United Soybean Board Programs for Environmental Science Students

The United Soybean Board (USB) wanted to share some of their work and programs that may be of interest to you. Below is a quick overview with links to more information.

Collegiate Biobased Network (CBN):  This no-cost professional development organization is for college and university students with an interest in biobased products, sustainability, green chemistry and more. It is designed to connect students with biobased industry leaders and fellow interested students. CBN is supported by the USB and offers webinars and other educational and future career connections.

Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel (NGSB): Managed by the National Biodiesel Board, with support from USB, the NGSB is a no-cost student professional organization that fosters collaboration, networking, and career development. Professors are also encouraged to join.

 

Soy Innovation Challenge:  The Yield Lab Institute, in partnership with USB, Syngenta, Amazon Web Services and the ICL Group held a challenge that delivered game-changing technologies designed to disrupt the current soybean value chain to create increased profitability for U.S. soybean farmers. Winners were announced in March. I’m not yet sure if there will be another challenge next year.

 

7th UMD Environmental Justice Symposium Presentations Submissions

 The Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, & Health (CEEJH) and 17 for Peace and Justice are pleased to announce the call for panelists and posters for the 7th Annual University of Maryland Environmental Justice and Health Disparities Symposium, to be held August 19 - 20, 2021.

 
In celebration of CEEJH’s tenth anniversary of research, service, and action in the DC region and beyond, conference organizers are seeking presentations and posters from community members, activists, researchers, students, and government officials. Looking toward the future of environmental justice work, we forge into our second decade with a call for intersectional perspectives on environmental justice. Last year’s combination of systemic racism, infectious disease, and climate crisis brought forth a national syndemic for people of color. Now, more than ever, we seek to highlight the forgotten, overlooked, and unheard voices of vulnerable communities existing within our field.

 

Submissions for poster and panel presentations will be open until 11:59pm, June 4th, 2021. Please share the following links with anyone whom you believe may be interested in either presenting at the 7th Annual UMD EJ Symposium or simply attending. 

 

Attendance Registration Form: https://go.umd.edu/2021ejsymposium

Presentations Submissions Form: https://go.umd.edu/EJsymposium7Submissions

 

Additionally, please see the attached FAQ or email Rami Homsi, rhomsi@terpmail.umd.edu, if you have any further questions. 

                         

                      

Soil Conservationist jobs

Multiple Soil Conservationist positions, in multiple locations across the USA, are open and posted on USAjobs. Please find the details and applications deadline here:

https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?hp=public&k=Soil%20Conservationist&p=1

Job Opportunities for Students: Fund for the Public Interest Summer Campaigns

 Summer Campaign Job Opportunities

Want to spend your summer building skills that will help launch your career, working on urgent issues you care about like stopping plastic pollution and reducing bee-killing pesticides and while earning good money?

Find out more and apply on our website!

The Fund for the Public Interest is seeking hard-working individuals with a passion for social change to fill citizen outreach and Field Manager positions across the country this summer. We are hiring for full-time positions. As canvassing requires face-to-face interaction with the canvassing team and members of the public, getting vaccinated and following our safety protocols are essential functions of the job and are therefore required for all staff. 

DEVELOP Maryland - NASA Goddard

 Good Morning,

My name is Nicole Ramberg-Pihl, a Fellow for the NASA DEVELOP National Program, headquartered at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA.

We are hosting virtual “About DEVELOP” webinars on Wednesday,  May 26th @ 3 pm ET and Thursday, May 27th @ 11 am ET in an effort to provide information about our capacity building program and how potential and interested candidates can apply and participate in the program.

We have 11 U.S. locations at NASA centers and regional collegiate locations. The goal of our virtual webinars is to not only provide program information to potential candidates, but to also generate discussion with prospective applicants outside of virtual platforms, such as Handshake and social media. We would like to learn more about our potential future candidates and provide them with the resources they need to be to successfully apply to NASA DEVELOP.

I have attached our flyer with specific information about our webinars and how to virtually join the presentation.

