.

  *   Experience with plants of the mid-Atlantic/Northeast US, basic insect identification, and insect sampling methods is preferred.

  *   Experience working outdoors, sometimes in difficult, uneven terrain through varying weather conditions.

  *   The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (green-card-holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.

  *   A personal car is required to drive from housing to park headquarters. Government vehicles will be available for field work.

Application link:

https://conservation-legacy.breezy.hr/p/82d118b5404c-ecology-assistant

2023 Fire Research Field Assistants (2)*

*Assist with field data collection for Cal Poly Humboldt Wildland Fire Lab

on fire effects and fuels management*

We are looking for two motivated and curious field assistants to assist the

Cal Poly Humboldt Wildland Fire Lab on a research project investigating

fuel dynamics following prescribed fire in the Klamath Mountains. Field

research will entail navigating to plots, collecting a variety of tree and

post-fire measurements, and other tasks. Assistants should be able to hike

short to moderate distances across uneven and steep terrain, tolerate

hot/humid weather conditions, and be willing to tent camp for up to four

days at a time. A rental vehicle will be available for work-related travel.

These positions will be based out of Arcata, CA, with overnight camping in

the Klamath Mountains occurring Monday-Thursday during the field season. We

will provide training for specific data collection methods, though

experience taking standard forest, fuels, and vegetation measurements is

preferred.

*Salary and Duration*

$16-$18 per hour (depending on experience) for ~12 weeks (mid-May-

mid-August), possibility for extending part-time work into the fall.

*Location*: Arcata, CA

*Required Qualifications*

Strong candidates for the position will have the following:

• Valid driver’s license and ability to complete defensive driver training
• Current student or recent graduate from forestry, fire or related field
• Grade point average of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale
• Previous coursework in Forestry, Fire Management, Ecology, Botany or a

related field

• Ability to navigate using maps and GPS
• Prior field work experience outside of the classroom (volunteer or paid)
• Research interest and field experience in forestry, ecology, or related

field

• Positive attitude and ability to work well with others in remote field

sites for extended periods

*Preferred Qualifications*

• Wilderness First Aid or other related medical training
• Experience and knowledge regarding safe driving practices in remote,

mountainous areas

• Prior experience identifying shrub and tree species in the Klamath

Mountains

• Previous camping experience

*HOW TO APPLY*

To apply, send (as a PDF or Word Document): 1) a resume (including GPA

and complete contact information); 2) a brief letter of interest (clearly

state relevant education, experience, and interest in the position); 3)

unofficial transcripts, and 4) the names and contact information of three

references in one email to both Jeff Kane (jkane@humboldt.edu*) *and Kaily

Fineran (kmf675@humboldt.edu). *Applications are due by January 22nd.

*Incomplete

applications may not be considered.

REFUGE OPERATION TECHNICIAN (SEABIRD RESEARCH) Connecticut

Location: Falkner Island, CT – Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge

Duration: Beginning May 15th to August 5th (12 weeks)

Job Type: Seasonal Position

Salary: $15/hr (housing may be available for rent)

Job Description: Stewart B. McKinney NWR is looking for one qualified individual to be our 2023 Refuge Operation Technician stationed on Falkner Island to monitor seabirds. Duties of this technician position include but are not limited to:

· monitoring productivity of roseate and common terns on Falkner Island

· identifying both species’ prey items (typically small fish) and recording data

· band re-sighting (fledglings and adults) from field blinds and other locations

· banding common tern chicks

· participating in non-lethal predator management

· completing maintenance projects and invasive species control

· operating/maintaining small watercraft and associated vehicles (must pass MOCC course)

· educating the public and assisting with training of other seasonals working on the island

Job Requirements:

· The position is based on an island in a bird colony with thousands of birds. Technician must be able to work around birds who will be actively defending their territory/colony. This includes the birds as a group flying at and hitting the top of the head (safety hat provided for protection), as well as being around bird excrement and having birds excrete on you (issued safety equipment).

· This position involves working long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays. Schedules will be around 40 hours per week but will vary in the length of day and start time.

· The technician will spend 5+ days living on the island in rustic conditions (no running water, outhouse, solar power, limited and unstable WiFi connection) and 2 nights off.

· Weather and wave height may change work schedule due to transportation issues.

