AEES Meetings

 

For students interested in ecological design, building, and/or engineering...you might want to consider getting involved in American Ecological Engineering Society (AEES). This is the UMD club that helped build the green wall in McKeldin Library. Here are details from their president. 

Our general body meetings happen every other Thursday, with the next one occurring next Thursday, April 28th in ANS0422 from 7pm-8pm. You can also encourage them to join our club Discord here at this link: https://discord.gg/jJmbv4N. 

Research Ecologist/Soil Scientist/Hydrologist

 

We are currently seeking a Research Ecologist/Soil Scientist/Hydrologist in the NP211 Water Availability and Watershed Management research project managed under the Agroecosystems Management Research Unit (AMRU) located at the USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (NLAE) in Ames, Iowa. The research conducted under this position will contribute to the understanding, quantifying and managing of interactions between climate, soils and land-use and their impact on hydrology and water quality at field, landscape and watershed scales. Currently the AMRU has a staff of 16 (8 scientist positions) and is undergoing significant turnover with recent scientists and research leader hires. Truly an exciting time to join the laboratory to contribute new research direction and solutions to emerging agronomic challenges. Within AMRU there are three research projects in the Unit, one each in NP101 Food Animal Production, NP211 Water Availability and Watershed Management, and NP216 Sustainable Agricultural Systems Research; with additional research conducted in NP212 Climate Change, Soils, and Air Emissions managed under the Soil, Water, and Air Resources Research Unit within NLAE.

 

The National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment has over a 30 year history of conducting research to balance production goals with environmental quality. As such, NLAE has a diverse set of stakeholders reflecting its national scope and the interests of representatives from production agriculture and environmental groups. Excellent facilities are available for laboratory research as most laboratories underwent significant renovation in 2020-21. Modern field and watershed research facilities are conveniently located nearby. NLAE staff are actively involved in multiple ARS and other scientific research networks including Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR), Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), AmeriFlux, and GRACEnet.

 

I would very much appreciate if you could bring this opportunity to the attention to any Research Ecologist/Soil Scientist/Hydrologist scientists with an interest in understanding, quantifying and managing of interactions between climate, soils and land-use and their impact on hydrology and water quality at field, landscape and watershed scales. Please see the attached ad for a brief summary of the position. The USAJobs announcement is a https://www.usajobs.gov/job/649846000.

 

The position is located in Ames, IA, a city of ~ 65,000 inhabitants 30 miles north of Des Moines (Ames Chamber of Commerce: https://www.ameschamber.com). NLAE (https://www.ars.usda.gov/midwest-area/ames/nlae/) is located on the campus of Iowa State University, a Big 12 university (https://web.iastate.edu/about).

 

Please feel free to contact to me if you have any questions or our Search Committee Chair, John Prueger (john.prueger@usda.gov).

Sustainability Career Panel - April 29th

 

This is a reminder that we are hosting a Sustainability Career Panel this Friday, April 29, from 12pm to 1pm. 

The event is open to all majors and anyone interested in careers in the sustainability field is highly encouraged to attend.

Don't miss this opportunity to network with professionals and Alumni. Learn about opportunities as well as gain insight from those working in the industry!

Keep in mind, that you must register to attend. .

Students can learn more about the event HERE and register HERE.

UMD Global/Federal Fellows Undergrad Internship Program

 

UMD Global/Federal Fellows Undergrad Internship Program - Apply Now!

Do you want to gain professional experience, try out working for the federal government, non-profits, consulting firms, and more? Our one-year program combines a fall 2022 seminar and a spring 2023 internship, both for college credit, and offers a unique active-learning opportunity to integrate your academics with real world experience and explore future goals. Join a passionate, multi-disciplinary, and engaged student cohort and become part of a +1000 alumni network for life! 

Program Perks Include:

• Your Choice of 10 Fall Seminar Courses (all taught by expert practitioners with courses offered once a week, mostly in the evenings; fall seminars are also cross-listed with Honors.                     

           - Global Health Challenges, Infectious Diseases & Water Security
           - Science Diplomacy (learn negotiation skills)
           - Responses to Global Challenges 
           - Energy and Environmental Policy
           - International Security and Intelligence   

           - Public Health Policy 
           - Homeland Security and National Security Policy
           - US Diplomacy
           - Critical Regions and International Relations 

           - Political Engagement and Advocacy

• Spring Internship 3-9 credits available through our program (including Scholarship in Practice credit) or you can obtain credit through your own major.
• Internships/Program Partnerships at a myriad of sites, such as:                          U.S. Department of Agriculture, World Resources Institute, Climate Action Campaign, Chemonics International, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The United Nations, NOAA, World Wildlife Federation, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Ocean Conservancy, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, White House: Office of Science and Technology Policy, Department of State: Bureau of Oceans, Environment & Science, the National Parks, the Smithsonian, and many more! 
• Year round activities include visits with DC organizations, professional development workshops, one-on-one coaching, resume and cover letter review, interview preparation, good cheer, etc.
• Earn transcript notation as a Federal or Global Fellow

Application Link: Online Application

Next Deadline: May 6, 2022 (then rolling admission)

***Prospective Student Info Sessions***

Every Friday, 12pm-1pm, In-Person at 2407 Marie Mount Hall

Wildlife Technicians

 

Founded in 1999, Bat Conservation & Management (BCM) is small company which serves clients in need of bat ecological consulting services and bat habitat enhancement structures.

