MOORS END FARM AND NURSERY
SEASONAL STAFF

DATE: ASAP – mid October; starting and ending dates may be flexible
LOCATION: Nantucket, MA
COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience, free housing provided

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Moors End Farm is a small nursery/garden center/vegetable farm on Nantucket, Massachusetts looking for seasonal help starting this spring and going until the middle of October. This job encompasses all aspects of greenhouse growing and vegetable farming: from transplanting and seeding in the spring to nursery setup and maintenance, weeding, watering, and moving into retail and wholesale sales in May and June. In July we operate a roadside vegetable stand and will need retail help as well as vegetable and flower picking and working on our CSA and farmer’s market.

QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate would have a broad knowledge of plant material as we carry a large selection of perennials and annuals, have a strong work ethic, be conscientious and retail friendly. The ideal applicant will be able to both work independently and within a team setting. This is a great opportunity to learn all aspects of the growing industry as well as pass along knowledge from previous experiences. Please provide references.

Nantucket is an incredible place to work and live, and this is a great position for the right person.

To apply please email a resume to abslosek@earthlink.net or call 774-236- 9209.

Field assistant for summer 2018

Overview: Two research groups at Duke University are seeking a shared research assistant for fieldwork in plant and insect ecology and evolution.
This is a unique experience for students enthusiastic about plant ecology to gain experience working on two different projects in one summer! The projects are non-overlapping in time; there is opportunity for leisure time between project dates, or if the technician desires to stay at the field station for the duration of the summer, start dates for project 2 are flexible.

Location: Our research is conducted at and around the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, located in southwestern Colorado (www.rmbl.org). We will provide all transportation to and from the field station and from the station to research sites.

Dates:  June 18 – June 29 (project 1) and July 16 – August 10 (project 2; somewhat flexible) 2018

For a PDF version of the project descriptions, please visit:
http://bit.ly/RMBLfield18

Project 1 Summary: The time of the year when a plant begins to grow, produces flowers, and loses its leaves is important for successful reproduction, survival, and potentially future growth. Plants rely on environmental cues, such as temperature and the amount of sunlight, to time these life cycle events. Therefore, the time when a plant begins to flower can be very sensitive to climate change. For example, snow has been melting earlier in the season in sub alpine regions than the recent past as a result of warming temperatures. Since the time of flowering for some plants occurs shortly after snow melt, they track these warm temperatures and emerge or flower earlier in the season. Interestingly, not all plants respond similarly to the same environmental signals; some flowering species do not flower any earlier. As each plant species responds differently to earlier snow melt, species that didn’t flower together in the past have the potential to overlap now. If plant species grow and flower at the same time, they could compete for resources (water, nutrients, soil). Our research examines the link between climate change, the timing of life cycle events in plants, and how they compete for resources. We propose to manipulate flowering phenology of plants in resource competition experiment. We will observe how competition for soil and light resources between two co-flowering species changes under early snow melt conditions. The results from this research have the potential to help us predict how climate change may affect species interactions in the future. For more information, visit:
http://rebeccadalt.weebly.com/research-projects.html

Project 2 Summary: In the Mitchell-Olds lab at Duke University (https://sites.duke.edu/tmolab/), we study plant evolution, ecology, and genetics. We are broadly interested in understanding how the diverse traits present in natural plant populations have arisen via natural selection, and what the consequences of trait variation are for ecological interactions.
Much of our research is centered around understanding how chemical anti-herbivore defenses have evolved in the wildflower species Boechera stricta. We have ongoing experiments monitoring how interacting selective pressures of herbivore consumption and drought stress influence the evolution of defensive chemicals, and for discovering the genetic basis of plant chemistry as well as other complex traits (e.g. flowering time, mutualistic plant-insect associations, plant architecture, fitness). Our technician would help with data collection and experimental maintenance on both of these projects (see “Expectations” below).

