Opportunities

Coweeta LTER Summer REU Project with A.D. Rosemond and S.J. Wenger, University of Georgia

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We are seeking enthusiastic and qualified applicants for a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position based in Athens, Georgia. This project will focus on quantifying patterns in stream temperature in the Little Tennessee River (LTR) watershed in western North Carolina. The student will be involved with collecting, organizing, and synthesizing temperature data from the LTR, working with sensor data from current thermistor deployments and helping to facilitate additional deployment of sensors by citizen scientists with the nonprofits Trout Unlimited and Main Spring Conservation Trust (MSCT). The student will use spatial statistical models to explain observed temperatures using variables such as canopy cover, slope, and air temperature. These data layers will also serve as the basis for habitat suitability maps for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and other species of interest. The student will likely attend the Little Tennessee River Watershed Conference to be held June 16th, 2018. This project is part of a larger collaborative project investigating the effects of stream warming on detritus-based ecosystems. The student may have the opportunity to assist with various other aspects of this project as well.

The position runs from May 30 to August 8 (dates slightly flexible) and includes a competitive stipend. Applicants must be current undergraduate students who are planning on continuing full-time enrollment in fall semester, 2018. GIS experience is required. Interested applicants should email a resume (including relevant coursework and any prior research experience), a cover letter describing how the REU activities align with their training and career goals, and a list of three references to Dr. Amy
Rosemond: rosemond@uga.edu. Please put ‘Summer REU’ in the subject line. The deadline for applying is Monday, April 2nd.

Project Evaluation and Reporting: Deliverables and documentation of learning outcomes from this study will include 1) a written report on the findings by the student and 2) weekly meetings to discuss research, knowledge of ecology and aquatic ecology and plans for the future with mentors, and 3) additional writing and reflection. The participant will be encouraged to present their research findings at an undergraduate research conference.

Paid Summer Internships at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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Please let interested students know about paid collection internship opportunities with anthropology, paleontology, or botany collections at the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA).
 
Candidates will gain professional museum experience in registration and collections management while working in a region surrounded by remarkable landscapes and Native American cultures. Accredited by AAM, MNA is located in Flagstaff, AZ – a mountain town with lovely summer weather, numerous hiking trails, and close proximity to the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Parks, Sunset Crater, Wupatki and Walnut Canyon National Monuments, the Painted Desert and Red Rock Country. Flagstaff is home to Lowell Observatory (where Pluto was first discovered) and a gorgeous Arboretum. Summer Internships coincide with MNA’s internationally recognized Native American Heritage Festivals which introduce visitors to the culture and artistry of the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni peoples.
 
The two multidisciplinary and one botany oriented internships are posted on MNA’s website athttp://musnaz.org/about/careers/.  Housing and a $12 per hour salary (30-34 hours per week) are provided for a minimum of 10 weeks between May 1st and September 30th 2018. 
 
To apply, email a cover letter, resume and 3 letters of recommendation as either MS Word or PDF toJThomas@musnaz.org. Application review begins March 31, 2018, so get your application in early.
 
The Museum of Northern Arizona is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Open until filled.
 
Thanks,
Janet
 

M.S. Graduate Research Assistantships in Agricultural Sciences

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Graduate Research Assistantships at College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University

M.S. level graduate research assistantships (approximately twenty) are available at the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences within the College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN for the Fall Semester of 2018.  Highly motivated students are encouraged to apply to work on a wide range of research projects with a research focus on Animal and Food Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology, Applied Geospatial Information System, or Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communication. Graduate research assistantship positions are awarded on a competitive basis. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to interact with scientists from academia, industry and government agencies.  These are fully funded 12 month M.S. research assistantship positions in agricultural sciences that include a competitive monthly stipend for two years. Interested students who have earned a bachelor degree in agricultural sciences, biological sciences, forestry, environmental science, geography or any other related fields should apply. Applicants may visit http://www.tnstate.edu/graduate/apply.aspx and apply online for admission into the program by submitting: 1) CV/Resume, 2) statement of research interest and experience, 3) GRE scores (TOEFL scores are required for international applicants), 4) university transcripts (international transcripts must be evaluated by the foreign educational credential evaluation agency such as World Education Service https://www.wes.org/); and 5) three recommendation letters from professional referees. Standardized test scores and transcripts (including evaluated transcripts) must be sent directly to the university by the agency.

