Opportunities

Other: SouthAfrica.VolFieldAssist.Meerkat

The Kalahari Meerkat Project is a long-term field project investigating
> the ecological causes and evolutionary consequences of cooperative
> breeding. We are looking for volunteer field assistants to spend one
> year at our study site in the South African Kalahari Desert, collecting
> behavioural data on our habituated meerkat population.
>
> We offer our volunteers extensive training in field- and data skills such
> as animal handling, radio-tracking, observing animals in the wild and
> working with databases. Accommodation, food and a small living allowance
> will be provided, and we will contribute �300 towards travel expenses
> following successful completion of the 12 month field season. We also
> offer a limited number of full travel stipends for applicants from the
> African continent.
>
> Successful applicants usually have a good degree in the biological
> sciences and will be enthusiastic, hardworking and physically
> fit. As it takes some time to learn the necessary field skills,
> we will only consider volunteers who are able to stay for a full 12
> months. We are also only able to accept volunteers who have a driving
> license. We are currently short-listing applicants to start from
> June to December 2020. Anyone interested should visit our website
> (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fkalahari-meerkats.com%2Fkmp%2Fvolunteering%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmiranda.l.davis%40uconn.edu%7C3cde8f2a7ddc4265f66008d7ae23969b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C1%7C637169340181045849&sdata=%2BDADgLLJPbmx8MrkCldzK7nvtERqa0tp8CNS0OdUBWE%3D&reserved=0) for more info and
> details of how to apply.
>
> Deadline: 1 March (spontaneous applications beyond this date are welcome)
>
> Frank Groenewoud & Jack Thorley
> Contact: meerkat.volunteers@gmail.com
>
> Frank Groenewoud <fg376@cam.ac.uk>
>

Seasonal Schoodic Institute Field Ecology Technician Announcement

Schoodic Institute located at Acadia National Park is recruiting two

seasonal Field Ecology Technicians to assist in forest, bird, and

intertidal ecological research in the Acadia National Park region.

Position Description: Ecology Field Technicians (2)

Duration: June 1, 2020 to November 6, 2020

Reports to: Schoodic Institute science staff (Hannah Webber, Seth Benz,

Sarah Hooper)

Location: Winter Harbor, Maine

Application Deadline: February 28, 2020

We are looking to fill 2 temporary, full-time Field Technician positions.

About Schoodic Institute: Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is a

501(c)3 non-profit organization. Schoodic Institute is advancing

understanding of environmental change, developing conservation solutions,

and engaging people in scientific discoveries. The Institute’s goal is to

be a national leader for research and education that inspires environmental

stewardship and fosters bright futures for parks and people. From its

Acadia National Park campus in coastal Maine, the Institute engages

scientists, educators, students, and the public in addressing complex

challenges of a rapidly changing environment. We focus on forest, bird, and

marine ecosystems, global change, citizen science, and science

communication. Our year-round campus includes classrooms, laboratories, and

meeting spaces surrounded by wild, rugged shorelines and thousands of acres

of evergreen forest. Campus infrastructure enables us to convene and host

public events, and provides an inspirational setting for education and art

programs, workshops, and conferences.

Primary Responsibilities:

Ecology Field Technicians will work on all aspects of a wide variety of

projects including intertidal research, bird surveys, citizen science

experiences, and forest sampling–perform field observations and sample

collection, handling, and processing; assist with Schoodic Institute

programs and Earthwatch expeditions; and track and maintain equipment.

Field Technicians are responsible for data management and initial syntheses

of collected data.

The Field Technicians are mentored by Schoodic Institute staff. Once

trained, the Field Technicians will lead intern and volunteer field crews.

These are full time (40 hours/week) seasonal positions. Daily and weekly

work schedules may fluctuate. Work days can be up to twelve hours long. In

some instances, such as intertidal work during low tide, work days may be

split with morning and evening work. At times work will begin at dawn and

go through dusk. The work week may include weekends.

Qualified applicants need to be able to work in challenging outdoor

conditions, learn on the go, work in small teams, and efficiently collect

and record field data.

Location: The Field Technician’s primary work location is on the Schoodic

Peninsula near Winter Harbor, ME; field work may occur throughout Acadia

National Park and surrounding locations. Residence is required on the

Schoodic Institute campus (on the Schoodic Peninsula, note: the nearest

city, Ellsworth, ME, with full services is 45 minutes away), where housing

in a co-ed shared apartment will be provided by Schoodic Institute.

