Opportunities

Summer Undergrad Internship in Ecology and Land Management in Westchester County, NY

Mianus River Gorge (www.mianus.org) College Internship in Suburban Ecology (

CISE)

Description: Mianus River Gorge, a conservation organization and 850-acre

nature preserve in Westchester County, New York, offers four 8-week summer

internships for college students interested in the conservation of natural

areas in urbanizing landscapes.

–Internships last for a period of 8 weeks. This year the internship will

run from Jun 9 – Aug 4. Longer internships may be available upon request.

— We generally must give preference to local students or those that can

commute, as summer housing is not always guaranteed.

— Each intern will work alongside Gorge staff and graduate students on a

variety of projects including wildlife monitoring, non-native species

management, and GIS applications.  The internship is a mix of performing

research and enacting management plans.

— Interns will work with and supervise high school students in our

authentic research program (Wildlife Technician Program).

— We work with our interns to provide a learning experience that fits

their interests and long-term educational goals.

— Stipend: $125/week (5 days a week) or combination of school credit and

stipend (depending on university requirements).

Projects for 2017 include:

o   Monitoring coyotes and other wildlife in NYC and Nassau County

o   Vegetation sampling, monitoring, and restoration

o   Wetland functional assessment throughout our watershed

o   Invasive species control and other land management work

o   Data management and analysis on several long-term projects

Applicant Eligibility

All undergraduate students are eligible to apply. We do not require

applicants to major in a particular discipline; however, exposure to and

interest in the fields of ecology, environmental science, or geography is

encouraged.

Interns must be self-motivated and work well in group settings.

Applicants should be prepared for strenuous summer work outdoors (e.g.

field research and land management projects) as well as indoor work when

necessary (e.g. data entry and GIS projects).

Special Considerations:

Housing is not always available, but we try to find it each year. Please

indicate whether you can commute to our location each day or will

need/prefer housing.

Public transportation in our area is unfortunately very limited, so it is

preferable that interns have a car.  Interns may also be asked to use their

own vehicle for some work (with mileage/gas reimbursement).

Application Deadline: March 15, 2017

Questions: Please direct questions to chris@mianus.org or call Chris Nagy

at 914-234-3455

Application link: http://www.mianus.org/research-and-education/

undergraduate/internship-application/

Additional info:

http://www.mianus.org/what-we-do/research-and-education/undergraduate/internships-in-suburban-ecology/

Greater Sage-grouse Field Research Crew Leaders, Technicians, and Interns

Agency:=09U.S. Geological Survey

Location: Nevada and/or NE California/Eastern Sierra

Job Description: US Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and Idaho State University (ISU), is seeking to fill multiple positions for Crew Leaders, Technicians, and Interns to conduct avian biological surveys primarily targeted at greater sage-grouse at multiple study sites across Nevada and California. Primary duties may include capture and handling of sage-

grouse, lek counts, radio telemetry monitoring, nest videography, habitat sampling, avian predator surveys, data entry and management, and other biological surveys as needed.  Work hours will be irregular and include nights and early mornings, as well as weekends. The Nevada landscape is beautiful but rugged and challenging to work in. Temperature extremes can range from well below freezing to above 100 degrees F, and inclement weather is always a possibility.=20=20=20

These temporary, full-time appointments are scheduled to last from the first week of March through the beginning of August, with the potential for employment to extend depending on funding and performance. Primitive field housing will be provided, and successful applicants will be required to stay on site during work periods.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in a single word document saved with applicant=92s last name to: rkelble@usgs.gov and jpseverson@usgs.gov. Please indicate in your cover letter if you would prefer Crew Leader, Technician, or Intern positions, and if you are not interested in one or more positions. Cover letters and correspondence may be addressed to Rebecca Kelble and John Severson. Please include =93Greater Sage-grouse position=94 in the subject line.

Positions will be filled as successful applicants are identified, and interested applicants should submit applications as soon as possible.

Qualifications:=09B.S. degree in a natural resource field preferred although experienced undergraduates are encouraged to apply for intern positions. U.S. citizen with valid driver=92s license required.=20 Successful applicants must possess the ability to hike long distances over rough terrain often in inclement weather (snow, rain, hail, high winds).  Ability to take direction and work independently, strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and a desire to gain experience while maintaining enthusiastic attitude and good communication with field supervisor is essential for all positions. Prior experience driving ATVs/4×4 vehicles over rough terrain is also preferred for all positions.