The NASA DEVELOP National Program addresses environmental and public policy issues through interdisciplinary research projects that apply the lens of NASA Earth observations to community concerns around the globe. Bridging the gap between NASA Earth science and society, DEVELOP builds capacity in both participants and partner organizations to better prepare them to address the challenges that face our society and future generations. Teams of DEVELOP participants collaborate with decision makers to conduct rapid 10 week feasibility projects that highlight relevant applications of Earth observing missions, cultivate advanced skills, and increase understanding of NASA Earth science data and technology.

https://develop.larc.nasa.gov/apply.php

The application for our fall 2021 term is currently open through June 25th with the fall term starting on September 13th. Please note due to the ongoing pandemic, the fall 2021 term will be conducted virtually. As such, all accepted participants must work remotely from within the United States. 

Please let me know if I can answer additional questions or concerns. Thank you for your time!

Best regards,

Nicole Ramberg-Pihl

nicole.ramberg@ssaihq.com

Facilities Maintenance Specialist - MD

Title: Manager
Functional Title: Facilities Maintenance Specialist
Position Number: 103048
Category Status: Exempt Regular
Unit: AGNR-AES-CMREC-Forage Research Farm (Ellicott City, MD)

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
Under minimum direction, plans, organizes and manages maintenance services at Central Maryland Research and Education Center (CMREC) providing hands-on building maintenance and repair for multiple buildings, space allocation, purchasing, emergency preparedness, and/or safety programs, schedule & coordinate services at three different locations; the Beltsville, Clarksville and Upper Marlboro facilities. Coordinate services with Research Facilities Management Office (RFMO) when needed, replace or contact vendors for a wide variety of complex systems including HVAC, Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical, Potable Water, Wastewater and Irrigation Systems as well as buildings and infrastructure maintenance. This position works directly with the Center Director (CMREC-LESREC-WMREC), Managers of the Research and Education Centers, and Research Facilities Management Office (RFMO).

Qualifications:
Required –
• Bachelor’s degree (Biological or Agricultural Engineering)
• CDL (obtain within one year)
• Two (2) years’ experience in overall facilities management with emphasis on research.
• However except for qualifications established by law, additional relevant experience five (5) years’ experience and formal education in which one has gained knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted for the degree (years of experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience).
• Ability to interact with vendors, diverse faculty and staff in a research environment.
• Familiarity with various building systems, e.g. HVAC, electrical, steam, water, building, grounds and motor vehicle maintenance and repair.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills: An extensive knowledge of HVAC systems, electronics and mechanics. Carpentry skills to perform routine interior and exterior building maintenance and renovations. Familiar with operation of large equipment (e.g. backhoes, tractors, forklifts, mowers and all types of power tools). Ability to fabricate and build parts using acetylene torch, arc and Mig welder and plasma cutter. Competent in computer usage.

Additional Certifications: Required certifications: 1) Holding and maintaining a CDL license (or obtain within one year of employment)

Additional Information:
Lift and transport agricultural supplies, tools and equipment, to climb and to perform extensive standing and walking, to wear and work in personal protective equipment; to work in extreme weather. On-call, emergency after hours, weekends and holidays may be required.

Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience, with base salary starting at $57,466. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Applications:
Electronic application is required and must be submitted through eTerp at: https://ejobs.umd.edu for position number 103048. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and list of three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

Closing Date: For best consideration apply before May 31, 2021 or until a suitable candidate has been identified.

Ecological jobs

Jobs posted on LinkedIn. There's an Ecological Restoration Monitoring Internship, Ecological Project Management Internship (both paid), and a Water Resource Specialist Position. 

Link to LinkedIn Post

Link to Indeed Application Page - This has the descriptions

Link to Ecotone Website

Natural Resources Biologist II - MD (Application due tonight!)

 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is hiring a Natural Resources Biologist II to work in the Resource Assessment Service as a part of the Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS). The incumbent will serve as a member of a field crew, participate in the planning and implementation of freshwater stream ecological assessments, and lead statistical analyses of ecological datasets collected during statewide and targeted sampling efforts.

For more information or to apply, please see the online job listing. Applications may be submitted through May 17, 2021.

