Opportunities

2018 Summer REU Program at Virginia Institute of Marine Science

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The REU Site program for Coastal Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) invites applicants to apply for a 10 week summer research experience that places 12 undergraduates with faculty mentors. Internships are available in many areas of marine science, including marine biology and ecology; biological, geological, chemical, and physical oceanography; environmental science; fisheries; and resource management. Participants will receive a summer stipend and food allowance. Accommodations in the dorms at the College of William & Mary are provided, as well as transportation between the campuses. Students from traditionally under-represented groups in the marine sciences are highly encouraged to apply.
 
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, located in Gloucester Point, Virginia, is one of the largest coastal and estuarine science institutions in the world, with more than 55 faculty and a graduate student body of more than 85. VIMS houses state-of-the-art oceanographic instrumentation and analytical facilities, a large fleet of coastal research vessels, a world-class marine science library, and is within close proximity to a variety of habitats ranging from freshwater tributaries to the coastal ocean.
 
During the summer students will meet every week for a seminar that features a guest speaker discussing topics such as: Scientific Reading, Writing and Peer Review; How to Apply to Graduate School: Tips from the Faculty Who Read the Files; Alternatives to Life in Academia: A Panel Discussion; How to Give an Effective Scientific Presentation; and Ethics in Science. Other group activities include 3 field trips. We traverse the coastal plain environment, from a freshwater system that feeds into the Chesapeake Bay, through the estuary proper and out to the Atlantic Ocean along the shoreface of the Delmarva Peninsula. When we travel to the VIMS Wachapreague Laboratory on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, we spend a full day exploring nearly pristine coastal habitats, including an open coast beach on a barrier island, mud flat, salt marsh, and oyster reef. During a research cruise in the York River estuary aboard the VIMS research vessel Bay Eagle, there will be opportunities to try state-of-the-art oceanographic instrumentation, to pull in a trawl net full of fish and crabs, and to learn a bit about vessel navigation. When we kayak the tidal freshwater reaches of the Chesapeake Bay, expect to see an abundance of wildlife and learn how land-use practices in the watershed affect the local estuary and coastal ocean.
 
Application deadline is February 10, 2018.
 
Complete information about the program is available by visiting http://www.vims.edu/education/college/summer_intern/index.php
 
Specific questions can be directed to Jennifer Dreyer at intern@vims.edu or jcdrey@vims.edu
Thank you,
 
Jenny Dreyer

Seasonal forest technician position at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

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Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (stationed in Empire,
Michigan)

Position and Vacancies: Student summer hires (2 vacancies)

Duration: May 30 – August 29, 2018 (starting date firm)

Pay: $11.00-11.50/hour Depending on experience

Description and Duties: The incumbents will be employed by Northland College, but will work directly with, and report to, the Great Lakes Network of the National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program.
The goals of the I&M program include monitoring key environmental variables so that ecological change can be detected and addressed in a timely manner. The incumbents will assist with sampling vegetation.

These are largely field based positions. The incumbents will assist with the establishment and sampling of permanent forest monitoring plots at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. Incumbents will collect extensive monitoring data on trees and coarse woody materials, take tree cores, and assess tree health. Field work will be performed in teams of 2-3 people. The incumbents may also spend approximately 5-10% of time performing computer work.

This position operates on an 8 day on/6 day off schedule. During the 8-day sampling periods, incumbents will be expected to carry field equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. He/she will be exposed to high temperatures, stinging and biting insects, including extensive mosquitoes and ticks, and poisonous plants.

The incumbents are responsible for securing and paying for their own housing in the Empire, Michigan area.

To Apply: Please send a resume, cover letter, references, and unofficial transcripts to Suzanne Sanders (suzanne_sanders@nps.gov) by January 15, 2018. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted shortly thereafter. No phone calls or emails, other than applications, please.

Marine ecology technician

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DESCRIPTION: The Yeager lab (https://sites.cns.utexas.edu/yeagerlab) at the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) is looking for a technician to begin February 2018. Research in the Yeager lab spans topics in marine community ecology, effects of climate change on coastal habitat function, food web ecology, and landscape ecology. UTMSI is located in Port Aransas, which is on the Texas Gulf coast near Corpus Christi. A wide variety of environments is readily accessible from UTMSI including many bays and estuaries with oyster reef, seagrass, salt marsh and mangrove habitats. UTMSI manages the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, which at 185,708 acres is the third largest estuarine reserve in the nation. Extensive wet laboratory facilities with running seawater are available for maintaining marine organisms. 
 