Duties:

●      Follow established, standardized field procedures for land-based and

intertidal monitoring,

●      Train and lead groups of Earthwatch volunteers in safe and

scientifically rigorous field data collection,

●        Monitoring activities include the following observation activities:

o   Select bird, plant, insect, and intertidal organism abundance and

behavior

o   Breeding bird population counts

●      Operate and maintain monitoring equipment,

●        Use citizen science data collection apps in field work,

●      Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation

system, measuring and marking plots,

●      Perform inspection and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment,

●      Record activities and completed work according to Field Operations

protocol,

●      Perform field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather,

terrain, diverse habitats),

●      Carry, move and lift supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to field

sites (through, over, and in remote and uneven terrain),

●      Follow safety and field operations policy and procedures,

●      Other duties for Schoodic Institute as may be assigned.

Qualifications and Job Requirements:

●      High School diploma or equivalent.

●      Must be at least 18 years of age.

●      Proficiency with MS Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word) and Google

Sheets.

●      Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

●      High level of attention to detail and accuracy.

●      Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

●      Strong work ethic and enthusiasm.

●      Ability to perform in strenuous outdoor activity, carry field

equipment and endure different outdoor field conditions including cold and

wet weather and extreme heat.

●      Current and valid State issued driver’s license with insurable

Department of Motor Vehicle record (parking violations, minor driving

offenses excluded) as determined by Acadia National Park.

●      Ability to travel/hike/walk on uneven terrain to work site.

●      Ability and willingness to work varied field operations schedules

(up to 12+ hours per day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early

mornings, evenings and weekends.

Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

●      Bachelor’s degree in an associated scientific discipline (ecology,

forestry, zoology or related field).

●      Experience conducting ecology related lab or field work.

●      Experience backcountry hiking and navigating (maps, compass, and

GPS).

●      Experience leading field sampling or monitoring activities, hikes,

or assisting conservation stewards with seasonal nature observations.

●      Experience in leading volunteers on field sampling or monitoring

activities or observation hikes.

●      Must have permanent authorization for US employment.

Co-ed housing in a shared apartment will be provided on the Schoodic

Institute campus within Acadia National Park. Schoodic Institute is an

Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply:

Send cover letter and resume to search@schoodicinstitute.org.

Subject line: Ecology Field Technician

Application Deadline: February 28, 2020

This position does not include health insurance benefits, holiday pay, or

sick time. Schoodic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer

NEON/Battelle Job Openings

Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) project, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems.  Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data.  Once structures are completed, a leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information.  The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.

Battelle is seeking Temporary Field Technicians. Open positions in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, Montana, Colorado, Washington, and Alaska.

Temporary Field Technicians perform seasonal and periodic sampling of physical, chemical and biological data at one (1)-five (5) field sites, while exercising good judgement and decision-making abilities to interpret protocol requirements. Temporary Field Technicians are assigned an area of primary responsibility within the scope of data collection: botany, entomology, mammalogy, and limnology.

THE FOLLOWING IS REQUIRED

*       High School Diploma.  Some post high school, specialized training or technical certificate may be required.

*       Knowledge of best practices for accurate and repeatable field and laboratory measurements across multiple scientific disciplines. Complex and variable systems require judgment and independent decision-making abilities

*       Technical skills using best practices in field and ability to identify aquatic or terrestrial flora and fauna to genus and species.

*       Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States.

*       Employment is contingent on background screen, drug screen, motor vehicle records check and physical.

*       Must possess a current and valid State issued driver’s license with insurable Department of Motor vehicle record (parking violations, minor driving offenses excluded) as determined by Battelle’s insurance provider.

If interested, visit: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fadtrk.tw%2Ftp%2Frj6-TgR5M.e-K&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C55827543791d4fa129f208d7abb6ddf4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637166674220721824&amp;sdata=f9l1c7IZvATBxpVvTAp%2BrjhuAjn7O7ebpf1PSeJBmN8%3D&amp;reserved=0

Battelle is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to  race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law.

Seeking a seasonal botanist for grassland surveys

*SEASONAL BOTANIST POSITION IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA*

A seasonal botanist position is available to study vascular plant diversity

in remnant and restored grasslands in northern Virginia. Temperate

grasslands are the world’s most endangered biome. Grasslands in the

southeastern US are botanically rich but most are small and isolated, and

there is limited information available about how to restore them. The

seasonal botanist will work with Leighton Reid (Restoration Ecology Lab at

Virginia Tech ), Bert Harris (Clifton

Institute ), Amy Johnson (Virginia Working

Landscapes ), and Jordan Coscia

(Virginia Working Landscapes). The botanist will be hired by Virginia Tech

and will live and work near Warrenton, Virginia.