Crew Leaders: We are seeking individuals with extensive experience working on wildlife-related field research projects, previous experience with animal capture and handling and radio-telemetry, and strong interpersonal communication skills.  Prior supervisory experience, or demonstrated potential for supervising field crews, is preferred.

Technicians: Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience assisting with wildlife field research.  Previous experience with animal capture and handling and radio-telemetry are also preferred.=20

Interns:  Internships will be offered to applicants that can demonstrate a passion for wildlife ecology, a willingness to learn new techniques and work as part of a team, and a desire to work hard in a remote but beautiful field setting.  Previous field experience is desirable, but not required.

Salary:=09Crew Leaders: ($2400/mo)

Technicians: ($2000/mo)

Interns ($900/mo living stipend)

Last Date to apply:=0902/15/2017

Website:=09https://www.werc.usgs.gov/

Contact:=09Rebecca Kelble and John Severson

E-mail: rkelble@usgs.gov and jpseverson@usgs.gov (Preferred)

Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship Pla nt-stress interactions

We seek a highly motivated student to work on a collaborative project on the epigenetic mechanisms of stress tolerance in weeds and model systems. Projects will examine the role of epigenetics in plant response to a variety of stresses, including trans-generational inheritance of epigenetic changes. The student will lead greenhouse and growth chamber studies using a variety of stresses and plant species. The student will be co-advised by Dr. Jacob Barney (http://weedeco.ppws.vt.edu) <[http://weedeco.ppws.vt.edu)]http://weedeco.ppws.vt.edu)> and Dr. Shawn Askew (http://www.ppws.vt.edu/people/faculty/askew-shawn.html) <http://www.ppws.vt.edu/people/faculty/askew-shawn.html)> and work closely with Drs. Jim Westwood, David Haak, and Liqing Zhang. The successful candidate will be fully funded (tuition and stipend) for up to 48 months (Ph.D.) on a graduate research assistantship.

Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, VA, a college town in an idyllic mountain setting and is the #1 ranked college/university in the U.S. for quality of life (Princeton Review, 8/2016).

Qualifications

Applicants should have a strong interest and a prior degree in biology, ecology, or related discipline, an MS in a related field is desired but not required.  Applicants should have extensive past research experience, an outstanding academic record and GRE scores, and evidence of strong writing and quantitative skills.

Start date for the assistantship is negotiable, ranging from May to August 2017.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

To apply, please email a single PDF file to Dr. Jacob Barney (jnbarney@vt.edu) <mailto:jnbarney@vt.edu)> containing (1) a cover letter outlining your research interests, career goals, relevant experience, and preferred start date; (2) your CV; (3) undergraduate/graduate transcripts and GRE scores; and (4) full contact information for at least 3 professional references.  The subject line of the email should read: Plant Stress Interactions Graduate Position.

Graduate position: NorthDakotaStateU.ConservationGenetics

CONSERVATION GENETICS PH.D. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP

NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

Conservation Genetics Ph.D. Graduate Student Assistantship to conduct
research on landscape genetics of northern leopard frogs.  The project
will analyze an existing dataset to evaluate gene flow among
potentially isolated wetlands, as means of assessing biotic
connectedness.  Additional sampling and possible development of
additional molecular markers will be pursued as warranted.  This
well-funded project is a collaboration between Craig Stockwell (NDSU)
and David Mushet (USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center).
Field work will take place in the upper Great Plains.  This project
will provide excellent networking opportunities with federal scientists
from USGS and EPA.

Position to start as soon as Summer 2017.

Open until filled

Requirements:  BS or MS in ecology, aquatic ecology, fisheries biology,
conservation biology or related field; Experience analyzing population
genetics data, quantitative skills, and ability to work independently
and as part of a research team.

Preferred:  M.S., experience with landscape-genetic
landscape-resistance models, field research experience, experience
using “R”

Salary:  $24,000/year + full tuition waiver

Contact:  Craig Stockwell, Professor, Biological Sciences, 201 Stevens
Hall, Box 6050, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050;
http://www.ndsu.edu/stockwell_lab/

e-mail:  Craig.Stockwell@ndsu.edu

Please send application materials to Craig.Sockwell@ndsu.edu and
include the following:  1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae / resume,
3) all college-level transcripts and 4) names and contact information
for three references.