4-H Extension Educator

Title: Agent Associate
Working Title: 4-H Extension Educator
Position Number: 114547
Category Status: Faculty, Non-Tenured, Full-Time ContinuingContract
Unit: AGNR-UME-Carroll County

Location: University of Maryland Extension-Carroll County Office, Westminster, MD

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The Agent Associate, in cooperation with the Extension Educator, will work in support of the Carroll county 4-H Youth Development Extension program. The Agent Associate is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating specific components of the Carroll County 4-H program. The position coordinates collaboration on educational programs among partners, outreach to clientele, and related activities. The Agent Associate is also responsible for meeting the needs and interests of a diverse audience of youth ages 5-18 as well as adult volunteers. The Agent Associate will function as an active member of the Carroll County 4-H team working under the direction of the State 4-H Program Leader and Area Extension Director with local programming leadership from the county tenure-track 4-H Educator. This position is a full-time 12- month term appointment.

Responsibilities include:
• Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs in 4-H youth development focusing on environmental science, shooting sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) including robotics.
Camp Leadership
• Plan, implement and evaluate residential camps and shooting sports camps to support programming priorities and needs.
• Provide active support and supervision of residential and shooting sports camps.
• Coordinate and participate in recruitment, training, and development of 4-H camp adult volunteers.
Outreach
• Work cooperatively with UME staff to market, promote, and deliver youth development programs to new and underserved audiences throughout the county.
• Identify and partner with community organizations that serve youth in order to further the reach of the 4-H program in Carroll County.
• Coordinate programming with community partners at public schools, after school programs, etc. to provide enrichment opportunities in the areas of environmental sciences and STEM including robotics.
• Utilize research-based educational materials from the University of Maryland, National and State 4-H, other state/national Extension programs, Universities, and government agencies to deliver high quality youth development programs.
Club Management
• Expand the 4-H Club program by assisting with creation of new clubs and recruiting new members through community outreach opportunities.
• Provide assistance and support for existing 4-H clubs and ensure required 4-H club documentation is appropriate and current.
• Create opportunities for youth to demonstrate and evaluate their 4-H project knowledge and recognize youth for their accomplishments and achievements.
• Recruit and train adult volunteers and teen leaders to conduct and provide educational programs.
• Assist with organization and implementation of 4-H activities, demonstrations, and events at various venues including the Carroll County Fair.

Qualifications:
Required–
• Bachelor's Degree in youth development, education, environmental science or science-related field.
• Demonstrated effectiveness and experience teaching diverse youth and adults in inclusive community settings.
• Demonstrated direct experience working with schools, after school and community programs.
• Experience working with diverse audiences of all socio-economic levels.
• Experience working with adult volunteers.
• Ability to lead, manage, and communicate effectively with peers, clientele, and volunteers.
• Strong computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office and use of distance teaching technology for educational programming and management.
• Flexible working hours required which include evening and weekend programs and meetings.
• A valid driver's license and access to an automobile for travel; willing to travel as needed locally and throughout Maryland.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferences–
• Master's Degree in related field.
• Experience in writing grants and securing funds for projects.

Physical Demands of the Position:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Nature of the Position: The position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. The ability to express or exchange ideas vocally is important, as well as the ability to hear and perceive information at normal spoken work levels.
• Physical Demands: A routine part of the position’s responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
• Environmental: Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. Active office, with interruptions from visitors, phone calls, and background noise. This position requires the employee to work outdoors at certain times of the year, especially during the time of annual fair, 4-H residential or day camps and youth recreation activities. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.

Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience, with base salary of $39,830.00/year. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Applications:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/82201 A complete application packet includes a cover letter of application, a current (signed) resume or Curriculum Vitae, copies of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position), and three (3) professional references (including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address).

Closing Date: For best consideration, apply by 06/03/2021. Position open until suitable candidate is identified.

