We seek two MS students with interests in aquatic ecology, limnology and ecotoxicology to pursue research projects at Michigan Technological University. Research topics include 1) The importance of overwintering on yellow perch proximate composition, persistent organic pollutant bioaccumulation and stable isotope (d13C & d15N) ecology and 2) Mapping water quality metrics in a north temperate dimictic lake over an annual growing season. Each of these projects represent a combination of laboratory and field work with sampling efforts focused in Michigan=92s Upper Peninsula region.

Preferred candidates will have strong backgrounds in aquatic ecology and limnology in addition to good lab techniques associated with working in a chemistry lab environment. Additional experience and background in ecotoxicology, field work, and familiarity with operating small watercraft are beneficial, however, these skills are not essential to apply. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Gord Paterson (gpaterso@mtu.edu) for specific project details and application instructions. Both of these positions are supported by graduate teaching assistantships in the Biological Sciences Department at Michigan Technological University. We anticipate potential candidates to officially apply to enroll for the fall semester, starting August 2017. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and review will continue until suitable individuals are selected.

Curious about how human related disturbance impacts vegetation and soil in a fragile desert ecosystem? The Jornada Basin LTER in collaboration with New Mexico State University invites applications for a NSF sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) in summer 2017. This 10-week experience enables you to investigate long-term impacts of different disturbance types on the resistance and resilience of desert vegetation, biological soil crusts and soil properties. As an REU you will complete final (20th year) measurements on a unique study designed to determine how resilience is affected by disturbance type, frequency, intensity, and soil/geomorphic surface/plant and biological soil crust community. The study is replicated at 5 locations in southern New Mexico on and near the Jornada Basin LTER. You will work as part of a team collecting data on plant and biological soil crust community composition, soil aggregate stability and carbon flux rates. Additional measurements of soil hydrology may be included depending on time and interest. You may have the opportunity to serve as a co-author on one or more publications resulting from this 20-year dataset.

This REU experience provides you with:

=95 High quality research experience in desert ecology

=95 Skills in field biology and laboratory methodologies

=95 Opportunity to work alongside researchers from interdisciplinary fields at a NSF funded LTER facility

=95 Participation in the 1-day Desert Ecology short course taught by Jornada LTER scientists

=95 Opportunity to disseminate results in presentations and scientific publications

=95 A stipend of $8000 for 10 weeks

Requirements:

=95 You must be enrolled as an undergraduate at an approved university for spring and fall of 2017.

=95 Valid US driver=92s license is required.

=95 Ability to work full days outside in the sun, wind, and low humidity.

=95 Interest and ability to stay overnight in field station lodging. Accommodations will be provided on-site with other researchers at the remote Jornada field station located 40 miles north of Las Cruces, NM.

=95 Your travel to and from Las Cruces from your home will need to be paid from your stipend

Your application should include:

=95 Letter of intent including statement of interest and previous research experience

=95 Resume or Curriculum Vitae

=95 Unofficial undergraduate transcripts

For more information on the Jornada Basin LTER please visit https://jornada.nmsu.edu/lter. You can find information on the research mentors here:

Nicole Pietrasiak http://aces.nmsu.edu/academics/pes/nicole-pietrasiak.html; and

Jeff Herrick https://jornada.nmsu.edu/lter/user/10156/view.

Applications due: March 1, 2017. Please send your applications to Nicole Pietrasiak (npietras@nmsu.edu<mailto:npietras@nmsu.edu>) and Jeff Herrick (jeff.herrick@ars.usda.gov)<mailto:jeff.herrick@ars.usda.gov)>

For complete position descriptions and to apply, please follow the links

below.

*Botany Field Team Lead*

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLOG&req=3D2017-ACI-009

In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National

Forest, the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Botany Field Team Lead to

join our AmeriCorps program. Working cooperatively with a GBI/USFS Research

Coordinator as part of a larger crew (consisting of 3 Botany Field

Technicians, and occasionally 1 Wildlife crew lead and 2 technicians). The

Field Lead will help to coordinate and implement a variety of

project-specific biological surveys and habitat restoration projects. The

Field Lead will be responsible for the working directly with the Research

Coordinator conducting project activities, including ensuring adherence to

agreed-upon protocols and procedures, serving as a positive role model for

other field team members, and facilitating accurate completion and

documentation of project efforts.

