Pedology Research Laboratory Undergraduate Research Assistant - Summer 2022

The University of Maryland (UMD) Pedology Research Laboratory (PI: Dr. Martin Rabenhorst) in the Dept. of Environmental Science and Technology (ENST) is seeking an undergraduate research assistant for the summer of 2022. The student will assist doctoral graduate student Jocelyn Wardrup (she/her) with describing and sampling soils in the mid-Atlantic region (various locations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia and New Jersey). The position will comprise of a mixture of field work (travel required including overnight stays), laboratory processing (UMD College Park Campus) and assistance with analytical instrumentation. Ideal candidates should have an interest in learning more about environmental research and soil science. Candidates should welcome hard work and getting “dirty”. Prior research experience and familiarity with soil science (including soil description and classification), soil chemistry, mineralogy and laboratory techniques/methods will be beneficial, however not required. This will be an excellent opportunity to gain valuable field and laboratory skills. Interested undergrads are encouraged to apply by emailing: 1) a statement of interest and 2) a resume to Jocelyn Wardrup (contact info below). Please detail relevant experience and coursework in your application materials. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. Please feel free to direct any questions to Jocelyn Wardrup. We look forward to hearing from you! Closing Date: Friday, April 22 (or until position is filled). Jocelyn Wardrup (she/her) wardrup@umd.edu (302) 381-8501 (cell) ___________________________________________________________ Duties • Fieldwork: May include digging as well as describing soil characteristics and careful removal of soil samples for extraction and analysis. • Lab work: soil sample processing and analyses (we will train). • Assistance with laboratory analytical methods/techniques. • Maintaining a safe, clean laboratory space; following field and lab standard operating proceedures (SOP)s. • Full time (40 hours per week), including some long field days. Qualifications • Current UMD undergraduate working towards a degree in environmental science, biological science, geoscience, or a related field. • Enthusiastic about conducting summer fieldwork. • Comfortable carrying and using equipment in the field (augering soil borings, digging/preparing test pits). • Familiarity with pedology and laboratory methods preferred, however not required. COVID Considerations Prescribed COVID safety guidance protocols from UMD and localities of sampling destinations (including collaborative institutions and agencies) will be observed and followed.