Opportunities

PhD opportunity at UW Seattle: Interactions among large and small carnivores

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Subject: PhD opportunity at UW Seattle: Interactions among large and small carnivores

A PhD position is available in the Prugh lab at the University of Washington to work on an NSF-funded study examining interactions among large carnivores and mesocarnivores in northern Washington. Wolves and cougars may affect mesocarnivores negatively through killing and aggression, as well as positively by providing carrion food subsidies.
The broad goal of this project is to quantify these positive and negative interactions in an integrative framework. This study is part of a large collaborative multi-predator, multi-prey study that began in 2017. The student will work closely with other PhD students, professors (Aaron Wirsing and Beth Gardner), and biologists at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The student will join a diverse research lab in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences (http://www.prughlab.com/).

Although the broad goals for this study have been determined, there is considerable flexibility in terms of specific questions that could be addressed. The project will require intensive year-round fieldwork, involving capture and GPS collaring of coyotes and bobcats, scat collection (for fecal genotyping and diet), stable isotope analysis, small mammal trapping, and monitoring scavenging at ungulate carcasses using cameras. A variety of quantitative approaches could be used to analyze the data (e.g., spatial CMR, movement, behavior, demography).
Collaborators are collaring cougars, wolves, elk, mule deer, and white tailed deer in the same area, providing the opportunity to examine species interactions in unprecedented detail.

Grant support for this project includes 3 years of year-round stipend and tuition, and additional fellowship and teaching assistantship opportunities are available. The student would ideally be available to lead field efforts this summer starting in May or June and begin classes in Fall 2018.

An MS degree, strong academic record, and previous fieldwork experience is required. The student must work well on a large, collaborative team and be able to manage a complex field project with winter and summer fieldwork. Strong quantitative skills and a record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals are highly desirable. In exceptional cases, applicants without MS degrees may be considered. To be considered for this opportunity, please send a cover letter outlining your research interests and qualifications, a CV, unofficial copies of your transcripts, and contact information for 3 references as a single PDF document to Laura Prugh (lprugh@uw.edu). To ensure full consideration, submit your materials by April 15, 2018. Be sure to include your undergraduate GPA and GRE percentiles (NOT raw scores) in your materials.

EEB 4272 Summer Flora summer session class

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Are you interested in plants and want to learn hands-on skills such as plant identification, taxonomy, and conservation?  Does a career in botany or wildlife biology appeal to you? Do you wish your labs were held outside? Or do you simply want to know more about what is in your own backyard?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then EEB 4272 Summer Flora is the class for you! In this 3 credit course (May 29 -June 29), you’ll cover a wide range of practical botany skills and general knowledge in the context of the New England flora. Sign up now while seats are available! Please contact the instructor, Henry Frye (henry.frye@uconn.edu), if you have further questions.

Plant Community Ecology REU in Alpine Tundra

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Subject: Plant Community Ecology REU in Alpine Tundra

The Spasojevic Ecology Lab at the University of California Riverside is recruiting one undergraduate to participate in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) this summer at the Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site near Boulder Colorado. The successful applicant will contribute to ongoing NSF-funded research investigating the role of early snowmelt on plant biodiversity patterns in alpine tundra and develop an independent project on a topic of their choosing within the field of plant community ecology. Please see the Spasojevic Lab website
(www.traitecology.com) for the types of projects that we work on.

Benefits
Stipend is $5,250 for 10-week session, meals provided in a dining hall and a partial food stipend ($30/per day) for the 18 days that the dining hall is closed, housing in a rustic cabin, travel to the program (one round trip, up to $500).

Qualifications
Students must be currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year school.
Students graduating before September 2018 will not be eligible.
Participants must be US Citizens, US Nationals, or permanent residents.
We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in the sciences, first-generation college students, students that attend colleges with limited research opportunities (small liberal arts and community colleges), financially disadvantaged students, students with physical disabilities, and US military veterans.

Application
Please send a cover letter, C.V. or resume, and contact information for two references to markos@ucr.edu. Review of applicants will begin April 15th.

Important Note: Applicants must be in adequate physical condition to live at the Mountain Research Station’s elevation (9,500 feet) and to participate in activities at and above this elevation. For nearly all students, there are no difficulties beyond needing a few days of acclimation. If you have a history of heart or lung problems or have other physical conditions which might limit your ability to participate, please consult with your physician before applying.