DUTIES: Key duties for this position will include: field work from small boats in estuarine habitats; fish, invertebrate, and seagrass sampling with a variety of gears; deployment of data loggers in the field; underwater surveys with baited underwater video; construction of artificial seagrass units; sample processing and species identification; equipment upkeep and purchasing; data entry/data management; fish dissection; and stable isotope analysis. The technician will also assist the PI on routine tasks associated with lab management. Opportunities to develop field and laboratory skills will be readily available. The technician will also be encouraged to pursue opportunities for intellectual development via attending public lectures/seminars and aiding other technicians/students at UTMSI and thereby sampling diverse research topics. 
  
START DATE: February 15th, 2018 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
 
DURATION: This will be a 12-month position with possibility for extension contingent on satisfactory performance and available funding. 
 
MONTHLY SALARY: $2,500 + benefits
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A BS/BA in biology, zoology, ecology/evolution, environmental science, marine science, or mathematics is expected. Interest in a career in marine ecology, fisheries ecology, or the ocean sciences will be favorably considered. Willingness to work from boats and in estuarine waters for long hours and strong communication and organizational skills are required. 
 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Previous field work experience, ability to operate small boats, familiarity with fishes of the Gulf of Mexico and estuarine ecology, experience with fish dissections, experience with data entry/management and QA/QC procedures. 
 
APPLICATION: Interested candidates should submit an application through UT at:https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/171208024222

Graduate Research Assistant position: Cape Cod National Seashore salt marsh invertebrate ecology

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Position: Graduate Research Assistant in salt marsh invertebrate ecology (full-time summers 2018-19, funded)
 
Location: Cape Cod National Seashore, US National Park Service, MA, USA
 
Dates: Late April through August 2018, with possibility of renewal in 2019 if performance is strong
 
Project manager / supervisor: Dr. Rachel Thiet, Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of Conservation Biology, Antioch University New England, Keene, NH, USA
 
Project description: This project is funded through a US National Park Service grant to Dr. Rachel Thiet, and will provide full funding (salary and housing) to the Research Assistant (RA) for the summer 2018 field season. Funding is also secure for 2019; thus, the position may be renewed a second year if RA performance is strong. The RA will work with Dr. Thiet and her colleagues at Cape Cod National Seashore to characterize the benthic and epibenthic invertebrate food web (especially shellfish and crabs) and conduct benthic habitat assessments of East Harbor, a partially restored, back-barrier salt marsh lagoon in N. Truro, MA on Cape Cod National Seashore. This project is part of an on-going assessment of long-term restoration outcomes at the site, and results from the project will inform science-based shellfishery management.
 
The RA will be expected to conduct full-time field and laboratory work between late April and August 2018, and will be expected to move to Cape Cod National Seashore to live in visiting researcher housing for the duration of the field season. Ideally, the RA will conduct this work to fulfill thesis or dissertation requirements in the Antioch University New England Environmental Studies Department.
 
This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate student to gain experience in salt marsh ecology and restoration, and to live and work with a team of experienced, passionate ecologists and managers. For more information about the project, visit the East Harbor Tidal Restoration webpage (https://www.nps.gov/caco/learn/nature/east-harbor-tidal-restoration-project-page.htm), or read Dr. Thiet’s publications about her on-going research at the site (https://www.antioch.edu/new-england/faculty/rachel-thiet/).
 
Qualifications: Qualified individuals will have:
 
1.     Strong interest in salt marsh ecology and restoration (experience in salt marshes is ideal but not required)
2.     Excellent attention to detail
3.     Excellent data management skills
4.     Excellent written and oral communication skills
5.     Willingness and ability to conduct strenuous daily fieldwork in water and under various weather conditions
6.     Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
7.     Willingness and ability to move to Cape Cod National Seashore researcher housing April-August 2018
8.     Desire to work in an active, stimulating community of scientists
 
To apply, submit a resume/CV, statement of interest and experience in salt marsh ecology and restoration, professional writing sample, and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Rachel Thiet atrthiet@antioch.edu. Deadline for applications is February 12, 2018.
 

MS in Environmental Science & Policy and Graduate Assistantships

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MS in Environmental Science & Policy and Graduate Assistantships

Plymouth State University (PSU) in Plymouth, NH invites applications for the MS in Environmental Science and Policy (ESP). The program focuses in areas related to watershed systems – hydrology, lake/stream biogeochemistry, conservation ecology, land use planning, climatology, etc.
Our curriculum emphasizes the relationships between science and policy, ecosystem resilience, and science communication. Students in the program collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of faculty, students, and scientists from other academic, governmental, and NGOs including Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, White Mountain National Forest, NH Department of Environmental Services, NH Department of Fish and Game, Appalachian Mountain Club, and numerous lake associations.