SUMMER 2021 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP

MANRRS and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Internship Program.   The deadline to apply is May 18, 2021!!! The Department of Interior Direct Hiring Authority for Resource Assistant Internship (DHA-RAI) Program is a direct hiring initiative that challenges the BLM to develop an 11-week rigorous summer internship program for current college students or recent graduates, with particular attention to African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, and Hispanic students.  The DHA-RAI Program gives the BLM the opportunity to bring fresh perspectives to the organization while working on specific projects targeted toward hard-to-fill and high demand occupational series.  Successful completion of the rigorous internship program, along with their conferred degree, DHA-RAI Program participants that meet Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for a BLM mission-critical/hard-to-fill occupation may be directly appointed without competition to a full time, permanent position vacancy. Program benefits: Paid 11-week internship. Living allowance Travel allowance Orientation Webinars Hands-on experience Interns are eligible for a permanent position (non-competitive) in the BLM after successfully completing the 11-week internship and degree requirements.   For more information about the BLM Internship program, the eligibility requirements, the application process and the specific project details, please click the BLM logo below.   Apply here:  https://info.manrrs.org/summerblminternship

Sustainability Graduate Assistant - UMD

Sustainability Graduate Assistant

Position Description 

Unit: Department of Environmental Safety, Sustainability & Risk – Office of Sustainability

Title: Graduate Assistant for Sustainability

20 hours/week, 9.5 month paid position (August 2021-May 2022)

Apply by May 28. 2021 by sending a resume and cover letter to Tanvi Gadhia at sustainability@umd.edu. 

Position Summary: The Graduate Assistant (GA) for Sustainability 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 GA will support the Office of Sustainability initiatives including the management of existing programs, conduct research into new program areas, development of program proposals, and implementation of new initiatives. The GA 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. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Outreach Coordinator on implementing the Office of Sustainability’s behavior change programs including Green Terp and Green Chapter,. This will include planning outreach events, staffing those events (sometimes on evenings and weekends), and supporting the LEAF student outreach ambassadors team.  
• Support other Office of Sustainability staff on special projects as needed. Also, support the University Sustainability Council and various workgroups and projects. This could include topic research, preparing written and oral reports/presentations/communications, conducting surveys/focus groups, among other activities.
• Participate in regular Office of Sustainability staff meetings, ESSR departmental meetings, Green Terp/Chapter planning meetings with DRL and DFSL, and other meetings as assigned. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Education, Communications, Business, Engineering, Journalism, Life Sciences, or related field required. Academic experience specific to sustainability preferred. Must be enrolled in a UMD graduate program during the graduate assistantship.

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. No professional experience is required.

Preferred Experience: 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.

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.
• Proficient 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Student interns and volunteers

Co-Supervisors: Mark Stewart, Sustainability Manager, and Tanvi Gadhia, Outreach Coordinator

Paid Internship - ENST389 credit - Transform Maryland

Transform Maryland

Summer 2021 Internship

June 14 - August 20

Visit go.umd.edu/TMDInternship

Applications due May 28, 2021

Program Partners:

● Enterprise Planning & Continuous Improvement | Division of IT

● Administrative Modernization Program | Office of the Provost

● University Career Center | Division of Student Affairs

Internship Overview

This paid internship offers a fully immersive consulting experience that affords undergraduate students the opportunity to engage with a real client, work in dynamic teams, learn advanced management consulting strategies, and apply critical thinking and solution design to real world cases, all while developing general professional acumen. The internship is focused on innovating real University of Maryland processes.

This project-based internship is sponsored by Division of Information Technology’s, Office of the Provost, and Division of Student Affairs. Students are placed in teams of 5-7 students with a pair of top-tier professional mentors. Each team will be presented with a current challenge facing the university and given a university administrator as a project client. You will spend the summer researching and benchmarking against other schools, analyzing and synthesizing results, and formulating actual, applicable recommendations for the client.

The internship culminates in a final case-competition like presentation, which for the last several terms has attracted the attention of members of the Provost's cabinet and initiated projects to begin to implement some of the recommendations from the students. Most students have made discussing their experience with Transform Maryland the cornerstone of their job interviews.

Even if you are not interested in consulting as your future job, the internship is designed for all students across campus to develop the critical thinking as well as creative and soft-skills needed to be successful in their careers. Students work in teams, self-manage, problem-solve, think critically, conduct interviews, and learn how to present relevant information to a target audience. They have difficult conversations and learn to navigate the needs of their client and manage inter-team differences.

