An Update from Education Abroad: Current Global Opportunities and Planning for the Future

While study abroad is currently suspended through Spring 2021, EA staff share ways to stay globally engaged and how to plan for a future study abroad program. Watch the short video here: https://ter.ps/EAUpdatesDec

To learn more about upcoming international education opportunities and future updates from Education Abroad complete the interest form at go.umd.edu/EAUpdates

Fellowship for recent graduates

We are so excited announce to the RAY community that 2021 RAY Diversity Fellowship Applications will open February 1st until March 26th! Fellowship positions will be posted on our website on a rolling basis until March and we are expecting at least 9 positions ranging from communications to science, policy, and field research. Get ready and keep an eye out for updates to be posted on all our social media accounts at the start of February!

Eligible RAY Fellow applicants will:

• Come from a racial / ethnic background underrepresented in conservation and clean energy, and demonstrate a commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Be less than one (1) year out of college and have a Bachelor's Degree by July 2021 (we are not considering individuals with graduate degrees at this time) 
• Have not had a full-time job in conservation or clean energy
• Have the ability to work in the United States and commit to the entire fellowship

 March 26, 2021: Applications Due

Learn more and apply: https://rayfellowship.org/apply

NEW: Pass/Fail Grading Option for Spring 2021

"Pass/Fail" Grading Method Policy (Spring 2021):

Students may select up to seven credits to be graded as "Pass/Fail" for any  undergraduate class. A mark of "Pass" will be recorded on the transcript for an earned grade of C- or better. Students who earn a D+, D, D-, or F will have that grade recorded on their transcripts. The normal requirements corresponding to "Pass/Fail" Grading (as listed in the academic catalog) are waived for Spring 2021. The website for making changes to your grading methods is now ready. If you would like to change grading methods for your courses, please visit:

Testudo Web App

As a reminder, you can choose a grading method for each of your courses individually up to a total of seven credits. You can make modifications to grading methods as many times as you like until the last day to make a change for the course, which is listed on the website (generally, this is the last day of that class). Whichever grading method you select by the deadline will be your final selection for recording your grades on your transcript. The website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please be aware that if the last day of a particular course is the last day of classes for the semester (i.e. May 11, 2021), you have until 10:59 pm EST on that day to make and save your selection. Note that the deadline is NOT midnight, but rather 10:59 pm EST.

To understand the impact of your decision, please review pertinent details about Spring 2021 grading before you make your selection: Spring 2021 Grading Policies.

Questions or problems with the website should be directed to keeplearning@umd.edu. As always, if you have questions about grading methods, including which courses to select for the "Pass/Fail" option, please see your academic advisor.

Paid Internship - Smithsonian Orchid Field Research

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is offering two paid internship opportunities 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 interns 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 taking soil samples. This interns will also collaborate with the CLI outreach coordinator to develop outreach and communications materials, and participate in remote public engagement opportunities with citizen scientists.

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.

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
-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

Who Should Apply:
Interns with the following will benefit the most from this opportunity:

-Experience participating in structured biological field surveys
-Experience with plant identification
-Ability to legibly and accurately record and transcribe field data
-Tolerance for a range of field conditions, including occasionally difficult terrain and wet environments
-Strong interest in science and conservation, and some experience in ecology and conservation biology
-Excellent communication skills
-Strong organizational skills
-Professionalism
-Keen attention to detail when proofreading, copyediting and fact-checking
-Familiarity working with large databases considered a plus
-Willingness to take initiative and motivation to seek new learning opportunities
-Ability to engage within a team environment with staff and other interns and volunteers
-Willingness to take instruction and critical feedback
-Additional experience with outreach skills a plus

    --Experience using social media and other online outreach platforms
    --Excellent writing skills
    --Public relations experience or abilities
    --Experience in event planning and facilitation
    --Graphic design experience

Stipend:
The stipend is $1200 per month

Location:
The internship will be based at the SCBI campus in Front Royal, Virginia but the interns' activities will be conducted throughout a 15-county region of Northern Virginia (Frederick, Clark, Loudon, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, Rappahannock, Fauquier, Culpepper, Orange, Green, Madison, Rockingham, Augusta, Albemarle)

Interns will need to provide their own vehicle for travel to field sites. All fields sites will be accessible from standard paved roads so there are no special requirements for the intern's vehicle.
The interns must also provide their own computer and a stable internet connection for communication with mentors and data entry/analysis. The Smithsonian will provide a remote desktop connection for all file storage and computational processing needs.

