Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

North Biological Monitoring Unit

Brainerd, MN

We are looking for biologists to lead and assist with aquatic biomonitoring surveys on rivers and streams in northern Minnesota, during the summer and early fall of 2023.

Job duties include:

Lead a crew of 1-4 students to sample approximately 50 stream biomonitoring sites for fish, aquatic macroinvertebrates, habitat measurements, and water chemistry in order to assess water quality and habitat conditions.

Help maintain field equipment, train students, and keep field records. Enter and manage data on Agency computers

Compile summary data and conduct QA/QC.

Preferred qualifications include:

Field experience sampling fish, invertebrates using MPCA standard operating procedures

Course work in ichthyology, fisheries science, aquatic invertebrates, water chemistry or habitat.

Leadership experience in prior work, civic or school projects

Familiarity with biological indicators of water quality

Experience and/or course work using GPS and GIS equipment and software

The position requires extensive travel across northern Minnesota and the willingness to stay overnight (in hotels) for up to three nights per week. The work may be carried out in remote areas, in inclement weather, and can be physically-demanding at times. Candidates must be able to work well with others in small- and medium-sized field crews.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in water related science or environmental protection, or related field. OR a technical environmental degree (e.g., Natural Resources Technology A.A.S.) AND one year of technical/professional-level environmental protection experience; OR two years of technical/professional-level environmental protection experience. Applicants must pass a fish identification test and possess a valid driver’s license.

Pay rate:

$21.43 /hourly

Motel lodging provided during work week, plus meal expense reimbursement.

Work hours are typically Monday-Thursday 10 hours per day with overnight travel.

Start/End Dates:

May through September, 2023

Location:

The position will be based in Brainerd, but will require extensive travel throughout northern Minnesota (see above for more details regarding work-related travel).  Brainerd is located just north of the geographical center of Minnesota

Full Listing:

https://careers.mn.gov/psc/mnjob/MNCAREERS/HRCR/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U

Applications accepted through January 13, 2023.

About Us: The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE), a non-profit organization, has been actively engaged in the conservation of native species and habitats through restoration, research, and education for over 20 years. We fill a unique niche in this field by working with a diverse group of partners including federal, state and county agencies and municipalities to accomplish our mission. Our Southwest Office (IAE SW) works in New Mexico and Arizona. We cultivate partnerships to facilitate large-scale, regional conservation projects, develop ecologically appropriate sources of native seed, offer native species education opportunities and materials, provide technical assistance to restoration and management planning and implementation, and conduct on-the ground habitat restoration and applied research

START DATE: April 2023

END DATE: October 2023

LOCATION: Santa Fe, NM

Compensation:

$18.50/hr, plus travel expenses associated with overnight field work (food and lodging). No

additional benefits included. These are full-time temporary positions with paid holidays and sick

leave.

Position Description: Crew members will work with a crew lead for the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Rare Plant Monitoring Initiative, operated by the Institute for Applied Ecology. More information about New Mexico’s rare plants can be found here. The crew will consist of three individuals: two crew members and one crew lead. They will monitor demography of rare plants on BLM lands across NM following established protocols, particularly in areas where multipleuse land management (i.e. energy extraction) impacts on rare plants are expected. Crews will be required to drive to remote areas throughout New Mexico, camp overnight for 2-7 consecutive days, hike up to several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management. While rare plant inventories are the focus, where possible, crews will assist with other plant conservation program projects in progress during the summer. Projects may include native seed collection, pollinator monitoring, floristic diversity surveys and native plant restoration. This is a full-time, temporary position that requires overnight camping and non-traditional work hours inclusive of weekend and evening hours.

Minimum Qualifications:

● Valid US driver’s license and driving record in good standing

● Self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after initial

training period; must be capable of performing well in an office setting, as well as the

field

● Willingness to spend multiple days (1-8 days at a time) car-camping in remote areas;

familiarity or willingness to learn and adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave

No Trace principles

● Ability to work in and respond to adverse field conditions which may include extreme

heat and sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife

(i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions, bears)

● Experience working as part of a small team and ability to work well with others

● Experience safely operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, in remote areas on

unimproved roads and driving for extended periods of time

● Familiarity with basic plant taxonomy, including major families and botanical vocabulary

Preferred Skills:

● Current CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Defensive Driver Training certificates

● 1 to 2 years of experience using taxonomic keys to identify plants to species in the field,

from photos, and from pressed specimens

● Experience with ArcGIS tablet applications (Collector and Survey123)

● Coursework in botany, plant ecology, plant biology, plant systematics, ecology

● Knowledge of New Mexico plant communities

● Experience collecting data for plant and/or animal monitoring programs

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please submit the following as a single pdf:

o Brief cover letter describing your interest in the position and stating when you would be

available to start work.

o Resume identifying any relevant experience (paid or unpaid)

o Contact information (phone and email) for 2-3 professional references (including past

employers/supervisors).