CONSERVATION GENETICS PH.D. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP

NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

Conservation Genetics Ph.D. Graduate Student Assistantship to conduct
research on landscape genetics of northern leopard frogs.  The project
will analyze an existing dataset to evaluate gene flow among isolated
wetlands, as means of assessing biotic connectedness.  Additional
sampling and possible development of additional molecular markers will
be pursued as warranted.  This project is funded through an EPA grant
and is a collaborative project between Craig Stockwell (NDSU) and David
Mushet (USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center).   Field work
will take place in the upper Great Plains.

Position to start as early as July 1, 2016

Requirements:  BS or MS in ecology, aquatic ecology, fisheries biology,
conservation biology or related field; Experience analyzing population
genetics data, quantitative skills, and ability to work independently
and as part of a research team.

Preferred:  M.S., experience with amphibians, experience with
landscape-genetic landscape-resistance models, field research
experience.

Salary:  $22,000/year + full tuition waiver

Contact:  Craig Stockwell, Professor, Biological Sciences, 201 Stevens
Hall, Box 6050, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108-6050;
http://www.ndsu.edu/stockwell_lab/

e-mail:  Craig.Stockwell@ndsu.edu

Please send application materials to Craig.Sockwell@ndsu.edu and
include the following:  1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae / resume,
3) all college-level transcripts and 4) names and contact information
for three references.

UTexas.REU_SwitchgrassGenetics

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is emerging as an important biofuel
candidate in the United States. Our labs (see list of collaborators
below) collectively study the ecology, genetics/genomics, physiology
and agronomy/plant breeding of Switchgrass. We are seeking a talented
and diverse group of undergraduate students interested in conducting a
variety of research in Switchgrass biology across the US.

Program description:
This program is an opportunity for undergraduate students to
participate in mentored independent research on the biology of
Switchgrass. The program is funded through the NSF Research Experience
for Undergraduates (REU) program and is associated with our ongoing
interdisciplinary work on the ecology, physiology, and genomic
responses of switchgrass to future climate change. Summer students
will be immersed in research and learn basic and applied biology
through active participation in primarily field-based work. Working as
part of our research team, they will contribute to group research
projects, design short research projects, and present their work in an
end-of-summer student symposium.

Each position is supported for 8-10 weeks beginning the first week of
June. Students are awarded a $4500 stipend, plus a housing and food
allowance, and some funds to help defray the cost of traveling to the
designated University.

Who Should Apply:
Undergraduates that are not in their senior year (typically 1st to 3rd
year students), who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents
studying in the U.S.

Application process:
The application deadline is February 19, 2017. Applicants should
submit a 1-page cover letter describing any relevant research
experience, along with their motivation for joining our research
group, and include a copy of their current transcript (unofficial
transcript or screenshots are acceptable). Applicants should also
ensure that two letters of recommendation are submitted on their
behalf. Only applications that are complete will be considered.
Applications and requests for further information should be directed
to:

Dr. Brandon Campitelli
e-mail: brandon.campitelli@utexas.edu
Subject: Switchgrass REU 2017

For more information regarding this opportunity, and ongoing research,
please visit our website:
https://sites.cns.utexas.edu/juenger_lab/summer-research-opportunities

CT DEEP Marine Fisheries Seasonal Resource Assistant: Shad/Sturgeon

The Connecticut DEEP Marine Fisheries Office is currently looking for a qualified individual to fill a Seasonal Resource Assistant position to work on the Shad & Sturgeon projects. The position provides opportunities for practical experience in fishery independent monitoring, data collection and lab processing techniques. Seasonal positions are limited in duration and pay $11 ‑ $13/hr (M-F, 35hrs/wk) based on relevant experience. The selected candidate will be available to start in April/May and work into October/November. Since this position is temporary, there would be no health benefits. The position is based out of DEEP Marine Headquarters in Old Lyme, CT, and employees would be expected to drive to Old Lyme each workday.

The duties may include, but are not limited to, sampling with fishing gear such as gill nets, skiff trawls and beach seines.

 Laboratory or office work could include identifying and counting juvenile fish, pressing and ageing fish scales, cleaning, repairing fishing gear and data entry.

Qualifications include actively pursuing or having completed a college degree in the biological sciences with coursework in fisheries or a related field. A degree is preferred but not required. Candidates with work experience in a related field may be considered. Candidates should possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to conduct vigorous field work in various weather conditions.

 

To apply: Please submit a completed application and resume to Joanne Kelley (joanne.kelley@ct.gov).

Be sure to indicate your interest in the Shad/Sturgeon project in your e-mail or cover letter.

Applications and instructions may be obtained from the Fisheries Seasonal Job Opportunities page on the DEEP website.