Expectations: The field assistant will be asked to aid in data collection, entry, and analysis for both projects. This includes assisting in demographic data collection on perennial plants, assessing phenology of plants in pre-existing plots (project 1) and measuring plant survival, growth, flowering, reproduction, and herbivore damage, as well as taking environmental measurements such as soil moisture (project 2). Fieldwork can be strenuous and often involves long days in the sun and hiking. Applicants with previous experience doing fieldwork are encouraged to apply, but no prior experience is required and we will happily train first-timers with a strong interest in ecology.

In addition to helping with fieldwork five days per week, the technician will be expected to be an active participant in the research community, which includes attending weekly seminars at RMBL, attending in a weekly lab meeting, and participating in discussions about scientific articles and ongoing research projects in the lab.

Compensation: This is an unpaid position, although housing and travel expenses will be provided. Transportation from RMBL to all field sites will be provided (car or hiking).  The technician will be required to pay for their own food expenses, but all other costs (housing and station fees) will be covered.

Application: Please send a short cover letter and resume to both Rebecca Dalton (rmd34@duke.edu) and Lauren Carley (lnc14@duke.edu) by March 20, 2018.

Links:
http://bit.ly/RMBLfield18
www.rmbl.org
rebeccadalt.weebly.com
sites.duke.edu/tmolab/

JOB: Research Assistant in Rocky Mountain Insect Ecology (3-5 month position)

Job Description:  The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to serve as a biological science aide.  Our research focuses on grassland insect and rangeland ecology; specifically how interactions between grasshoppers and Mormon crickets affect Mormon cricket and grasshopper diets, insect immunity to pathogens, and grassland health.
Work may include sampling grasshoppers, Mormon crickets, and other rangeland insects in large scale experiments, sampling rangeland plants, setting up and conducting manipulative experiments in the field and lab.  Most field work will be conducted in subalpine meadows at 9000 feet elevation in the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming. A willingness to drive on overnight travel to sites in Wyoming will be required.

Salary: $11.68 – 12.74 per hour (GS-2 – GS-3) dependent on experience and education.  Dorm-style, shared housing is available on location for ~$150 per month, including utilities, internet and basic cable TV.

Dates: Starting May 13 – June 10 and continuing through the end of August to the end of October, depending on a candidate’s availability.

Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen.  Additionally, the candidate should be physically fit, able to walk rapidly over rangeland, and comfortable spending long hours outside at high elevation. The candidate will need a driver’s license.  Willingness to work long days, and some weekends when necessary is also a must.  Undergraduate course work in ecology, entomology, range or environmental sciences, and previous field work experience is preferred, but not required.

Application process: Please send cover letter, resume, and names and contact information of two references (electronically) to Robert Srygley (robert.srygley@ars.usda.gov).  Be sure to include available start and end dates. In your cover letter and please describe any experience or coursework you have in relevant areas such as field ecology, entomology, or plant identification In your cover letter or resume.

Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on the grasshopper research program
visit: http://bit.ly/2D5bppW or contact us directly.

The Mohonk Preserve, New York State’s largest member & visitor supported nature preserve, is seeking a qualified person to fill the position of:

BIOLOGICAL FIELD TECHNICIAN- FOREST VEGETATION

The Mohonk Preserve helps to protect the Shawangunk Mountains region and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore their natural world. The Preserve manages 8,500 acres of the northern Shawangunk Mountains in Ulster County, NY through four integrated programs – Conservation Science, Education, Land Stewardship, and Land Protection, and is a regional model for large-scale conservation planning.

The Biological Field Technician for Forest Vegetation will perform surveys and record data of forest vegetation diversity and assess vegetative impact from white-tailed deer on Mohonk Preserve. This position will support departmental initiatives, outreach opportunities, and carrying out the Preserve’s mission. The position is supervised by the Research Ecologist and also requires working closely with other Conservation Science and Mohonk Preserve staff.  This hourly, grant- funded position runs for approximately 16 weeks, April 30th – August 2018.