*Botany Field Technician*

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLOG&req=3D2017-ACI-010

In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National

Forest, the Great Basin Institute is recruiting three (3) Botany Field

Technicians to join our AmeriCorps program. The Technicians will work

cooperatively as part of a team to support a variety of botany,

restoration, and avian biology projects. Project work will occur primarily

on the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA). The Technicians

will work on a number of projects, including surveys for plant and animal

species of interest to determine presence and minimize impacts to these

species. Primary foci for surveys will include rare plants and butterfly

habitat. Restoration and enhancement activities may include: identification

and documentation of disturbed locations in sensitive habitats; collecting

seed of local genotypes of native plant species; closure of unauthorized

motorized routes and recreation concentrated use areas; monitoring of past

restoration projects and recommendations for sites not progressing as

anticipated; burned area rehabilitation; and riparian and spring

restoration.

*Lead Biological Field Technician (Wildlife) *

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLOG&req=3D2017-ACI-011

In cooperation with Forest Service=E2=80=99s Spring Mountains National Recreation

Area (SMNRA), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Lead Wildlife

Technician to join our AmeriCorps program and lead two technicians in

multiple wildlife field surveys. The Field Lead will help to coordinate and

implement a variety of project-specific wildlife surveys and assist with

restoration projects. The Lead technician will direct crews while

conducting acoustic callback surveys and nest searches for two sensitive

raptor species, Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Flammulated Owl

(Psiloscops flammeolus), that are both known to occur in the region. Early

morning point count and nest surveys for migratory bird species will also

be conducted for two projects. Passive bat detection will be conducting by

setting and moving equipment throughout the project area. Wildlife

technicians will work with botanical technicians on habitat surveys for

sensitive butterfly species by identifying larval host and nectar plants.

Native seed collection for ongoing restoration projects will also be

conducted during the field season. On-the-job training in plant

identification will be provided. Opportunities to participate in training

(e.g. GIS, Wilderness 1st Aid) during the season may be available. Lead

Technicians will also be responsible for facilitating accurate completion

and documentation of project efforts.

The Field Technician must be able to work in difficult terrain that may

include steep, rocky slopes, areas of dense trees, and lower elevation

desert. Exposure to a variety of adverse weather conditions are likely with

average day time temperatures above 100 degrees, night time temperature as

low as 30, extreme sun exposure, and monsoonal rain events should all be

expected. This work is physically demanding and requires long hours of

off-trail hiking while conducting surveys. Survey protocols and times will

vary throughout the field season and crews must be able to adapt quickly to

working a variety of hours (night surveys for the Flammulated owl, dawn

surveys for nesting and breeding birds, daytime surveys for butterfly

larval host and nectar plants), while learning a variety of survey

protocols. Overnight camping will be required in some cases. Travel to

survey sites may require driving on narrow, winding, dirt roads for

distances up to 20 miles. While driving to and from survey sites, frequent

encounters with vehicles, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders

should be expected on backcountry roads. Radio communication will be

necessary for emergencies and for communication with the Project Manager.

*Biological Field Technician (Wildlife) *

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLOG&req=3D2017-ACI-012

In cooperation with Forest Service=E2=80=99s Spring Mountains National Recreation

Area (SMNRA), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a 2 Wildlife

Technicians to join our AmeriCorps program conduct multiple wildlife field

surveys. The Field Technician will assist the crew lead on a variety of

project-specific wildlife surveys and restoration projects. Crews will

conduct acoustic callback surveys and nest searches for two sensitive

raptor species, Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Flammulated Owl

(Psiloscops flammeolus), that are both known to occur in the region. Early

morning point count and nest surveys for migratory bird species will also

be conducted for two projects. Passive bat detection will be conducting by

setting and moving equipment throughout the project areas. Additionally

technicians will work with botanical technicians on habitat surveys for

sensitive butterfly species by identifying larval host and nectar plants.