Housing:
Housing is not available on the SCBI campus at this time so interns will be required to provide their own housing. Please keep this in mind if you are applying from outside the study area described above.

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 learning opportunities in the areas of field techniques in ecological monitoring, data analysis, project management, and communications.

Term of Appointment:
This is a six-month internship with a desired start date of April 1st 2020, and is a full-time appointment (40 hours per week).

Application Deadline:
January 31, 2020 11:59 pm EST

To Apply:
Go to: solaa.si.edu. Select "Don't have an account? Create an account" and complete the information to create an account.
As you fill out your account information, be sure to include the following:

-Basic personal information
-Professional resume or CV
-A single-page essay addressing the following points:
-The experiences and education you feel have prepared you for this internship
-What you hope to learn through this internship
-Your future academic or career goals and how this internship would help you prepare for them
-Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Letters of reference are not required at this time

Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:
1) Type of appointment: "Internship"
2) Unit of interest: "National Zoological Park"
3) Program: "Changing Landscapes Initiative Field Internship"

IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit "Submit." Your SOLAA submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.

For Additional Information
If you have any questions or issues during the process, please contact lab manager Craig Fergus at fergusc@si.edu  .

Agricultural Science Research Technician (Soil), Permanent Full Time - Montana

The USDA Agricultural Research Service is seeking a permanent, full-time Agricultural Science Research Technician to support research on soil and water management. The position is at the USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory, Sidney, Montana (www.ars.usda.gov/pa/nparl). Starting salary is $43,683 (GS 7), with promotion potential to GS-9 and includes full government benefits. Successful candidate will set up and maintain field and laboratory experiments in soil physics focused on soil and water management in irrigated and dryland cropping systems. Knowledge of crop production systems, agricultural research procedures and automated electronic equipment is desired. This is a competitive, full-time permanent appointment. U.S. Citizenship is required. 

Apply at https://www.usajobs.gov (announcement number: ARS-S21Y-11000943-CMB). 

Questions? Contact: Dr. Jay Jabro, Research Soil Scientist, 406-433-9442; jay.jabro@usda.gov  . Advertisement Opening: 1/11/21 - Closing: 1/29/2021. ARS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Many Scholarships Available

UMD's STAMP wants to let you know about several Leadership and Involvement Scholarships currently available. 

The scholarships were created to help deserving students manage costs associated with college and will each provide between $500 and $2,000 to students during 2021. These scholarships recognize the sizable contribution of time and energy that students contribute to the campus community through their service. 

APPLY NOW! Apps due at 11:59pm on Friday, January 29.

Visit http://stamp.umd.edu/studentleaderscholarships to apply. You must be signed in to TerpLink to complete the application. 

Scholarships Currently Accepting Applications

• Adele’s Circle of Women Scholarship: Five scholarships of $500 awarded to a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate student. The scholarships are intended to help deserving students who advance the role of women and girls in their academic studies and activities, who plan to further this leadership in their personal and professional lives. The scholarship seeks to aid emerging student leaders and/or recognize accomplished student leaders.

• Annette and Morris Mintz Family Scholarship: Four scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded to a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior who are first generation students (parent/s did not graduate from college). 

• Brandon James Malstrom Memorial Scholarship: The Brandon James Malstrom Memorial Scholarship provides an annual scholarship of $1000 for transfer students at the University of Maryland who share the educational aspirations that Brandon exemplified. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be a Maryland resident or have graduated from a Maryland high school to be eligible for this scholarship.

• Carlson Family Leadership Scholarship: A $1500 scholarship to a student who is in good academic standing and an active member of a registered student organization.

• Fearless Terp Scholarship: A $500 scholarship for a student who demonstrates a commitment to the LGBTQ community with a preference for students who have an interest in international programs and/or study abroad.   

• Fisher Family First Generation Scholarship:  A $1000 scholarship for an undergraduate student who is a first generation college student (parent/s did not graduate from college).  

• LGBTQ Advocacy Scholarship: A $500 scholarship for an undergraduate who advocates for LGBTQ students on campus.

• Moose Family Scholarship: A $2000 merit-based scholarship for an undergraduate student in good academic standing and has demonstrated leadership within a student organization. Preference is for a graduate of Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland.

• Price Brothers Family Scholarship: A $1000 scholarship for a(student who is involved on campus and demonstrates strong leadership skills, with a preference for students from New York. 