*Responsibilities*: The seasonal botanist will be expected to:

·       Spend 5 hours per day over 10-12 weeks (May-August) surveying

grassland plant communities across northern Virginia

·       Spend 3 hours per day keying plant specimens and entering data

·       Work with interns and volunteers

*Preferences*: Preference will be given to applicants who:

·       Demonstrate strong plant identification skills

·       Demonstrate a strong ability to work independently as well as with

a team

·       Demonstrate a strong work ethic, capacity for logistics, and time

management skills

·       Have a valid driver’s license

*Benefits*: The successful botanist may expect to receive:

·       A wage of $10 per hour (approximately $1700 per month)

·       Free housing at the Clifton Institute in Warrenton, Virginia

·       Reimbursement for mileage driven on their personal vehicle for

fieldwork ($0.58 per mile)

·       Authorship on resulting publications as appropriate (

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2Frx6ebbh&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C55827543791d4fa129f208d7abb6ddf4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637166674220721824&amp;sdata=b1tz8KuvqCWNm7nzEkKQdZ47lFalW1bfncP0BgGN7ek%3D&amp;reserved=0)

*To apply*: Please send the following materials in an email to Leighton

Reid (jlreid@vt.edu):

·       A 1-page cover letter describing your motivation and

qualifications, including your experience with plant identification in the

field

·       A brief resume

Questions: Email any questions about this position to Leighton Reid (

jlreid@vt.edu).

Summer Field Assistant – Arctic LTER

The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking applicants for 2 summer field assistant positions on an ongoing ecological research project. These positions will be located at the Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska. For additional information about the Ecosystems Center and its programs, visit our web site at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fecosystems.mbl.edu%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C55827543791d4fa129f208d7abb6ddf4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637166674220721824&amp;sdata=qNzE%2BDi6kjr6Fbps3cJaracp2Bzn1QDM%2ByJhrBsNXnU%3D&amp;reserved=0. Information about the Arctic Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project is available at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fecosystems.mbl.edu%2FARC%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C55827543791d4fa129f208d7abb6ddf4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637166674220721824&amp;sdata=91lZGH95lTiIeIlFV5o%2BepTgsu16uoprKuXuwN%2BsfIA%3D&amp;reserved=0 and information about the Toolik Field Station is available at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uaf.edu%2Ftoolik%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C55827543791d4fa129f208d7abb6ddf4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637166674220721824&amp;sdata=xxCI%2BILE51ZXcisBp4HFKYZvm7qbihVIbX0PLlkk%2F1M%3D&amp;reserved=0.

    Chemistry Summer FA: The successful candidate will participate in research on the quantitative and qualitative analyses of nutrients in natural water samples. Duties include facilitating chemical measurements through the preparation of standards and reagents, and the maintenance of instruments for a multi-user laboratory at the Toolik Field Station. Some field work involved. Prior chemistry experience is required.

    General Aquatic Summer FA: This position will involve sampling lakes for a variety of routine and non-routine limnological parameters, basic data analysis, and some laboratory chemistry. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of one or more senior project collaborators.

Candidates for these jobs should be available to live at Toolik Field Station for 2-3 months during June, July and August. Travel to Toolik Field Station is paid for by the grant as well as the cost of room and board at the station and a salary.

APPLY ONLINE: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frecruiting.ultipro.com%2FMAR1033MBL%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C55827543791d4fa129f208d7abb6ddf4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637166674220721824&amp;sdata=pStgP9xkPPSjyFls2xVpRV3eZVtQFiJbM1TN96HkHwE%3D&amp;reserved=0

Summer Field Assistant – Arctic Lake Warming

The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking applicants for a temporary field assistant positions on a lake warming project. The positions will largely be located at the Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska. For additional information about the Ecosystems Center and its programs, visit our web site at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fecosystems.mbl.edu%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C55827543791d4fa129f208d7abb6ddf4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637166674220731819&amp;sdata=pv7FJpKLQcpFdD6V%2BLb9EBii2PKLmuTarwAzq5vuQe0%3D&amp;reserved=0.

This position will involve sampling lakes for a variety of routine and non-routine limnological parameters, including benthic production and benthic and pelagic nitrogen fixation. In addition the successful candidate should be familiar with basic data analysis, and some laboratory chemistry. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of one or more senior project collaborators.

Candidates will depart for Toolik field station in mid June and stay in the field until the end of September.  Travel to Toolik Field Station is paid for by the grant as well as the cost of room and board at the station and a salary.

Basic Qualifications: Applicants must be college graduates (BS or MS), with significant course work and/or field experience in ecology.