· Work will often be labor intensive and may be in adverse weather – need to be physically able to lift 30lbs and walk miles over uneven and rocky terrain

· Work includes hazards such as direct contact with poison ivy and plants with thorns, as well as conditions with biting insects to include ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies

· Will be required to wear a uniform to work every day, operate a boat, and drive Refuge vehicles

· May use power equipment with personal protective equipment

· Must take and pass the DOI’s Motorboat Operation Certification Course

· Will need to drive personal vehicle to/from Guilford dock when meeting boat

· Applicant must be a US citizen, have a US Driver’s License, and be 18-30 years of age (or up to 35 if a U.S. veteran)

· Will be required to provide information about banding experience for permitting purposes

Qualifications:

· Previous bird banding experience is required

· Additional experience working with birds, field work in a field camp setting, data collection, bird identification, boat operation, fish identification, and an academic background in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental science or a related field are preferred.

To Apply: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with preference given to those received by January 13th, and a final deadline on March 3rd. Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least 3 references (must include email and phone number) via email to: Kristina_Vagos@fws.gov. In the subject line, please enter “Falkner Island” and the first letter of your first name followed by your full last name. All application material should be titled similarly. Please do not send applications by mail.

Happy New Year!  Our research group has field positions open for experienced birders and plant enthusiasts for the 2023 field season. I’d be grateful if you would share the announcement links with anyone who might be interested.

Birds: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/130038
Plants: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/130035

The study locations are in the Great Basin, primarily the mountains of central Nevada and western Nevada, and the east slope of the Sierra Nevada. These are spectacular, moderately to truly remote, and surprisingly birdy places.

Bird season is roughly mid May through early July. Existing ability to identify western birds by sound and sight, and existing backcountry skills and common sense, are essential qualifications.

Plant season is more flexible, but roughly early June through early August. Applicants should be familiar with the major tree and shrub species in the Intermountain West. Again, backcountry skills and common sense are essential.

Full consideration date is 16 January. Closing date is 23 January.  I’m happy to answer any questions.

Best wishes,
Erica

--

Erica Fleishman

Director, Oregon Climate Change Research Institute

Professor, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences

Oregon State University

erica.fleishman@oregonstate.edu

805.291.6258

We are already looking to hire folks for this coming summer of field work. If you know of anyone who is a good worker and would be interested in a summer in North Idaho, please forward the link below to them. Last year was a struggle to find quality candidates so I am trying to cast a wide and far net this year.

The position would be working with myself and another biologists on a wide array of warmwater and trout species in some of the best trout streams in Idaho and the largest lakes in the state. The start and end dates are flexible but would like someone from mid-May to mid-August. The position is non-benefitted but pays $15/hr and has free housing at the 4,000 acre Farragut State Park next to Lake Pend Orielle.

https://idfg.idaho.gov/job/126322

Job Title: Ecological Field Technician

Classification: Seasonal Position (6 weeks)

Pay: $20 per hour

Location: Pahrump Valley, Nevada (Mojave Desert)

Start Date: 3/20/2023

 

Application Deadline: 2/15/2023

Number of Positions: 2

Organizations: Cornell University, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Contact: Kyle Turchick (kt493@cornell.edu)

Job Summary:

Multiple field technician positions need to be filled for work related to

both disturbance ecology and renewable energy ecology. The field

technicians will assist with data collection for a project investigating

the effects of solar energy development on the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

This project is funded by the Bureau of Land Management and is in

collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Field work will be in

the Pahrump Valley of Nevada, which is located in between Death Valley,

California and Las Vegas Valley, Nevada. The field work will be led by a

PhD student in the USGS Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit at

Cornell University (Kyle Turchick). The two main objectives are to (1)

understand ecosystem change due to the construction of a large solar energy

facility and then (2) inform land managers in the Las Vegas Field Office,

as well as the broader community of research ecologists. INDIVIDUALS WITH

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IMPLEMENTING THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT’S

ASSESSMENT, INVENTORY, AND MONITORING (AIM) METHODOLOGY ARE ENCOURAGED TO

APPLY.