• Student Leader Scholarship:  A $500 scholarship created by the Student Government Association (SGA) for a student who is involved on campus. 

Paid Summer Undergraduate Research Positions (24): Consortium for Plant Invasion Genomics

 The Consortium for Plant Invasion Genomics (CPING; https://www.invasiongenomics.com/) is seeking applicants for twenty-four (24) in-person undergraduate research positions for Summer 2021.

Each student will be paired with a CPING mentor and will gain experience in field collection, use of herbarium specimens, genomics, and bioinformatics. Specific projects will vary by CPING mentor, but students will form an interactive cohort that will receive training in career development, research best practices, and scientific communication.

The CREU session will run from June 1st – August 12th, 2021, which concludes with a professional conference at which students can present their work. Research sites span 20 mentor labs across 14 U.S. states. Undergraduates in their second year and beyond (including graduating seniors) with interests in invasive species, botany, and/or genomics are encouraged to contact individual CPING mentors prior to application. List of mentors can be found here: (https://www.invasiongenomics.com/creu.html). Students are encouraged to contact potential mentors prior to applying.

Due to funding restrictions, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, but students who come from underrepresented groups in STEM, have limited research opportunities at their home institutions, and/or live or study in EPSCoR states (https://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/programs/epscor/nsf_oiia_epscor_EPSCoRstatewebsites.jsp) are encouraged to apply! Successful applicants will receive a stipend of $4,000, another $2000 for travel and living expenses, $1000 in research funds and full travel funds to the CPING annual conference in August 2021. Applications are due February 28th, 2021.

REU program- Tropical Ecology – Summer 2021

We are now accepting applications for summer 2021 - internship in Tropical Ecology and Evolution at El Verde Field Station, Puerto Rico. The program will run from May 31 - August 6.

Application deadline: 15 February 2021

The program will offer students the opportunity to have hands-on experience fields such as:

Aquatic insect ecology
Plant Population Ecology and Invasive Species Biology
Riparian Ecology
Macroinvertebrate Ecology

Students receive a stipend for the ten weeks duration of the program. If an onsite program is possible, we will cover round-trip plane ticket from home institution to Puerto Rico, up to a maximum. Otherwise, we will run the program online. The National Science Foundation funds the program.

The program is limited to undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor degree at a college or university during summer 2021 who are US citizens or permanent residents.

Additional details at https://www.ramirezlab.net/reu

Paid Summer Internship: Maine lake water quality

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Research Department is seeking one to two science-oriented summer interns to help conducted research and monitoring on AMC's Maine Woods Initiative (MWI) lands, located in the 100-mile wilderness area of Maine. One funded research project will develop a lake water quality monitoring program for lakes and ponds across MWI, in coordination and co-mentorship with Lake Stewards of Maine. Additional ongoing research at MWI includes stream connectivity studies and long-term forest monitoring in support of ecoreserve status and carbon sequestration, on our sustainably managed forest at MWI.

For more information and details:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=0069e8e9-aaba-4b74-ac6a-a6ccadb65927&ccId=1125625467_1842&type=MP&lang=en_US

Graduate assistantship in forest carbon modeling and accounting available Fall 2021 at UMass-Amherst (Deadline: Feb 1st)

Position Description:

Drs. Meg Graham MacLean and Peggi Clouston are seeking a highly motivated MS or PhD* student interested in exploring the socio-environmental system of forest carbon, invasive insects, mass timber production, and forest policy, to start in the Environmental Conservation Department at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst in Fall 2021. We have a funded project to investigate the carbon impacts, in terms of both storage and emissions, of harvesting eastern hemlock for use as cross laminated timber to meet some of the immanent housing demand in New England.  We hope that some of these findings and/or methods will be applicable across a wider array of species affected by forest pests, as well as help inform policy and best practices in both forestry and building sciences.  A broadly trained undergraduate from the sciences and/or engineering with interest in sustainable building technologies and forestry are encouraged to apply!  Students with experience in modeling/statistics/coding are especially sought.

Our research group will be nested within the larger interdisciplinary Environmental Conservation graduate student cohort, and this student would enroll in a thesis Master's or PhD (deadline: February 1).  

Funding is provided through both teaching and research assistantships.  We value diversity and seek to build an inclusive research group.  Students from under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply and please reach out if you feel you are a good fit for the project but have not coded/modeled before.