Preferred Qualifications: Some background aquatic ecology, hydrology, chemistry, or ecosystems ecology preferred. Attention to detail and a desire to learn new laboratory and field techniques are essential. A candidate with previous experience using a gas chromatograph is preferred. Previous experience with boats and other limnological gear is useful but not required.

APPLY ONLINE: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frecruiting.ultipro.com%2FMAR1033MBL%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C55827543791d4fa129f208d7abb6ddf4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637166674220731819&amp;sdata=KS%2FWlTpNx3lrxK2AkgQLKu08JFTvuS6ogVhS5z1D7s8%3D&amp;reserved=0

Modoc County California Summer Jobs

Under supervision, these positions will help with research and outreach for a team of UC Cooperative Extension Advisors and UC Cooperative Extension Specialists on a variety of topics. The Seasonal Research Assistants will assist in completing research on groundwater, range management, wild horses, juniper, irrigated lands, habitat restoration, wildlife, and more. They will also complete a variety of duties associated with talking to stakeholders, interacting with collaborating agencies, and creating outreach materials. This position will be expected to perform other duties, as needed, including photography, writing, and data input. The ability to work in remote, harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and interact well with a variety of people is required. There is one three month position and one six month position available starting about June 1, 2020.

Responsibilities

•    Organizing current research and outreach efforts and data

•    Talking to stakeholders, interacting with collaborating agencies, and creating outreach materials

•    Field monitoring, photography, and other duties as assigned

Job Requirements and Preferences

•    Experience with plant ID, livestock, agriculture, geology, and/or rangeland management

•    Experience outdoors on public land, private ranches, or other agriculture experience

•    Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher)

•    Experience taking pictures and creating posters, presentations, and flyers

•    Excellent organizational skills

•    Ability to work productively and communicate as part of a team, as well as independently under general direction to accomplish team goals

•    Ability to read, interpret and navigate using topographic maps in remote rangeland settings and collect coordinates with hand-held GPS units

•    Valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record and experience operating 4WD vehicles and ATVs on paved and unpaved roads, often in narrow or rocky areas

Job Details

•    Position is based on an approximately 40 hour week with irregular work hours and schedule

•    Position for recently graduated or current students

•    One three month and one six month position starting June 1, 2020

•    This is an hourly paid internship ($12.00 per hour, $2100 monthly minimum)

•    Shared housing may be available for $250/month

•    Check out cemodoc.ucanr.edu for our December 2019 newsletter talking about our current research and the 2019 seasonal experiences

To Apply

Send Resume, Cover Letter, and 2 References to lksnell@ucanr.edu by March 20, 2020

For questions please contact Laura Snell at 530-233-6400 or lksnell@ucanr.edu

UC ANR is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Soil Chemistry Lab Technologist – Oklahoma State University

The Jilling Lab in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Oklahoma State University is seeking a full-time technician to assist with lab and field activities. Our research focuses on soil organic matter dynamics and plant-microbe-mineral interactions. The position will be primarily lab-based, but will involve occasional work in the greenhouse and field. The successful candidate will assist with lab setup and maintenance, operation of lab instruments, sampling and analysis of soil samples, and will contribute to data summary and analysis. They will also assist graduate and undergraduate students in their lab work.

The position will remain open until filled.

For more information, and to apply, please visit https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fokstate.csod.com%2Fats%2Fcareersite%2FJobDetails.aspx%3Fsite%3D8%26id%3D7632&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C55827543791d4fa129f208d7abb6ddf4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637166674220741813&amp;sdata=0oJW1zU6ROQHKkyLkN5ln5FXPmFSMcz1LYGDwdxLSLo%3D&amp;reserved=0

Seasonal Zoo Keeper in Conservation and Research (Amphibians & Reptiles)

The Seasonal Keeper in the Conservation & Research Department assists the Research Husbandry Technician in all aspects of husbandry of the Memphis Zoo’s colonies of endangered dusky gopher frogs and Louisiana pine snakes, as well as general maintenance of enclosures and habitats.

Opening is available beginning April 1 and must be filled by May 15, and ends on Aug 31.

Essential Job Functions:

– Actively observes animals behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address observed behaviors.

– Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets at designated times throughout each day.

– Maintains accurate feeding, health, and welfare records of assigned animals.

– Thoroughly cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures/habitats /aquatic systems, and ensures cleanliness throughout the day.

– Maintains adequate stock of all section supplies, and reports low inventory levels to manager in a timely manner.

– Exercise good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.

– Assists science team with all aspects of conservation & research.

– Assists the Emergency Response team in animal events.

– Crates and moves animals as directed, ensuring the safety transport and well-being of the animals.

– Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to educate the public and provide positive guest experiences.

Minimum Requirements:

– High school Diploma or Equivalent.

