MS Assistantship - Evaluating Approaches to Reduce Bird-window Collisions: Oklahoma

MS Assistantship - Evaluating Approaches to Reduce Bird-window Collisions: Oklahoma State University Description: A fully funded master's assistantship is available in Oklahoma State Universityâ's Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management, co-advised by Drs. Scott Loss and Tim O'Connell. The research project will involve fieldwork and analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of methods to reduce bird-window collisions, which are the top source of avian collision mortality in North America and worldwide. The study will include bird collision surveys at OSU buildings originally monitored in a similar baseline study (study details here: https://bit.ly/3PoNFTm) and treated with a commercially available film designed to deter bird collisions. The student also may have the opportunity to develop a companion study using existing or new data sources to evaluate effectiveness of other approaches and products designed to reduce bird-window collisions. The graduate student will begin courses in January 2023, and we anticipate that collision monitoring fieldwork will begin during spring migration in April 2023. Funding, which will be available to support the student through at least December 2024, will be primarily through a research assistantship, but the student will also be expected to TA for one academic semester (course TA assignment to be determined, but the student will likely have an opportunity to TA in either Dr. Loss's Applied Ecology field course or Dr. O'Connell's Ornithology course). A stipend of $1,575/month ($18,900/yr) will be provided along with full tuition waiver and health insurance at $20/month. Required qualifications: Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Ecology/Management, Ecology, or a related field; a strong work ethic and sense of self-motivation; an ability to work both independently and collegially with others; strong written and oral communication skills including experience communicating with the public during fieldwork; and an interest in urban ecology, conservation biology, and/or human threats to wildlife. Preferred qualifications: Ideal candidates will have one or several of the following skills and experiences: conducting, presenting, and/or publishing mentored research; coordinating and supervising field projects; conducting wildlife collision surveys; handling and identifying wild birds; and experience with statistical analyses. To Apply: Please send applications to Scott Loss (scott.loss@okstate.edu ) by September 30th, 2022; applications should consist of a single zip file or merged pdf file that includes: (1) a cover letter outlining how you meet required and preferred qualifications, (2) a CV, (3) unofficial academic transcripts, and (4) contact information for three references. We are committed to fostering an environment where diversity of background and thought is accepted and encouraged, and we encourage all interested people to apply despite preconceived notions of their own experience as it relates to this project’s objectives. About the Loss and O'Connell Labs: Our labs lead and collaborate on a wide range of research projects in natural resource ecology and management, with strong emphases on landscape ecology, biodiversity conservation, wildlife ecology and management, and major global change issues like climate change, invasive species, and direct sources of bird mortality. For more information about our labs, see: Scott Loss's Lab: https://scottrloss.wixsite.com/losslab Tim O'Connell's Lab: https://timoconnell.wordpress.com/ About Oklahoma and OSU: Oklahoma is one of the most ecologically diverse states, with ecosystems ranging from forested mountains in the east to mesas and canyons in the west, and including some of the largest remaining tracts of prairies in the world, including the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, the largest remaining protected area of tallgrass prairie. Recreational opportunities abound, with national forests, grasslands, and wildlife refuges all within 2-3 hours of Stillwater, where OSU is located. In addition, Stillwater is 1 hour from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa, which have additional opportunities for recreation, sporting events, music, the arts, restaurants, etc. OSU is a land-grant institution with an enrollment of ~25,000 students, and it is located on the ancestral lands of the Kickapoo, Osage, Kiowa, and Quapaw peoples. Indigenous people from other Native nations also reside here, many of whom were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. They all contribute to the history and current vitality of our region. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the wildlife, forest, rangeland, and fishery resources of Oklahoma and beyond. The Department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.

