Summer Bat Technician in Washington, DC

Location: Washington, DC

Start Date: May 14, 2018

End Date: Aug 31, 2018

Last Date to Apply:  April 20, 2018

Hours:  35 hours/week

Technician needed to conduct mist netting for bats in Washington, DC. This work is part of a larger survey of the bat community of the National Capital region. The majority of the work will be conducted at NIGHT.  Must have own transportation.

DUTIES:

Mist net for bats

Track bats to roosts using telemetry

Collect environmental data at bat roost locations.

Conduct bat roost exit counts

Conduct bat acoustical monitoring

COMPENSATION:

Salary: $8,400.00 ($525/weekly)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must have rabies vaccine by start date.

Applicants must be able to:

Stand for 30-180 minute intervals

Hike/walk 1- 10 miles a day

Carry up to 30 pounds

Use hand-held and driving navigation tools

Accurately record field data

PREFERRED:

Vaccinated for rabies

The ideal candidate will have experience with mist netting, identifying bats, and tracking with telemetry.

Please send resumes with references to lindsay.rohrbaugh@dc.gov     

Maryland Environmental Service - Internship Positions

Job Title: Environmental Interns
Salary Range: TBD
Location: Millersville, MD
Posted on: Mar 30, 2018

About this position:

Maryland Environmental Service has Intern positions available in our Environmental Operations, Environmental Dredging & Restoration, Environmental Compliance & Safety, and Geospatial & Engineering Services Groups. Relevant majors include: Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Earth Science, Geology, Biology, Environmental Policy, Health and Safety, Surveying, Engineering and Geography. All positions are based out of our Headquarters facility in Millersville, MD, but will require some travel to field sites. This is a paid summer internship beginning in May 2018 through August 2018. Salary is commensurate with academic year.

---Environmental Operations Intern duties include: Collection and review of data for landfill operations, assisting with groundwater sampling and landfill gas monitoring and compliance reporting.

---Environmental Dredging & Restoration Intern duties include: Assisting with teaching summer programs related to the Port of Baltimore, exhibit maintenance, daily care of turtles that are ambassadors of the TERP program associated with Poplar Island and field level assistance with environmental monitoring activities.

---Environmental Compliance and Safety Intern duties include: Assisting with facility and project inspections, and monitoring compliance of facility operations, construction and safety practices. May prepare technical documents, reports and plans, review and research Federal, State and local permits as well as regulatory requirements.

---Geospatial & Engineering Services Intern duties include: Providing support in performing surveys under the direction of the surveying staff to investigate land surfaces and provide accurate locations of lines, angles, point areas, and elevations.

**When applying for this position**:

Please specify which operating field you are interested in and your availability time frame when submitting application.

Application Deadline:  Not specified 

Job Posting:  https://menv.com/careers/28

Ecotoxicology Research Technician - USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Ctr.

Description:

The technician will assist in collection, analysis and summary of data and also review published anticoagulant rodenticide literature on exposure and effects on non-target wildlife, including effects on vitamin K epoxide reductase. This work is part of ongoing research at the USGS-Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and is funded by the USGS Environmental Health Discipline. 

The technician will weigh and dry diet samples using a protocol, data template, drying oven, electronic balance, and associated laboratory equipment at USGS-Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland. The data generated from this task will be are used to estimate daily food consumption of test animals from an anticoagulant rodenticide research study. The technician will also transfer blood clotting time data from instrument printouts and paper forms to electronic spreadsheets. The transferred data will be verified for accuracy, and then summarized using basic statistics. Finally, the technician will compile and review scientific literature on in vitro and cell-based assays assessing warfarin and anticoagulant rodenticide on the activity of vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR), with the ultimate goal of designing new research studies to more efficiently evaluate anticoagulant rodenticide exposure and effects in a manner that will minimize the use of animal test subjects. 

Qualifications:

The position requires completion of undergraduate and graduate academic coursework related to biological and environmental sciences.  Previous laboratory experience is highly recommended. The position requires the use of balances, drying oven, computer software for data entry and presentation. The technician will take basic laboratory safety training or demonstrate that they have already completed such training, and may be required to handle potentially toxic materials.

Deadline to Apply: 

April 13th 2018

Contact Barnett Rattner by phone at 301-497-5671 or by email at brattner@usgs.gov

Shannon Edmonds Exit Seminar: Investigating the Effects of Coal Ash Storage Facilities on Aquatic Biota

To all that may be interested,

Our graduate student, Shannon Edmonds, is having her exit seminar today at 4:00 pm in ANSC 0408.

