Monday, April 29, 2019

Volunteers Needed!

We are currently looking for 5 volunteers to talk to elementary school students about their ENST experiences and opportunities. You will speak for about 2-3 minutes about your experience and answer the questions of curious 5th grade students. A great opportunity to introduce the importance of Environmental Science to future scientists!

Needed for May 10th from 1:15pm to 2:15pm

If you are interested in volunteering this day, please contact mbarton@umd.edu

Friday, April 26, 2019

Summer Session Grant - UMD


Riparian Wetlands Plant Survey Field Technician - Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife & Heritage Service is currently accepting applications for one full-time and one part-time Seasonal Contractual position (Natural Resources Technician III). The Department seeks two highly motivated individuals to assist with a project to test a rapid assessment protocol for characterizing stream-associated wetland habitats and providing information on their condition. Field work will take place in southern Maryland (Anne Arundel, Prince George's, Calvert, and Charles counties). Job duties will include (1) collection of data on dominant woody and herbaceous vegetation (vegetation composition, structure, percent cover), physical site characteristics (including hydrology and soils), and stressors (including invasive plant species) at a variety of sites in the project area; (2) use of existing GIS data layers to characterize landscape condition and other measures relevant to habitat condition; and (3) assistance with data entry, data summary, landowner/land manager contacts, and equipment maintenance in support of the field work. Expect occasional long field days with varied weather conditions and biting insects. May need to use own vehicle. 
Candidates must have a strong work ethic, good problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well independently and in a small team in remote areas with minimal supervision. Candidates must also have the ability to identify dominant herbaceous and woody vegetation of riparian wetland systems in the mid-Atlantic region, including associated uplands. Experience with ArcMap and handheld GPS units is required.

Education: Completion of sixty credit hours from an accredited college or university, 18 of which are in biology, biochemistry, environmental science, forest technology, arboriculture, aquaculture, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology, physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management, zoology, or a natural resources management related field of study. 
Experience: Two years of experience in technical biological work in the field of natural resources management. 
Notes:
1. Additional experience performing technical biological work in the field of forestry, arboriculture, wildlife, aquaculture, natural resources management, or fisheries may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education. 
2. Additional education beyond sixty credit hours from an accredited college or university in a natural resources related field of study can be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis for up to two years of experience. 
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in the natural resources management and biological sciences classifications or natural resources management and biological sciences specialty codes in the biological science technician field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Plant identification skills, including rare species. 
Prior experience with collection of plant community data and wetland delineations. 
Prior use of rapid assessment methods for wetland condition and characterization, including an understanding of the Floristic Quality Assessment Index and familiarity with NatureServe's EIA L2 protocols.
Experience with Microsoft Access and Excel.

For more information and to apply go here

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Summer Internship - USDA



Summer Bridge Program - UMD

Program Dates: Sunday, June 16, 2019 -  Friday, July 26, 2019
There are several positions available with varying payments and time obligations; see that attached position announcements for more detailed information and requirements.
  • Resident Assistant  (must have experience as an RA and have completed the Resident Life training course to be eligible)
  • Math Instructional Assistant 
  • Math Tutor 
  • Writing Tutor 

Interested applicants are asked to submit both a resume and cover letter for their position of interest to Michelle Udeli (mudeli@umd.edu) with the specified email Subject. Applicants are also welcome to apply for more than one position, however, a separate cover letter is required for each position. 

The deadline to apply is April 30, 2019.

Please direct any questions to Michelle Udeli (mudeli@umd.edu)

Paris to Pittsburgh - Documentary Screening

For more information go here

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Environmental Design Intern - Straughan Environmental, Inc.

