THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED: GIS Internship - USDA Lab

Vital Habitats Environmental Management - Chesapeake Research Consortium

Environmental Management Staffer ResponsibilitiesThe candidates selected for this position will be involved in goal team activities will be responsible for organization and support of meetings, member coordination and communication, tracking team action items, and research and synthesis activities, including reporting on performance indicators. The Staffers are key points of contact for delivering information from the Chesapeake Bay Program to partners across the watershed and are expected to manage the dynamics of each sub-team to help facilitate group consensus and collect pertinent information from group members in a timely fashion. The candidates will also support the goal team’s involvement in the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Strategy Review System process to track progress toward achieving Chesapeake Bay restoration goals and outcomes, including coordinating partnership reviews and consolidating feedback. The selected candidates will work as Chesapeake Research Consortium employees at the U.S. EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office located in Annapolis, Maryland.
Desired Skills and QualificationsThe ideal candidate for the position would have the following background and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with a focus on environmental management or policy, candidates with natural or environmental science, fisheries, wildlife, forestry or conservation biology degrees are also eligible to apply if those applicants have an interest in management and policy.

• Knowledge of ecosystem management concepts including its physical, biological, social and economic components as they relate to a large watershed restoration program is also desirable.

• Knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Best Management Practice (BMP) protocol to include BMP establishment, framework, and verification a plus.

• Ability to compile, track and assess environmental and natural resource data a plus.

• Basic knowledge and application of GIS a plus.

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders as part of interdisciplinary teams representing a variety of interests in an environment meant to build consensus around large scale conservation needs and goals.

• Provide support by independently planning meetings, developing agendas, drafting concise meeting minutes, and tracking action items.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate with partners at all levels of program activities with diplomacy.

• Ability to prioritize tasks under tight timelines in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage and update content for group web pages using a variety of content management systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.

• Familiarity with using remote meeting technologies such as video conferencing (Web-X, Adobe Connect, Zoom, etc.) and the confidence to troubleshoot in real time.

• Interest in learning how a diverse, governmental-environmental-management partnership makes decisions effectively and sets and achieves goals through collaborative and regulatory processes.

• A will to explore your career options, passion and enthusiasm for the work and program.

Application Due Date: June 12, 2019

For more information go here

Intern - United Nations

Responsibilities

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background; the intern's assigned office as well as the internship period.

Under the Supervision of a Programme Officer, the intern will :

• Assist with research on issues related to the main focal areas of the GEF (biodiversity, climate change mitigation, climate adaptation, chemicals and waste, land degradation, and international waters), for example, to support STAP papers, terms of reference for consultancies, and project reviews;

• Assist in preparing speaking notes and presentations, and in organizing STAP meetings and workshops; and

• Assist with STAP communications, including updating the STAP website.

Communication 

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately.

• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience.

• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. 

• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. 

• Places team agenda before personal agenda. 

• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.

• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client orientation

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be clients and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view.

• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions.

• Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects.

• Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Applicants must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements :

• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent).

• Pursuing a degree in the natural or social sciences, with a focus on environmental management, human interaction with the environment, and including some exposure to human development and environmental impacts in the developing country context.

• Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must begin the internship within a one-year period of graduation.

Requirements

• Be computer literate in standard software applications. Experience with website content management would be an asset.

• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.

• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

• Demonstrate a strong interest in science, and how science can influence policy.

• Exhibit good analytical and research skills.

• Engender creativity and enthusiasm for work and new experiences.

For more information go here

Ocean Forecast System Intern - Silver Spring, MD

Position Description

Coast Survey modelers provide forecast guidance of oceanographic information to help mariners safely navigate their local waters. This national network of hydrodynamic models provides users with operational now-cast and forecast guidance (out to 48 hours) on parameters such as water levels, water temperature, salinity, and currents. These forecast systems are implemented in critical ports, harbors, estuaries, Great Lakes, and coastal waters of the United States and form a national backbone of real-time data, tidal predictions, data management, and operational modeling.

Required Skills
0 - 2 years of experience in computer programming. Must have a strong academic record in math, physics, engineering, or other relevant disciplines, computer programming experience, scientific curiosity and the ability to work independently and then communicate results of work out to groups. Must have the ability to work in a team environment.

Education
BS or undergraduate or graduate student with advanced math (calculus, linear algebra, computational methods), science (physics, ocean and atmospheric science, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and/or engineering), and programming (esp. Matlab and/or Python; any other experience is valuable).