 

We are looking for positive, enthusiastic Wildlife Technicians to join our team. This is a full time position in Carlisle, PA. You will be exposed to a wide variety of tasks spanning basic wood shop operation, office-type organization of orders, and basic wildlife tech fieldwork. You can grow into owning positions you excel with... Shop Manager, Office Manager, Wildlife Biologist/Team Lead, or continue working in multiple overlapping aspects. Never be bored and opportunities to travel the Eastern US with fieldwork.

 

https://batmanagement.com/pages/job-opportunities

Environmental Related Career Services night - April 28

We have put together an informal virtual event for those students who may be interested in working with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), and/or the Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD). We have representatives from all three organizations available to talk and answer questions about upcoming positions they have. They are specifically looking to hire for soil conservationists and techs, but are open to talking about other opportunities, including future internships, if you have any students who may be interested. 

Maryland Agriculture and Conservation Careers

Thursday, April 28

1:30 - 2:30 PM

Via Zoom

Students can register via Careers4Terps.

Please feel free to pass this along to any relevant students, faculty, or staff, and let me know if you have any questions!

Thank you,

Casey 

--

Casey Miller

University Career Center & The President’s Promise

Program Director, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources 

Phone: (301) 314-2221

Campus Address: 0107B Symons Hall, 7998 Regents Drive, College Park, MD 20742

Mailing Address: 4130 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20742

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

go.umd.edu/agnrcareers

@UMDCareerCenter   |   www.careers.umd.edu

Self-care messages

 

I am sharing the information about the self-care texts that an intern and I developed in 2020 (from my Admin Monday talk). There are 60 total, and you receive 3 per week. The topics are nutrition, mindfulness, and social connection. They are not earth-shattering ideas, rather they are nudges to act on the things we know are good for our overall wellness. 

To sign up, send a text message with the word MDWellness to the number 898211. 

 

Best,

Alexander Chan, Ph.D., LCMFT

UME - FCS Mental Health Specialist

Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Program Intern

 

Chesapeake Bay Trust

Job Title: Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Program Intern

Position Description

 

The Chesapeake Bay Trust (the Trust), a non-profit organization that promotes public participation in the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, seeks a programmatic intern for the year for approximately 24 hours per week. This position will play an important role in assisting the Trust’s programmatic team with the administration of the Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Program and grant-related administrative tasks.

 

About the Trust

The Chesapeake Bay Trust is dedicated to promoting public awareness and participation in the restoration and protection of the natural resources of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay region, established by state government in 1985. Our work is supported by approximately 30-40 different sources, including Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay license plate; the Chesapeake and Endangered Species Tax check-off on the Maryland state income tax form; a donation option on Maryland’s boating, fishing, and hunting license website; a new merchandising online store; federal, state, and local government and private foundation funding partners that fall under the purview of our Program Departments; and corporate and individual donors who fall under the purview of our Development Departments.

With the funds generated from these various sources, we make approximately 350 grants per year ranging from $100 to $200,000 for projects in the K-12 environmental education, on-the-ground restoration, science, and community engagement realms. Our goal is to empower groups on the ground to play a role in the restoration and protection of communities and natural resources. In the past decade, the Trust has increased its grant-making four-fold through new revenue streams, with a current annual grant-making of approximately $12 million.

 

Position Responsibilities:

Administrative (~80%)

• Reports to the Rain Check Rebate Program Coordinator to support administrative duties as assigned.

• Assists with processing of Rain Check Rebate program applications.

• Assists with follow-up for the Rain Check Rebate program applicants to ensure all necessary documentation has been received for processing.

• Assists with related data entry into the Trust’s Blackbaud Grantmaking database; and

• Additional other Rain Check Rebate projects, as assigned.

 

Fieldwork (~20%)

• Helps to complete Rain Check Rebate program site visits (virtually and in-person).

 

Skills and Qualifications

• An undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking student in environmental studies or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, students majoring in other fields must have an interest in environmental stewardship and residential stormwater management practices.

• Knowledge of environment, sustainability, and community engagement issues desired.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to communicate effectively with property owners.

• Strong computer literacy is essential: MS Office; Excel; familiarity with database management is a plus.

