Wings Over Water Osprey Program Assistant

Job Summary:  The Montana Natural History Center and Erick Greene=92s lab at University of Montana are hiring an intern to join the team of the Wings Over Water Osprey education program. In the WOW program, we connect middle-school teachers and students to STEM experts in the lab and in the field. The WOW program strengthens STEM teaching and learning for students across Montana. We are seeking hard-working and enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about biology and environmental education.

The intern will join our team of MNHC staff and STEM experts, and will assist with all aspects of the WOW program. The team will connect with classrooms remotely, assist teachers with delivering the WOW curriculum in the classroom, coordinate visits from STEM experts, and lead class field trips to Osprey nests. The team will also begin planning logistics for next year=92s (2018-19) program, including recruiting new teachers, and planning the WOW summer institute at UM (June 2018). This is an excellent opportunity to connect with experts in several fields: STEM experts at UM, and naturalists and educators at the Montana Natural History Center. $10/hr, part-time, temporary (2017-2018 school year).

Find position description and application instructions here: http://www.montananaturalist.org/employment-opportunities/

We are seeking a highly motivated undergraduate student who is broadly

interested in plant-insect interactions and chemical ecology.  The REU

student will learn how to isolate and analyze plant defensive compounds and

characterize variation in plant defensive chemistry among Yucca species.

This will be a stand-alone project spearheaded by the student that

complements on-going research on this well-known system.  The student will

be based at Syracuse University, in Syracuse, NY with occasional travel to

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY to interact with the Cornell Chemical Ecology

group.

=20=20

Student Experience:  The REU student will work in a laboratory and outdoor

setting,and learn how to identify yucca species, characterize plant

morphology, extract lignin and saponins, and use ODS column separation

techniques.  In addition, the student will have the opportunity to learn how

to analyze data from LC-MS.  The student will join a group of

undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty conducting research on the

patterns of host use by yucca moth pollinators (althofflab.syr.edu).

Requirements:  Knowledge of standard laboratory practices including making

solutions, working with acids and bases, and excellent pipetting skills.

Familiarity with handling insects is a plus.  Applicant must be enrolled as

an undergraduate student at a college or university.

Application process:  Please submit a CV, detailing any relevant skills,

unofficial transcripts, a one to two paragraph rationale for your interest

in the position, and the names of two references sent electronically to Dr.

David Althoff, dmalthof@syr.edu. Application evaluation will begin

immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Please direct

questions about the position to Dr. Althoff at the above e-mail address.

Funding:  Students will receive a $4000 stipend for the eight weeks with a

research budget of $2000 for supplies and equipment fees.

The labs of Dr. Betsy Beers (http://www.tfrec.wsu.edu/pages/ebeers) and Dr.

Dave Crowder (http://entomology.wsu.edu/david-crowder/) and in the

Department of Entomology at Washington State University are recruiting a

student at the M.S. or Ph.D. level, to study acoustic (vibrational)

communication by psyllid pests. Research on psyllids has shown that male and

female psyllids conduct acoustic =93duets=94 during their mate-locating

activities. We are seeking a student who is interested in conducting

research on acoustic communication by a psyllid pest of pears. Research

areas may include behavioral analyses of duetting activities; recording

acoustic signals and analyzing waveform traits; and, describing

morphological structures of psyllids used in producing acoustic signals.

Project aims are to develop fundamental knowledge leading to better

understanding of the mate-locating activities of this pear pest. Moreover,

These data will be used to design mating disruption strategies using

acoustic signals that interfere with mate location by psyllids Potential

students should have interests in insect behavior and mate-location

strategies of insects. The research will be conducted in close collaboration

with Dr. David Horton of the USDA, and field research will be conducted

primarily in central Washington (so the student must be willing to travel to

field sites in university-provided vehicles). Students interested in

starting graduate school in August 2017 or January 2018 are encouraged to

apply. To apply send CV and statement of interest to Dave Crowder

(dcrowder@wsu.edu). Students that have completed MS degrees or conducted an

independent research project are particularly encouraged to apply.

Plant Ecology field/lab volunteer position with USGS, Hawaii. This

volunteer position starts June 19, 2017 and lasts 5 months; housing and

per diem are provided. We are looking for a motivated and independent

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.  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 in June.

The Ryan lab (https://sadieryan.net) at the University of Florida is

recruiting a motivated undergraduate for an NSF funded Research Experience

for Undergraduates (REU) summer research internship in Medical Geography

and Disease Ecology, in spatial ecology of vector-borne disease. The REU

project is part of a larger NSF Ecology and Evolution of Infectious

Diseases project to model effects of climate, land use, and socioeconomic

conditions on vector-borne disease transmission

(http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=3D137712). The project

explores a range of diseases, including malaria, dengue, chikungunya,

Zika, Rift Valley fever, bluetongue, and others. More about the larger

project can be found on NSF=92s website.

The ideal candidate will have a career interest in spatial modeling, GIS,

disease ecology, epidemiology, or public health research. A background in

geography, ecology, infectious disease biology, and mathematical modeling

or quantitative methods is desired but not required. Spanish

speaking/reading is a plus.