Duties
The intern will develop skill assessments and visualization tools for the US West Coast Ocean Forecast System (WCOFS). The intern will learn about aspects of physical oceanography and numerical modeling used to predict sea level, transports, temperature and other oceanic variables and apply these concepts during development.

For more information go here

Environmental Writing Prize - Peaceful Dumpling

Peaceful Dumpling was founded in July 2013 with the mission of advocating for both animals and the planet through great writing. We believe that writing has the power to change the world.

Our inaugural Environmental Writing Prize is now open, to foster and celebrate writing that explores the most pressing issues of our times: climate change, environment, conservation, and animal rights.

We are looking for works that are inspired and inspiring; thought-provoking and truthful, yet also imaginative and beautiful as a work of art.

Submission Guidelines

• All genres must relate to environmental issues such as climate change, environment, conservation, and animal rights.

• Please use Times New Roman, double-spaced.

• Must be in PDF format.

• No author name should appear on the document. Entries will be judged anonymously.

• Previously unpublished in any format, including blogs.

• Please include an author bio with publication history (if any) in the body of the email and attach the manuscript as a PDF file, and send to submit@peacefuldumpling.com with the subject: Environmental Writing Prize – [manuscript title here].

• Submission is open from Earth Day, April 22, 2019 until Wednesday July 31, 2019.

• Winner and runner-ups will be announced on Monday September 2, 2019.

• Prize is open to international entrants.

• There is no entry fee.

Fiction

• Short story of up to 6,000 words.

Nonfiction

• Creative nonfiction, essay, memoir, or investigative journalism piece of up to 6,000 words.

Poetry

• You may enter 1-5 poems in a single PDF document.

Prizes

1. We will select one first-place winner who will be awarded $500 and publication on Peaceful Dumpling.

1. Two runner-ups will also be recognized and published on Peaceful Dumpling.

More information here

Becoming and Outdoors-Woman - Workshops

More information here

Bat Biologist - Apogee Environmental

Title: Bat Biologist (Crew leader)

Region: Midwest and Eastern U.S.

Start Date: immediately

End Date: August 2019 with potential for fall work

Workload: 7 days/week

Pay Rate: Commensurate with experience/education

Description: Apogee, Inc. has openings for federally permitted bat biologists for various presence/absence surveys throughout the Midwest and Eastern U.S.  Primary responsibilities of this position are to lead a two-person crew to conduct summer mist-net and/or acoustic surveys threatened and endangered bat species.  Daily duties will include, but are not limited to: selection of net placement, deployment and operation of mist-nets, identification of eastern U.S. bat species, application of radio-transmitters and bands, maintaining and decontaminating equipment, radio-telemetry, emergence counts, and collection/submittal of precise and thorough data.

Field work will entail hiking to and from mist-net survey sites with up to 50+ lbs. of equipment in varying terrain and possibly inclement weather at all times of the day. Work vehicle, necessary survey equipment, housing and per diem will be provided.  Crew leaders must be able to communicate with project managers and technicians, work independently, and interact professionally with clients and landowners.

Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid permit to conduct surveys for federally threatened and endangered bats or the qualifications to acquire one
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, or related field
• Experience handling and identifying bats of the eastern U.S.
• Willingness to travel from project to project during survey season 
• Rabies vaccination
• Experience identifying flora of the eastern U.S.
• Punctuality is a must
• Positive attitude!

Contact Information:

• Send resume with cover letter, references, and contact information via email to quent@apogee-environmental.com

Summer 2019 Bat Acoustic Internship

Looking for an internship opportunity over Summer 2019? Enjoy working outdoors and road trips?  UMD is looking for interns to drive transects throughout central Maryland most nights of June to record bat echolocation calls. The data you collect will help UMD Appalachian Lab and MDDNR learn which bat species are present during summer which is extremely important.

If you are interested in this opportunity and willing to work most nights in June, you can earn a great skill set highly desired by employers, gas reimbursement, and possibly receive college credit. Please address any questions or submit your application to shannonp@umd.edu. Students with a car, current driver's license, clean driving record, ability to work 6pm to midnight most nights in June, and interested in learning about bat ecology are encouraged to apply. Driver's will be reimbursed gas money, otherwise this internship is unpaid (though may qualify for college credit). 

To submit your application, please email Shannon Pederson your cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts to shannonp@umd.edu by May 23rd with the subject line "Summer UMD Acoustic Bats Internship". Training and equipment will be provided towards the end of May and work will begin June 1.

