Student Intern in Soil Water Research - MD (USDA)

Location: The student intern will work in the Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Beltsville, MD under the supervision of Harry Schomberg and Alondra Thompson.


Job Overview: The student intern will assist with tasks to progress research on soil water and nutrient availability in conventional and organic cropping systems. The intern will have opportunities to expand their understanding of computer coding, engineering, and soil science. The student intern should be able to complete tasks independently in an organized and thorough manner. The person in this position will be contributing to advancing understanding of effects of water on cropping systems in a changing climate and world.
Position is a paid internship unless applicant is eligible for and wishes to receive college credit instead.


Responsibilities and Duties:
-Test and organize soil water and other types of sensors.
-Assist in organizing and testing data loggers.
-Assist in installation of soil water sensors and network (late spring).
-Inventory, organize and process soybean whole-plant and leaf samples.
-Assist in development of new and existing data logging systems.
-Provide constructive feedback on field processes and procedures.
Qualifications:
-Pursuing a 4-year degree in the natural sciences, computer science, or engineering.
-Personal characteristics:
     -Organized and detail-oriented.
     -Curious and teachable.
     -Reliable and diligent.
-Skills:
     -Adept at critical-thinking and problem-solving.
     -Can successfully work independently and with a team.
-Physical abilities:
     -Can work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
     -Able to lift 50 lbs.
-Must have a valid driver’s license

To Apply:

Please send your resume, unofficial transcript(s), and availability to harry.schomberg@usda.gov.

Looking for a student to work a 10 to 20 hours a week during the semester and then full time in the summer.

Gills Club Scholarship - Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

SCHOLARSHIP

Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) is pleased to offer a full-ride Gills Club scholarship (tuition, room & board, and the Shoal’s lab fee) for one student. In order to be considered for this scholarship, students must follow these requirements:

• Scholarship is only available to female applicants. 
• Students must submit transcripts that support an average GPA of 3.5. Exception: Employed students with an average GPA of 3.0-3.49 can still apply but must include a proof of employment letter from a supervisor, that shows work hours and length of employment .
• Submit a one-page essay answering one of the following questions:

               -- What would it mean for you to take Shark Biology and Conservation at SML? 

               -- How would this course contribute to your future career goals?

COURSE

Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is offering a course in Shark Biology & Conservation July 27 - August 10, 2020. The last 30 years have produced an explosion of new information on the biology of the approximately 1,000 living species of sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras, which collectively make up the group Chondrichthyes. This course will cover advanced topics in the evolution, diversity, anatomy, functional morphology, physiology, sensory systems, behavior, reproduction, development, and conservation of cartilaginous fishes.

The course is being taught by Gills Club co-founder, Dr. Heather Marshall.

DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2020; apply here: https://www.atlanticwhiteshark.org/gc-scholarship

USDA TICK CONTROL PROJECT - Part time position - MD

USDA TICK CONTROL PROJECT

Part-time field technician position(s) are available for a tick control study in Howard County, Maryland. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to collaborate with the United States Department of Agriculture and University of Maryland on a research project focused on the efficacy of IPM strategies against zoonotic pathogens. Technicians are expected to work a minimum of 20 hours per week, May- August 2020 with flexible start and end dates. Preference will be given to candidates that are available April- October. Field technicians will be responsible for assisting researchers with tasks including small mammal trapping, tick surveys and implement IPM methods, including weekly maintenance of 4-Poster deer feeders in a suburban area. Work hours will typically consist of shifts from 5am-12pm and 1pm- 6pm. This position is designed for recent graduates or students currently pursuing a degree in wildlife ecology or related field. Current students have the option of earning college credit through their university. Paid and volunteer positions are available, dependent on experience.

Preferred candidate qualifications include
1) ability to conduct field work during hot and humid conditions with biting insects and arachnids,
2) ability to work long/irregular hours and adapt to highly variable work,
3) an interest in wildlife ecology and/or entomology,
4) prior field experience capturing and handling small mammals,
5) good physical condition; able to lift 50 lbs, walk long distances over uneven terrain,
6) ability to communicate effectively and with crew members and professionally with the public,
7) possess a valid driver’s license, and
9) the ability to pass a standard background check.

Interested candidates can apply by submitting their resume, unofficial transcripts and any questions to
Laura.Beimfohr@usda.gov by April 1st 2020.

Upcoming Environmental career events!

We have two really great career events coming up - be sure to RSVP!!

1. THIS WEDNESDAY, February 26, 5:00-7:00 - ENSP Career Exploration Night

Join the Environmental Science and Policy Program and the University Career Center for our third ENSP Career Exploration Night! Students will have the opportunity to learn about exciting careers within environmental science and/or policy while speed networking and interacting with alumni and professionals. 