Email application materials to swjobs@appliedeco.org with subject line “Southwest Rare

Plants-Technician” no later than Wednesday, December 28, 2022.

SMITHSONIAN GRASSLAND BIRD ECOLOGY INTERNSHIP

Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center is offering internship opportunities with our Northern Great Plains Program based at American Prairie in the grasslands of northeast Montana. Our research program is focused on understanding interactions between grassland keystone species (bison & prairie dogs) and grassland birds of conservation concern.

Work will be focused on two separate projects and interns will primarily work on one of these:

1) Grassland songbird breeding biology and demography on and off Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies.

2) Using the MOTUS animal tracking system to understand migratory ecology and demography of Sprague’s Pipit.

Interns will also have the opportunity to work on a secondary projects occurring in the same ecosystem: Long-billed Curlew nesting success, behavioral ecology, and movement ecology in relation to Black-tailed Prairie Dog colonies.

This internship is an excellent opportunity for recent BS/BA graduates considering graduate school in wildlife biology or ecology & evolutionary biology. Smithsonian mentors/supervisors can and will spend time assisting interns with navigating the grad school application process and creating an independent research project.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This is a paid internship opportunity wherein the intern will support research led by Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center staff and fellows.

Through this internship, interns will:

• Learn shorebird and songbird nest-searching techniques.
• Learn songbird handling and Motus tagging techniques.
• Gain experience with grassland bird species native to mixed-grass prairie ecosystems.
• Learn vegetation survey and arthropod sampling techniques.
• Gain experience with behavioral ecology experiments on simulated predator responses.
• Learn to develop a scientifically sound independent research project.
• Gain experience navigating a large, remote landscape with 4×4 vehicles and on foot.
• Learn to collect ecological data and complete tasks efficiently as part of a small team.
• Learn to compile and review ecological data in standard formats.

LOCATION: Phillips & Blaine Counties/American Prairie region in northeastern Montana (nearest town Malta, Montana)

COMPENSATION: $1,600 – $1,800/month

HOUSING: Interns will be housed at no cost in buildings with standard amenities including hot water, full kitchens, and wireless Internet. Interns are responsible for purchase of their own food.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: May 1- August 1. Interns must commit to the entire season, although some flexibility on start date is available for graduating seniors.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Jan 31, 2022

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter and CV/resume to Dr. Andy J Boyce at Boycea@SI.edu. Your email subject must include Grassland Bird Internship 2023 or it will not be considered. International candidates are encouraged to apply, but must be responsible for travel expenses.

WORK ETHOS: We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone in the field, and we place a premium on the physical and mental health of all crew members when working in a remote environment. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to harassment or discrimination.

COVID Compliance: Please note that the Smithsonian Institution has a mandate requiring all employees and interns to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of location or arrangement (e.g., onsite, virtual, remote, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination during onboarding.

Job Description:

Research technicians will work closely under the supervision of a researcher from the Bisbing lab to sample a long-term provenance trial (i.e., baby tree garden) at multiple locations throughout the Sierra Nevada. Duties include: measuring seedling survival and growth, downloading weather station and temperature logger data, weeding or grubbing gardens, and conducting repeated measurements of planting site climatic conditions. The field technician(s) will be responsible for maintaining equipment/tools as well as regularly entering, quality checking, and uploading data. Field work will include hiking long distances with a heavy pack and potentially working during inclement weather.

The field season will run for~16 consecutive weeks from early/mid-April(snowpack dependent) through the end of October. Possibility to extend work through November (weather dependent) exists. Please specify whether you are interested in a technician position ($17/hour) or crew lead ($21/hour). Crew leads should have at least one summer of field technician experience and will be held to a higher standard of leadership, responsibility, and expertise. Housing (i.e., barracks) is provided at few sites, with tent camping necessary at some locations. A field vehicle is provided for on-site work. This crew will continually rotate between locations and should expect to change sites weekly.