• Some travel required (mostly to and from Prince George’s County to Annapolis, where the Trust office is located); although site visits can be done remotely.

• Note that our staff is working both in the office and working remotely with limited access to the office, as needed.

• Ability to work 24 hours per week required.

 

Compensation: $16.00 per hour, 24 hours per week.

 

Term: Approximately June 1 through October 1; with a possibility to extend the term pending resource availability.

 

To apply, please submit: Cover letter and resume via email to Sarah Higgins; SHiggins@cbtrust.org and place “RCR Programmatic Intern – Your Last Name” in the subject line of the email. The cover letter must address how your skills and experience are specifically relevant to the job description and duties of this specific opportunity, rather than serving simply as a description of your previous positions or experience. Please explain why you are interested in this position specifically and what makes you an ideal candidate. Applications will begin to be reviewed upon receipt. The position will remain open until filled.

Squirrel & Bat Technician

 

Environmental Control Technician III: Delmarva Fox Squirrels and Bats ($14.69/hr)

Primary responsibilities will be associated with conducting field research with Delmarva fox squirrels (DFS) and helping with bat projects. Duties with DFS will include setting up and monitoring camera traps, assisting with translocations of DFS, trapping and transporting squirrels and conducting radio telemetry.  Work will be conducted independently and as a team leader. Duties will also include soliciting reports of DFS sightings, maintaining Excel, Access and GIS databases, and preparing technical reports. Bat work may include acoustic surveys, bat catches, radio telemetry, preparing outreach materials, resolving bat/human conflicts, and managing data. Much of the bat fieldwork will occur during evening and nighttime hours, sometimes in hot/humid and buggy conditions. Field work with either species will include carrying heavy and awkward equipment in difficult weather conditions. This position will also assist with other projects.

To Apply, send resume and cover letter to: Holly.Niederriter@delaware.gov 

AND

fill out application (and see additional information) online at https://www.jobapscloud.com/DE/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1=042022&R2=MGCC03&R3=400300

Research Soil Scientist position

The National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, a USDA-ARS facility in Ames, Iowa, is advertising a vacant Research Soil Scientist position. The incumbent will develop a research program concerning agricultural management effects on soil physical properties and organic matter. There is potential to have good interaction with Iowa State University and external stakeholder groups such as Practical Farmers of Iowa. If you deem appropriate, please distribute the attached announcement to any potentially interested parties within your institution. The deadline to apply for this position is May 6th, 2022. For information on how to apply, please visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/646539300.

Plant Healthcare Technician

An ENST alumni just shared one of his job openings. We are looking to hire a Plant Healthcare Technician for our busy summer season, with an option to stay on permanently and learn to perform various aspects of tree work including chainsaw use, tree climbing for pruning and removal, and forestry operations. I was wondering if you'd be willing to share this job with alumni as well as students graduating this semester. Below is a more detailed description of the position. Hope all is well. Thank you, David Stackpole We are seeking a Plant Health Care Technician to join our team at A&A Tree Experts Responsibilities: • Operating spray equipment to treat ornamental trees and shrubs in residential landscapes • Monitoring plant health • Treating invasive species in woodlots • Assisting in other Plant Health Care operations as necessary • Willing to learn various components of tree work Qualifications: • Clean Driving Record • Plant ID skills or ability to learn plant ID • Background in Biology, Forestry, or Natural Resource Management preferred • 4-year degree preferred • Mechanical skills a plus Apply via email at info@aatreeexperts.com If you have any questions give us a call at 410-486-4561 or visit our website at aatreeexperts.com