The graduate programs at the College of Agriculture provide ample opportunities to enhance professional development and also engage with researchers and extension educators working on various multidisciplinary projects http://www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/. The graduate programs in agricultural sciences are designed to prepare graduates for the ever-demanding job market by developing the necessary set of skills and competency through interactions in a classroom setting, experiential hands-on learning, and network building opportunities. The college has three state-of-the-art experimental research facilities – the main campus research and education center and two off-campus facilities, and 27 research laboratories for advanced microbiological, biotechnology, environmental sciences, food science, and animal science research using the latest instruments and technology.

Review of applications will start on the first week of May and will continue until suitable candidates are chosen. All inquiries should be directed to Dr. Bharat Pokharel, Graduate Coordinator by email at bpokhare@tnstate.edu or by telephone at 1-615-963-6054. Tennessee State University is a public university located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. Tennessee State University is an AA/EEO (affirmative action and equal employment opportunity) employer.

Jobs: bird field technicians and reptile/amphibian field technicians

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SHRUB/SCRUB BIRD FIELD TECHNICIANS (2) needed May 1st through August 15th 2018 for research on shrub/scrub bird ecology in northern New Jersey.  Duties include conducting point count surveys in the NJ Highlands using distance sampling methodologies, vegetation sampling, data entry and some data analysis.  Point count experience and the ability to identify birds of the eastern U.S. by sight and sound required.  Proficiency with GPS and range finders required, and knowledge of MS Excel and ArcGIS preferred.  Applicants must be able to work independently, move materials and to lift 25 lbs as needed and be willing to work in occasionally hot and buggy conditions and potential rough terrain.  Salary $830 to $1,015 bi-weekly, depending on experience.  Must have own vehicle, and a valid, clean driver’s license.  Housing and mileage reimbursement will be provided.  Send cover letter indicating position of interest, resume outlining relevant experience, and three references (including email address and phone number) as a single pdf document by email tohr.research@njaudubon.org.  Please include “Shrub/Scrub” in the Subject line to be sure that your application is routed to the correct department.  Application deadline 15 March 2018.  NJ Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 
The Reptile & Amphibian Field Technician (2) will be responsible for conducting reptile and amphibian surveys in managed early successional habitats and control sites throughout the NJ Highlands region. Data will be used to assess the response of target species to ongoing management activities, and guide future management recommendations. Position dates: April 1 thru June 30, 2018
Duties include, but are not limited to: Transect surveys for target early successional reptile and amphibian species, using visual encounter sampling methodologies, Additional survey methods, such as auditory surveys, artificial cover sampling, or other survey techniques, as needed, and Data entry.
Qualifications:  Visual encounter survey experience and the ability to identify reptiles and amphibians of the eastern U.S. by sight and sound required.  Proficiency with GPS and range finders required; Knowledge of MS Excel and ArcGIS preferred.
Must be willing to work independently and as part of a team.  Must have the physical capacity to walk over uneven terrain for long distances, and be able to move materials and to lift 25 lbs.  Must have reliable vehicle, a valid and clean driver’s license, and be able to operate a vehicle in New Jersey.  Must be willing to travel in the State of New Jersey. 
Salary:  $ 830 to $1,025 bi-weekly, depending on experience;       
Housing arrangements may be available;             Mileage reimbursement provided
Send cover letter of interest, resume, and three references (including contact information) as a single pdf document by 15 March 2018 to hr.research@njaudubon.org.  Please include “Amphibian and Reptile Surveyor” in the subject line so your application is routed correctly for review.   NJ Audubon is an equal opportunity employer.
 