Student Worker - Pedology Lab UMD

ENST Production Shop - Student Worker

ENST's production shop is hiring more student workers over summer. You would be working with your hands (i.e., painting, moving, cleaning, assembling, and potentially learning machinery) and working on campus 20-40 hours per week this summer. ENST pays $10.50 per hour. This position has the potential to continue through the fall semester.


To apply send your cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts to Shannon Pederson, shannonp@umd.edu, by May 24th

Conway Science Fellowship - National Park Service

Calling all Postdocs: The National Park Service needs YOU!

The National Park Foundation is excited to announce the Conway Science Fellowship, which will benefit the National Park Service through innovative scientific research that can inform park management.

Three teams consisting of a faculty or senior scientist mentor and a postdoc fellow (within three years of receiving their doctorate degree) will be selected. The applicant(s) will be the faculty or senior scientist employed at the research institution, who will select an appropriate postdoc fellow. Each of the three fellows will focus on a different topical area that addresses some of the National Park Service’s emerging resource management challenges:

• Addressing increasing visitor use by integrating social science and resource stewardship

• Enhancing ocean and coastal resource stewardship

• Embracing collaborative conservation at the landscape scale.

Applications are due: June 30, 2019
For more information go here

Physical Science Technician -NOAA

As a Physical Science Technician, you will perform the following duties:  

• Carry out, monitor, coordinate and/or control all aspects of shallow water hydrographic survey field operations to support routine nautical chart updates and rapid response to navigational emergencies.
• Responsible for installation, integration, calibration and operation of hydrographic survey equipment and ensure small boat vessels meet operational safety standards; and acquisition, processing and analysis of survey data.
• Acquire and analyze survey data; and identify and correct data quality issues, equipment malfunctions, operational survey deficiencies recommending improvements to standard operating procedures.
• Develop technical documents, including hydrographic survey reports and standard operating procedures and create geospatial information products to present and disseminate survey information; and conduct training in safety, vessel operations, and survey procedures.

EDUCATION: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of physical science, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as physical science, engineering, or any branch of mathematics, except financial and commercial mathematics.

For more information go here
Apply by May 23, 2019

GIS Specialist - NOAA

Position Description

Will support the Format and Distribution Branch (FADS) of the Marine Chart Division (MCD), which is responsible for distribution of all nautical chart products and associated catalogs used in the safe navigation in U.S territorial waters. Will develop and implement software and database solutions to improve automated processes for the nautical charting system and hydrographic services. Will interface with internal customers to assess product and service requirements, and assist in the development and maintenance of enhancements to systems supporting the processing and distribution of digital charting and hydrographic data products.

Specific duties include: 

• Daily processing activities in preparation for the weekly distribution of nautical chart data in multiple digital formats.

• Supporting the creation and storing of chart source data areas of interest (AOI's), such as geographic footprints, in order to geo-enable source data that is used in many new and evolving systems used by MCD personnel, internal stakeholders, and the public.

• Conducting research into source data to correctly attribute charted features.

• Developing and documenting chart standards.

Required Skills

• 2+years of experience working with ArcGIS and Geospatial data. 

• Must have knowledge and experience working with ESRI and/or CARIS software and with bathymetry and associated data formats. 

• Must have experience with some combination of the following skills: python, XML, HTML, JSP, .NET, Oracle Spatial, ArcSDE, PostgreSQL. 

• Must have good written and verbal communication skills. 

• Experience developing methods and procedures to improve stewardship of GIS data and for displaying and evaluating geographic data; writing and managing metadata; relational database design and programming are desired.

For more information go here

Sustainability Associate - University of Maryland

The Sustainability Associate will develop and manage programs that engage students, faculty, and staff in sustainable behaviors and create a culture of sustainability among all sectors of the diverse campus community. The Sustainability Associate will support Office of Sustainability initiatives including the management of existing programs, conduct of research into new program areas, development of program proposals, and implementation of new initiatives. The Associate will also work with the professional staff to support the sustainability programs of other campus departments as well as collaborative projects involving multiple campus units.


This is a one-year position designed to help launch recent college graduates into the sustainability profession.

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Education, Communications, Business, Engineering, Journalism, Life Sciences, or related field required.

Experience:
At least one year of experience as a full-time student in a higher education institution involved in one or more aspects of campus sustainability. This is an entry-level professional development position. No professional experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills including excellent writing skills and the ability to speak and present to small groups of people.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and experience with, methods, practices and procedures associated with campus sustainability.
• Proficiency in the use of computer software programs and basic Microsoft Office products including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, working with diverse groups of individuals and building partnerships.
• Ability to work independently, to be a team leader and to be a team member.
• Ability to supervise and direct student interns.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and to work with shifting priorities and schedules.