Investigating the Effects of Coal Ash Storage Facilities on Aquatic Biota

Shannon Edmonds, Dr. Lance Yonkos (Advisor)

Abstract:

In 2015 the United States produced 117.3 million tons of coal combustion waste (CCW), or coal ash (American Coal Ash Association 2016). A 2010 report estimated that 300 landfills and 584 storage ponds exist throughout the United States (Zierold and Sears 2014). These facilities vary in their size and construction, and can be unlined, clay-lined, or composite lined. Unlined landfills can cause runoff and seepage of coal ash related contaminants.

This project investigates the toxicological consequences of leachate from “dry” coal ash disposal on water quality and biota in receiving waters. The study includes laboratory-based toxicity testing of field-collected media. A quarterly series of whole effluent toxicity tests was completed on discharge samples from three Maryland disposal facilities. Results indicate varying levels of chronic toxicity at all three locations. Priority metals and major ions have been measured and monitored over time and concurrently with the bioassays. The wastewaters were found to be consistently high in total dissolved solids (TDS) and high conductivities were consistently observed, both indicative of elevated major ions.

Traditional phase 1 toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) methods are not effective at addressing major ion toxicity (Goodfellow et al. 2000, Norberg-King et al. 2005). Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the toxicity associated with major ion imbalances using mock effluents and a weight-of-evidence approach in order to determine and confirm the primary causative ions. Calcium, chloride, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and sulfate were used to create a reconstituted mock effluent.  A 7-day static renewal dilution series was completed using Ceriodaphnia dubia and threshold inhibition concentration values were compared between the reconstituted mock effluent and the wastewater. Historic effluent data was compared with current effluent data across the three sites and seasonal patterns were observed and noted.

ENST Cornhole Deadline EXTENSION

Hey ENST! 

Feeling Artistic?  Sometimes the best way to decompress during the middle of the semester is through a creative outlet. 

It just so happens that ENST is still taking designs for the Official ENST Cornhole Board! 

· All designs must be vertical layout, 48 x 24 inches, 350 dpi

· May be submitted as single board design, or matching pair layout.

· Remember to leave room in your design for a hole 6in in diameter in the top center of your board!

· All submissions become property of ENST.

· Up to 2 designs will be chosen.

The winning designers will get a set of custom-made boards featuring their design! 

 Submit your design today! Designs are due by our new extended deadline, Tuesday, April 17th!

Please email your submissions/questions to: mroger@umd.edu

Seminar - Irrigation with Reclaimed Wastewater: New Source of Water or Emerging Problem

Prof. Benny Chefetz (Dean of the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem) will  be delivering a seminar on  April 11, 2018, 2-3 PM EST​.  Title of his presentation will be as follows:

 

 Title: Irrigation with Reclaimed Wastewater: New Source of Water or Emerging Problem

 

Location: Room 2236 in the School of Public Health

Synopsis: Fresh water scarcity has led to increased use of treated wastewater as an alternative source for crop irrigation. Concerns have been raised regarding pharmaceutical exposure via treated wastewater. In our recent work, we demonstrated that active pharmaceuticals are introduced to arable land via irrigation water. Moreover, we showed that some pharmaceuticals can be taken up and accumulated in edible parts of plants. Our studies aimed to assess whether carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant drug highly persistent in wastewater, is present in commercially available treated wastewater-irrigated produce, and whether human exposure to carbamazepine occurs via ingestion of this produce. In this study we follow the exposure path: wastewater ⇒ irrigation water ⇒ soil ⇒ crops ⇒ consumers. Using volunteer cohorts in a single blind crossover trial, carbamazepine and metabolite levels were measured in produce and human urine. Our findings indicated that following seven days of consuming treated wastewater irrigated-produce all volunteers exhibited quantifiable levels of carbamazepine, while in a cohort of volunteers who consumed fresh water irrigated-produce, the distribution remained unchanged from baseline (between group P<0.001). Urine levels of the cohort that consumed consuming treated wastewater irrigated-produce for seven days were found to return to baseline following the exposure periods. This study demonstrates "proof of concept" that human exposure to pharmaceuticals occurs through ingestion of commercially available treated wastewater-irrigated produce, providing data that could guide policy and risk assessments