Native seed collection for ongoing restoration projects will also be

conducted during the field season. On-the-job training in plant

identification will be provided. Opportunities to participate in training

(e.g. GIS, Wilderness 1st Aid) during the season may be available.

The Field Technician must be able to work in difficult terrain that may

include steep, rocky slopes, areas of dense trees, and lower elevation

desert. Exposure to a variety of adverse weather conditions are likely with

average day time temperatures above 100 degrees, night time temperature as

low as 30, extreme sun exposure, and monsoonal rain events should all be

expected. This work is physically demanding and requires long hours of

off-trail hiking while conducting surveys. Survey protocols and times will

vary throughout the field season and crews must be able to adapt quickly to

working a variety of hours (night surveys for the Flammulated owl, dawn

surveys for nesting and breeding birds, daytime surveys for butterfly

larval host and nectar plants), while learning a variety of survey

protocols. Overnight camping will be required in some cases. Travel to

survey sites may require driving on narrow, winding, dirt roads for

distances up to 20 miles. While driving to and from survey sites, frequent

encounters with vehicles, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders

should be expected on backcountry roads. Radio communication will be

necessary for emergencies and for communication with the Project Manager.

WestLand Resources Inc., is actively seeking on-call Field Botanists /

Technicians to support upcoming projects (expected to start in May) for our

environmental consulting practice. WestLand specializes in the technical and

procedural requirements necessary for compliance with the National

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered

Species Act. Our biological resources practice includes: development of

natural resources management plans; conducting ecological investigations and

base-line studies; and mitigation planning, design and implementation. This

position will be based in Tucson, with potential for travel outside of

Tucson up to 5 days per week.

Responsibilities:

The Field Botanist /Technician position will be responsible for surveying

for native fauna and flora, and reporting findings.

REQUIREMENTS

=95Associate’s degree in a biologically related field required. Bachelor’s

degree preferred

=95Prior experience with identification of Southwest plants required

=95Ability to work as a member of a cohesive team

=95Ability to work in a fast-paced and creative environment

=95Ability to work in extreme desert temperatures and rough terrain

=95Experience with Microsoft office products

=95Knowledge of Southwest fauna preferred

WestLand prides itself on providing a work environment that is relaxed and

collaborative, while supporting the highest standards for project delivery

and work product quality.  Our team approach to both project and staff

development naturally fosters a tight-knit environment of uniquely skilled

and experienced professionals, learning from and helping one another.

Westland is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be

an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite applications from all interested

parties including women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance

abuse testing

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability

Support is available in the Johnson lab for a Doctoral (preferred) or

Master of Science student in urban forest ecology. The successful applicant

will join a project that supports urban forest management decision-making

by testing both ecological theory and science-based management approaches

in urban environments, synthesis of multiple long-term data sets describing

biophysical and social variables, and increasing information connectivity

networks. The successful applicant will assist in these efforts and develop

a thesis that contributes to the project. Demonstrated skills in plant

identification and/or analysis of large data sets are preferred, as is a

Master=E2=80=99s degree for those seeking to earn a doctorate.

The University of Maryland faculty includes experts in a broad range of

related fields, including urban forestry, landscape architecture, ecology,

soil science, environmental science and policy, and many specialties in

biology. The University is affiliated with the National Center for

Socio-Environmental Synthesis (http://www.sesync.org). Additional

information about UMD and the Plant Science Graduate Program of the

Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture can be found at

http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/

<http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/welcome/welcome.html> and

http://psla.umd.edu/.

Send a CV, unofficial transcripts, and a personal statement detailing

research interests, motivation, and relevant experience via email. Review

of applications will begin immediately.  A summer 2017 start may be

possible for a highly qualified applicant.