 
René Buccinna
Administrative Assistant, Research and Education
NJ Audubon
Phone: 609-400-3852
 
Connecting people with nature since 1897
 

Bird survey technician, NJ

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BIRD SURVEY TECHNICIAN needed April 30 through July 27, 2018 for research on breeding landbirds in the NJ Meadowlands. Duties include conducting standardized point count surveys at various sites by map and GPS, some territory mapping and nest searching, recording detailed observations and data in the field, and doing data entry.  Ability to identify birds of the Northeast by sight and sound, previous experience conducting point counts, and willingness to walk or kayak/canoe to various sites necessary. Proficiency with MS Excel and Word software, and GPS navigation a must. The position requires spending long hours in the field conducting surveys, carrying equipment, and tolerating exposure to variable and sometimes adverse weather and environmental conditions.
Salary $12.00-13.50/hr, depending on experience.  Must have a valid and clean driver’s license.  Please send cover letter of interest, resume, and three references no later than March 11, 2018, as a single PDF document (including email and phone contact info) to hr.research@njaudubon.org.  Please include “Bird Survey Meadowlands” in the subject line so that your application is routed to the correct department. 
 
 
René Buccinna
Administrative Assistant, Research and Education
NJ Audubon
Phone: 609-400-3852
 
Connecting people with nature since 1897

Seasonal Technicians (2): Grassland Soils and Vegetation

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North Dakota State University is offering two technician positions that will contribute to research investigating soil nutrient cycling and plant communities in grasslands under varying land management systems in southwestern North Dakota. The positions can begin between mid-May and early June and extend through August.

Both technicians will work on the soils and vegetation components of the project, but one technician will be more focused on soil sample collection and lab analysis while the other will be more focused on vegetation and pollinator surveys.

Soils work will include, but is not limited to: in-field soil sampling and in-lab soil nutrient analysis. Applicants for the soils component should possess knowledge or interest in soil sampling techniques and soil nutrient analysis; prior experience with nutrient analysis preferred.

Vegetation work will include, but is not limited to: biomass clipping; surface and vegetative canopy composition; visual obstruction readings; pollinator surveys; and forage quality analysis preparation. Applicants for the vegetation component should possess knowledge or interest in vegetation sampling techniques and plant identification; prior experience with Northern Great Plains grassland and forage plants identification is preferred.

These full-time, seasonal positions offer compensation beginning at $12/hour, although applicant experience will be considered in the final offer. Housing at the Hettinger Research Extension Center in Hettinger, North Dakota is provided in addition to all work-related transportation at the Center. Additional travel to the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center in Streeter, ND for vegetation sampling will also be provided along with housing at the Center.

Competitive applicants for both positions will be comfortable with living and working in a rural setting. Hettinger (population ~1,200) is located in southwestern North Dakota and is roughly 70 miles south of Dickinson, ND and 140 miles southeast of Bismarck, ND. The technicians will be required to live and work amicably and near other research staff at the Center. Technicians should be comfortable working in a variety of weather conditions typical of the Northern Great Plains. Evidence of ability to work both cooperatively and independently in the field is required, A valid driver’s license is also required.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter as soon as possible expressing interest and suitability for the position along with a resume to Jonathan Spiess (jonathan.spiess@ndsu.edu), the graduate student supervisor for this project.

EDI Summer 2018 Fellowship Opportunities

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The Environmental Data Initiative (EDI) is excited to announce six data management training fellowships for the period June 4 – August 13, 2018.

The fellows will receive training in data management and gain hands-on experience through participation in data preparation, archiving and publishing with scientists at specific host research sites. The training program begins with an in-person workshop at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque (June 5 – June 7, 2018), during which the fellows learn about the process of data publishing. The knowledge gained will then be applied at the host sites.

The application deadline is March 25, 2018. For details and other important dates please visit our website athttps://environmentaldatainitiative.org/events/summer-2018-fellowship-program/.

We are looking forward to your application! Please contact Susanne Grossman-Clarke (grossmanclar@wisc.edu) for further questions.

Vector-borne Disease Field Technician, RI and NY

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Field Technician(s) – Vector-borne disease, Staten Island, NY or Block Island – RI 
 
The Diuk-Wasser lab http://bit.ly/2FFcI1v at Columbia University is recruiting motivated field technician(s) for field sampling from May 21-August 24 on Staten Island, NY or Block Island, RI. We are an eco-epidemiology lab interested in how human changes to the landscape and the climate drive the emergence and spread of vector-borne diseases. Our main focus is on tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and babesiosis.
 
