Author: Davis, Miranda L.

Hiring: Summer Research Assistant – Plant Ecology

Location of work: Thunder Basin National Grassland, Bill, WY

Hours of work: 40 hours per week (4 x 10 hour days per week)

Salary: $2660 per month. On-site housing is provided. Three days of PTO and three paid holidays included.

Dates: May 22 – August 17, 2023 (13 weeks; start and end times may be flexible)

Send application materials (cover letter, resume, references, and college transcript) and/or questions to both:

Dave Pellatz

Executive Director

Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association

671 Steinle Rd

Douglas, WY  82633

307-359-1328

dave@rswyoming.com

Lauren Porensky

Research Ecologist

Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit USDA-ARS

1701 Centre Ave.

Fort Collins, CO 80526 USA

970.492.7139

lauren.porensky@usda.gov

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Research assistant for the Thunder Basin Prairie Ecosystem Association (TBGPEA). TBGPEA is a non-profit organization established to provide private landowner leadership in developing a responsible, science-based approach to long-term management of the lands of its members.  Over the last ten years the Association has focused its efforts on developing ecosystem-based conservation measures. These measures are designed to address the habitat needs of species of concern in northeastern Wyoming in balance with the need for sustainable economic and social activities and preservation of cultural values.

TBGPEA is collaborating with the USDA-ARS Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit (RRSRU) in Fort Collins, Colorado to develop new knowledge about ecological processes in Thunder Basin and apply this knowledge to improved management for production and conservation objectives. The Research Assistant will be supervised by the Board of TBGPEA with input from RRSRU scientists. The Assistant will be responsible for collecting scientific data from field experiments to evaluate how climate, fire, soils, grazing management, and global change affect ecological phases, states, transitions and thresholds in semi-arid rangeland ecosystems. If time permits, the Assistant may help evaluate Association member’s property as part of the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances implementation.

MAJOR DUTIES

Collects soil and vegetation data and is responsible for quality assurance/quality control of data collected.  Keeps exact, detailed records of experimental data.  Provides data in an appropriate format for incorporation into computer spreadsheets. Makes and records observations of unusual happenings, phenomena or trends that might influence interpretation of plot or field data.

Manages fieldwork program semi-autonomously; takes responsibility for solving problems and adapting to current conditions and events without constant supervision.

Operates, maintains, cleans, repairs and constructs equipment used in plot and field experiments including, but not limited to, vehicles and field equipment.

If time permits, the Assistant may participate in the development of livestock grazing management plans and may also collect ornithological or small mammal data.

Ensures that all safety and environmental concerns are addressed to provide a safe work environment, and that activities in support of research in the Thunder Basin do not pose an environmental threat.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

Technical knowledge of plant identification, structure and function of plant communities, and theory and practice of rangeland management, and a familiarity with the methods of biological sciences such as biology, chemistry, botany, etc., in order to participate responsibly in most phases of the experimental process.

Experience with bird and/or small mammal wildlife survey techniques is beneficial.

Ability to do efficient and high-quality work without direct supervision. Ability to proactively solve problems and manage tasks adaptively in order to get the job done on time.

Skill in the use of personal computers to utilize software packages such as: word processing, data entry and manipulation in spreadsheets (e.g., Excel).

Communication skills necessary to follow directions precisely and produce positive interactions with scientists, research personnel, and the general public.

Knowledge of range science, soil science, general biology and ecology.

Practical knowledge of general vehicle maintenance and repair. Knowledge of safe operating procedures when using equipment or vehicles. Knowledge of UTV operation and safety is beneficial.

Practical knowledge of livestock management and nutrition for use in development of livestock grazing management plans.

COMMUNICATION CONTACTS

Personal contacts are broad including TBGPEA members; scientists, technicians and graduate students from other institutions or other federal agencies; action agencies; non-governmental organizations; vendors and contractors; state or local government entities; visitors and the general public.

Personal contacts within the RRSRU involve support and assistance to scientists and support staff. The purpose of personal contacts is to mutually accomplish technical and support work; assist in planning and coordinating work efforts; discuss technical requirements of equipment with manufacturers and resolve problems concerning the work or the peculiar needs of the organization; coordinate help with other research projects; exchange information about research techniques; obtain supplies and equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires standing, walking, bending and lifting of objects weighing as much as 50 pounds.  Certain phases of the work require extended (such as most of a work day) periods of standing or sitting while accomplishing detailed experimental procedures.  Some procedures require stamina and endurance.  Need to have the physical capability to perform required duties without hazard to self or others when working with machinery, cattle, horses, fire or chemicals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job is located in a remote part of NE Wyoming. Weekend transportation to and from Fort Collins, CO is available. The work environment is about 85% in the field and 15% in the shop or office.  The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working outdoors. Throughout the year, the person may encounter belligerent livestock, insects, dust and extremes of weather. The person is required to wear protective clothing (e.g., coats, boots, goggles, gloves, and respirator) as conditions warrant.