Applicants must be in bachelor=92s program (undergraduate), with a

graduation date AFTER September 2017.

Desired qualifications include:

=95=09Experience with statistical analysis, particularly in R

=95=09Database management, analysis and manipulation

=95=09GIS coursework and experience

The successful candidate will have access to several primary datasets of

entomological and epidemiological data from a long-term field site in

Southern Ecuador, and will have the option of designing an independent

geospatial analysis project, and/or participating in team projects with

lab members.

This position will be based at the University of Florida in Gainesville,

Florida, hosted jointly in the Geography Department and the Emerging

Pathogens Institute (EPI). The student will thus have the opportunity to

interact with multiple students and faculty working on spatially explicit

health questions, across a broad spectrum of disciplines.

Applicants should send a CV, unofficial transcript, contact information

for two references, and a one page statement about research interests,

experience, and career goals to Sadie Ryan sjryan@ufl.edu. Please include

=93REU position=94 in the subject line.

Review of applications will begin on May 15 and continue until the

position is filled.

This position carries a stipend to cover all expenses, and will be paid as

an hourly position through the University of Florida.

Job title: Sagebrush Ecology Technicians

Organization: The Nature Conservancy

Location: Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns, OR

Duration: One 4.5 month full time seasonal position, one 9 month active, 3 months leave without pay term position

Target start date: July 10, 2017

Preferred hiring range: $17.93-$19.05/hr

Job Overview:

The Nature Conservancy in Oregon seeks two Sagebrush Ecology Technicians to join our Oregon Desert Team. The Sagebrush Ecology Technicians will support innovative restoration science and conservation efforts in Southeast Oregon. They will collect field data, apply seed enhancements to native seed, assist with planting and conduct lab work to help us scale up our Precision Restoration initiative, which aims to increase successful restoration of native perennial vegetation in annual grass-prone rangelands. They will also assist with monitoring sagebrush restoration projects and data entry. More detailed information is available online, see “How To Apply,” below.

Minimum Qualifications

*        Associate Degree in natural resources, environmental studies, or related field, OR equivalent combination of education and 6 months’ experience.

*        Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.

*        Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Experience

*        Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.

*        Field experience in sagebrush ecosystems and knowledge of common plant species.

*        Ability to identify plant species using diagnostic tools such as a dichotomous key.

*        Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment.

*        Research experience in outdoor, lab, and greenhouse settings helpful.

*        Ability to work effectively on a small team.

*        Demonstrated ability to safely travel on primitive roads and trails.

*        Time management skills.

*        Ability to follow safety protocols for using small machinery, hand tools, and power tools in field and lab/shop environment.

Additional Job Information

There are two openings, both based in Burns, Oregon at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Station with a target start date of July 10, 2017:

* The Sagebrush Ecology Technician – seasonal<http://bit.ly/2qgK8vt> (Job ID 45393) is a full-time, 40 hours per week, 4.5 month seasonal position.

* The Sagebrush Ecology Technician<http://bit.ly/2qfybZN> (Job ID 45394) is a full-time, 40 hours per week, 9 months active, 3 months leave without pay during winter position.

Interested applicants may apply to both positions.  If you would consider either position, please apply to both, as we can only consider your candidacy for the specific job(s) you apply for.

Both positions require a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program. Further details can be found in the full job announcement online by following the instructions below.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, go to our careers page at www.nature.org/careers<http://www.nature.org/careers>. Click on Current Job Openings, and search job ID 45393 or 45394. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 8:59 PM Pacific Time on 5/21/2017. If you experience technical problems with the site or application process, please contact applyhelp@tnc.org and include the Job ID.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law

*Paid field assistant position for 6 weeks this late summer (August 1st to

September 12th).*

As part of my dissertation, I am conducting surveys of plant communities

and associated measures of ecosystem function on 20 islands in Clarks Hill

Lake, a reservoir on the border of Georgia and South Carolina. The

fieldwork in August and September would consist of visiting islands,

conducting basic vegetation surveys, and collecting leaf functional traits

and soil samples. The trip will consist of the entire month of August + one

or two weeks into September (weather dependent). I will be driving from

Syracuse New York, down to Georgia, so preference will be given to those

that can meet me somewhere along the way.

*All food, lodging (car/tent camping on lake shore), and transport (after

we meet) will be covered (+ up to $3,000 stipend for 6 weeks).*

*Required Skills:*

– Fit, healthy, and able to help me unload and reload the boat on my truck

(50lbs each).

– Good, friendly personality, and able to cheerfully endure harsh field

conditions (heat, rain, thorns, long days, mosquitos, slippery rocks, etc.)

– Comfortable with boat travel

– Experience tent camping/spending time outdoors

– Able to follow directions carefully and willing to take on certain

responsibilities

– Experience identifying plants with dichotomous keys. Knowledge of the

Southern Piedmont forest flora is a huge plus, but not required.

– Some prior experience with fieldwork, though the trip itself will be a

great opportunity for students seeking more experience doing ecology. My

goal is to make this trip into as much of a learning experience as possible

for any assistant that joins me, including the potential for creating an

independent research project.