Preferences:

• Academic experience specific to sustainability preferred.
• Development and/or implementation of environmental and/or sustainability programs, behavior-change programs, environmental planning or policy, or related area.
• Experience in student or university-sponsored organizations involved in one or more aspects of sustainability environmental initiatives, resource management, and teaching/presenting complex information is desirable.
• Academic experience specific to sustainability preferred.

For more information go here

Apply by May 24, 2019

Legal Assistant - Environment and Natural Resources - Department of Justice

This is an excepted service appointment under the DOJ Pathways Recent Graduates Program. This position is located in the Environmental Enforcement Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division. The incumbent will provide a variety of administrative and legal support to attorneys and paralegal specialists. Up to 4 positions may be filled from this announcement.

Responsibilities

• Use word processing software to create, edit, and format documents and correspondence.
• Conduct online research that included collecting and sorting information into logical formats.
• Review and assemble large volume of documents for review in preparation for specific projects.
• Organize and maintain files.
• Perform data entry in databases.
• Arrange travel reservations and prepare necessary paperwork.

Recent Graduates are on a trial period for the duration of the program. An Individual Development Plan (IDP) must be completed and approved by the supervisor within 45 days of appointment and a mentor must be assigned within 90 days of appointment.

Requirements

1. You must be a U.S. citizen or national.
2. You must complete a background investigation to include drug testing.
3. Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
4. You will be required to serve a one year trial period.
5. You must maintain a bank account for direct deposit of salary.
6. If you do not submit school transcripts, you will be rated ineligible.

To be eligible for this Recent Graduate program, one of the following requirements must be met:

1. Recent graduates must have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associate, bachelor, master, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. You must have completed your degree or certificate on or before the end of the current semester. If you graduated prior to May 2017, you will not be eligible for this position.
2. Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.

After successfully completing one year under the Program, recent graduates MAY be converted to a term or permanent appointment if the following program requirements are met: 1) successful completion of at least 1 year of continuous service; 2) completion of at least 40 hours of formal interactive training; and 3) demonstration of successful job performance. A recent graduate converted to a term appointment may be subsequently converted non-competitively into a permanent competitive service position before the term expires.

Due: May 15, 2019

Apply here

Director - Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station

Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Research and Associate Director of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES), the Director will be responsible for the administration and operation of three (3) Research and Education Centers (RECs) consisting of seven (7) facilities, one (1) of which will be the headquarters for the Director. The Director will provide overall leadership for administrative decisions, development of budgets, strategic planning, and coordination and/or partnering with stakeholders, both internal and external. Agricultural research and education programs are being conducted and supported in these RECs on a variety of species and production systems, and represent a diverse physiographic and topographic characteristics of land resources in Maryland.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Biology, Horticulture or related fields
• Seven years or more of progressively responsible experience managing research and administration in an agricultural setting, including personnel and budget management
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the general public as required
• Able to organize field activities and interact with stakeholders
• Competence using Microsoft and University software programs (e.g., Email, etc.)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Valid Maryland Non-commercial Class C or equivalent driver’s license, in good standing


Preferences
• Experience in managing agricultural research and education activities in a Land-grant institution.
• Familiarity with state policies related to Nutrient Management and best management practices (BMPs) for sustainable agriculture.
• Experience with a diversity of production systems, e.g., animal, crop systems or combination thereof. 
• Knowledge of agronomic and organic farming practices.

Due: May 28, 2019
Apply here

Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers - Scholarship

The Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers (MACCA) have established a scholarship program, which will award up to two deserving students with scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each ($500 for each semester) enrolled in an agronomy related program at an accredited junior college, college or university.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support to students interested in pursuing a career in plant and soil sciences.  Given the declining number of students enrolled in agronomy related programs in our region, the Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers believe it is important to encourage students to consider careers in agronomy by supporting their education needs through the use of scholarships. 

Eligibility Applicants must be a resident of or attending school in the Mid-Atlantic region (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, or West Virginia).

Applicants must be enrolled or accepted to a 2-year or 4-year institution working toward a degree in agronomy or related field.   

Selection The Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers Scholarship Committee will select the scholarship recipients. The selection will be based on the student’s agricultural background, relevant field involvement, financial need, grade point average, agronomic related studies, career goals, and extra curricular activities.