Field Technician Aridland Restoration Ecology

The Newingham Aridland Ecology Lab (http://newinghamlab.weebly.com/) is seeking a field technician to assist with aridland ecosystem research. Our lab evaluates the effects of fire, climate change, and invasive species on plant and soil properties, as well as how restoration affects ecosystem recovery. The technician will work on a variety of projects, including climate change effects on post-fire rehabilitation, wind and water erosion post-fire, and reducing fire risk with fuel treatments and restoring native habitat in the Great Basin and Mojave deserts. A large portion of the fieldwork will be in the Mojave in April-May during the potential superbloom. We work closely with universities, state, and federal agencies to address natural resource issues and land management.

Job duties include:

  • Collecting plant and soil data in the field.
  • Data entry and management.
  • Willingness to travel to remote field sites and camp in primitive settings.
  • Ability to work in varied field conditions that may involve: 1) off-road hiking up and down hills, 2) carrying loads up to 30 lbs, and 3) withstanding periods of inclement weather during all seasons.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Education:  Pursuing or attained a BS degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, geology, hydrology, or closely related field.
  • Previous experience with soil and plant sampling in the field.
  • Plant identification skills required; ability to identify Mojave and Great Basin plants preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of field plot establishment, monitoring, and experimental design.
  • Data entry and management skills in Excel and/or R.
  • Experience using GPS and GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS) to locate and establish field plots preferred.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and experience operating 4WD vehicles.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a group.

Employment and Application Information

The candidate will work with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and University of Nevada, Reno, and is based in Reno, NV. The position is available April-October with a preferred start date in mid-April; possibilities exist for continued employment. Pay depends on experience and ranges $17-21/hour. Please send a resume, list of four references, unofficial transcript(s), and a letter detailing your skills, experience, and/or interest to Brian Howard (brian.howard@usda.gov) and Dr. Beth Newingham at beth.newingham@usda.gov. Review of applications will commence immediately and remain open until the position is filled. Please contact us with any questions.

Point Count Technicians – Northern California and Oregon

Point Count Technician Announcement

Description

Klamath Bird Observatory (https://klamathbird.org/) is seeking seasonal field technicians for the 2023

breeding season to complete avian point count surveys from May 1st through July 21st, throughout

the ecologically diverse and beautiful regions of southern Oregon, eastern Oregon, and/or northern

California. Technicians will conduct work related to multiple projects including monitoring effects of conifer forest restoration on species distributions and long-term monitoring in both private and public lands. Surveyors will work in northeastern Oregon conifer forests, eastern Oregon sagebrush habitat, Redwood National and State Parks, and/or Lava Beds National Monument. Applicants should be able to identify a wide variety of western bird species as they may be working in a range of habitats

including coniferous forests, oak woodlands, montane meadows, and shrub-steppe. Primary responsibilities will include conducting multispecies avian point count surveys and vegetation sampling along off-road transects following standard protocols, and associated data entry. Other tasks may be assigned if time permits. Field training on protocol methodology and distance estimation will be provided at the onset of the season. Camping independently, often at undeveloped or dispersed sites, will be required for most work. A small number of sites also require overnight backcountry camping. Experience and comfort with backpacking to sites will be discussed and agreed upon prior

to the field season and is not required for every position. Several field vehicles are available, but in certain cases it may be necessary for surveyors to use a personal vehicle to travel to work sites. If technicians are required to drive their personal vehicle, mileage reimbursement will be provided.

Qualifications

Well-qualified applicants should have at least one full season of avian point count field experience.

Applicants should have a full range of hearing, be in excellent physical condition, and be comfortable working and camping independently. Required qualifications include ability to identify western birds by sight and sound, hike in steep and rugged off-trail conditions, follow standardized field protocols, collect and record meticulous data, communicate effectively, work independently in remote forested areas, work in inclement weather conditions, and tolerate working in areas containing poison oak. Surveyors must possess good map reading, GPS, and orienteering skills and be eager to work long days in the field. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and insurance. Technicians must be willing and able to adhere to strict health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the duration of hire. Effective June 21, 2021, and until further notice, KBO will require that all Employees and Student Interns be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and be able to provide proof of vaccination status.

Salary

$1480/bi-weekly, plus reimbursement for mileage at the federal rate if required to drive a personal vehicle. An additional completion bonus of $1000 will be provided at the end of the field season.