Ideal candidates will have a strong ability to solve problems that arise in the field and the constitution to both act independently and work well as part of a field team.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications

– Hold a valid driver’s license

– Be comfortable driving a 4WD vehicle on remote forest roads

– Be able to hike long distances while carrying a heavy pack(> 35lbs)

Preferred qualifications

– Previous ecology-related field experience

– Knowledge of tree measurements and forest ecosystem sampling

– Chainsaw experience

– Capacity and eagerness for manual labor (lift, saw, dig, etc.), as needed

How to Apply:

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references compiled into a single PDF to: adaptiveforestmanagement@gmail.com.

Position Description:

We are seeking two motivated individuals to investigate the impacts of restored disturbance regimes plant communities, and invasive grasses (especially Kentucky Bluegrass). The people selected will work with a team of graduate students and other technicians to monitor the plant communities at the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center. Duties will focus on vegetation and soils data collection which includes but is not limited to, collecting data on species composition, water and nutrient cycling, soil health characteristics, and experimental plot setup. Other responsibilities will include data entry and sample preparation in the laboratory.

About Central Grasslands Research Extension Center:

Central Grasslands Research Extension Center is located in south-central North Dakota in the Missouri Coteau. The Center has 10 full-time research scientists and staff studying areas including range science, forage, agronomy, and animal science. The station was created to address the following research priority areas: 1) range ecology and grazing management; 2) forage systems; 3) livestock nutrition, and 4) reproductive efficiency. To accomplish these objectives, the Center manages approximately 1300 beef animals yearly, including 400 to 425 breeding females. The land base for these operations includes 5335 acres, of which the majority is native and improved pasture.

The location of the Research Extension Center offers outstanding opportunities to enjoy a rural lifestyle in a supportive community environment. Outdoor recreational activities in this area include outstanding waterfowl and upland game hunting for sportsmen, easy access to lakes for fishing, white-tailed deer hunting, and an excellent environment for birding, hiking, biking, boating, and other activities

Preferred Qualifications

This includes, but is not limited to the following:

• An interest in range ecology, and/or plant ecology, and/or livestock systems;
• A working knowledge of plant identification is preferred, but not necessary;
• A willingness to learn and work in a variety of environments and field conditions;
• Detail-oriented; tolerance of repetitive and mindless work;
• Experience with data management software, such as Microsoft Excel;
• Capable of working with limited supervision or as a member of a team;
• Valid driver’s license

Pay:

These positions pay between $13-15/hour depending on experience. These positions are 40 hours per week appointments with the opportunity to work overtime. On-site housing is provided.

Start dates are ultimately flexible, but ideally, one position would start in mid-to-late April with the other starting in mid-to-late May.

To apply:

Submit one document that includes: 1) a cover letter discussing your qualifications and future goals, 2) a curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for three professional references to Esben Kjaer (esben.kjaer@ndsu.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and will conclude when positions are filled.

Biodiversity Survey Field Technicians – Oregon State University

DESCRIPTION

Seasonal field technicians are needed late April – August to help collect biodiversity data on the Elliott State Forest near Reedsport, Oregon. The crew will be provided field housing on/near the central Oregon coast and will work a 4-10 schedule Mon.-Thurs., often camping on the forest (camping gear will be provided). Pay is $15.50 hourly plus overtime. This is a great opportunity to learn survey methods for a variety of taxa including invertebrate trapping, baited and unbaited trail cameras, acoustic and ultrasonic recording units, vegetation surveys, tree coring, and soil coring. Technicians will need to drive unimproved forest roads near active logging, camp in backcountry areas, conduct biodiversity surveys in a detail-oriented and accurate manner, communicate and work effectively in a team, use good judgement to complete surveys safely and efficiently, and hike on and off-trail up to 8 miles per day while carrying up to 40 lbs of gear in steep, loose, densely vegetated terrain. No prior experience is necessary as technicians will receive thorough training on methods and safety, but an ability and willingness to do physically and mentally demanding work in a safe manner is required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications are the ability to work in the U.S., the physical ability to complete the above tasks, the mental ability to do rigorous work in inclement conditions, and the ability and willingness to work safely and effectively in a crew.

Preferred qualifications are a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, field experience in mountainous terrain and the backcountry, experience following scientific protocols, experience as a member of a crew or team, and education or interest in ecology, biodiversity, or forest management.