Specific questions may be directed to:

Jacque Benway Roberts

Fisheries Biologist

Marine Fisheries Office

Bureau of Natural Resources

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
333 Ferry Rd / PO Box 719 Old Lyme, CT 06371
P: 860.447-4311|F: 860.434-6150 |E: jacque.benway@ct.gov

Kansas State U Summer REU

Thedeadline for the REU site program at Kansas State University “Ecology
and Evolutionary Biology of Changing Environments: Integrating from
Genomes to Biomes” is a little more than two weeks away.  We invite
applications for the 10-week summer program, which will provide a
foundation in integrative research, scientific communication, and
professional development in ecology and evolutionary biology. Each
summer we have a diverse set of research projects addressing responses
to changing environments and the underlying genetic, developmental,
physiological, or ecological mechanisms. Over 30 faculty from the
Division of Biology and Departments of Entomology, Plant Pathology,
and Statistics are available to serve as mentors.

Summer2017 is the 22nd year for the Kansas State University Biology
REU site.  The program is hosted by the Ecological Genomics Institute,
Konza Prairie Biological Station, and the Division of Biology at Kansas
State University. The program covers costs of accommodations during the
summer. Participants will also receive a generous stipend, food allowance,
and travel allowance.

Participantsare selected for research potential based on an application
essay, application questionnaire, transcripts, and supporting letters
of recommendation.

Completeinformation about the program is available by visiting
http://www.ksu.edu/reu.

Specificquestions can be directed to the director of the program (Ted
Morgan) at biologyreu@ksu.edu.

Applicationdeadline is 15 February 2017.

Gray Vireo REU Positions at Sevilleta NWR, NM

SEVILLETA FIELD STATION REU SITES PROGRAM IN ARIDLAND ECOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

The Sevilleta Field Station is seeking applicants for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).  Application deadline is February 24, 2017.  We are looking for 10 Biology REU students for the Summer of 2017. This interdisciplinary REU Site Program at the Sevilleta Field Station in central New Mexico will train undergraduate students who will conduct independent research under the guidance of UNM faculty in Biology, Ecology, Civil Engineering, and Earth and Planetary Sciences, along with scientists from Federal and State agencies. The summer program includes a seminar series, a weekly journal club, an annual symposium, professional development workshops, toastmasters, ethics training, field trips, and opportunities to interact with a multitude of scientists conducting research in the area. Students will conduct independent research in and around the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR) and present their projects at the annual symposium to be held in early August 2017. Working at the Sevilleta Field Station and SNWR site invites close interactions among students, faculty, federal scientists, and graduate students.

Students will have numerous opportunities to share ideas and explore issues within and across disciplines. The program=92s goal is to increase exposure to a large, multidisciplinary research program, inspire students to continue into professional careers, and prepare students for the rigors of graduate school, professional research, and responsible citizenship. The program exemplifies the integration of research and education. As students conduct research, they will learn how to be an independent scientist, along with many technical, methodological and ethical issues that arise in scientific research.

Lodging and laboratory space for REU students will be provided by the UNM Sevilleta Field Station at NO COST to the student. In addition, candidates chosen will receive a stipend of $5500 and a $500 food allowance during the 10-week summer program that will run from May 29 =96 August 4.  We will also refund travel costs to and from the UNM Sevilleta Field Station up to $600 (stipulations apply).

Applications will be accepted from students at any stage of their undergraduate program (freshman to senior) and any discipline, so long as the applicant is interested in conservation biology and ecology in aridland environments. Students are not eligible if they have completed an undergraduate degree by the start of Summer 2017. We welcome applications from students at four year colleges, students early in their college career, students that are the first member of their family to attend college, non-traditional students, and students from traditionally underrepresented groups.  Students must be U.S. Citizens.

General requirements for participation in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Programs in the Biological Sciences are set by the National Science Foundation. These requirements are listed below:

Applicants to the Sevilleta REU Program must be:

=95   Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions (e.g., Puerto Rico).

=95   Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program (full- or part-time) leading to a Bachelor=92s degree.

=95   Undergraduate students who are transferring from one institution to another but are not enrolled at either institution during the intervening summer may participate.

Students are not eligible if they are:

=95   Foreign nationals residing in a country other than the United States.

=95   Students that have completed high school but have not yet enrolled in a degree program at an educational institution of higher learning.

=95   Students that have completed an undergraduate degree and are no longer enrolled in a degree program at an educational institution of higher learning.