The Environmental Design Intern would be working primarily with Professional Engineers and Environmental Analysists on a variety of projects.  They may have the opportunity to work with Sustainable Design group on traffic noise analysis, air quality analysis, roadway planning and design, LEED certification, and sustainability planning.  They may have the opportunity to work with our Water Resources Engineering group on hydraulics and hydrology analysis, stormwater management design, drainage design, erosion and sediment control design, and stream restoration. They may have the opportunity to work with our Planning group or with Environmental Scientists in our Natural Resources division as well. Internship could possibly extend through fall semester of 2019.  

Qualifications:Required

  • Must be available for full work days.
  • A registered student at a university majoring in either Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering
  • Completed all sophomore level engineering coursework
  • CAD experience, preferably MicroStation
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Ability and eagerness to perform field work such as wetland and stream delineations, geomorphic assessments, traffic noise data collection, and general business support tasks. Fieldwork may involve walking through wooded areas, working alongside of roadways and carrying field equipment.
Desired
  • Geopak
  • ArcGIS
  • Relevant experience
  • Contributing member of student and/or professional organizations

Duration:  Summer 2019. Possibility for internship to continue through Fall 2019 Semester.
Approximate Hours Per Week:  Can vary between 0 and 40



Desired start date:  5/28/2019
Apply here

AGNR Peer Mentor


Responsibilities: The main responsibility of AGNR Peer Mentors is to assist AGNR undergraduate students with everyday campus issues, such as advising, registration, and more. During office hours, you will have walk-in appointments with students in the college. You will help them become familiar with registration procedures (Testudo), assist them with the preparation of their 4-year academic plan, and explain their progress toward degree benchmarks. You will work with students in subsequent semesters to pre-select courses and build tentative schedules, print academic audits, and otherwise prepare for their regular faculty advising appointments. You may be asked to refer students to various campus services (e.g. Learning Assistance, Career Center, or tutoring services). Peer Mentors will assist the AGNR Academic Programs Office with other tasks associated with student services and support, such as answering phones, filing records and assisting individuals who walk into the main office. Peer Mentors may also serve as teaching assistants for AGNR sections of UNIV100 during the fall semester.
Qualifications: a) 45- 65 cumulative credits (excluding AP) with at least 2 semesters enrolled in an AGNR major b) GPA of 3.0 or higher c) enrolled as a full-time student in AGNR. Additionally, we seek applicants who are "engaged" in one or more other aspects of university life; (study abroad, research, internships, organizations, sports) we want students who know how to manage time and make the best of all that UMD has to offer!
Compensation: You will be paid for 4 hours/week each term. You will also find this experience immensely satisfying as you help new students find their way in our large university. You will establish new relationships with both students and faculty/administrators in the college (good source of reference letters when you are ready to apply for graduate school, professional school, or that first job). As a Peer Mentor and UNIV100 TA (if you choose to participate in this experience) you will develop leadership skills as you contribute to the building of a course syllabus and participate actively in the teaching program. The service will stand out on your resume.
Date Available: The position begins August 26th, with a training session to be scheduled approximately 1 week prior

For more information about the position, please contact:
Heather Buchanan
0107 Symons Hall
301.405.0117
hbuchan1@umd.edu

Ocean Acidification Lecture


Climate Change Technical Specialist - American Farmland Trust

Duties & Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of this position are to research and conduct modeling scenarios to quantify the impacts of agricultural practices on greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration potential. This will be used to develop a set of recommendations that will inform policy and program managers building climate action plans. Additional duties and responsibilities will include helping to develop new climate programming that supports other AFT program areas and its regional offices. Specific responsibilities include: 