Duties include:

* Assist with placement of forest regeneration and white-tailed deer browse-impact monitoring plots * Follow existing protocols (NETN’s Long-term Forest Health Monitoring and AVID) to conduct surveys of forest vegetation, deer impact on vegetation, and soil health within forest plots * Record, manage, and enter scientific data * Prepare project assessment report summarizing seasonal findings * Perform other related duties to support department and preserve as assigned by the Conservation Science Department

Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree in biology, forestry, or ecology preferred * Experience conducting field research essential; experience conducting forest vegetation surveys preferred * Ability to identify local vegetation, especially trees and shrubs * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail essential * Familiarity with using forestry equipment including but not limited to tape measures, DBH tape, densitometer, compass, clinometer, and quadrats * Computer proficiency; familiarity with data entry and management, e.g.
MS Excel; proficiency using GPS technology * Ability to work cooperatively with Preserve staff, volunteers, and Research Associates * Ability to hike up to five miles in a rugged outdoor environment carrying up to 30 pounds of equipment in all weather conditions * Willingness to work some irregular hours, including some weekends

Salary: $14 per hour; approx. 30 hrs. per week.

Applications accepted via e-mail only. Please submit as a single PDF:
cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for 3 references by 5PM EST March 30th, 2018 to: research@mohonkpreserve.org.
Include in subject line “Forest Vegetation”. No phone calls please.

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

For more information about the Preserve, visit our website:
www.mohonkpreserve.org

Mohonk Preserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages a diverse pool of candidates.

The Mohonk Preserve, New York State’s largest member & visitor supported nature preserve, is seeking a qualified person to fill the position of:

BIOLOGICAL FIELD TECHNICIAN- GRASSLAND VEGETATION

The Mohonk Preserve helps to protect the Shawangunk Mountains region and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore their natural world. The Preserve manages 8,500 acres of the northern Shawangunk Mountains in Ulster County, NY through four integrated programs – Conservation Science, Education, Land Stewardship, and Land Protection, and is a regional model for large-scale conservation planning.

The Biological Field Technician for Grassland Vegetation will perform surveys and record data of grassland vegetation diversity on Mohonk Preserve. This position will support departmental initiatives, outreach opportunities, and carrying out the Preserve’s mission. The position is supervised by the Research Ecologist and also requires working closely with other Conservation Science and Mohonk Preserve staff. This hourly, grant-funded position runs for approximately 16 weeks, April 30th – August 2018.

Duties Include:

* Follow existing protocols to conduct grassland inventory surveys using linear transects and quadrats * Assess herbaceous vegetation diversity, and identify invasive, woody, and vulnerable species * Record, manage, and enter scientific data * Prepare project assessment report summarizing seasonal findings * Perform other related duties to support department and preserve as assigned by the Conservation Science Department

Qualifications:

* Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or forestry preferred * Experience conducting field research essential; experience conducting grassland vegetation surveys preferred * Ability to identify local vegetation especially herbaceous vegetation including grasses, wildflowers, sedges, and rushes highly preferred/beneficial * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail essential * Familiarity with using forestry equipment including but not limited to tape measures, quadrats, densitometer, compass, clinometer, and DBH tape * Computer proficiency; familiarity with data entry and management, e.g.
MS Excel; proficiency using GPS technology * Ability to work cooperatively with Preserve staff, volunteers, and Research Associates

Salary: $14 per hour; approx. 30 hrs. per week.

Applications accepted via e-mail only. Please submit as a single PDF:
cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for 3 references by 5PM EST March 30th, 2018 to: research@mohonkpreserve.org. Include in subject line “Grassland Vegetation”. No phone calls please.

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

For more information about the Preserve, visit our website:
www.mohonkpreserve.org

Mohonk Preserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages a diverse pool of candidates

Staff Laboratory Assistant I – Fisheries Technician (Temporary)

Sam Houston State University is hiring a full time, temporary, benefits eligible fisheries technician to assist with a new food web project in San Antonio Bay, Texas From April 2018 – October 2018.

The primary duties of the technician will be to identify, measure, and weigh fishes and invertebrates collected by research partners; and collect, preserve, and organize tissue samples and stomach contents from fishes and invertebrates through dissection.