Students accepted to PSU?s MS in ESP may be eligible for either graduate research assistantships (GRA) or teaching assistantships (GTA). RAs work on specific faculty research projects as they become available. TAs assist with undergraduate courses in ESP – preparing and teaching labs, organizing field expeditions, teaching a unit/module, and assisting with course management. A valid driver?s license is required for some positions.

Assistantships are available only to full-time students enrolled in the MS in ESP program. Submit applications to PSU?s  Graduate Admissions. For more information about the MS in ESP, please contact the Program Coordinator, Dr. June Hammond Rowan, jhammondrowan@plymouth.edu.

Ph.D. Assistantships in Integrated Deer Research at Purdue University

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Three Ph.D. Assistantships in Translational and Integrated Deer Research at Purdue University

The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources seeks energetic and motivated applicants to join an interdisciplinary team of faculty, staff, and state agency personnel conducting translational science to inform management of white-tailed deer and public engagement in Indiana.
We anticipate funding for 3 Ph.D. positions, with individual dissertation foci addressing (A) estimation and modeling of deer populations, (B) ecological condition of plant communities, and (C) stakeholder perceptions of deer populations, habitats and management.
Successful applicants will begin in August 2018 and work closely with each other, agency personnel, and stakeholders to integrate research foci in ways that explicitly inform management by linking deer abundance to habitat integrity and stakeholder perceptions.

Each position is budgeted for 4 years, with a beginning annual stipend of $23,310, a tuition waiver, and health insurance.

Required qualifications include GPA of 3.2, GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores above 50th percentile, and GRE Analytical at least 4.0. Strongly preferred qualifications include: (1) M.S. degree in wildlife, ecology, natural resources, or related social sciences field. In addition, applicants for position (A) will benefit from experience with aerial, remote camera, and pellet-based sampling, strong quantitative skills, and experience with population and statistical modeling, preferably with R and BUGS. Applicants for position (B) will benefit from experience with experimental design, vegetation sampling, and analysis of multispecies data. Applicants for position (C) will benefit from experience with experimental design, survey research, and econometric modeling.

To apply: Prospective applicants should send via email a brief letter of interest and CV (including GPA, GRE scores, and contact information for
references) with “Deer Assistantship” in the subject line. Those interested in position (A) should address their email to Rob Swihart at rswihart@purdue.edu; inquiries for position (B) should be sent to Mike Jenkins at jenkinma@purdue.edu; and inquiries for position (C) should be sent to Zhao Ma at zhaoma@purdue.edu. Review of materials will begin on
1 February.

Women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Purdue University is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer.
For more information, contact the appropriate investigator or visit his/her web site (Dr. Swihart:
https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/sites/swihart/; Dr. Jenkins:
https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/Profile.aspx?
strAlias=jenkinma&intDirDeptID=15; Dr. Ma:
http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~zhaoma/Ma/wordpress/).

About Purdue: Purdue is a land-grant university of over 40,000 students and ranked the 5th best public university in the U.S. Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue is an easy drive from Indianapolis and Chicago. The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) is housed administratively in the College of Agriculture (#8 world ranking), emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches across a broad spectrum of natural resource sciences, and offers vibrant, nationally ranked graduate programs in wildlife and ecology. The West Lafayette- Lafayette area is home to a diverse community of 174,000, with good schools, safe neighborhoods, over 40 parks and extensive trail systems, active Farmers Markets, and year-long community festivals and art events.

Field and Lab Technician Jobs in Pollination Ecology

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Field and Lab Technician Jobs in Pollination Ecology

The Winfree Lab at Rutgers University (winfreelab.com) invites applications for two research technician positions to collect and process data on wild bees and the plants they pollinate in Great Lakes region National Parks. The goals of the larger project are to determine the most important plant species supporting spring forest bee communities, and to explore scientific questions about bee biodiversity at large spatial scales.

These are both 6-month positions that start 15 March 2018 and end 15 Sept, with exact start and end dates being somewhat flexible. Both technicians will assist with field work from March to June, and with curation of bee, plant and pollen specimens in the lab from June to September. Pay is $600 per week.