  • Knowledge of and experience working with soil health practices and their impacts on climate change mitigation, adaptation and water quality concerns; 
  • Support AFT’s commitment to provide USCA states technical assistance regarding the positive role that agriculture has in combating climate change; 
  • Synthesize current scientific literature exploring soil health management systems as directly related to increased C sequestration and GHG reductions; 
  • Help research, write, and edit white papers on technical options and tools for evaluating environmental, economic, and social outcomes of farm conservation practices; 
  • Provide technical support to AFT’s conservation staff using Nutrient Tracking Tool, COMET-Farm, DNDC, and other tools/models as they estimate potential climate and water quality outcomes at the field-level through on-going research activities across the nation; 
  • Work with Development staff, Climate Initiative Director, and Research Director to raise funds for the initiative;
  • Design, develop, and implement projects relating to climate change that align with AFT’s mission; 
  • Represent AFT at meetings and conferences related to climate change and agriculture; 
  • Work with Communications staff to actively communicate about the work;  
  • Provide visibility for AFT at climate coalitions, workshops, and conferences; 
  • Support a strong team culture among AFT staff.    

Requirements
The Technical Specialist must be outgoing and energetic and have direct professional experience working on agriculture and climate issues.  The candidate must be able to work closely with farmers and agriculture organizations as well as environmental organizations, universities and other research institutions, and state/federal government agencies.   
A MS or PhD degree in agronomy, soil science, climate science, conservation, environmental science or similar field with experience using climate and water quality models such as DNDC, Century, DAYCENT, APEX, and SWAT, and tools such as A Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF), Nutrient Tracking Tool, COMET-Farm, Field to Market’s Field Print Calculator, etc.; 
  • Knowledgeable of climate change mitigation science with specific experience working with agronomic (including rangeland) systems and data; 
  • Experience using R or other statistical software packages and meta-data analysis; 
  • Experience synthesizing complex, ecological data sets and compiling literature reviews;  
  • Basic computer programming language desirable; 
  • Comfortable translating complex scientific information to broad audiences; writing reports and presenting at both scientific meetings, farmer/rancher focused workshops, policy makers, and conservation planner training events; 
  • Demonstrated project management skill and interpersonal skills; 
  • Must bring a collaborative, outgoing, professional, and innovative approach to tackling these issues; 
  • Ability to deliver high quality work in a dynamic organization under time pressure;  
  • Ability to travel throughout country as needed (up to 25%). 
Application Deadline: May 28, 2019 apply here

Bat, Small Mammal, and Mussel Survey Field Technician - Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife & Heritage Service is currently accepting applications for one Seasonal Contractual position (Natural Resources Technician III). The Department seeks a highly motivated individual to assist with several projects: (1) acoustic and mist net bat surveys (statewide, May 29-early July); and (2) small mammal and mussel surveys (western and southern Maryland, early July - September 17). Job duties will include the following: (1) set-up/take-down of Automated Recording Units for stationary bat surveys and assistance with mist-netting bats, including carrying equipment up to 40 pounds for up to 3 miles; (2) assistance with small mammal trapping; (3) assistance with mussel surveys in small streams and rivers using snorkeling and waterscope techniques; and (4) assistance with data entry, private landowner contacts, and equipment maintenance in support of the surveys. Training will be provided.
A strong work ethic, good problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well independently and in small teams in remote areas with minimal supervision is required. Occasional weekend and nighttime work, long field days with varied weather conditions and biting insects, and tent camping with sometimes weekly relocation. May need to use own vehicle.

Education: Completion of sixty credit hours from an accredited college or university, 18 of which are in biology, biochemistry, environmental science, forest technology, arboriculture, aquaculture, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology, physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management, zoology, or a natural resources management related field of study.
Experience: Two years of experience in technical biological work in the field of natural resources management.
Notes:
1. Additional experience performing technical biological work in the field of forestry, arboriculture, wildlife, aquaculture, natural resources management, or fisheries may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
2. Additional education beyond sixty credit hours from an accredited college or university in a natural resources related field of study can be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis for up to two years of experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in the natural resources management and biological sciences classifications or natural resources management and biological sciences specialty codes in the biological science technician field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.   
4. Prior experience with bat and other small mammal trapping (including mist nets), identification, and handling would be beneficial. Pre-exposure rabies vaccine would be helpful.
5. Freshwater mussel identification and survey experience are preferred, but training will be provided as needed with the expectation that skills will be attained so that mussel surveys can be conducted with a reasonably high degree of competence.
6. Experience with ArcMap, Microsoft Access and Excel, and handheld GPS units is preferred.