– Experience in handling nonvenomous snakes, reptiles or amphibians.

Preferred Qualifications:

– Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, or a related field.

– Experience in husbandry of captive reptiles or amphibians

Competencies:

– Written and oral communication proficiency.

– Proficient in MS Office, current technology and applications for communication, research and record keeping.

– Records and reports creation and management.

– Problem Solving/Analysis.

– Stress Management/Composure.

– Teamwork Orientation.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Reporting Structure: Research Scientist

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a seasonal position that works up to 30 hrs per week and may require weekend work.

Work Environment:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud while on Zoo grounds.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Application website: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.memphiszoo.org%2Fcareers&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C55827543791d4fa129f208d7abb6ddf4%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637166674220741813&amp;sdata=z%2FJt08KcTjuVmx%2BAWjg2FvV%2FH1f04qiueVUfmPg8%2F9s%3D&amp;reserved=0

Application deadline: April 30, 2020 (applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis)

Questions should be directed to Dr. Steve Reichling, Director of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoo (sreichling@memphiszoo.org)

Field ecology research internships availiable

Field Ecology Research Internships available in the long term climate change study

B4Warmed project overview:

Northern Minnesota is a focal point of potential climate warming impacts because it sits at the transition between boreal and temperate forest biomes.  B4WARMED (Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) is a unique manipulative experiment that warms plants and soil in the field to examine tree seedling and germinant response to warming with respect to physiology, phenology, growth, and survival. For more information: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforestecology.cfans.umn.edu%2Fresearch%2Fclimate-change&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C803909d387244fa49f7308d7aaed9a03%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637165809785318865&amp;sdata=xEq0HEZtyuceSI81URIdjA6hnLB05o16YaKklXrB7nQ%3D&amp;reserved=0

Position overview:

We seek independent and mature undergraduate or newly graduated students with a background or interest in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field for paid field research internships ($11/hr). Openings start in the middle/end of April and go until the end of November. Start dates for the openings are flexible and up for negotiation. On average, an internship lasts about 4 months. Typical workdays are eight hours Monday through Friday, however, some tasks require early morning, evening, or weekend work. A valid driver’s license is required. Personal vehicles helpful but not required. Successful hires will work through a variety of tasks with primary focus on tree biometric, ecophysiological and ecological measurements and data collections in the field with occasional site maintenance, laboratory work, and treatment implementation. The intern will work in an individual and team setting. Consequently, a maturity to work autonomously often with long hours is required.

Responsibilities:

•    Work independently to collect biotic and abiotic data in field and laboratory settings in accordance with established protocols

•    Measure plant growth, physiology, and phenology

•    Measure soil characteristics and processes

•    Data entry using Excel and Google drive

•    Implement rainfall reduction treatment

•    Routine maintenance of field sites, field instruments, and research equipment, including a Licor 6400xt.

•    Lab work includes data entry, biomass assessments, and leaf area analysis

•    Aiding principal investigators and graduate students as needed.

Desired qualifications: 1) Eagerness to work hard in an outdoor setting. 2) Capacity to collect data following established protocols. 3) Familiarity with plant and tree species of northern Minnesota. 4) Willingness to work well and play well with others and live in a remote area with others and/or alone. 5) Curiosity and passion for the natural world. 6) Flexibility to adapt to a frequently changing schedule. 7) Demonstrated ability to work under changing weather conditions with large swarms of insects.

Research sites:

Fieldwork will be split between research sites at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Cloquet, MN (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.cfans.umn.edu%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C803909d387244fa49f7308d7aaed9a03%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637165809785318865&amp;sdata=OMmPXudZgeqeKVINn0hdv1LNoodTfeiv1AxyLP5H%2BGg%3D&amp;reserved=0) and the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcfc.cfans.umn.edu%2Ffacilities%2Fhubachek&amp;data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C803909d387244fa49f7308d7aaed9a03%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637165809785328872&amp;sdata=DK2w3Fx%2FFf9H4eHDwQv55pnZMMozrJwkz9v08szp%2Bb4%3D&amp;reserved=0) near Ely, MN. Both research sites are in beautiful forested settings and provide access to the natural areas of northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. An individual’s home base will be at either of these locations, though travel between sites will be required depending on project needs. University vehicles are used for such travel. On-site housing with furnishing and a kitchen will be available for a small fee.

Application:

Applications will be reviewed as they come and potential candidates will be contacted for a phone interview. Please send a cover letter (including available working dates), one-page resume, and contact information for two references electronically to:

Artur Stefanski

stefa066@umn.edu

Department of Forest Resources

University of Minnesota

St Paul, MN 55108 USA