Required Qualifications:
Field research experience; willingness to work long hours outside in difficult conditions (humidity, sun, cold, mud, gnats/mosquitos); willingness to tent camp at remoter sites where housing is not available; ability to carry up to 40 lbs; maturity and ability to work independently; good communication skills; drivers’ license.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with field entomology, plant identification, curating insect and plant collections, and/or pollen identification.

To Apply: As a single PDF, send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position, your resume, and names and contact information for three references to: Lucia Weinman (luciaraew at gmail.com). Please use “Great Lakes Pollination Tech” as the subject line of the email. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.

Rutgers University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and the Winfree Lab encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

Graduate Student Opportunity in Plant Ecology

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M.S. Opportunity in Plant Ecology – Texas State University

The research is located in the pine-juniper woodlands of New Mexico and will focus on the ecological consequences of the widespread pine mortality that has occurred in these ecosystems for over a decade. The student’s responsibility will be to investigate tree recruitment in plots where adult tree mortality has been experimentally manipulated. This involves following the survivorship and growth of mapped tree seedlings. The student is also encouraged to lead or participate in a stable-isotope labelling experiment to examine the effects of vegetation manipulation on hydraulic redistribution.

The student will be enrolled in the Population and Conservation Biology master’s program at Texas State University.

The successful candidate must have a background in plant science, be willing and able to do field work under physically challenging conditions and work well in teams. Prior experience in data collection, analysis and scientific writing are desirable. Minority students are especially encouraged to apply. If interested, please contact Dr. Susan Schwinning at schwinn@txstate.edu and provide (1) a cover letter discussing research interests and relevant experience; (2) a resume or CV with three references and (3) unofficial transcripts.

Position Available: Forest Inventory and Monitoring Intern USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System (Feb 2018)

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Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking ONE Forest Inventory and Monitoring Assistant Intern to assist leaders in developing and implementing a Forest Inventory and Monitoring Program and collect forest inventory data on at least two National Wildlife Refuges in Region 5.  This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in natural resources and/or habitat management on our public lands. The purpose of the internship is to perform a variety of biological technical duties in support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) field projects pertaining to forest ecosystem inventory and monitoring and habitat restoration. The internship will last 50 weeks. The starting and ending dates are flexible to some degree.
 
Start Date: February 1st, 2018 (negotiable)
End Date: (50 weeks from start date)

Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree (or be pursuing a degree) in forestry, wildlife biology, ecology, botany, natural resource management, parks and recreation or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the internship announcement. 

To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter along with 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right hand corner of the position listing on our website here:https://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS Recruitment Specialist, Melissa Early, 801-573-8984,mearly@usaconservation.org
 
Location: USFWS, Northeast Regional Office, Hadley Massachusetts, with temporary field duty assignments on at least two Refuges in Region 5.

Project Website: For more information on the Hadley, MA USFWS Office, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/northeast/ro.html
For more information regarding ACE, please visit www.usaconservation.org.

Compensation: The ACE Intern will complete 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $570/week paid out biweekly for food and incidental costs. For the periods requiring the intern to be away from their primary duty station, on site housing may be provided at no cost to the intern.

Position Description:

Percentage of Time: 40% – Forest Inventory and Monitoring Program Development 

Primarily assists Refuges Division of Natural Resources and Conservation Planning Terrestrial Ecosystem Team leaders in developing and implementing a Forest Inventory and Monitoring Program on Refuges.Duties will include providing technical assistance with the forest and wildlife habitat data collection, management and analysis. Assist with the development of inventory sampling design, spreadsheets and databases to facilitate survey efforts. Assist team leaders and Refuge staff in configuring forest inventory software to meet specific Refuge survey objectives.
Use knowledge of forest and wildlife habitat inventory techniques, spreadsheet and database programs, ArcGIS and statistical analysis to assess Refuge forest habitats.  Prepare and edit reports, survey protocols, training materials, standard operating procedures and other documents developed to assist Refuge biologists, foresters and technicians to implement the forest inventory and monitoring program. Participate on terrestrial ecosystem teams and assist team leaders by providing support for managing and coordinating teams. Support includes helping develop team agendas, taking and posting meeting and call notes, facilitating communication between team members and tracking actions.

Percentage of Time: 40% – Field Work
Collect forest inventory data on at least two National Wildlife Refuges. Duties will include assistance with the forest and wildlife habitat data collection, management and analysis. Assist with the development of inventory sampling design, spreadsheets and databases to facilitate survey efforts. Assist team leaders and Refuge staff in configuring forest inventory software to meet specific Refuge survey objectives. Use knowledge of forest and wildlife habitat inventory techniques, plant identification, spreadsheet and database programs, ArcGIS and statistical analysis to assist with the assessment of Refuge forest habitats.