Job Description:

The field technicians will assist with data collection both in and around

the solar facility for 1.5 months, beginning in mid-March 2023 and ending

late-April (6 weeks total). Each week will consist of four 10-hour days of

fieldwork (Monday-Thursday), followed by three days off (Friday-Sunday). A

work truck will be provided for the crew, such that the field technicians

won’t need a personal vehicle during the work week. During the four-day

work week technicians are expected to camp with the work truck on the

public lands surrounding the isolated solar facility. The crew will

commute in the work truck each day from the public land basecamp to the

nearby solar facility, and then hike out to sampling locations from within

the solar facility; or the crew will hike from the public land basecamp to

the sampling locations outside of the solar facility. The workday will

begin early in the morning and extend through the heat of the day.

Technicians will be paid $20 an hour. The necessary cooking supplies will

be provided for the crew (propane stove, fuel, pots, pans, cutting board,

bowls, plates, cups, utensils, etc.), and food expenses will be covered

during the four-day fieldwork week (Monday-Thursday).

The primary scientific duties of the field technicians will be to identify

plant species, measure vegetation, characterize biological soil crust,

quantify downed woody debris, describe soils, survey burrows, sample

pollinators (trap deployment and recovery), accurately and legibly record

data (with paper & pencil), correctly enter field data to digital formats,

and potentially install sensors. Previous experience beyond classwork

required for: identifying plant species, vegetation measurements, and both

accurate and legible data recordings, these are the three central skill

sets. Attention to detail and organization while in physically stressful

environmental conditions are key characteristics. Again, individuals with

previous experience implementing the Bureau of Land Management’s

Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) methodology are encouraged to

apply.

The successful applicant must be able to perform these duties consistently

for long periods of time in physically challenging environments. The

physical and mental capacity to conduct long hours of fieldwork in rugged,

hot desert conditions is required.

Qualifications Summary:

Desired qualifications for the position include the following:

1. Experience working with AIM protocol

2. Experience collecting data on desert soils and plants

3. Ability to accurately follow instructions for data collection and

implement scientific procedures

4. Physical and mental capacity to conduct long hours of fieldwork in

rugged, hot desert conditions

5. A Bachelor’s degree in botany, soils, or related field OR equivalent

work experience in desert ecology.

Application:

Please submit the following to application materials, preferably in a

single PDF document, to Kyle Turchick (PhD student) via email (kt492@cornell.edu):

Application Materials: (1) Brief letter of interest;

(2) Resume/CV; (3) Names and contact info for 3 references; and (4)

transcripts (optional). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis,

but the final date to apply is 2/15/23.

Thank you for your interest.

The Plant Ecology lab is seeking independent and mature undergraduate or newly graduated students with a background or interest in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field for paid field research internships. Successful candidates will work at the  B4WARMED (Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) research experiment that warms plants and soil with summer rainfall removal in the field to examine tree seedlings response to warming and water limitation with respect to physiology, phenology, growth, and survival. For more information about the lab and the project visit our web pages.

Openings start at the beginning of March and go until the end of November 2023. Start dates are flexible and up for negotiation. On average, an internship lasts about 4+ months. Typical workdays are eight hours Monday through Friday; however, some tasks require early morning, evening, or weekend work (+40h/week). A valid driver’s license is required. Successful hires will work through a variety of tasks with a primary focus on tree biometric, ecophysiological and ecological measurements and data collections in the field with occasional site maintenance, laboratory work, and treatment implementation. The intern will work in an individual and team setting. Consequently, a maturity to work autonomously often with long hours is required.

Desired qualifications: 1) Eagerness to work hard in an outdoor setting, 2) Capacity to collect data following established protocols, 3) Familiarity with plant and tree species of northern Minnesota, 4) Willingness to work well and play well with others and live in a remote area with others and/or alone, 5) Curiosity and passion for the natural world, 6) Flexibility to adapt to a frequently changing schedule, 7) Demonstrated ability to work under changing weather conditions with large swarms of insects.

Fieldwork will be split between research sites at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Cloquet, MN, and the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, MN. Both research sites are in beautiful forested settings and provide access to the natural areas of northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. An individual’s home base will be at either of these locations, though travel between sites will be required depending on project needs. University vehicles are used for such travel. On-site fully furnished housing and kitchens are available.

To apply please send a cover letter (including available working dates), a CV/resume, and contact information for two references electronically to Kirsten Granstrom-Arndt via grans025@umn.edu . Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.