Campus Forest Carbon Project undergrad researchers/interns

The Campus Forest Carbon Project is finishing Year 3 of our work with the Office of Sustainability and we are looking for more undergraduate researchers to join our team this Summer. Full details are here: https://geog.umd.edu/project/campus-forest-carbon-project Including estimates of campus forest carbon in UMD’s Climate Action Plan Sponsoring Organizations: Department of Geographical Sciences with support from the UMD Office of Sustainability and Campus Sustainability Fund. Internship Term: 10-15/hrs per week during Summer 2022, with potential opportunity for renewal in the Fall 2023. Compensation: $13/hr Project Description: This project is an extension of our work in 2020 and 2021 to advance University of Maryland’s goal to become climate neutral by accurately adding land-based carbon into its annual carbon footprint. While much progress has been made to lower University emissions across multiple energy sectors, tree conservation or restoration could further enhance these goals with high-resolution measurements of forest carbon gains (or losses) at 90 square meter resolution. As a living document, the University’s Climate Action Plan can also be further developed to reflect our commitment to maintaining or increasing our natural carbon storage capacities via informed land-use decisions. Additionally, this work builds UMD’s capacity to purchase forest-based carbon credits from reliable projects located in Maryland using a consistent scientific approach. Faculty and students in the Department of Geographical Sciences have already been working with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, under the auspices of NASA’s Carbon Monitoring System, to implement this carbon monitoring science at the State level and advance the goals of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act. Further, we have begun to work with member states of the U.S. Climate Alliance, including Maryland, to implement this same technology in support of states’ annual carbon budgeting. By utilizing student support, we can help the University “walk the walk” and advance our own forest climate goals in parallel with Maryland and other U.S. Climate Alliance states. The scope of this work also provides an opportunity for UMD to influence the carbon budgeting process of all universities that have pledged support for the “Carbon Commitment,” working with others, such as the University of New Hampshire, to improve the “Sustainability Indicator Management and Analysis Platform” that signatories use to quantify and report their carbon footprints. Over three years, this project has moved from prototype development to annual forest carbon reporting. This summer, we plan to finalize our science for inclusion within the campus carbon budget to help inform future land-use planning, maximize integration with UMD’s current climate initiatives, and to ultimately advance campus carbon goals. We are also finalizing an innovative forest carbon offset protocol that could be used to provide high quality local forest carbon projects to the university at a reduced cost using remote sensing technology. More information about our project can be found here: https://geog.umd.edu/project/campus-forest-carbon-project Position Description: We are looking for undergraduate researchers to join our team. Undergraduate students will lead the development of all proposed deliverables with support from a faculty member, postdoctoral scholar, and graduate student with experience implementing this work at larger spatial scales. When working, student researchers will have access to the computational resources of the Department of Geographical Sciences, allowing students to work in a collaborative and research-focused, professional environment. Specifically, we will provide access to the Department’s Global Ecology Lab, to maximize student interaction with faculty, graduate students and staff. Applicants should be comfortable working independently and in coordination with a research team. In addition to developing the methodology, students will also draft a report of their findings and participate in a campus talk/showcase where they can present their work to the campus community and discuss the implications of including land based carbon in the carbon budget. Required Skill Set: ● Experience with ArcGIS ● Ability to work independently and in coordination with a research team ● Strong writing and analytical skills ● Strong oral communication skills ● Programming experience with Python (preferred) Required Application Materials: ● A brief cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position ● Resume/CV ● A copy of your unofficial transcript ● Contact information for two references who can speak to your work ethic and prior research or work experience Application Deadline: April 20, 2022 All application materials should be sent as ONE PDF to Marie Panday (fpanday@umd.edu) and Camille Hoffman Delett (choffma5@umd.edu). Any questions should also be sent to both emails. Please put “Campus Forest Carbon Project Application” and your name in the subject line of the email.

Edward R. Landa and Judith A. Johnson Scholarship for ENST students

The Edward R. Landa and Judith A. Johnson Scholarship provides merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students in Environmental Science and Technology (ENST) major in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Recipients must be juniors or seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree in ENST. Preference will be given to student members of the University of Maryland, College Park Chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS).

The deadline to submit this form is May 1, 2022. Decisions will be released to all applicants by May 8, 2022. 

For the application to be considered, applicants should: 

1. Complete all the information below 

2. Upload a resume (PDF format) 

3. Write and upload an essay (PDF format) 

Submit your applications to Dr. Izursa (jlizursa@umd.edu) 

 

1. Please complete the information below: 

a. UID number 

b. First name: 

c. Last name: 

d. Street address: 

e. City: 

f. State: 

g. Zip code: 

h. Email address: 

1.1. For Maryland residents county: 

1.2. Semester admitted to UMD: 

1.3. Overall GPA: 

1.4. Total credit hours completed: 

1.5. Total credit hours completed for the ENST major: 

1.6. Has any member of your family graduated from UMD and/or AGNR? 

a. Who from your family graduated from UMD/AGNR?  Please include their name, major, and graduation year: 

1.7. Contributions to MANRRS (executive board positions held, prepared talks, MANRRS conferences and clusters attended, branch publications, field day involvement, meeting attendance (how much), fundraising, Maryland Day, club campus activities, etc.): 

2. Resume: Upload your current resume in PDF format, which should include a list and description of your extracurricular activities (for example: memberships/leadership in organizations, clubs, teams, etc.), volunteer or work activities, and honors or academic awards you have received. Please include your name in the file name. Ex: FirstLastResume.pdf 

3. Essay: Upload a PDF of an essay (maximum of 750 words). The essay topic will respond to the following questions: a. What led you to study within the College of AGNR and the Department of ENST? b. Why are you passionate about the environmental science and technology field? c. How have the opportunities within MANRRS can help you achieve your career goals? d. How could earning the Edward R. Landa and Judith A. Johnson scholarship help you be successful in your career and academic goals. Please include your name in the file name. Ex: FirstLastEssay.pdf If your uploaded file is not submitted as a PDF or following the above file name format may not be reviewed by the committee. 

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Izursa at jlizursa@umd.edu.