Please see (http://mspaso.wixsite.com/traitecology/join-the-lab) for details

Summer Research Assistant in Grasshopper Ecology – Western Montana

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SUMMER INTERN/FIELD ASSISTANT POSITIONS for GRASSHOPPER ECOLOGY IN WESTERN MONTANA
 
The Belovsky Lab has paid positions available this summer to assist with their long-term (30+ years) experimental project in Montana grasslands (NSF: LTREB).  This study uses field experiments to understand how food and predators influence grasshopper behavior and ecology in combination with varying climate.  Field assistants/interns will help with the field portion of this project on the National Bison Range, Moiese, MT.
 
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The position is 90% + field work.  Assistants will help set up (assemble, catch grasshoppers and stock experiments), monitor, and take down experiments.  Daily work will include monitoring grasshopper densities in the experiments, maintaining experimental cages, and sampling vegetation and soils.  Assistants will gain experience with a wide variety of ecological field techniques, including insect enclosures, soil nutrient manipulation experiments, quantification of herbivore damage and plant growth, and insect behavior.  Assistants also will learn relevant principles of experimental and sampling design in field ecology, as well as identification of key insects and plants in Palouse Prairie grasslands.
 
QUALIFICATIONS:
. Completion of or pursuing a degree in ecology, biology, entomology, conservation biology or related field. 
 
. Capacity to learn identification of grasshoppers and Palouse Prairie flora, including grasses.  Previous field experience with plants and insects is preferred, but not required.
 
. Hard-working, highly motivated, ability to accurately collect data, keep meticulous records, and pay close attention to detail while performing repetitive tasks; ability to work independently as wells as contribute to a positive group dynamic.  
 
. Must be willing to work outside for long periods in unpredictable weather and conditions, some heavy lifting is required.  Also, the ability to deal with a flexible work schedule (i.e., work around weather conditions and phenology of grasshoppers).
 
APPLICATION DETAILS:
2 positions: One position starts May 15 and ends September 30, 2018.  Second position starts Aug 6 and ends Sept 30, 2018. Shared housing is provided near the research site. Travel to/from Montana is not provided.
 
By April 13, please send letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references (name, position, phone, e-mail) to Jennifer Belovsky by e-mail belovsky.2@nd.edu.
 
Hiring is through the University of Notre Dame.  The University of Notre Dame is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. 
 
For more information visit the Belovsky labpage – – http://belovskylab.nd.edu
 
 

REU positions in forest invasion ecology

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The Fei lab at Purdue University is accepting applications for 1-2 Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions. The undergraduate student(s) will be based in West Lafayette and would work on projects for the NSF MSB-FRA Award # EF-1638702, Modeling Invasion Dynamics Across Scales (MIDAS) in collaboration with members of the Fei lab. Two specific areas of research interest are available, including (1) investigating associations between forest understory invasion patterns and forest tree mycorrhizal types, and (2) determining the influences of forest canopy phenology and structure on plant invasion.
 
The students will primarily be responsible for assisting with tasks related to expanding the current project. In particular, students will be expected (1) to collect species trait and/or remote sensing data, and (2) to assist in analyzing data and producing papers. Preferred qualifications include (but are not required): quantitative and computational skills, and experience with working with GIS and remote sensing data.
 
This is a 12-week position during the summer term starting during the 2nd or 3rd week in May of 2018 and a successful applicant will be expected to work 40 hours per week. Compensation is $6,000 over the course of 12 weeks. A successful applicant is expected to secure their own lodging, meals, and transportation. Students from underrepresented groups and from institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply.
 
To apply: Interested applicants should send a statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcript, and one letter of recommendation. The statement of interest should be less than 500 words and include the following information: (i) professional goals, (ii) interest in position, and (iii) relevant experience. Send application materials in one PDF file to Dr. Insu Jo (jo23@purdue.edu) and Dr. Elizabeth LaRue (elarue@purdue.edu). The letter of recommendation should be e-mailed directly from the recommender with the applicant’s name in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until April 20, 2018.
 
 
Elizabeth LaRue, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University

University Field Course Opportunities with Operation Wallacea

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Greetings Dr Elphick,
Described below are some options for overseas based field courses that hopefully will  be of interest for you to offer to your undergraduate groups. For more detailed information submit an Expression of Interest or call our US office (973) 920-0487 and have a chat with Scott Sveiven who heads up the US Opwall team.