Percentage of Time: 20% – Fire Management Assessment and Vegetation Classification
Assist with the development of a Fire Management Assessment and Vegetation Classification System for the FWS Northeast Region through research of and compilation of existing methods. Consider data collection needs prior to treatment, threshold for management action, after action data review processes and data needs.
Required:  
· US Citizen or Permanent Resident;
· Between the age of 18 and 35;
· A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to provide such documentation;
· A personal vehicle is required for off-duty hours due to the remoteness of the refuge, according to hurricane protocol, and for personal time off;
· Effective communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences;
· Able and willing to work alone and in a group;
· Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in sustained physical labor;
· Be in good physical shape (capable of carrying a 50 pound pack for up to 2 miles).
· Ability to operate independently and in remote areas;
· Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check;
· Able to complete agency computer, privacy, and records management training successfully;
· Have a positive, flexible attitude.

Preferred:
· Knowledge of the basic procedure and technical terminology used in the field of forestry, wildlife biology, plant ecology, invasive species management and the inventory and monitoring of natural resources.
· Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps.
· Skills and abilities to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in a field or office setting.
· Knowledge and skills in taking exact measurements, performing mathematics, some of which may be complicated, and keeping detailed and precise records to collect and assemble data.
· Experience and/or knowledge with Microsoft Excel and Access, GPS, GIS and data collection software and equipment.
· Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation.
· Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional.
· Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies.

Amphibian Research Technicians Needed

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USGS PATUXENT WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER (Turners Falls, MA)
 
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative in the northeast will be hiring 3 student contractor field research technicians in 2018. Technicians will be hired for the spring & summer period (early March through July), with the possibility of extension for work during the fall field season (September through October). Technicians will conduct amphibian surveys primarily in protected areas in the Northeastern US, but primarily in MA, CT, ME and VT. The technicians will work as part of a team that surveys for amphibians within National Parks, Refuges, and Forests, including work in the mountains of Shenandoah National Park, Acadia National Park, and the Green Mountain National Forest.  Surveys will include wetland-associated amphibians as well as stream salamander and terrestrial salamander populations. Field work involves identifying, catching, measuring, and marking amphibians, as well as collecting water quality and environmental data. The students will be required to conduct field surveys using techniques including visual encounter surveys, dip netting, stream transect searches, temporary removal sampling, and conducting a mark-recapture study using visual implant elastomer. All fieldwork will be conducted as part of teams of 2-4 people, so a demonstrated ability and desire to work effectively with a group is imperative. 
 
The position requires completion of academic coursework related to wildlife biology. Previous field experience with amphibians common in the Northeast US is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS units, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). Technicians may also be asked to mark amphibians with injectable florescent elastomer and take voucher specimens related to amphibian disease studies. All of the work is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions or in rain/snow. 
 
The technicians needs to be in good physical condition, as the job requires long hours in the field (including some night-time surveys) and hiking with up to 25 pounds of equipment for extended periods of time on rocky, steep terrain. The technicians must be willing to go on overnight field trips to parks throughout the northeastern US, which will typically last 4-12 days at a time. Accommodations for overnight field work will be provided.
 
Technicians must be able to work at least 40 hours per week. Technicians are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from Patuxent.  Government vehicles will be provided for all field work initiated from Patuxent. Housing costs are not included. Every attempt will be made to assist technicians in finding affordable housing in the area. Approximate wages are $14-15/hour; overtime pay is not provided. 
Only applicants who are current or recent students (graduated within 12 months of the position’s end date) are eligible for these positions. 
 
Principal Duty Station: 
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 
SO Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab
1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls, MA 01376
 
To apply, send the following to Jill Fleming at the above address or via email (jefleming@usgs.gov; preferred) by January 12th, 2018: 
 
1) Letter of intent (please specify the time period in which you will be able to commit to this position) 
2) Resume, including previous field experience, list of relevant course-work, contact information, and two or three reference contacts 
3) One piece of evidence of current or recent (within past 12 months) enrollment in degree-seeking program (e.g., unofficial transcript, enrollment verification, a current registration card).  Candidates who graduated prior to July 2017 are ineligible (*unless they have proof of acceptance into a graduate program beginning the following fall*). 
 
Evan H. Campbell Grant, PhD 
NE Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center 
Conte Anadromous Fish Laboratory, 1 Migratory Way, Turners Falls MA 01376