The awards will be presented during lunch at the Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School, Wednesday November 20, 2019 at the Princess Royale in Ocean City, MD. Winners are invited to attend.

Application Process  Interested students should return a completed application. The Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisers Scholarship Committee may request additional information prior to the selection. Applications must be received by June 1st.  

To view the application go here 

National Park Service - Paid Internship

Assistant Director & Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION

Position Summary/Purpose of Position: The Assistant Director and Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development for University of Maryland Extension provides statewide leadership and direction for 4-H Youth Development programs and faculty. He/she is administratively responsible to the UME Associate Director for addressing the mission and goals of 4-H Youth Development programs while aligning 4-H priorities with those of UME and AGNR.

Duties and Responsibilities: This position provides leadership and direction for University of Maryland Extension 4-H Youth Development programs and faculty across the state. Duties include identifying issues and opportunities that alignment with organizational priorities, and to work with faculty and partners to develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs that address statewide needs of consumers, residents, agencies, organizations, industries, and communities in these areas.

Major responsibilities include:

• Provide overall statewide leadership and direction to 4-H youth development faculty and programs.

• Leadership and oversight of non-formal Extension education and applied research projects in alignment with program goals and priorities.

• Enhance Extension program areas in 4-H youth development by securing and championing with faculty the garnering of extramural funds from local, state, regional, and federal agencies, industry groups, foundations, and other appropriate sources.

• Provide guidance to county and specialist faculty in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs.

• Provide leadership to faculty in long-range planning, writing, reporting, professional development and grant management.

• Mentor faculty to ensure clarity of expectations for Extension programming, scholarship, service and teaching, providing opportunity for success as an Extension Educator, while also instilling professional confidence and pride.

• Provide leadership, promotional guidance, and coaching to tenure track and professional track faculty.

• Conduct annual program and faculty evaluations, including the delivery of AFRs (annual faculty review) to county and state faculty.

• Provide annual reports to the Associate Director of Extension and Assistant Director of Evaluation as part of the required Federal reporting on Extension programs and impacts.

• Facilitate and support collaboration of 4-H youth development programs at county and state levels.

• Work collaboratively with UME Program Leaders to encourage and promote interdisciplinary programming.

• Work with Assistant Director of Evaluation and Assessment to ensure an effective plan and process is in place for 4-H youth development program evaluation and applied research efforts.

• Provide leadership and oversight to 4-H youth development Action Teams.

• Assist in recruitment and hiring faculty in critical areas of need for Extension vacancies.

• Engage in regional and national Extension activities.

• Manage and allocate funds to support UME 4-H youth development priority programs.

• Serve as a member of the UME administrative team, with a diverse portfolio of duties as assigned, including active participation in University of Maryland Extension leadership meetings, strategic planning, curriculum and program planning, and training.

• Represent UME to stakeholders and partners across the statewide, regionally, and nationally.

• Works cooperatively with Maryland 4-H Foundation Board of Directors and serves as direct supervisor to Foundation Executive Director.

Required Qualifications:

• Candidates must have an earned doctorate degree (Ph.D., Ed.D), and must be able to be tenured in a department as a Professor, or tenured in Extension as a Principal Agent or equivalent rank. At least one graduate degree, preferably the doctorate, must be in youth development, education, and/or social science related area

• Applicants should have significant leadership experience, preferably within the Cooperative Extension System, and be recognized within a field of specialization.

• A demonstrated understanding and application of the Land Grant mission, as well as relevant administrative experience is desired.

• Candidates must have experience with promoting advocacy in educational programming, clientele served, and staffing.

• Evidence of leadership, teamwork, collaboration, excellence in human relationship skills, as well as written and oral communication skills are essential.

• Evidence of successful management of interdisciplinary extramurally funded programs, as well as the acquisition and management of grants is critical.

• Computer skills necessary for budget and administrative program management must be demonstrated.

• Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Ability to travel statewide and nationally as needed is an expectation for this position.

• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Due: May 29, 2019

Apply here

Sea Turtle and Shorebird Monitoring –2019

 Ecological Associates, Inc. is seeking qualified applicants to fill 1-2 positions based in Biloxi, Mississippi in 2019

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Sea Turtle and Shorebird Monitoring –2019

Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) is an environmental consulting firm specializing in protected species surveys, biological and ecological studies, environmental impact assessments, natural resource inventories, habitat conservation planning, and water quality monitoring. Please visit our website at www.ecological-associates.com to learn more about us. 

