ENST RESTORE, our student society, is hosting a career spotlight with ENST alumni Liz O’Keefe Markham! She is a GIS analyst at Straughan Environmental Inc. and has worked with mapping, environmental design and planning. There will be plenty of time for Q&A.
December 1, 2021 6-7pm
Undergraduate Student Research Assistant in Environmental Quality
The Nutrient Management and Water Quality group in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology (go.umd.edu/Toor) is looking to hire a part-time (10-20 hours/week) Undergraduate Research Assistant for conducting research on the fate of phosphorus in biosolids (a product of human waste) amended soils. The work involves collecting and analyzing different biosolids, manure, and soil samples. Laboratory analyses would include pH, particle size analysis, and parameters such as species composition of phosphorus and metals. The student would also be responsible for assisting with data organization and analysis, washing laboratory equipment, filtering samples, and keeping the laboratory environment clean. There may be opportunities to assist other researchers within the laboratory, as needed. Other current research in the group includes stormwater sampling from edge of field catchments using novel tools and technologies to protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The student must be independent and comfortable working with laboratory equipment and performing various activities in the laboratory.
Previous lab experience is preferred but not required to apply. The student must show a demonstrated work ethic, attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and stick to a punctual laboratory work schedule. Priority will be given to upperclassmen (juniors and seniors) who have demonstrated an excellent understanding of chemistry principles and laboratory methods, and who plan on holding this position for at least one full year.
Pay rate will start at $15/hour. There is a possibility of pay increases with experienced gains. Opportunities include professional development with mentoring from graduate students, post-docs, and Dr. Toor, as well as possibilities to present research at conferences. The student will be supervised by Taylor Roswall, Faculty Assistant. Further, experience in publishing papers, data analysis, and project management are all expected to be gained through this position.
Applications should be emailed to Taylor Roswall (troswall@umd.edu) as soon as possible. The applications should include (1) an updated resume and (2) a cover letter detailing laboratory experience, expected graduation date, additional pertinent experience/details, and a schedule detailing the proposed blocks of time you would be able to work in the lab during Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022 semesters (please detail at least 15 hours a week during Mon - Fri from 8am - 6pm).
Join us on the 3rd December to celebrate World Soil Day when the brilliant Andrew Galloway (University of Oxford) will present “The Importance of Soil and How Life on Earth Depends on it”:
Soil
forms the basis of all land-based ecosystems on Earth. Prior to the
generation of soil, the land was littered with sterile rocks without any
life. This highly complex medium is formed of minerals, dead and
decomposing organic matter, air, water and life (microorganisms, animals
and plants).
We depend on soil for our agricultural crops as well as it being a huge
biodiversity reservoir - teaspoon of soil contains billions of
microorganisms, and the world’s second largest carbon store second to
our oceans. Although crucial to land-based life, we are currently
losing, by erosion over 100 Km2 per year, which is equivalent to the
size of South Korea. Additionally, 40% of the world’s agricultural
fields are at risk. We have been overburdening our soil for thousands of
years but with the latest research and good environmental practices we
can protect this vital resource required for our society.
In this talk, you will learn why soil is important, what its forms of, how it formed, the issue of soil erosion, and how we can protect our soil for future generations.
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Chincoteague
National Wildlife Refuge Complex 2022 Biological Internship Opportunities
Interns are an essential part of operations at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Virginia. Once selected, you will become a dynamic member of our skilled and motivated team. Together we will harness the power of communication, science, and innovation to increase visitors’ enjoyment and understanding of wildlife refuges while actively monitoring and protecting the wildlife that call this refuge home. Sound like your kind of place? You supply the time and interest, and we’ll provide the experience of a lifetime.
Habitat Management Internship: 17 weeks (April 25–August 19, 2022)
One full time intern is needed to assist with monitoring and managing a variety of habitats (maritime forest, freshwater wetland, salt marsh, beach strand) located on the barrier island and mainland properties of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Virginia.
Primary responsibilities (80% of duties) include but are not limited to: monitoring and managing southern pine beetle infestations, monitoring vegetation affected by pony grazing and water management, mapping and eradicating invasive plant species common to the Mid-Atlantic region, and monitoring federally threatened seabeach amaranth.
Additional responsibilities (20% of duties) include but are not limited to: monitoring and managing Delmarva fox squirrel and participating in environmental education and interpretation events.
Desired qualifications: knowledge of coastal habitats, previous experience with habitat sampling, familiarity with field research
techniques, data collection
procedures, GIS and computer skills helpful.
Coastal Waterbird Internship: 15 weeks (April 25–August 5, 2022)
Two full time interns are needed to assist with monitoring coastal nesting and migrating birds (piping plover, Wilson's plover, least tern, black skimmer, American
oystercatcher, and red knot), on the Assateague Island and Assawoman Island units of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Virginia.
Primary responsibilities (80% of duties) include but are not limited to: censusing a variety of beach nesting birds, monitoring productivity from egg laying to fledging, erecting predator exclosures, posting and maintaining symbolic fencing, re sighting and recording banded birds, data entry, report writing and daily truck and ATV maintenance.
Additional responsibilities (20% of duties) include but are not limited to: marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response, assisting with sea turtle nest monitoring and management, participating in environmental education and interpretation events.
Desired qualifications: strong interest in avian conservation and experience using optical equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes), previous coastal bird experience, familiarity with field research techniques, data collection
procedures, GIS and computer skills helpful.
General requirements:
· U.S. citizen, national or
· lawful permanent resident.
· Recent college graduate or current student with a minimum of junior status in wildlife biology or related field.
· Ability to work independently under adverse
· environmental conditions
· (heat, humidity, wind, biting insects)
· Ability to walk in difficult
· terrain for long distances (5 miles per day) and carry
· field equipment (30-40 lbs)
· Good observational and
· communication skills, good
· hearing and eyesight, the
· ability to work well with others, live in close quarters, and be an enthusiastic field worker.
· Valid state driver's license, 4- wheel driving experience and must be comfortable riding
· ATVs.
· Schedule flexibility (9 to 12 hours daily) including weekend and evening shifts
Benefits:
· Experience of a lifetime!
· Free co-ed bunkhouse style lodging on Chincoteague NWR (if COVID19 regulations allow).
· Modern furnished facilities with laundry, Wi-Fi, and TV in common area.
· Professional development, training, and networking opportunities.
· Training, work vehicle, equipment, and FWS volunteer uniforms provided.
How to Apply:
Email application (one PDF) to Katie Walker that includes:
· Cover letter
· Resume
· Contact information for three professional references (including email and phone number)
Please be clear which internship you are applying for. Applications should be named with internship type and first and last names:
CNWR_habitat_LastFirst
CNWR_waterbird_LastFirst
Closing date: February 20, 2022 Selections may begin before the closing date; we recommend applying early.
For more information contact:
Katie Walker
Wildlife Biologist
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge 8231 Beach Road
Chincoteague, VA 23336
757-336-6122 x2320
Katie_Walker@fws.gov
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/chincoteague/