To Apply

Send cover letter (including dates of availability and vehicle type), resume, and contact information

for three references in a single PDF document to Tom McLaren (thm@klamathbird.org). Hiring will be ongoing until all positions have been filled. Offers are contingent on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health and safety mandates throughout the field season. Additional employment opportunities and information about Klamath Bird Observatory can be found

at:

https://klamathbird.org/about-kbo/careers-and-opportunities/

NSF funded RAMP: funded year-long post-bacc training/research

The NSF-funded post-bacc RAMP program provides a full year of support and dedicated training/research opportunities in the context of genomic novelty with faculty mentors from three CLAS departments: EEB (Jockusch, Wegrzyn, Yuan), MCB (O’Neill, Mellone), and PNB (Kanadia). Bioinformatics bootcamp training is provided in the first three weeks in collaboration with SCSU’s BioPath program.The RAMP programs aim to provide an intensive and paid research experience, with salaries comparable to an entry level job.As a note, this is open to non-UConn graduates as well.More information can be found here (applications are due March 31st)https://genome-postbac.biology.clas.uconn.edu/Flyer for distribution is attached.RaMP flyer a v6.pdf

Summer internships: now hiring at RIDEM

Are you interested in marine biology? Natural resource management? Do you have an interest in learning more about how fisheries are monitored and managed? Consider working with the Rhode Island DEM Division of Marine Fisheries! We are looking for interns for the summer 2023 season.

Seasonal interns with the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) join a dynamic workplace where the day-to-day activities vary substantially. During the summer, DMF runs multiple marine resource surveys to assess fish and invertebrate populations in state waters. We have a fleet of research vessels ranging from 16 to 50 feet in length, and interns generally spend at least half of their time working on these vessels and assisting with survey work. When not in the field, interns are typically stationed at DMF offices in Jamestown or Jerusalem, RI, where they assist with database entry of survey samples, preparation of survey equipment (mending nets, assembling bait bags), and sample processing for analysis. Additionally, there may be opportunity for interested individuals to conduct an independent project that aligns with the Division’s responsibilities.

Ideal candidates will be individuals with an interest in marine science and/or marine resource management who would like to gain hands-on experience in fisheries science. They will enjoy working as part of a team, be willing to work on the water in inclement weather, and have an aptitude for working in an environment where day-to-day job duties can vary substantially.

To apply: please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/rhodeisland/jobs/3879572/student-researcher-fish-wildlife?keywords=student&pagetype=promotionalJobs (position title=Student Researcher, Location= Jamestown, RI). Please feel free to reach out to Corinne Truesdale at corinne.truesdale@dem.ri.gov with any questions.

Hiring Lifeguard Supervisors and Beach Directors

Position highlights:

Lifeguard Supervisor

Pay: $21-$23/ hour, paid training!

Duration: Memorial Day Weekend (May 29th) through Labor Day (September 4th).

Schedule: Lifeguard Supervisors work daily shifts from 10AM – 6PM, five days a week. Most weekends and July 4th, are mandatory.

Requirements: Be at least 18 years old, Two (2) years of paid lifeguard experience or previous lifeguard supervisory experience.

Beach Director

Pay: $23-$25/hour, paid training!

Duration: Memorial Day Weekend (May 29th) through Labor Day (September 4th).

Schedule: Beach Directors work daily shifts from 10AM – 6PM, five days a week. Most weekends and July 4th, are mandatory.

Requirements: Be at least 20 years old, One year (1) of experience as a supervisor over lifeguards.

Please feel free to share the above information and the attached flyer with your network.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you very much!

Mackenzie

 

Mackenzie Robinson| Human Resources Associate

Talent Solutions

Department of Administrative Services

450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 1502

Hartford, CT 06103

Office: 860-969-4545

Student Internship Opportunity: Administrative Assistant

CFRF Student Internship Opportunity

The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation is seeking a motivated individual to complete an Administrative Assistant Internship beginning in March 2023. Applications are due March 8, 2023.A full description of this internship opportunity and application instructions are available HEREOverview of Position: PartTime position focusing on helping the CFRF Business Manager and Executive Director to carry out the administrative work associated with the CFRF’s programs. Specific aims and tasks of this position duties include, but are not limited to, processing invoices, tracking contract reporting and proposal deadlines, development of proposal budgets, maintaining listservs, organizing files, and more.

Timeframe and Compensation: The internship will begin in March 2023 and will last until the start of the fall semester/early September, with the opportunity for continuation or transition to part-time or full-time employment at that time. The Intern will maintain an average of 20 hours of work per week and will receive compensation at a rate of up $20-$25 per hour, depending on qualifications. The opportunity for extension or transition is dependent upon performance and mutual interest.Location: If the Intern can provide their own computer, the Intern can work remotely when appropriate. If the Intern needs a CFRF computer, the Intern will work at the CFRF office. In either case, it is expected that the individual will be at the CFRF office at least once a week. The CFRF office is in the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island building on the East Farm Campus of the University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI).Qualifications: See the full position description for minimum and preferred qualifications.To Apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for one professional reference to twinneg@cfrfoundation.org by March 8, 2023.Questions: Contact Teresa Winneg at twinneg@cfrfoundation.org or 401-515-4890.