We understand that we are in the middle of a pandemic and it's a very challenging time for everyone. We certainly hope that the world is in a better place by Fall 2021 and we are able to meet in person, but regardless, we will discuss with the successful applicant how we can best support them and set reasonable goals and expectations in the times of COVID.

To express your interest, get more information, or ask questions about our project or mentoring, please email your CV, a short description of your research interests and career goals to mgmaclean@umass.edu

* A PhD student with a previous MS degree will be considered, though funding is not guaranteed beyond the first two years.  However, we are more than happy to work with the candidate on securing future funding!

Soil Scientist positions across the USA

Below are Soil Science and Resource Assessment – Soil and Plant Science Division -- Direct Hire positions, 47 in all.  All of these are GS-5/7/9 Series 0470 (Soil Scientist) positions only, not ecologists at this time.  Open from December 31^st, 2020 – July 15^th, 2021. 

Some require only a BS degree in soils or a related field.

 

For Direct-Hire Authority, veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to positions filled under the announcements.  THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT - Periodic lists of candidates are supplied to the hiring managers to make selections from during the announcement open period until positions are either filled or announcement expires.  The first certificate for these vacancies is scheduled to go to hiring managers on January 14^th, 2021.

 

Below are links to each of SSRA-SPSD announcements that have Direct-Hire Authority.  Locations within the Southeast Region have been highlighted.  All of these listed below are MLRA Office, field based, entry level positions, managed under the respective SPSD Regions.  Please note that candidates should have a degree with qualifying course work for series 0470 or will have a degree with qualifying course work for series 0470 conferred within 180 days of the closing date of this announcement to be considered.

 

Soil Scientist.  Direct Hire vacancies for SSRA:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/588227300

Locations (3 - Vacancies): Fairbanks, AK; Homer, AK; Wasilla, AK

 

Soil Scientist.  Direct Hire vacancies for SSRA:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/588228000

Locations (3 - Vacancies): Ogden, UT; Price, UT; Pasco, WA

 

Soil Scientist.  Direct Hire vacancies for SSRA:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/588159300

Locations (4 - Vacancies): Victorville, CA; Lincoln, NE

 

Soil Scientist.  Direct Hire vacancies for SSRA:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/588228800

Locations (16 - Vacancies): Atlantic, IA; Waverly, IA; Hays, KS; Salina, KS; Bemidji, MN; Union, MO; Bismarck, ND; Fargo, ND; Lincoln, NE; Stanton, NE; Altus, OK; Woodward, OK; Bryan, TX; Lubbock, TX; Nacogdoches, TX; Robstown, TX

 

Soil Scientist.  Direct Hire vacancies for SSRA:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/588112200

Locations (1 - Vacancy): Hutchinson, KS

 

Soil Scientist.  Direct Hire vacancies for SSRA:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/588226300

Locations (2 - Vacancies): Flint, MI; Portage, MI

 

Soil Scientist.  Direct Hire vacancies for SSRA: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/588229400

Locations (6 - Vacancies): Frederick, MD; Grand Rapids, MI; Hammonton, NJ; Findlay, OH; Marietta, OH; Morgantown, WV

 

Soil Scientist.  Direct Hire vacancies for SSRA: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/588229500

Locations (11 - Vacancies): Loxley, AL; Normal, AL; Fort Myers, FL; Richmond Hill, GA; Owensboro, KY; Ruston LA; Meridian, MS; Greensboro, NC; Raleigh, NC; Laurens, SC; Richmond, VA

 

Soil Scientist.  Direct Hire vacancies for SSRA: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/587406800

Locations (1 - Vacancy): Wetumpka, AL

REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) - Maryland Sea Grant

Maryland Sea Grant offers fifteen students the opportunity to conduct marine research on the Chesapeake Bay. During the 12-week program, each student works with a mentor on an individual research project. It’s a special opportunity to develop your research skills and interests by working with top science mentors studying America’s largest estuary.

Each REU fellow will receive:

• $7,200 stipend 
• Free housing at your research lab
• Round-trip travel expenses

Research areas include: Benthic environment, Climate change, Contaminants, Environmental chemistry, Estuarine processes, Fisheries, Modeling and analysis, Molecular biology and genetics, and Physical oceanography.

How to Apply

Interested students are required to submit:

• Application form
• Personal statement
• Resume
• Unofficial transcripts
• A list of courses in progress
• Two letters of recommendation

Learn more about how to apply to the program.