TO APPLY

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references in a single PDF named LastName_FirstName_ESRFapplicant2022.pdf to Maggie Hallerud (hallerum@oregonstate.edu)

The Plant Ecology and Molecular Ecology Laboratories at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center conduct an extensive research program on a wide range of topics related to plant ecology.  Most of the projects are based at SERC, which offers a variety of terrestrial and wetlands habitat types to study plant ecological issues. Plant and Molecular Ecology projects typically involve a range of approaches from data gathering from published materials to designing and conducting field and laboratory projects.  Fieldwork typically involves sampling soil, individual plants or setting up plots in which data on plants is collected.  Laboratory experiments typically involve DNA extraction and subsequent archiving.  Plant and soil samples that are collected in the field are typically freeze dried and prepared for molecular analysis. Laboratory techniques typically involve DNA extraction, quantification, PCR amplification, and subsequent analysis using electrophoresis gels, microsatellite analysis, or DNA sequencing. In all cases, careful notes on field and laboratory activities are required.

Internship Project

This specific internship project focuses on understanding the mycorrhizal ecology of orchids and their role in stress tolerance. The project will involve fieldwork in multiple sites and molecular analyses of plant and soil samples. The intern will collect soil and plant samples from multiple sites, conduct herbaceous plant surveys, examine structures of underground plant parts, and perform molecular analyses using the collected plant and soil samples. The main objective is to determine whether there are differences in the function of orchid mycorrhizal fungi in stressful, compared to benign, environments. The intern will also be involved with other related research projects. We anticipate that the intern will divide their time approximately equally between the field and laboratory analysis components.

Learning Objectives of the Internship

The intern will have the opportunity to interact with technicians, postdocs, and senior scientists.

  *   The intern will be taught techniques related to their internship project including study design, field sample and data collection, data entry, data verification, and analysis.

  *   The intern will also learn laboratory techniques for DNA extraction and analysis.

  *   The intern will summarize his/her accomplishments in a seminar at the end of the project period under the supervision of lab scientists.

  *   The intern will gain professional development by attending seminars and journal clubs and interacting with other scientists.

Please provide copy of resume and letter of interest to Dr. Melissa McCormick, mccormickm@si.edu

Weekly stipend of $625 and on-campus housing available

Proposed start date of Feb/March to May 2023

Application deadline is December 15th

For any questions about internship, please contact Dr. Melissa McCormick (McCormickM@si.edu) or Dr. Dennis Whigham (WhighamD@si.edu)

For questions about internships at SERC, please contact Dan Gustafson (GustafsonD@si.edu)

Snowy Plover Monitor: The Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, part of the Institute for Natural Resources at Portland State University, is conducting ongoing research on the western snowy plover along the Oregon coast. Work involves locating nests, conducting surveys, following broods and periodic assistance to staff at cooperating agencies for signing, roping and monitoring during habitat restoration work. Occasional assistance with banding may occur. Field assistants are also responsible for timely and accurate data entry, and assist with equipment maintenance as needed.  Work requires long hours under a variety of weather conditions. Field crews typically work 6 6-hour days; some days may be longer.  If applicable, we are willing to help an undergraduate student arrange college credit for this work.

Required Qualifications:

• progress towards undergraduate degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or Natural Resources,
• field experience in avian research, including experience using binoculars, spotting scopes, and reading color bands,
• experience in methods commonly used to locate and observe nesting shorebirds,
• strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• ability to communicate well under a variety of situations, including one on one, in small group settings, and with partner agencies,
• ability to make sound judgement calls in the field,
• willingness and enthusiasm to work under a variety of weather conditions,
• ability to hike 5-8 miles per day,
• willingness to work alone and as part of a team in the field,
• valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Preferred qualifications:

Studies have shown that women and minorities often don’t apply for positions where they don’t meet all of the preferred skills and experience. We recognize that there are many different paths, experiences, and less traditional backgrounds that add value to one’s work, and encourage applicants to apply even if they do not have all of the preferred skills.

• an undergraduate degree in one of the above disciplines,
• bird handling experience,
• bird banding experience
• excellent shorebird identification skills,
• experience safely operating all-terrain vehicles,
• experience using Microsoft Access and Excel
• a demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Position runs from 4/3/2023 to approximately 9/15/2023 and is located near Florence OR.  Pay is competitive, begins at $24 per hour, and depends on education and experience.  The applicant will be required to be based on the central Oregon coast (between Florence and Lakeside). Shared housing (USFS Bunkhouse) is available for a small fee. Pets are not allowed in USFS housing.

Students enrolled in an undergraduate program may be able to earn credit for participation on the project.

To apply, send cover letter, resume, copy of university transcripts (unofficial), and telephone numbers/email addresses of three references to: ELEANOR GAINES, eleanor.gaines@pdx.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. PSU is an AA/EOE.

Summer Wetland Field Technicians

Seasonal technicians (approximately 3 months starting as early as May 22, 2022) are needed to collect wetland soil, vegetation, and geospatial data in isolated, rural regions of the US High Plains (Texas Panhandle, West Kansas, East Colorado, and West Nebraska). Technicians will travel extensively in field vehicles and live in rustic field housing in isolated locations. Field work involves long hours in the field, long car rides, digging 50-100 cm by hand with a soil auger, collecting soil and vegetation samples, use of a GPS device, and occasional long walks to field sites in flat, hot, tree-less country.  This is a great opportunity to get field experience, exercise, and see wildlife in a unique landscape. Pay is $15/hr, full time. Shared housing while in the field will be provided, but will often have limited amenities such as internet.

Qualifications: Field skills can be taught to the right applicants. This job is right for someone who enjoys outdoor work, and doesn’t mind long car rides or sharing living space with others. You should be capable of physical outdoor work, willing to learn, and able to work cooperatively on a team. Selected applicants must possess a US drivers license and a clean driving record.

If interested contact Megan Podolinsky or Dr. Jessica O’Connell with your CV, available dates, and contact info for three references via email at megan.podolinsky@utexas.edu or jessica.oconnell@utexas.edu.

Application deadline: 6 January 2023

State Date: Mid to late May 2023

About the project:

USDA FSA has recently supported a broad-scale project, lead by Ducks Unlimited and the USGS, to examine the impact of wetland restoration under the Conservation Reserve Program on soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas exchange.  A diverse, multi-institutional team will conduct field work in midwest wetlands, along with an intensive modeling effort in an effort to quantify the climate-mitigating potential of wetland restoration.

Interested applicants must apply through the USAJOBS website at job announcement numbers:

PWR-1548-SR-23-11693220-DE for the GS-04 and GS-05 positions:
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/689662800

PWR-1548-SR-23-11694457-DE for the GS-06 and GS-07 positions:
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/689667300

 

Both announcements open on December 2, 2022 and will close on the day when application caps have been reached. To receive consideration, complete application packages should be submitted expediently. If a cap is not reached, that announcement will close at 11:59 PM (EST) on December 12, 2022.

 

The National Park Service is seeking several full-time, temporary aquatic technicians for the 2023 summer field season in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI). There will be two separate announcements for these positions. One announcement will be for GS-04 ($15.47/hr), and GS-05 ($17.31/hr) positions; and the other will be for GS-06 ($19.29/hr), and GS-07 ($21.44/hr) positions.

The GS-04 and GS-05 positions will be stationed at Kings Canyon National Park with projected start dates of early- to mid-June. The GS-06 and/or GS-07 positions will be stationed at Sequoia National Park with projected start dates of late-April to late-May. The overarching duties are to restore high elevation lake and stream ecosystems in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to benefit native species, including endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs (Rana muscosa and Rana.sierrae).

GS-04 level: Duties are removing nonnative fish from lakes using gill nets and from streams using backpack electrofishers; setting, cleaning and repairing gill nets; conducting visual encounter surveys for fish, amphibians, and reptiles; collecting field data; following detailed protocols; recording environmental parameters; using topographic maps, compass, and/or global positioning systems (GPS) for navigation; providing an overview of the project to park visitors, and occasional assistance with research projects.

GS-05 level: Additionally, interacting with the public regarding sensitive amphibian, reptile, or fisheries management issues; discussing scientific information with peers and public; and training other technicians, interns, volunteers, and field observers.

GS-06 level: Additionally, as an assistant crew lead, managing logistics in preparation for summer fieldwork; providing orientation, training and mentoring for summer field crews; overseeing and conducting summer field operations; manipulating aquatic datasets; providing logistic and field support to scientific research studies; conducting electronic entry, quality assurance/quality control and summary reporting of field data, and organizing and maintaining field equipment and supplies.

GS-07 level: Additionally, as assistant crew lead, compiling drafts of Sierra Nevada aquatic wildlife information for data collection spreadsheets, reports, and correspondence; recording, managing, summarizing, and representing data collected from aquatic wildlife projects using computer programs; and presenting scientific and aquatic wildlife data effectively using charts, graphs, and maps.

At all grade levels: Technicians working on projects located in the wilderness must have strong backpacking and wilderness camping skills, the ability to hike safely across challenging on- and off-trail terrain, and be comfortable in remote wilderness setting with limited human contact. Technicians must have experience in conducting amphibian, reptile, fisheries, or other wildlife surveys, and a strong commitment to conducting ecological restoration. Technicians must be able to work well in a small crew, be detail oriented, and able to work in cold or hot, wet, windy, buggy, and stormy conditions.