Due May 3rd
Apply here

Environmental Management Staffer - Chesapeake Research Consortium

Description
  • A Bachelor’s degree in environmental management, political science, public policy, business or related topics is preferred but science degrees are also acceptable for those applicants that have an interest in management and policy.
  • Familiarity with or interest in one or more of the following areas: adaptive management, leadership programs (at all levels of government), budget and finance and evaluation. 
  • Ability to perform background research, analysis and synthesis on policy and science related topics.
  • Ability to collaborate with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders as part of interdisciplinary teams representing a variety of interests, in an environment meant to build consensus.
  • 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 work independently and prioritize tasks under tight timelines in a fast-paced office environment.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve.
  • Ability to manage and update content for group web pages using a content management system.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required. Experience with Microsoft Access is a plus. 
  • Familiarity with using remote meeting technologies such as video conferencing (Web-X, Adobe Connect, Zoom, etc.).
  • 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.

Environmental Management Staffer Responsibilities
The candidate selected for this position will be involved in team activities and will be responsible for organization and support of meetings, member coordination and communication, tracking progress towards identified goals and outcomes, helping to revise any management strategies and workplans for which the GIT is responsible, research and synthesis activities and additional special projects as assigned. The candidate will also support the GIT’s overall involvement in managing the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Strategy Review System. Activities include helping to track progress toward achieving Chesapeake Bay restoration goals and outcomes, coordinating partnership reviews, serving as a point of contact for goal and outcome leads and working with team members to implement new and/or changing components of the process. Although primarily assigned to support the GIT and its workgroups, the Staffer in this position will also on occasion support the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Management Board, Principals’ Staff Committee and Executive Council. The selected candidate will work as a CRC employee at the U.S. EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program Office located in Annapolis, Maryland.

Closing Date: May 5, 2019
Apply here

Research Scholarship - OFWIM

Apply here


Agricultural Scholarship

For more information go here

Education Intern - Jug Bay

Apply here

Thursday, April 18, 2019

NatureRx - Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day 2019, Department of Kinesiology Assistant Professors Shannon Jette and Jennifer D. Roberts, along with partners across the UMD campus invite you to the NatureRx @ UMD launch. With support from the University of Maryland School of Public Health, this day will be filled with activities that celebrate the beauty, bounty and splendor of our planet.
NatureRx @ UMD is a new and burgeoning movement, represented by numerous individuals and units within the University of Maryland College Park community, who have come together with a shared passion for the many ways in which the landscape of our campus arboretum and other recreation spaces can heal and preserve the health and well-being of every person.  Please join us as we launch this exciting and new campus organization.
NatureRx @ UMD Launch Date Events​ | Earth Day - Monday, April 22, 2019
For more info go here 

Research Program - AGNR


The AGNR Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) is a partnership between the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) Dean’s Office, AGNR Academic Programs and The UMD Graduate School. The overarching goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students pursuing graduate study and research careers in agricultural, environmental, nutrition and food science, and natural resource areas of study. 
SROP scholars will live on campus for eight weeks from June 1- July 26 and work with AGNR faculty members as part of their research teams. Students are expected to spend about forty hours per week working with their research teams and to be contributing members. Participants will attend weekly seminars to learn more about the graduate school experience, the graduate school application process as well as engaging in planned social activities in the evenings and weekends during their stay.  At the end of the eight weeks, students are expected to produce tangible results from experimental research and will report the results in a special research forum. Participants will also become acquainted with the culture of graduate education and learn what is needed and expected of them as graduate students in their respective disciplines.
 
Program Dates
June 1- July 26. The program runs eight weeks, from June 1- July 26, 2019.  Students are required to arrive on campus on Saturday, June 1 and for mandatory program orientation on Saturday and Sunday.  
 