Learn more and RSVP here: https://careers.umd.edu/event/ensp-career-exploration-night-0

2. Monday, March 2 - Careers in Working with Wildlife

Join the University Career Center for a career panel highlighting a wide range of careers working with wildlife.

Attend this event to hear from professionals working in this field from a variety of sectors including conservation, policy, education, management, and enforcement. 

Our panelists include:

• Kathleen Handley, Clinic Director, Second Chance Wildlife Center
• Kimberly S. Clapper, Staff Wildlife Biologist, APHIS Wildlife Services (WS)
  Maryl Collins, Conservation Coordinator, Wildlife Habitat Council
  Lindsay Jacks, Director, Lights Out Baltimore
• Officer Roderick Brown, MD Natural Resources Police

Learn more and RSVP here: go.umd.edu/wildlife

We hope to see you there!  For more career events to help you prepare for the world of work, visit our events calendar https://careers.umd.edu/events-calendar

Student PIRGs jobs

What are you doing after graduation?

The Student PIRGs are looking for graduating seniors who are ready to make a difference and help us increase the youth vote in November. We are gearing up to help register 100,000 students to vote and make 250,000 Get out the Vote (GOTV) contacts in 16 states. We are also continuing our campaigns to commit states to 100% Renewable Energy, phase out the use of single use plastics and make college more affordable.

Does this sound like something you want to do post graduation? Apply today before our Winter Early Application deadline on February 26th!

Students are often at the forefront of movements to build a better future for our country. Whether or not those students make real progress depends on whether they are organized, have the skills to be effective and a strategic plan to get things done. The Student PIRGs have been working for over 40 years to amplify the power of student activism, and help students tackle some of the country’s most pressing problems. If we want to continue this legacy of helping young people make progress- we need more people, like you, to join us!

Our organizers work full-time to provide students the training, professional support and resources they need to move our country forward while also gaining campaign skills themselves. A big bonus is that you will be trained by some of the top organizers in the country. If you want a job where you can make a real impact apply today before our Winter Early Application deadline on Feb 26th.

Here are just a few of the victories the Student PIRGs organizers have accomplished this year:
Nationally we helped thousands of students and counting get registered and ready to vote in their state's Primary Election.
In California, we declared UC Davis and UC Berkeley as "Bee Friendly" campuses with our campaign to Save the Bees.
In Oregon, we banned foam cups and take out containers in the city of Eugene.
In Florida, we worked to get Eckerd College signed on to the Break Free From Plastics pledge and stop the use of single use plastics on campus.

All the while our program involved and trained thousands of students leaders to work on our campaigns!

Learn more and submit your online application by February 26th.

Paid Research Internship, Urban Wildlife Institute - Chicago

Research Intern, Urban Wildlife Institute | Chicago, IL | Lincoln Park Zoological Society

The Research Intern will gain valuable hands-on experience by assisting with various field and on-grounds research projects as part of the Urban Wildlife Institute. Specifically, the intern will conduct field work related to a large, urban survey of medium to large-sized mammals using motion-triggered cameras, assist with monitoring bats across Chicago using acoustic detectors, monitor wildlife at Nature Boardwalk, enter data and assist with data organization, and maintain equipment. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, resourceful, and enthusiastic to work both in the field and in front of a computer. The intern will have an opportunity to design and execute a unique project of interest provided the essential job functions are met. Must be willing to work early hours and in varied weather conditions. This is a 6-mo paid, full-time position (35 hours per week) beginning in late March, with possible extension up to 1 year.

For more information and to apply go to: https://careers.hireology.com/lincolnparkzoologicalsociety/260027/description

Summer REU: Forest carbon cycling and biotic wood decay - Australia

REU: Forest carbon cycling and biotic wood decay, tropical QLD, Australia (Summer 2020)

Applications are invited for an undergraduate student to join an NSF-funded project based out of George Washington University studying carbon cycling and the relative role of fungi versus termites in breaking down wood. We are working at remote field sites from rainforest to savanna north of Cairns, QLD, Australia (Brooklyn Sanctuary and JCU Daintree Rainforest Observatory), as well as James Cook University in Cairns. 

We have a 4 to 8-week (between mid May and mid August 2020, with flexibility) REU fellowship to assist with our wood decay experimental harvest and join living and deadwood biomass and termite surveys. The student will work closely with faculty, postdocs and graduate students on the project to learn about tropical field ecology and develop a project of their choosing within the overall scope of the project. The work will entail long hours, strenuous hiking, staying at field stations and camping sites along our gradient and working in hot tropical conditions. 

Stipend ($600/week), housing costs, food allowance and round-trip airfare to Cairns, Australia are included. 

The successful student must be a US citizen, US national or permanent resident and an undergraduate with a GPA of 3.0 or higher ideally majoring in ecology, biology or a related field and graduating no earlier than end of fall 2020. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented groups in the sciences and from colleges with limited research opportunities to apply. The student must show proof of enrollment in overseas health insurance. 