The selected candidate will exhibit a high level of organization and communication skills, closely follow instruction, have frequent contact with other researchers, and have experience with Microsoft Excel. The selected candidate should also have a demonstrated ability to organize and inventory biological samples.

The technician will be required to work a modified schedule to accommodate special projects, be willing to get wet and dirty while fulfilling duties, and be able to spend extended periods of time outside in all weather conditions. The selected candidate will be required to live or be willing to move to Port O’Connor, TX or a proximate location, including Victoria, TX or Port Lavaca, TX.

This is a full time, temporary, benefits eligible position ending 7.5 months after its start date. This position will be located in Port O’Connor, Texas. Position will require the dissection of thousands of dead fish and invertebrates outside on fish cleaning tables with dissection materials, and the retention of stomachs and samples collected during dissection.

Please see the following links for more details and link to apply:
http://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/19209

http://bit.ly/SHSUFisheriesTech

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan Employer and Smoke/Drug‐Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code 51.215.

MS/PhD Assistantships – Plant Community Ecology – University of Florida

The Baiser lab of community ecology in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida is now accepting applications for MS and PhD Graduate Assistantship positions. Our research focuses on how ecological communities assemble, change, and collapse. The effect of invasive species on ecological communities is a common theme throughout our research.

The perspective student will work on a project detailing the effects of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) on Everglades plant communities.  The project is funded by the National Park Service and is a collaboration with fire ecologist Dr. Raelene Crandall
(http://www.ecologyonfire.com/) in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation at the University of Florida.

The assistantship includes full tuition coverage, Gator Grad Care health insurance, and a yearly stipend for up to four years. The position will be located at the UF campus in Gainesville, FL.  Expected start date is August
14 2018, the start of Fall term.

Qualified applicants will be highly motivated, enthusiastic, and will ideally have strong plant identification skills. Applicants will also have an undergraduate research background and/or an MS in ecology, botany, biology, or a closely related field.

Further information on the Baiser lab can be found at: http://www.baiserlab.com/

***The application deadline is April 6, 2018***

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Prospective students should send the following information with the subject line “Everglades Position” to bbaiser@ufl.edu:

– One page cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and goals

– CV

– GRE scores

– Transcripts (unofficial) from undergraduate and graduate education

– Contact information for three academic references

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Ecology of Bird Loss Project aims to understand the impact of bird loss on Guam’s forests as a result of the invasive brown treesnake, and in doing so, add to our knowledge about the importance of vertebrates for forest composition and structure. Currently, we are using comparisons and experiments on Guam and nearby islands where birds are still present to understand how birds shape the forest composition and structure through seed dispersal. For more information, see our website at http://bit.ly/eblintern.

DUTIES: Interns will be responsible primarily for resurveying tagged forest plots, along with other tasks such as monitoring phenology, surveying tagged seedlings, and entering data. Interns will rotate between Saipan, Guam, and Rota, as needed for research. Each intern will have an opportunity to develop an independent side project.
Note that this position does not involve research with birds; rather, it is a plant-focused position.

REQUIREMENTS: The successful applicants must be responsible, pay attention to detail, work well individually and as part of a group, and be flexible. They must have experience in plant identification. Applicants must be able to work in high heat and humidity, walk over rough terrain, and tolerate the tedious, and at times monotonous, work necessary for all scientific endeavors. They must have some experience working with people that have different backgrounds than their own. A good sense of humor is always appreciated. They must be available for 9 months, starting in April or May 2018.

POSITION DETAILS: Each intern will receive a round-trip ticket from any major airport in the US to the Mariana Islands, housing on all islands, transportation, and a monthly stipend of $700. In addition, interns will receive valuable research experience in the fields of conservation biology and field ecology, and training that will help them to pursue a career in ecology (e.g. feedback on cover letters, CV’s, and graduate fellowships; advice on applying to graduate school; experience reading scientific papers, etc.).

TO APPLY: Email a single pdf document including a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to McKayla Spencer (ecologyofbirdloss@gmail.com). The subject line should read “EBL Intern Position”. The cover letter should describe your previous research experience, career goals, and why you are interested in this position.
Applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 18, 2018.