SROP Scholar Stipend and Financial Support
$2,500 stipend.  All travel, room, board, excursions to Baltimore and Washington DC, and fees are paid by AGNR. 
 
SROP Goals
• Provide rising juniors and rising seniors an opportunity to learn about graduate studies and the range of research and scholarship at the University of Maryland
• Providing laboratory experiences that enhances basic research knowledge and skills
• Providing lectures, workshops, didactic exchanges and other programming to enhance students' knowledge of the graduate application process, negotiating the academic rigors and professional and personal challenges encountered in graduate school, and developing career paths.
• Provide mentoring and networking opportunities for students to advance their training
• Increase the knowledge of, and interest in, doctoral-level training in the agricultural, natural resources, and environmental sciences
• Increase the number of underrepresented students pursuing graduate study and research careers
For more info look here
Apply here
 

Research Internship - MIAEH

The Environmental Health in Vulnerable Populations Lab led by Dr. Quiros-Alcala at the Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health (MIAEH) in the UMD School of Public Health is seeking a responsible, detail-oriented student for an unpaid research internship.

Student(s) will gain experience working in environmental health and with vulnerable populations, as well as gain skills in public health research. Students will have the opportunity to do field work and/or data management to fulfill research objectives. The project intersects diverse public health fields, including occupational health, women’s health, minority health, and environmental health science.

There is also the opportunity to be involved in publications, depending on the level of engagement. Work hours are flexible and work can go into the summer (Start date: as soon as possible). 

Please contact Dr. Quiros-Alcala at lquiros@umd.edu with the subject line: Research Internship if interested in learning more.

Education Coordinator - Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

Application Deadline: April 26 or until position is filled
The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) is seeking a full-time Education Coordinator to oversee our school programs and summer camps.  CBEC is a private, non-profit located on the Eastern Shore in Grasonville, Maryland dedicated to promoting stewardship and sustainability through environmental education and habitat restoration.  Through our on-site and outreach education programs and summer camps, we educate over 8,000 students annually.  We strive to inspire the next generation of Bay stewards by providing engaging, “hands-on, feet-wet” environmental education.
The primary responsibilities of this position will include coordinating and leading our school programs for students in grades 1-12th, as well as planning and overseeing our 10-week summer camp program.  Other responsibilities include assisting with events and fundraisers, training and coordinating volunteers, hiring and supervising summer camp interns, raptor handling and care, promoting programs through advertising, grant writing, and website development.
This is a full-time, 9.5 month position running from March 1 through December 15th annually.  This is not a contract, but a permanent position.  Benefits provided for 12-month period.
Responsibilities:
School Programs

    • Communicate with teachers to schedule and provide pre-trip support for field trips
    • Update curriculum and design new curriculum aligned with standards, especially NGSS
    • Lead on-site and outreach education programs
    • Maintain orderly classroom and educational supplies
    • Assist with or lead kayak programming, depending on training
    • Participate in strategic planning to further organization’s educational goals
Summer Camp
  • Plan 10 week summer camp program for campers in pK-10th grade
  • Apply for all necessary camp permits and maintain records
  • Promote camp through online and print sources, as well as at community events
  • Advertise for, hire, and supervise college interns and high school counselors
  • Plan and provide environmental education programming daily
  • Oversee safety and health of campers and staff
    Volunteer Management
    • Train volunteers to assist with education programs
    • Communicate with and schedule volunteers
    Fundraisers and Events
    • Attend and assist with fundraisers and events
    • Assume leadership role in several annual fundraisers
    Communications
    • Promote school and camp programs
    • Submit materials for quarterly e-newsletter
    • Update and create new material for website, a WordPress based platform
    Grants
    • Locate sources of funding
    • Assist with or lead all phases of grant application for education-related grants
    Budget/Financial
    • Create invoices and maintain payment records for school and camp programs
    • Submit purchase orders for materials