Application now available for summer 2021. Click here to apply!

Deadline: February 19, 2021

Paid REU: Disturbance Ecology in Central Appalachia

 Disturbance Ecology in Central Appalachia

NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University is seeking applicants for a summer REU program. The theme of the research is disturbance ecology. Students will work at Lilley Cornett Woods, a field station with old-growth forest in eastern Kentucky, and in Daniel Boone National Forest. This is a 10 week program running from May 24 – July 30, 2021.

Research projects for summer 2021 include studies of fish, salamanders, aquatic invertebrates, copperheads, migratory birds, small mammals, pollinators, old-growth forest, geohydrology, ecological resilience, remote sensing, and GIS. Students will be paired with faculty mentors and work closely with agency professionals. Students will develop research skills including communication, data collection and management, analysis, and writing, while also learning to work in remote field locations. Students will also participate in professional development workshops and recreational trips.

Student benefits include a stipend of $6000, housing, a food allowance, travel costs to and from EKU, research travel during the summer, and research supplies.

To be eligible, students must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident and an undergraduate graduating no earlier than Fall 2021. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, first generation college students, financially disadvantaged students, and students from colleges with limited research opportunities. Covid-19 related restrictions may create limitations for housing and travel.

Applications are due February 19, 2021. Participants will be selected by March 15, 2021. More information including the application can be found at https://bioreu.eku.edu/
Questions can be sent to David Brown or Kelly Watson at bioreu@eku.edu  .

Chesapeake Conservation Corps Job Opportunities

 Are you an aspiring college student or recent graduate interested in water resources protection and biological monitoring? The Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program is seeking applicants to assist the Maryland Department of Natural Resources! Apply to the Chesapeake Bay Trust by March 12.

The Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program provides an opportunity where young professionals can gain vital green jobs skills and build a network of connections in the environmental field while earning a salary. These one-year opportunities place young adults (ages 18-25) with nonprofits or government agencies to work full-time in the environmental field in the Chesapeake watershed. This program provides hands-on professional and leadership experience. This initiative is supported by the Trust, BGE an Exelon Company, the U.S. National Park Service and the state of Maryland.

Opportunity #1

 

One CCC member would work with their host to protect and restore Maryland’s state-owned lakes by conducting water quality monitoring, harmful algal bloom assessments, and submerged aquatic vegetation surveys and restoration from powerboats, kayaks and on foot. The CCC member would also receive training opportunities to participate in Chesapeake Bay-wide monitoring and restoration projects. Contact: Mike Naylor mike.naylor@maryland.gov.

Opportunity #2

​

One member would work with their hosts as a member of the Maryland Biological Stream Survey, one of the premier biological monitoring programs of its kind in the US. These members will travel to streams around the state to evaluate stream health by surveying fish, macroinvertebrates, habitat, and water chemistry. This Corps member's Capstone project would focus on monitoring and evaluating stream restoration projects funded by the Department. Contact: Matt Ashton  matthew.ashton@maryland.gov

Opportunity #3

One member's project would focus on further developing an aspect of the Department's freshwater mussel restoration and conservation initiatives. Contact: Matt Ashton matthew.ashton@maryland.gov

The purpose of the Corps Program is 1) to enable young adults to work with organizations and communities on issues impacting the Chesapeake Bay, and 2) to better prepare young adults pursuing careers in the environmental field. Corps Members will work on projects and programs that fall into at least one of six categories (environmental restoration, community engagement, environmental education, energy conservation, sustainable agriculture or forestry), gain career and leadership skills, and become more engaged through meaningful community service.

​The Chesapeake Bay Trust anticipates placing around 35-40 Corps Members, young adults 18-25, with nonprofit organizations and government agencies throughout the Chesapeake Bay region for a paid year of service ($19,000) beginning on August 18, 2020. To find the application, go to https://cbtrust.org/prospective/

Applications must be submitted through the Trust’s online system by March 12, 2020 at 4:00 pm.

For more information, visit https://cbtrust.org/prospective/.

For questions about this potential internship opportunity with Maryland DNR, please contact Program Manager Mike Naylor at mike.naylor@maryland.gov.

For any questions about becoming a volunteer or about the Chesapeake Conservation Corps, contact Senior Program Officer Tara Drennan, tdrennan@cbtrust.org or 410-974-2941, ext. 102.

WEBSITE: https://dnr.maryland.gov/ccs/Pages/ccc-host-applicants.aspx