Primary duties will include handling and processing (collecting blood, tissue, and ticks) from small mammals, drag sampling for questing ticks, and mist netting, handling, and processing samples from birds. Other duties include maintaining field equipment and data entry. Preference will be given to individuals with experience handling, collecting blood samples, point count analysis, and having knowledge of the avian fauna on New York or Rhode Island.
 
Housing (only for Block Island), field equipment, and transportation on the island will be provided. Salary commensurate with experience. 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 send in a single pdf document with 1) cover letter explaining your interest and relevant field experience; 2) a CV/resume; 3) list of three professional references to Dr. Maria Diuk-Wasser (mad2256@columbia.edu) by March 15, 2018.
 

 

Two M.S. Assistantships in Fire Management/Invasive Species Monitoring

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The School of Forestry & Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello seeks highly motivated students to contribute positively and work on one of the following research projects. Both assistantships are available on August 16, 2018 and each offer an annual stipend of $15,000 and cover tuition.
 
Evaluating extent and severity of emerald ash borer in Arkansas and Louisiana ([bit.ly/UofAForestHealthLabEAB]bit.ly/UofAForestHealthLabEAB): Ash trees represent a critical ecological component of bottomland hardwood forests and provide $2 million of annual revenue to Arkansas landowners alone. The detection of the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis; EAB) represents a serious threat to the ash resource and forestry sector in the southern United States. As part of a larger research project, the student will evaluate current on-the-ground conditions of ash host and EAB adult and immature larval populations to determine severity and extent of the infestation in Arkansas and Louisiana. Student’s thesis may focus on comparing detection techniques or examining effective EAB adult dispersal and ash mortality pattern or examine effect of biological control on EAB population and the development of immature stages over time. This is an opportunity to work closely with representatives from multiple conservation and natural resources management agencies including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, State Forestry Agencies in Arkansas and Louisiana, and the U.S. Forest Service-Forest Health Protection to provide up-to-date information on EAB and its effects.
 
Evaluating fuel treatments potential in reducing wildfire risk and fire behavior in the Arkansas Ozarks([bit.ly/UofAForestHealthLabEAB]bit.ly/UofAForestHealthLabFire): Increases in frequency, duration, severity, and size of catastrophic wildfires have occurred, especially in the western United States. In 2017, suppression costs exceeded $2 billion and consumed 56% of the U.S. Forest Service budget. As part of a larger, interdisciplinary research project, the student will evaluate fuel conditions in relation to thinning and harvest removals aimed to reduce densities of small-diameter trees and evaluate the potential reduction in wildfire risk and fire behavior implications. The student will work closely with the U.S. Forest Service National Forest personnel and other participating agencies to simulate fire behavior and examine potential impacts, while working in the scenic Arkansas Ozarks.
 
Requirements: Applicants must have a 2.7 overall undergraduate GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate courses and satisfactory GRE scores. A B.S. degree in a natural resources-related field is also required. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license or obtain the same within 60 days of starting employment. Overnight travel is required as well as the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
 
Location and Facilities: The School of Forestry & Natural Resources is located in Monticello, Arkansas in the southeastern portion of the state. The Arkansas Forest Resources Center is also headquartered here and is administered by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The Arkansas Forest Resources Center is the research and extension arm for forest-based programs within the State. Additionally, the USFS Arkansas Forestry Sciences Lab is located at the School. The School and Center maintain several state-of-the-art laboratories (hydrology, soil, quantitative analysis, silviculture, wildlife ecology & management) available for graduate research and education.
 
Application & Additional Information: Graduate program and application information can be found athttp://www.uamont.edu/sfnr. Applicants must be admitted to the University of Arkansas at Monticello and apply to the School of Forestry & Natural Resources before they can be considered for an assistantship. Applicants must submit all GRE scores, official transcripts, a statement of interests, and three letters of recommendation. Please indicate the position number above on all application materials and inquiries.
 
For additional information, please contact:
Dr. Mohammad M. Bataineh, Office: 870-460-1449, Email: bataineh@uamont.edu
 
The positions are available until qualified applicants are selected.
 
UAM is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer