Opportunities

Jobs: bird field technicians and reptile/amphibian field technicians

Posted on by
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

Posted on by
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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by
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

Posted on by
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

REU in the Arctic

Posted on by

Position Summary: The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking applicants for Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions. REU positions are available to U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents only who are currently enrolled as undergraduates at U.S. colleges or universities (no graduating seniors). Successful candidates will participate in field research on either terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems in the Toolik Lake Research Natural Area on the North Slope of Alaska.

Additional Information: In addition to gaining experience by assisting on a variety of project activities, REU students typically engage in a small independent project that is linked to larger studies of lakes, streams, tundra or land-water interactions. REU participants are expected to collect and analyze data and to produce a poster describing their project near the end of the field season.
We anticipate funding for support of at least two REU positions during the 2018 field season, both in association with the Arctic LTER project (http://ecosystems.mbl.edu/ARC/).
Candidates for these jobs should be available to live at Toolik Field Station for 8-10 weeks during June, July and August. In addition to a stipend, travel to Toolik Field Station is paid for by grant funds as well as the cost of room and board at the station.

Basic Qualifications: Applicants should have completed basic coursework in biology, chemistry and ideally ecology or ecosystem studies. Attention to detail and a desire to learn new laboratory and field techniques are essential.

Physical Requirements: Applicants should be in good health, capable of rigorous outdoor activity, and prepared to live in a field camp where cooperation with others is essential, personal privacy is limited, and living accommodations are spare and simple.

Special Instructions to Applicants: The following are required documents:
1) Cover Letter
2) Resume/CV
3) References – Names and contact information of three persons who may be asked to provide letters of reference.
4) Unofficial Transcripts.
NOTE: Please do not ask referees to send unsolicited letters; these will be requested by us for final candidates only.

APPLY ONLINE: http://bit.ly/2F3osdn

The Marine Biological Laboratory is an
Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans Employer.

Molly Kelleher
Human Resources Assistant
Marine Biological Laboratory
7 MBL Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
508-289-7422
humanres@mbl.edu

Eric T. Schultz
Professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Coordinator, Joint BS-MS Degree in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Director, Vertebrate Biodiversity Collections
Chair, General Education Oversight Committee
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269-3043
eric.schultz@uconn.edu
860.486.4692

Plant Ecology field/lab volunteer position: USGS, Hawaii.

Posted on by

Subject: Plant Ecology field/lab volunteer position: USGS, Hawaii.

Plant Ecology field/lab volunteer position with USGS, Hawaii. This volunteer position starts in mid-April, 2018 and lasts 6 months; housing and per diem are provided. We are looking for a motivated intern with field/lab experience to work on a project in mid-elevation mesic forest on Hawaii Island relating to invasive plants, native birds, and ecosystem restoration. In particular, the work focuses on how plant-soil interactions and bird dispersal of native seed affect native understory regeneration in Acacia koa reforestation projects, therefore previous experience with plant/soil sampling and labwork is desirable. Field responsibilities include: collecting plant survey data, maintaining and collecting seedrain traps, outplanting experimental plants, collecting plant foliar and litter samples, soil coring. Field sites are in Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge at 5000-7000 ft elevation and may be cold and wet OR hot and dry depending on time of year. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, hike over rough terrain long distances carrying field gear, navigate using GPS/compass, and drive a 4×4 automatic vehicle on unpaved roads. Lab responsibilities include: grinding plant material, soil sieving, soil extractions, data entry, processing seed rain samples, processing bird fecal samples for seed. Compensation is $1040/month per diem and housing is provided in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or at Hakalau depending on field schedule; transportation provided to and from work and to Hilo for supplies. Airfare is only provided from Oahu to Hilo.  There is no WIFI at the field site.  To apply, please send AS A SINGLE DOCUMENT 1. brief cover letter highlighting relevant experience and why you are interested in the position, 2. resume, and 3.
name, address, phone number, and email address of at least 3 references to Dr. Stephanie Yelenik, USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, syelenik@usgs.gov. Applications will be considered as they are received to fill the position quickly, and priority given to those who can start mid- April.

Summer Research Assistant on Frogs in Pennsylvania

Posted on by

Amphibian ecology research assistants needed

We are looking to hire research assistants to work on a project investigating the effects of climate change, stress and disease on amphibian populations.  The positions will involve conducting field surveys and/or assisting with animal husbandry. Applicants must be available to work from May-August 2018, and the positions may be extended. Preference will be given to applicants pursuing or possessing undergraduate degrees in biology or related fields.

Job description.

Field and mesocosm and animal husbandry assistant in Linesville, PA: We are looking to hire 3 assistants to help with both field surveys of amphibians and maintenance of amphibians colonies in Linesville, PA at the University of Pittsburgh’s field station, the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology.  The animal husbandry will involve maintaining and monitoring a large-scale mesocosm experiment, including taking measurements, checking water levels/quality, and transporting metamorphosing animals, as well as maintaining animals in a field laboratory. The field research will involve amphibian surveys both at night and during the day at multiple sites per month.  Previous experience in husbandry and field research is desirable. A valid drivers license is required. Positions are paid hourly and housing in Linesville, PA is provided.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact details for two references to Dr. Laura Brannelly laura.brannelly@pitt.edu by March 16th, 2018. Please indicate for which position you are applying.

If interested in the broader research of the group, please visit our website at
http://www.rzlab.pitt.edu