EAI is seeking biologists to assist in the documentation of sea turtle nesting and reproductive success as well as breeding and non-breeding shorebird use of a barrier island (currently undergoing nourishment) offshore of Biloxi, Mississippi. This monitoring involves daily early morning field surveys using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs or UTVs) or on foot, marking and monitoring of nest sites, and excavation of marked sea turtle nests to determine reproductive success. Daily coordination with construction crews and occasional coordination with state/federal wildlife agencies will be required. Daytime surveys will be conducted 7 days per week and begin at sunrise each day. The number of work hours will vary, ranging from 4-8 hours per day. Applicants must be available for training immediately.

Job requirements and compensation are listed below. EAI prefers to hire those with science degrees or on track for a career in the biological sciences. Preference will be given to those with prior relevant experience. These positions do not include compensation for travel, per diem, or housing. This is a part-time job opening.

Job Responsibilities: 

Depart dock by boat and travel approximately 12 miles to the island (seas are occasionally rough). Conduct early morning beach surveys on an ATV/UTV or on foot. Identify and record all sea turtle crawls and nesting/non-breeding shorebirds by species. Enter data into a project-specific mobile application using a tablet (ArcGIS Collector). Obtain GPS readings of all crawls and nests. Locate eggs, mark sea turtle nests and relocate eggs if necessary. Monitor sea turtle nests to determine nest fates and dates of hatchling emergence. Evaluate hatchling tracks to ensure they reached the ocean and record hatchling disorientation events on standard forms. Excavate nests and interpret contents. Collect data from stranded sea turtles and/or marine mammals. Conduct biweekly shorebird surveys during the overwintering period (July to May); identify all shorebirds, document behavior and note bands/flags. Download GPS data and submit daily monitoring results to EAI management.

Job Requirements: 

Candidates must have prior related field survey experience. Sea turtle nest relocation experience is also required. Excellent field data collection and data entry skills (i.e., attention to detail) are essential.  Applicants should be self-motivated and conscientious with a strong work ethic. Must be able to follow complex instructions and work well independently, but also with team members, construction crews and state/federal agency personnel. Should be in good physical condition (i.e., able to lift, dig, work in the heat, swim etc.) and able to work under adverse field conditions (e.g., heat, inclement weather, biting insects, occasionally unpredictable work schedules, etc.). Applicants must be available to begin work each day between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel as well as hand-held GPS is desirable. Experience operating an ATV/UTV is also desirable.

Compensation:

Compensation rate dependent on qualifications and experience. Salary range $14-18/hour.

Application:  A letter of interest, resume, and names, email addresses and daytime telephone numbers of three references should be emailed to Samantha Pessolano at sam@ecological-associates.com.  The deadline for submittal is May 16, 2019.

Sea Turtle Nest Monitor

Time Period:  May 2019 – July 2019

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

- Physically walk designated beach areas throughout the night to monitor for nesting activity

- Identify sea turtles and crawls up close and at a distance in darkness

- Locate sea turtle nests and crawls and identify to species                                      

- Report interactions with sea turtles to appropriate personnel and agencies

- Collect data and perform duties as indicated by project specifications and permits

- Conduct surveys in adverse/inclement weather conditions

- Coordinate activities with construction crews during beach nourishment projects

 REQUIREMENTS:

- Demonstrated experience with sea turtles on nesting beaches during nesting season and sea turtle nest monitoring

- Must be a U.S. Citizen or have authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship or restrictions

- Must have (or be eligible to obtain) Endangered/Protected Species approval from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

- Must have a valid Driver’s License & Clean Driving Record

- Must be able to lift 50 pounds and walk long-distances in adverse/inclement weather conditions

Education:

- Degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Marine Ecology or similar education 

Experience:

- Demonstrated experience with sea turtles during nesting season is required for consideration.

- Identification of sea turtles, crawls, and nests to species

- Data collection and attention to detail

- Reporting interactions with sea turtles to various government agencies

- Demonstrated history of effective communication skills

- History of working independently and responsibly while following technical instructions

- Knowledge and experience with Endangered Species Act

BENEFITS & SALARY:

This is an Independent Contractor position; pay varies with experience

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should send the following application materials:

- Detailed resume documenting all relevant experience, education, and skills. Include three professional references

- Cover letter outlining why you would be a good fit for this position and your availability

*Incomplete applications will not be considered

Submit all materials as attachments to the posting: .pdf files or MS Word 2003 compatible files

for additional attachments email emcmichael@remsainc.com  or FAX to 757.722.4571

Application Deadline: as soon as filled