Science and Teaching Internship

Biologist Position - Smithers Viscient's North Carolina Research Facility

Smithers Viscient is seeking applicants for a biologist position at their Avian and Wildlife Toxicology research facility. A Bachelor of Science degree in one of the life sciences and experience in a wildlife based laboratory research environment is required.  Position will be responsible for bird husbandry and computerized data collection governed by standard operating procedures and written protocols designed to satisfy federal government research guidelines. Collected data and related reports must undergo quality control measures and may be reviewed by government auditors.  Employees are expected to demonstrate quality and efficiency in all tasks. Employee is expected to:

• Comprehend, assimilate and adhere to regulatory requirements, laboratory SOPs, study protocols and other instructions.  
• Must understand basic research concepts and practice appropriate documentation of measurements and observations in a concise and legible manner.
• Must have a rudimentary understanding of avian anatomy, physiology and behavior.
• Must perceive the difference in bird behaviors in caged versus natural environments, and practice appropriate animal care accordingly.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office programs, especially WORD and EXCEL.  Must be able to quickly create spreadsheets, formulas and pivot tables within EXCEL.  Must also be able to learn use of other software.
• Reliably work independently as well as with a team, and coordinate varied tasks with a team of people with diverse talents and personalities.
• Readily comprehend and apply new concepts and procedures.
• Be self-motivated and demonstrate professional conduct at all times.
• Consistently execute repetitive tasks and follow a set schedule with the ability to adapt to changes in daily routine.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, while being detail-oriented, thorough and efficient.
• Work with a variety of avian species in hot, wet, cold, dry and soiled conditions.  May work with non-avian species infrequently.
• Must be able to climb ladders, reach, bend, and use various tools.  Must be able to be on feet for long periods of time and lift 50 pounds.
• Must be willing and able to do a combination of both manual labor and desk work, sometimes shifting between both within the same day.
• Must be willing and able to participate in all activities necessary to accomplish daily work load.
• GLP experience a plus.
• Previous CRO Study Director experience a plus.

Contact Thomas Bean at tbean@smithers.com to inquire.

Wednesday April 11th - Last Day to Drop a Class

Wednesday, April 11 is the LAST DAY TO DROP ONE CLASS OR 4 CREDITS WITH A "W"

This means you could drop HEBR 112 (6 credits, but one class) or ENGL 212 and KNES 155N (4 credits, but two classes).

WHAT IF I NEED TO DROP MORE THAN 4 CREDITS?

If extenuating circumstances are causing difficulty with your academics, please contact me because there is help available on campus, and academic procedures to be followed, should you need assistance handling the academic consequences of a personal situation.  It is better to “strategize” now, while you have options, than to wait and do nothing, hoping the situation will “right” itself.

WHAT IF I AM RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID? 

Check with your Financial Aid counselor in the Lee Building NOW if dropping a course would put you below 12 credits.  Most aid programs allow this provided you began the semester with 12 or more credits, but there may be a few that do not – and it can be expen$ive to make an incorrect assumption.

HOW DO I KNOW I “SHOULD” DROP A COURSE?

• Is the coursework in the class so heavy, and/or the likelihood of passing it so slim, that it is taking away from other courses?  If the answer is “yes,” then it may be a good idea to drop the course. It is usually better to drop a course and earn A’s and B’s in 4 classes than one B, 3 C’s and an F in 5 classes.
• Be honest with yourself.  Refer to your course syllabus to get a realistic idea regarding what percentage of your grade is already determined and how much improvement is mathematically possible.  Remember that what is “mathematically” possible may not be “realistically” possible.
• Speak to your instructor to get his/her opinion.

Last, if you are worried about “getting behind” in your credits, remember that you could take a Winter Term or summer school class at a local community college to catch up.

ARE “W’S” BAD? 

No, a few W’s over the course of an academic career are not “bad.”  There will be no indication on your transcript whether you were failing or passing at the time of the drop, and W’s are not calculated into your GPA.

If, on the other hand, you withdraw from a course EVERY SEMESTER, you could lead an employer or graduate admissions committee to think you weren’t very good at setting reasonable goals for yourself… and this is not a good thing.  Expectations are fairly lenient for first- and second-year students; and much less so for upper-level students.

IF I DROP BELOW 12 CREDITS, THAT MAKES ME PART-TIME.  IS THAT BAD?

No – at this point in the semester, it won’t affect your residence hall status or your tuition.  If you had dropped to part-time during the first 5 days of the semester, it would have changed your tuition bill and your eligibility for housing.  At this point, it doesn’t change anything.

WHAT IF I REALLY DON’T WANT TO DROP THE COURSE?