What is Operation Wallacea?
Operation Wallacea (Opwall)  is an organization that runs a series of biological and conservation management research programs each year from early June to early August in remote locations across the world. Working alongside a large team of academics and PhD students, these annual surveys have produced 330+ publications in peer reviewed journals.The funding for Opwall programs comes from tuition fees paid by students who then have the opportunity to work with publishing scientists.This approach overcomes issues caused by the short term nature of grant based funding and enables long-term temporal data sets to be gathered in habitats around the world using comparable methods across research sites. More than 250 academics and 70+ PhD students have participated in this program, with resulting data then being used to lever funds for conservation interventions at these sites.

Opportunities for Field Training Courses
The research facilities established by Opwall are available for university training courses outside the normal expedition research season (June-August). The sites identified below all have sufficient local experts, survey equipment and logistics management to be used for 1 or 2 week field courses. Universities and colleges are able to design and plan field courses utilizing key benefits including:

  • Established field sites
  • Access to past datasets
  • Full lecture series (if required)
  • Local support and guides (if required)
  • Bespoke training course
  • Past testimonials
  • Workable project lists
  • Background reading list
  • Completed risk assessments
  • Fully packaged travel arrangements
  • Costs starting at $640 per week per student, excluding travel (one free place for an academic for each 10 students-this place is pro rata).
Mexico – Forest and Marine Courses
Based in the Yucatan Peninsula in forest camps for the first week, this Neotropical forest ecology and conservation course consists of practicals including camera trapping for jaguars and pumas, point count surveys for birds, standard search transects for herpetofauna, Morelet crocodile surveys, scan and focal sampling behavior surveys of spider monkeys, and assessing forest structure. The second week is based at a marine research center and consists of PADI Open Water dive training or a Caribbean reef ecology course with practicals, including sea turtle behavioral studies by diving or snorkeling.

Peru – Amazon Forest Courses
Based on a research ship moored in the remote Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, this Amazonian Wildlife Ecology and Conservation course consists of practicals including line transects for pink and grey dolphins, gill net surveys for fish, point counts for macaws, caiman surveys, water bird transect surveys, distance and patch occupancy surveys of large mammals, camera trapping, niche separation in 12 species of primates, and amphibian surveys of floating vegetation mats.

South Africa – Bush Courses
Based in a range of Highveld, Lowveld and Fynbos reserves, this African Wildlife Management course consists of practicals including distance based surveys of large mammals from vehicles, foot based surveys of browsing and grazing pressure to calculate carrying capacities of reserves, bird point counts, and camera trapping. These courses have the students working with armed guards on foot in reserves for some practicals and includes initial training in bush survey and safety skills.

Indonesia – Marine Courses
Based in the famous Wakatobi Marine National Park, the most published site in the Coral Triangle, this field course includes dive training to PADI Open Water level as well as an Indo-Pacific reef ecology course with practicals focused on 3D mapping software to model reefs, stereo video surveys of reef fish, seagrass and mangrove studies, behavior projects on fiddler crabs and cleaner fish, and artisanal fishery survey methods.

Croatia – Terrestrial and Marine courses
Based in Krka National Park research centre for the first week, the Balkan field course consists of practicals including electrofishing, cave surveys, camera trapping for large mammals such as wolves, bird point counts and mist netting, and reptile surveys. The marine week is based in Mljet National Park, with dive training to PADI Open Water level or the Mediterranean Sea and islands ecology course with practicals including stereo video surveys of fish, sea grass surveys, and tortoise population surveys.

You can find out even more about these opportunities here. Please let us know if you have any questions at all.
Best wishes,
Kirsten

Summer undergrad field course opportunities

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Subject: Summer undergrad field course opportunities
 
Please help distribute the below announcement to your undergrads- thanks!
 
AMAZING SUMMER, 3-CREDIT, FIELD SCIENCE COURSES 
with 
Ecosystem Field Studies 
 
An opportunity to apply your classroom & textbook learning 
while immersed in a spectacular & transformative educational setting!
 
Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies
* Study, snorkel & SCUBA dive on the Caribbean coral reef of Mexico *
    June 7-27
 
Colorado Ecosystem Field Studies  
* Study, camp, & hike in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado *
   July 25 – August 14
  • Gain valuable career skills in hands-on scientific field research
  • Earn 3 undergraduate academic transfer credits over summer-break
  • Join a diverse & exciting group of college students for an experiential
    learning experience of a lifetime!
For all course information visit the website:  
 
Open to students from all universities & majors | 
Accredited by the University of Montana, Environmental Studies Program  
ENST 391- for 3 undergraduate semester transfer credits
 
Direct questions to Professor Steve Johnson, EcoFS Director at steve@EcoFS.org
 
 

Research Technician (Lab Manager) in aquatic ecosystem ecology lab

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Jessica Corman is hiring a Research Technician (Lab Manager) for her lab in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I’m looking for someone with a B.S. or M.S. and interested in ecosystem ecology. Please see the posting for details, https://employment.unl.edu/postings/58434, and feel free to contact her if you are interested, jcorman3@unl.edu.

Job Opportunity: Conservation Technician in Northern Nevada

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POSITION TITLE: Conservation Technician
STATUS: Full Time
REPORTS TO: Conservation Field Manager
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: Potentially seasonal employees, interns, and contracted crews
LOCATION: Yerington, NV (exact reporting location TBD based on area of focus)
 
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 primary purpose of the Conservation Technician is to support field operations of the Walker Basin Conservancy to ensure the successful transition of retired farmlands to self-sustaining vegetation communities that are able to thrive in the absence of supplemental irrigation. The Conservation Technician will work with the Conservation Field Manager and the Land Manager and other staff to implement and monitor stewardship projects, and is expected to spend a significant amount of time in the field.
A knowledge of desert plant ecology and ecological restoration, nursery or horticultural practices, or agricultural systems, irrigation equipment, and large equipment operation is essential. The Conservation Technicians 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.
 
This is an excellent opportunity to work with a young and growing yet thriving organization that is developing programs and operations from the ground up. WBC has a small, talented and dedicated staff who are passionate about our mission, restoration and conservation. We are looking for new people to come aboard and grow with us!
 
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)
 
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
 
  • In cooperation with the Conservation Field Manager and Land Manager, implement the day to day operations of conservation lands managed by WBC and track progress of assigned field projects.
  • Assist with all aspects of successful stewardship implementation. Duties may include ground preparation, seeding, planting, irrigation, weed control, or other tasks as necessary.
  • Assist with the control of vegetation and noxious weeds by fire, hand or mechanical removal; herbicide application; or direction of weed control contractors.
  • Install and maintain drip, handline, trench, and wheel line irrigation systems. 
  • Assist with planting shrubs, grasses and forbs from containerized stock and seed as part of the WBC’s re-vegetation program on retired farmlands.
  • Collect and compile field data with program data forms, GPS, cameras and other equipment. Ensure that accurate records of planting and seeding activity, herbicide applications, and irrigation activity are kept and delivered to the appropriate parties.
  • Develop a deep working knowledge off all equipment, irrigation infrastructure, project partners, and vegetation management techniques used by the Program.
  • Responsible for safely operating, maintaining and transporting a variety of small to heavy equipment (hand tools, power tools, tractors, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, backhoe, water truck, and road grader).
 
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience in a natural resources or agricultural or landscaping setting.
  • General experience with and knowledge of irrigation equipment and operations.
  • Ability to safely operate large machinery and vehicles including tractors, ATVs, trucks, and trailers.
  • Ability to use a dichotomous key to identify the native and non-native flora of Nevada.
  • Ability to safely operate chainsaws, brush cutters, backpack sprayers, and other equipment.
  • Ability to keep detailed records, communicate with other staff and supervisors, and to work unsupervised to accomplish program tasks.
  • Clean driving record and a NV State driver’s license, or ability to obtain within 1 month of hire. 
  • Ability to lift 50+ pounds and to work long hours in an outdoor setting.
 
Salary & Benefits:
Starting pay $12-$14.50 per hour depending on experience. Housing may be available and will be discussed with top candidates. 
 
Excellent employee benefits package which includes:
  •  A four-day work week;
  • Employer paid health, dental, vision and life insurance plans for employee Retirement 403(b) plan includes a 6% automatic company contribution;
  • 120 hours of annual paid vacation, increasing to 160 hours after first year of employment;
  • 16 hours of annual personal leave;
  • Company paid holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s;
  • 60 hours of annual sick leave;
  • 11 paid holidays;
  • Health and wellness subsidy; and
  • Employer paid professional development.
 
Position will remain open until filled. Only top candidates will be contacted.
 
Please send cover letter and resume to:
Amy Gladding
Subject Line: Conservation Technician
 
Please call (775) 463-9887 ext. 116 with questions.
 
Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer.
 
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.