Contact:

Lea R. Johnson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

University of Maryland

2134 Plant Sciences Building

College Park, MD 20742

(301) 405-1602 Office

leaj@umd.edu

https://psla.umd.edu/people/dr-lea-johnson

We are seeking six, highly motivated individuals who are interested working as part of a large team of investigators examining diversity patterns in restored grasslands that are part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).  In Kansas, the CRP program includes over 2 million acres=97much of which is re-established, native grassland. However, a dominant grazer is lacking on most of these sites despite the critical role that bison historically played in this grassland ecosystem. Our study will test how two CRP plantings (CP2 and CP25), which differ in the number of forbs planted, and the effects of periodic grazing influence the restoration of plant and insect abundance on 108 grassland sites across the precipitation gradient in Kansas.

The technicians will work as part of one, unified team that is subdivided into three field crews located in east, central, or western Kansas. Each field crew will work from mid-May to early-August.  The majority of the field effort will be spent in remote short- to tallgrass prairie habitats.  Primary tasks will include plant, insect, and soil sampling in the field, data entry, and sample preparation.  Applicants need to be able work under all weather conditions and be good team players.  Some experience with plant or insect sampling and/or identification is preferred, but dedicated, hardworking individuals will also be considered.  Starting pay is $10/hr plus free housing during the summer of field work.=20

If interested, please contact Dr. Greg Houseman (Greg.Houseman@wichita.edu) or Dr. Mary Liz Jameson (MaryLiz.Jameson@gmail.com).

Clemson University is proud to invite applications for PhD fellowships in “Computationally Intensive Genomics Analysis and Application in Agriculture”

For more information, please visit the following website:

[http://www.clemsonnationalneedsfellows.org%3chttp:/www.clemsonnationalneedsfellows]www.clemsonnationalneedsfellows.org<http://www.clemsonnationalneedsfellows.org>

Prescribed fire effects on seedbanks of pine barrens

Department of Forestry, Michigan State University

and USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station

Position description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University, in collaboration with USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, is seeking a highly motivated seasonal research technician for Summer 2017 to assist with a project investigating soil heating processes and the effects of soil heating on soil carbon, nutrients, seedbanks and hardwood regeneration in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The technician will be primarily responsible for maintaining the field-collected soil samples in a seed bank germination greenhouse study near Rhinelander, WI, U.S.A. The technician will have opportunity to also participate in field activities. The technician will be co-supervised by a Project Manager and Research Scientist.  The technician will be trained on the job and responsible for following safety and study protocols. In addition, opportunity exists for technician to pursue mentored independent research related to the overall project goals. The abstract for the project is available here: http://www.firescience.gov/JFSP_advanced_search_results_detail.cfm?jdbid=3D%24%26J3%3CW%40%2 0%20%0A

Qualifications: The successful applicants will have the following knowledge, skills and abilities: 1) previous greenhouse experience as a technician; 2) strong organization and communication skills; 3) demonstrated ability to work well independently and in a team environment; 4) demonstrated commitment to completing work with a high level of initiative, skill and professionalism; 5) a high aptitude for adverse environmental conditions; and 6) possession of a valid US driver’s license. We desire the technician to have experience in plant identification in the upper Lake States region, specifically northern dry forests and pine barrens.

Working conditions: This position will be largely greenhouse-based. In the greenhouse, the technician is responsible for providing own gear, including supportive, closed-toe shoes, to accommodate long periods of standing and the warm, humid conditions of a greenhouse.  For occasional field work, the conditions may include exposure to inclement weather, full sun, biting insects, and poison ivy and walking over uneven terrain; lifting and carrying field packs weighing up to 40 lb.; bending, squatting, kneeling, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; operating measurement or sampling equipment with a strong level of fine motor skills; and performing repetitive tasks with a high level of precision and accuracy. Personal protective equipment necessary for performing the position will be provided. The technician will be responsible for providing their own personal field gear (appropriate field clothing, footwear, daypack, etc.).

Salary: Hourly wage commensurate with experience, for 40 hours/week starting approximately June 5, 2017 and continuing for approximately 4.5 months. We may be able to accommodate earlier or later start & end dates with advance notification (please specify any start/end date requests in your cover letter).