Past Projects

Past teams have been tasked with improving the business processes and/or student experience at the University of Maryland. Examples of projects include:

• Improving the FAFSA Verification Process - recommendations on ways to simplify the mandatory verification process, thereby reducing barriers to students collecting the financial aid they need in order to attend the University of Maryland.
• On-Campus Emergency Financial Program - a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at coordinating financial relief programs on campus to better support students in financial crises.
• Short-Term Study Abroad Business Reengineering - a review of the current challenges in the short-term study abroad business model and recommendations on how to increase participation and rebrand the value-proposition.

What Will You Learn?

Students will be given formal and informal training on some of the most sought after skills, including critical thinking, problem analysis, interpersonal engagement, how to communicate effectively, and how to deliver information. Specific learning objectives include:

Students will be able to:

● operate effectively in a fast-paced professional environment

● apply critical thinking and problem solving frameworks

● collect, analyze, and communicate data

● use common analysis tools—PEST and stakeholder analysis, primary and secondary research, issue trees, root cause analysis, cost-benefit analysis, process landscape models, swimlanes—to understand and evaluate a process

● develop and maintain a productive team dynamic

● develop and maintain a positive client relationship

What is Expected of Students?

The Transform Maryland Summer Internship is a 10 week program, running June 14-August 20. Students will be placed on multidisciplinary teams of 5-7 students who will be managed by two professional staff. Participation requires a minimum 20-hour commitment per week. Students will weekly have team meetings, regularly meet with their clients and mentors, and have independent work to complete. The program requires:

● Ability to commit at least twenty (20) hours of work each week.

● Leadership experience and a passion for improving/innovating business processes.

● Hardworking, responsible, professional, and extremely agile.

Can I get Credit?

Students may be eligible for it to count as an internship requirement in their program of study. We will work with your academic department to provide the necessary materials.

Apply at: go.umd.edu/TMDInternship

Summer Internship position - UMD in person

 The Palmer and Agroecology labs are seeking qualified interns interested in gaining experience in ecological/environmentally-focused laboratory and field research for the summer 2021 field season. The internship will be in person and on campus. Adherence to UMD COVID-19 testing requirements and protocols both on and off campus is required.

The selected intern(s) will work on projects investigating the fate of organic carbon, including carbon sequestration, transport, and methane emission, in wetland and agricultural ecosystems. Work will involve collecting, processing, and analyzing soil, water, and vegetation samples. You will be mentored by graduate and postdoctoral researchers and develop relevant and transferrable field and laboratory skills. This is a full-time, paid position tentatively starting June 1 and ending Aug 20. This position could fulfill internship requirements for select majors (e.g. PSLA and ENST) and has the potential to continue in the Fall for additional internship credit.

The position involves ~80% lab work and ~20% fieldwork in incredibly beautiful landscapes nestled along the Delmarva Peninsula. Candidates must therefore LOVE being outside, getting dirty, occasionally wet, and capable of withstanding the summer elements (heat, mosquitos, ticks, etc). Must also have excellent communication skills and proficiency in working with a team. Candidates with a background in environmental science and soil and laboratory experience a plus.

If interested, please email Sean Sharp (sjsharp@umd.edu) with the following materials:

• Resume (include your major and year)
• Short paragraph as to why you would like the internship
• List of completed relevant coursework or unofficial transcripts

- Sean J Sharp, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate
www.seanjsharp.net

c: 615-516-3731

SCHOLARSHIPS OF UP TO $2,000 AVAILABLE FOR 2021-2022!

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 5:00 PM ON FRIDAY, MAY 7.

Applications are being accepted for the Maryland Parent & Family Association Student Scholarship Awards. The scholarships provide assistance to current undergraduate students in good standing who may be unable to continue their education at the University due to extenuating personal or family financial circumstances. A minimum of 15 scholarships will be awarded for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Award criteria, instructions, and an online application can be found at https://terpfamily.umd.edu/mpfa-student-scholarship-award. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021.

Questions? Contact the Office of Parent and Family Affairs at 301.314.8429 or terpfamily@umd.edu.