    • Assist in creation of organization’s annual budget
    Skills and Qualifications  
    • Bachelor’s degree or higher in education, environmental studies, environmental science, or biology
    • At least three years of teaching experience; experience in outdoor or informal education preferred
    • Excellent verbal communication skills, high energy, and enthusiasm
    • Excellent organizational skills and time management
    • Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
    • Ability to become certified in CPR, First Aid, and Kayak Instruction and Safety courses
    Preferred Experience and Skills:
    • Strong kayaker
    • Experience leading or assisting guided kayak programs
    • Grant writing
    • Summer camp leadership
    • Raptor handling
    Apply here

    Earth Day Clean Up


    Come out this Saturday for a cleanup in partnership with SCoop and We Are Water! See the attached flyer and RSVP using this form! They will do some cleaning up of Paint Branch and then host an art workshop after


    ENST Internship


    Careers in Environmental Health


    Environmental health focuses on the intersection of the natural and built environment and human health. Through science research, policy, communication, and education, environmental health professionals improve the lives of individuals and communities. No matter what their field of focus, environmental health professionals work to promote human health and solve environmental issues including air and water quality, hazardous waste, and infectious diseases. In this career panel, students will learn about career paths within environmental health from employers and alumni, who are experts in their field. Students will also have the opportunity to network with panelists and learn about potential internship or job opportunities. Students from all majors are welcomed to attend. Click here to RSVP

    Sustainable Agriculture Research Interns - USDA

    Description

    Accepting applications for student positions assisting with projects evaluating the sustainability of cropping systems in the Mid-Atlantic. These will involve diverse activities including soil, gas, and plant sampling in the field, lab work, data entry and management, sample processing and organization, and miscellaneous projects supporting research activities. Field sites, lab and offices are all approximately 10-15 minutes north of UMD campus. 

    Positions can allow for flexible scheduling, including the possibility of full-time seasonal work, but schedules must be prearranged with supervisor. No experience is required, but an ideal candidate will have an interest in sustainable agriculture and/or have an interest in research. This is not a conventional internship, but there it can be adapted to meet internship requirements. Substantial time will be spent outdoors during growing season. All training will be provided.

    Apply here
    Due July 4th, 2019

    Entomology Research Position - Summer UMD


    Internship - World Wildlife Foundation

    Education Content Intern - Paid
    Washington DC

    Internship Description:
    This position will play an active and substantial role in the development and implementation of educational materials and activities to engage youth and raise awareness for WWF’s conservation priorities. The intern will work directly with members of the marketing and communication teams to provide overall assistance for WWF's Wild Classroom.


    • Serve as one of the primary points of contact for WWF’s involvement in the World Scouts Jamboree by helping at the event and supporting the development of activities and materials.
    • Help to develop creative and engaging content for educational program and events - including regular updates to the website, social media, online marketing and other WWF communication channels
    • Assist in preparing and analyzing reporting on a needed basis
    • Perform other duties as assigned
    Current enrollment or a completed bachelor’s degree. No specific major required, but someone with education, communications, or other background related to the position a plus.
    • Exceptional written and verbal communications skills
    • Skilled with Microsoft Office tools; familiarity with Adobe Suite a plus
    • Knowledge of social media channels and experience building stories across multiple channels
    • Creative and innovative thinking
    • Self-starter who can work independently or as a team
    • Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous projects
    • Stellar attention to detail
    • A commitment to the mission, goals and values of WWF
    • Full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week) for ~3 months
    • Intern will support WWF staff at the World Scout Jamboree in Summit Bechtel Reserve, WV at the end of July. A minimum of 1-2 weeks travel is required.



    The ideal candidate will be highly organized with excellent communication skills and is interested in education and conservation. Experience with the scouts not necessary but a plus.

    Minimum Requirements:
    Apply here