Requirements for the Sevilleta REU Program:

=95   The Sevilleta REU Program has no additional requirements. Applications will be accepted from students at any stage of their undergraduate program (freshman to senior) and any discipline, so long as the applicant is interested in conservation biology and ecology in aridland environments.

=95   We are particularly interested in applications from students that have had limited opportunities to conduct independent research at their home institution. We welcome applications from students at four year colleges, students that are the first member of their family to attend college, non-traditional students, and students from traditionally underrepresented groups.

A completed application for the Sevilleta LTER Research Experience for Undergraduates Summer Program will consist of five items:

1  A complete online application (see below).

2  A resume.

3  An unofficial copy of your academic transcript. If accepted into the REU program, applicants will be required to provide an official copy before starting the program.

4. Two letters of recommendation. These can be from faculty advisors from the student=92s home institution, mentors or previous employers. Recommendations from those that are able to comment on the applicant=92s academic ability, initiative, maturity, and self-motivation are preferred. Please have your respondents email your letters of recommendation to srbaker@unm.edu WITH the subject line of =932017 REU Recommendation for YOUR NAME.=94

4  A two-page essay addressing the development of the student=92s interest in ecology, the specific areas of research interest, and current professional career goals. Career goals are not required to be in ecological research. Essays can be single or double-spaced but should be in a legible font (min. 11 point) with 1 inch margins.

Deadlines

The application form, resume, unofficial transcript, two-page essay, and letters of recommendation should be received by February 24, 2017.

Questions regarding the application procedure can be directed to the Program Manager, Stephanie Baker by e-mail. Please put REU 2017 in the subject line.

e-mail: srbaker@unm.edu

TO APPLY AND FOR MORE INFORMATION visit: https://sevilletareu.wordpress.com/

Summer Research Assistant: Grassland Ecology

Job Description:  The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Northern Plains Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and hard-working individual to serve as a biological science aide.  Our research studies the environmental impacts of grassland restoration efforts in two main projects. The first project is studying how rangeland reclamation following energy development has affected plant, insect and soil communities in the Bakken region of western North Dakota. The second project is studying recovery of riparian plant and insect communities following removal of Russian olive, an invasive tree. Additional opportunities exist to work on projects related to grasshopper ecology and biological control of wheat stem sawfly. Work may include sampling grasshoppers and other rangeland insects in large scale experiments, sampling rangeland plants, setting up and conducting small scale manipulative experiments in the field and lab work to sort and process samples collected; an even split between lab and field time is expected. Most field work will be conducted on diverse and beautiful native rangelands in eastern Montana and on the Little Missouri National Grassland in western North Dakota, with the possibility of some research conducted at 9000 feet elevation in the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming. Some overnight travel to sites in eastern Montana and Wyoming may be required.=20

Salary: Approximately $12.30 per hour (GS-3) dependent on experience and education.  The candidate will receive overtime pay when working more than 40 hours per week. Dorm-style, shared housing is available on location for $131 per month, including utilities and internet.

Dates: Starting May 15th or 30th through the end of August. Please specify your available start and end dates in your application.

Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen.  Additionally, the candidate should be physically fit, able to walk rapidly over rangeland, and comfortable spending long hours outside in hot conditions. Willingness to work long days, and some weekends when necessary is also a must.  Undergraduate course work in ecology, entomology, range or environmental sciences, and previous laboratory and field work experience is preferred, but not required.=20

Application process: Please send cover letter with available start and end dates, resume, and names and contact information of two references (electronically) to Zachary Sylvain (zachary.sylvain@ars.usda.gov).=20

Evaluation of applications will begin February 15 and continue until the position is filled.

Master student postion

An opportunity is available for a motivated Master level student in the lab of Dr. Stephen Greiman at Georgia Southern University.

Work in the Greiman lab is focused on flatworm diversity, evolution, geographic distribution and association with symbiotic bacteria.

The current project is focused on exploring gut microbiome and helminth community seasonal variation within small insectivorous mammals. Samples are available to begin lab work right away. Lab work would involve intestinal DNA extractions, metagenomic sequencing (library preparation and Illumina MiSeq sequencing), classical parasitological examination (staining, slide mounting, light microscopy), and bioinformatics. Field work to collect additional samples is possible.

Motivated and enthusiastic candidates with some molecular experience are preferred.

For any questions or interests, please contact:

Dr. Stephen Greiman

sgreiman@georgiasouthern.edu

(website: http://www.stephengreiman.com/)