*Dates: *August 1st through September 12th (with possibility of ending

earlier).

*Stipend: *$500 per week of work (total = $2,000 to $3,000 depending on how

soon we finish).

*Please email me (lnegoita@syr.edu <lnegoita@syr.edu>) your CV, a cover

letter, and contacts for at least two references as soon as possible.

Position will be filled on a rolling basis. Email me with any questions.*

Job Description:

The University of California at Santa Barbara is currently taking

applications for a field assistant to help with a paper wasp study in

northwestern Pennsylvania at the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology. This is

a large field study that involves monitoring paper wasp colonies in nature

for growth and survival over several months. Previous work has demonstrated

strong behavioral variation among queens in this species, and that queen

personality can be used to predict the subsequent behavior of their

colonies, as well as their fitness in the wild. This study is done

completely in the field and involved testing queen behavior and monitoring

their colonies over the course of the season for survival, growth, and

parasite load. The behavioral aspect of the study will be complete prior to

the assistant arriving. The assistant will need to monitor the colonies

daily, which involves noting whether the colony is still active, the size

of the colony, number of workers, and queen survival.

This will need to be performed from early June through October. Assistants

will stay at the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology, and their lodging and

gas will be fully covered.

Compensation:

Assistants will be paid $500 per month, and stay for free at the Pymatuning

Laboratory of Ecology. Gas will be covered. Assistants will also be

included as a coauthor on the manuscript resulting from this research, and

we can provide assistants with glowing letters of recommendation in the

future.

Duration:

5 months (June through October). We are accepting applications now.

Requirements:

1.     Seriously interested in pursuing a career in ecology

2.     Need to have your own transportation (car)

3.     Preferably live in or near Pennsylvania, as we cannot fly assistants

in, since assistants need their own car (remember, gas will be compensated).

4.     Excellent academic performance

5.     Undergraduate or recent graduate

6.     Must be able to stay for the entire 5 month duration

7.     *Must not be overly afraid of wasps*.

*Apply for this position*:

If this position interests you, please send your CV, unofficial academic

records including current GPA, and two personal references that we may

contact to *Colin Wright *(colinuniversity@gmail.com). *We are accepting

applications NOW*.

Additionally, if you have any questions regarding us, our lab, or the

project, please don’t hesitate to email me and ask!

We are looking for a motivated MS student to study the phenology of a native and commercially managed solitary bee species, the blue orchard bee, in managed and unmanaged settings.  The student will be advised by Dr. Theresa L. Pitts-Singer in the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit in Logan, UT.  Specific research objectives of the position are as follows:

1. Determine the variation in developmental phenology of regional populations of blue orchard bees (BOBs) by maintaining regionally-specific bees under managed or unmanaged conditions. 2018 January-December; 2019 January-June.

2. Determine the heritability of regional phenology traits for BOBs from California and Utah by examining population crosses in controlled experiments. 2018 January-December; 2019 January-June.

3. Determine the difference in the retention of females between California and Utah BOBs used as pollinators in regions outside of their geographic origin by examining the dispersal and flight range of these populations in cherry orchards in regionally distinct environments. 2018 March-November.

Requirements: Acceptance to USU graduate program; Bachelor’s Degree in life sciences (e.g., biology, ecology, entomology, natural resources, botany) from accredited university; experience with bees and/or pollination desired.

More information USDA ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit:

https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/logan-ut/pollinating-insect-biology-management-systematics-research/

More information on Utah State University Biology Department: http://www.biology.usu.edu/

Send inquiries to Dr. Theresa Pitts-Singer, Theresa.Pitts-Singer@ars.usda.gov; 435-797-0581

Would you like to be a student in the Research Experience for

Undergraduates program, a research assistant supported by a PI with a

grant, a graduate student benefiting from a fellowship, or a lucky PI

getting a grant? The larger NSF’s budget, the better your chances of

getting this kind of funding.

AIBS is helping to generate support for the National Science

Foundation’s funding in the next fiscal year.  NSF is the primary funder

for most basic ecological research, and for programs like Research

Experience for Undergraduates, and Research Experience for Teachers. The

AIBS Web site https://policy.aibs.org/action is an easy way for you to

write to your Senators to ask them to help support NSF’s budget. If you

hope to benefit from NSF funding next year, there’s incentive for you to

write.

David Inouye

Congress has started debate on funding levels for federal programs for

fiscal year 2018. Please show your support for the National Science

Foundation (NSF) by writing to your Senators to ask them to sign a

letter in support of funding the agency at $8 billion in 2018.

NSF is the primary federal funding source for basic biological research

at our nation’s universities and colleges. The agency provides

approximately 68% of extramural federal support for non-medical,

fundamental biological and environmental research at academic institutions.

The proposed funding level of at least $8 billion would allow NSF to

expand support for early career researchers and to create new

interdisciplinary research programs. Moreover, this investment would

sustain existing research and education programs that are vital to U.S.

competitiveness.

Please take a moment to ask your Senators to sign the NSF dear colleague

letter led by Senator Markey. https://policy.aibs.org/action