Application review will begin on 13 March 2020 and the position will remain open until filled. Complete applications and any questions should be sent to Dr. Amy Zanne (aezanne@gmail.com  ). 

Applications should include: unofficial transcripts with list of relevant courses, resume, contact information for three references and two statements. The first statement should be what experience the student brings to the project including outdoors, travel, and research, and the second statement should be what the student hopes to gain from the experience, including how this project will benefit their future research and career goals.

Paid Internship - Field Survey - Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute - VA

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is offering a paid internship opportunity on a project focused on evaluating native orchids as indicators of forest health. This project is the product of a partnership between the Changing Landscapes Initiative (CLI), Virginia Working Landscapes (VWL), and the North American Orchid Conservation Center. The goal of this research project is to record and assess the status of native orchid populations, evaluate their use as indicators of forest health, and to engage local citizens and students in conservation science.

The orchid field intern will gain experience in field survey methodologies, plant and tree identification, data management and analysis, and project management. Common activities include conducting transect surveys for orchids and invasive species, collecting forest characteristics metrics, and sampling plant tissues. This intern will also work along-side the outreach intern to develop outreach and communications materials, participate in public engagement opportunities, and coordinate citizen scientists.

Learning Objectives:
Through this internship, interns will assist with the following as they gain important experience with conservation science:
-Expand plant and tree identification skills through field surveys and other work in Virginia forests
-Improve familiarity with methodologies in plant field ecology, database management, statistical analysis, and science communication
-Develop mentorship skills by training VWL citizen scientists in survey protocols
-Gain project management skills in coordinating field work with Smithsonian staff across multiple units, graduate students, other interns, and citizen scientists
-Increase technical skills using programs, such as ArcGIS, R-Studio and MS Excel to support analysis efforts
-Expand on technical writing skills by revising and updating written project protocols for training and sharing purposes
-Develop communication skills by assisting with the creation of content for the web and other outreach platforms, and assisting with outreach and training events with project partners and citizen scientists

Stipend:
The stipend is $1200 per month

Application Deadline:
March 1, 2020 11pm EST

To apply:
Send a resume and cover letter in a single pdf file to fergusc@si.edu using the subject line “FIELD INTERNSHIP APPLICATION 2020”. Title the pdf file “LastName_Field2020”. Applications that do not follow this format may not be considered.

Your cover letter should explain your interest in this program, express how you could benefit from the training, how it could contribute to your future career goals, and why you would make a strong candidate.

 

Paid Internship Evaluating native orchids - Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute - VA

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is offering a paid internship opportunity on a project focused on evaluating native orchids as indicators of forest health. This project is the product of a partnership between the Changing Landscapes Initiative (CLI), Virginia Working Landscapes (VWL), and the North American Orchid Conservation Center. The goal of this research project is to record and assess the status of native orchid populations, evaluate their use as indicators of forest health, and to engage local citizens and students in conservation science.

The orchid outreach intern will gain experience in science communications and outreach, field-based documentation, public engagement, and project management. This intern will work along-side the field intern to conduct field surveys and then use knowledge gained from this experience to inform their written, oral, and visual outreach and communications approaches and materials. SCBI will also provide a digital camera for the intern to record in, pictures and video, the field research efforts.
Together, these interns will play a significant role in advancing our knowledge of native orchid populations, and the effects of land use on them, as well as educating the local community on topics related to orchid ecology and conservation.

Stipend:
The stipend is $1200 per month

Location:
The internship location will be at the SCBI campus in Front Royal, Virginia.

Benefits For Interns:
Through SCBI interns are offered an opportunity to develop professional skills while participating in current research on native biodiversity in Virginia. This includes on-the-job learning opportunities in the areas of field techniques in ecological monitoring, data analysis, project management, and communications. The SCBI campus community includes several programs of the Smithsonian as well as the Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation (SMSC), creating opportunities for intern staff to connect and network in a professional science and conservation-focused setting. Interns attend and participate in frequent seminars, training workshops, and classes at SCBI and SMSC, where they are encouraged to exchange ideas with researchers from the many programs hosted at the campus.

Term of Appointment:
This is a six-month internship with a desired start date of April 13th 2020, and is a full-time appointment (40 hours per week).

Application Deadline:
March 1, 2020 11pm EST

How to Apply:
Send a resume and cover letter in a single pdf file to fergusc@si.edu using the subject line “OUTREACH INTERNSHIP APPLICATION 2020”. Title the pdf file “LastName_Outreach2020”. Applications that do not follow this format may not be considered.

Your cover letter should explain your interest in this program, express how you could benefit from the training, how it could contribute to your future career goals, and why you would make a strong candidate.