Subject: Summer Research Assistant: Conservation Biological Control and Sustainable Agriculture

Summer Research Assistant: Conservation Biological Control and Sustainable Agriculture

Title: Biological Science Aide  Series: 0404  Grade: GS2 or GS3 Vacancy Announcement Number: Seasonal L/A  Location: USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab, Sidney, Montana

Job Description/Duties: The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking individual to serve as a biological science aide on projects examining the influence of landscape structure and crop diversity on pest insects and their natural enemies (e.g. ladybeetles, parasitoid wasps).  The research is focused on developing ecologically-based, sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches to pest management in agricultural systems.  This position will involve a mixture of field work (~50%), and lab work to sort samples and identify insect pests and their natural enemies (~50%).  The successful candidate will gain hands on experience with insect field sampling methods, set up and maintenance of field experiments and insect rearing and identification techniques, as well as the chance to work with the diverse insect fauna associated with cropping systems in a team oriented research environment.

Salary: $11.68 (GS-2) or $12.74 (GS-3) per hour depending on experience and education. The candidate will receive overtime pay when working above the base work schedule of 40 hours a week.  Housing is not covered, but dorm-style shared housing is available on location for ~$148 per month, including utilities.

Dates: May-September 2018 (this is a 16-week appointment with the possibility of extension).  Please specify your available start and end dates in your application.

Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen, with a valid driver’s license.  Additionally, the candidate should be physically fit, and comfortable spending time outside in uncomfortable field conditions (hot, biting insects etc.). Willingness to work long days, and weekends when necessary is also a must. Undergraduate course work in ecology or entomology, and previous field and lab work experience is preferred but not required.

Application process: Please send cover letter, resume and names and contact information of two references (electronically) in a single file to Dr.
Tatyana Rand (tatyana.rand@ars.usda.gov).

Open Period: Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information on our research program visit our website at www.ars.usda.gov/npa/nparl or contact us directly.

USDA is an equal opportunity employer.
Reasonable Accommodation:  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, or have questions regarding reasonable accommodation and/or accessibility for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Disability Program Manager on 202-720-6161 or through the DC Relay Service on 202-855-1234 (TDD).

Undergraduates 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) is an NSF-funded project that seeks to examine the limits to forest productivity in the context of resource optimization theory. Experimental tests of N and P limitation in temperate forest systems are few, and those few have been short-term with very high rates of fertilization. In 2011 we began long-term low-level additions of N, P, and
N+P in 13 forest stands distributed across three sites in the White
N+Mountain
National Forest of New Hampshire. At Bartlett Experimental Forest, which is underlain by granite, we have three young, three mid aged, and three mature stands. At both Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, on granodiorite, and Jeffers Brook on amphibolite (metamorphosed basalt), we have one mature and one mid-aged forest stand. Each stand has four plots treated annually with N
(30 kg N/ha/yr as NH4NO3), P (10 kg P/ha/yr as NaH2PO4), both N and P, and control. These treatments allow us to test for NP co-limitation and to challenge balanced forest nutrition and thereby induce mechanisms that maintain co-limitation.  More information on the project is available at http://bit.ly/melnhe, including a blog from previous field crews.

Internship Description:  Interns will be guided in the design of their research projects and will interact closely with graduate students and senior research scientists.  Research projects could include the effects of nutrient addition on fine and woody litter production, seed rain, tree water use (sap flow), soil respiration, and canopy spectral properties, which involves ground truthing remotely sensed tree crown locations. Interns will gain a wide variety of skills by assisting in all ongoing projects.  Interns have the opportunity to present their results at the annual Hubbard Brook Cooperators Meeting in July. 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.  Food is prepared communally by the interns and graduate student researchers, and costs generally run between $5-6 per day.
A stipend of $200 per week is provided for living expenses.

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 Friday, March 9th, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. The field season will begin on June 4 (arrive June 3) and end on August 10 (depart on August 11).