If you want to hang in there with your course, develop a long-term (final 6-8 weeks) study plan and stick to it.  Use all available help sources and strategies (see below).  If you end up making the “wrong” decision and fail the course, the Repeat Policy may apply to you:  http://registrar.umd.edu/current/Policies/Repeating%20Courses.html

HELP SOURCES:

• Your instructor​: h​ttps://www.umd.edu/directories
• Study skills and tutorial support programs: http://ensp.umd.edu/current-students/study-skills-tutoring
• UMD Learning Assistance Services:  http://www.counseling.umd.edu/las/

USUALLY, the MOST IMPORTANT STRATEGY = INCREASE YOUR STUDY TIME:

--  Aim to study at least 2-3 hours per credit hour carried, e.g., 30 hours a week (or about 4 hours a day) for a 15-credit load. 

--  “Study” in this context means: reading, note-taking, library research, tutorial help, group study, writing, self-quizzing, etc.

REMEMBER:

--  You do not need to do it all at one sitting. 

--  You can take “days off” if you put extra hours in on other days.

--  You can find a “weekly planner” here, to help: http://ensp.umd.edu/current-students/study-skills-tutoring

Internship Available - Montgomery Co. Dept. of Parks

JOB TITLE: Natural Resource Intern

LOCATION: Park Planning & Stewardship Division, Resource Analysis Section
Parkside Headquarters
9500 Brunett Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20901

TIME: Schedule to be worked out with supervisor, but core hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

DATES: June through August 2018

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Resource Analysis Section staff plans and coordinates an inter-agency effort to inventory and monitor the aquatic macro-invertebrates, fish and aquatic habitats in Montgomery County Park streams, ponds, and lakes in support of the Countywide Stream Protection Strategy, Watershed Restoration Plans, Area and Park Master Plans, Operation & Use Plans and special projects. Staff review and track environmental projects (e.g. stream restoration, stormwater management facilities, wetland creation, etc.) being designed by external agencies to be constructed and/or retrofitted on parkland. They are involved in the review of plans from the concept phase through final design to ensure that environmental impacts are limited and consistent with the Department of Parks’ mission regarding natural resource stewardship. Staff works to carry out the Department’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program to ensure that the Department stays in compliance
with the state and federal NPDES regulations and coordinates with Federal, State and local agencies on watershed restoration efforts affecting County parkland.  The Seasonal Natural Resource Technician Intern will work directly with Resource Analysis staff, and will be asked to complete independent assignments over the duration of the program. Project assignments are dependent on the current needs of the Section and the education, experience, and interests of the candidate.  General office work may include the use of GIS applications for mapping projects and analysis of resources,
special projects related to biological monitoring data collection, and/or investigations of existing or potential impacts to parkland resources.  In addition to general office work, projects will include collecting and identifying fish in the field; collecting and identifying herpetofauna in the field; performing habitat evaluations; and measuring water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity) in the field. The Seasonal Natural Resource Technician Intern will be provided with the opportunity to work alongside specialists implementing a variety of stream restoration, stormwater management, and GIS projects and initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
1. Collecting and recording data in the field, either under direct supervision or independently.
2. Working with staff to identify an independent project that will be completed over the course of the
summer
3. Present to Park staff and directorate on independent project
4. Attend Summer MBSS training for biological monitoring
5. Assist with special projects as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Background or interest in ecology, fisheries, benthic macroinvertebrates, entomology, GIS, stream
restoration, stormwater management and/or natural resource management.
2. Ability to follow directions, pay attention to details, and work within deadlines.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Position will be filled at either the undergraduate (Intern I, pay rate $12.28/hr) or graduate (Intern II, pay
rate $15.25/hr) level, dependent upon experience.
2. Demonstrate the ability to perform tasks necessary for project completion.
3. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, as well as to work cooperatively with other staff.
4. Be willing to commit to a pre-arranged schedule.
5. Be able to work under somewhat arduous field conditions (walk significant distances, carry equipment, work
in fast-flowing water).
6. May drive Commission vehicle upon successful completion of Defensive Driving training.

TRAINING:
Orientation to the Department of Parks and the Park Planning & Stewardship Division will be provided by staff.
Specific project requirements will be discussed with supervisory staff members. Field equipment and techniques
will be demonstrated by the project supervisor.

TO APPLY: By April 30, 2018, please send resume and cover letter to:
Audra Lew, Senior Natural Resources Specialist
Audra.Lew@MontgomeryParks.org