Location: The position is located near Rhinelander, WI. Occasional overnight travel may be required to perform field measurements in Ashland, WI.

Housing: Housing is not provided.  Reasonable dormitory accommodations are available at a University of Wisconsin field station 20 minutes north of the office location.

To Apply: Applicants should email as a single PDF: 1) a letter of interest detailing your qualifications for the position and the dates of your availability, 2) resume/CV with list of relevant coursework, and 3) a list of three professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number), to Dr. Christel Kern at cckern@fs.fed.us<mailto:cckern@fs.fed.us> . Please name your file as: LastnameFirstname_Application_YYYYMMDD.

Application deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis beginning February 15, 2017 so you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

For more information: Contact Dr. Christel Kern at cckern@fs.fed.us or Dr. Jessica Miesel at mieselje@msu.edu.

An undergraduate research assistant position is available in the Quantitative Forest Management laboratory in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University.

The undergraduate research assistant will assist a master=92s student with completing field work for a forest restoration project. The field work will be conducted in the mixed conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada in Northern California, with majority of time spent in the Eldorado National Forest. The main objective of the project is to evaluate post fire restoration efforts made after the 2004 Power Fire. This project will help identify successful restoration techniques to reestablish open, old growth conditions in the Sierra Nevada.

Field Work responsibilities will include collecting forest inventory data, soil samples, vegetation surveys, basic ecophysiological data, and micro-environmental variables. A variety of equipment will be used including, basic field work items (clinometer, d-tape, etc.) and potentially more advanced machines (ceptometer, gas exchange analyzer, etc.). Experience with more advanced equipment is appreciated, but not necessary.

This position will be for about a 3-month period during the summer from May 2017 to August 2017. Work will average 40 hrs/week. The salary offered will depend on prior experience. Travel to California, along with housing and a small food stipend will be provided.

Qualifications: All junior or senior students currently enrolled in an academic program related to forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or similarly related natural resource fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants should be highly self-motivated and possess a strong work ethic. A background or strong interest in conducting field-based research is desirable. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is preferable. Candidates must be willing and able to travel long distances, camp outdoors on occasion, do physically demanding work, and work in hot or otherwise uncomfortable conditions. Applicants must possess a valid driver=92s license.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information of two references. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by February 24, 2017. For additional information or to submit application material, please contact Iris Allen (ica0002@mix.wvu.edu).

The deadline is February 10th.

Title: Conservation Genetics Lab Technician

Agency: Texas A&M University, Institute of Renewable Natural Resources

Location: Dallas, TX

Job Description: Mussel Research Group at Texas A&M University Institute of Renewable Natural Resources is looking to hire a highly motivated Lab Technician. The individual will assist research in conservation genetics of freshwater mussels in Texas. Primary job duties include archiving tissue samples, DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and fragment analyses; however, the individual should expect occasional field sampling of mussels. Fieldwork includes visual and tactile search for mussels (wading and snorkeling), mussel identification, and data entry. Typical work schedule: 5 days per week, 8 hrs per day. Occasionally, longer workdays may be required to complete field sampling.

Applicants must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, and enjoy working with others. Applicants should anticipate residing in Dallas, Texas.

Salary: $900 every 2 weeks

Qualifications: Bachelor=92s degree in Biology or related field; experience extracting DNA and PCR; excellent communication skills and competency to work independently. Preference will be given to applicants with strong background in phylogenetics/population genetics, work experience in a molecular genetics laboratory, and/or familiarity with population genetics and phylogenetic analysis software.

Tentative Start Date: February 28, 2017. This position is initially for 4 months; however, it may be extended depending on performance and there is the possibility to switch to a graduate degree at Texas A&M University.

As a single email attachment, submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to Kentaro Inoue (kentaro.inoue@ag.tamu.edu). Review of applications will start February 10, 2017 and continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Website: http://irnr.tamu.edu/  |  http://tamuirnrmussels.weebly.com/