Become a UMD Sustainabilty Advisor

Sustainability Advisors 4 hours per month, volunteer Apply to join a select team of student leaders who provide an hour-long sustainability lesson to introductory classes during the Fall semester. Teach interactive lessons about sustainability and climate change and how each affects students, their studies, and future career prospects. Sustainability Advisors receive training and experience in developing skills in public speaking and peer-to-peer outreach as well as raising awareness and mobilizing action to protect our environment. Applications are due August 15th https://sustainability.umd.edu/education-and-research/sustainability-advisors

Bird Banding Course & Scholarship

2022 Bird Banding Course Scholarship About the scholarship: Alabama Audubon is offering full scholarships to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) students and professionals to attend the six-day (19-24 September) beginner bird banding course at the Wehle Land Conservation Center in Midway, Alabama. This course will serve as an introduction to mist-netting and bird banding, and will be a combination of lectures and hands-on experience. This scholarship, made possible by funding from the National Audubon Society, aims to help increase the number of people from traditionally underrepresented groups in the bird banding community. Please see the separate flyer for more details on the course. The scholarship covers: the course fee, a Pyle guide, a printed copy of Froelich's guide, lodging, and a travel & food stipend. Up to five (5) scholarships will be awarded. Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school, and undergraduate/ graduate school in Alabama or the Southeast, as well as wildlife professionals, educators, and amateur birders with an interest in bird conservation and ecology can apply. No previous experience with bird handling or banding is necessary. How to apply: Please provide a short (~1 page) response to the questions below and send a pdf to Lianne Koczur at lianne@alaudubon.org by 20 August 2022. Include your full name and contact information. Please also have an academic advisor/supervisor/ colleague send a letter of recommendation. Scholarships will be awarded by 01 September. We understand that taking this course may result in missing classes. We suggest discussing this opportunity with your academic advisor and/or professors to ensure you will be able to miss classes if awarded a scholarship. We will provide a letter if needed for an excused absence. Tell us why you are interested in taking this course. What background or life experiences make you eligible for the scholarship? Where are you in your career development and what related experiences have you taken in pursuit of your goals (college course of study, workshops, etc.)? Please provide any other information you wish to share. Please email Lianne Koczur with any questions (lianne@alaudubon.org).

Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure in ED Impact Fellow

Washington D.C. – Full-Time – Remote Application closes on August 15th, 2022 at 12:00pm ET. ABOUT THE POSITION The FAS Day One Talent Hub is seeking a fellow for a 1 year term (with potential opportunity to extend) to join the Office of Communications and Outreach team within the U.S. Department of Education. ED has, for over a decade, offered the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) a recognition award to highlight schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions' innovative environmental sustainability practices. From this award, it created the Green Strides School Sustainability Resource Hub to promote resources, webinars, and ED-GRS honorees' innovative practices. The Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure Fellow will play a critical role in evaluating, strategizing, and developing work plans and processes as ED advances new efforts in these areas. The Fellow will work with their supervisor to stand up the first office at ED tasked with sustainability, infrastructure, and climate topics. WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING In this position, you will report to the Special Advisor for Infrastructure and Sustainability, currently in the Office of Communications and Outreach, at the U.S. Department of Education. In your position, you will be helping the Department to bring healthy, safe, sustainable school facilities and environmental and sustainability learning into the mainstream of ED communications and policy development. You will become part of a growing team of fellows and employees from around the Department and other entities that support ED’s work in this area. Specific duties will depend on your individual strengths and interests and developments in the role of the office. Some potential areas of work may include: Researching, developing, implementing, and measuring the impact of communications campaigns and strategy regarding school environmental sustainability and infrastructure through social, print, and web media; Coordinating high-profile rollouts and events that include the participation of senior Administration officials; Deploying updates and improvements to the Green Strides School Sustainability Resource Hub, and implementing more efficient administration of the ED-GRS annual review and selection of nominees. Assessing and integrating more effective engagement with federal work group and reporting efforts. Brainstorming and implementing improved public, stakeholder, and state government engagement around whole learner, systems thinking pedagogies as they relate to environmental and sustainability learning, such as project, problem, and place-based experiential and active learning employed by green schools. Researching, developing, and planning innovative school sustainability policy mechanisms across operations, health, and learning that facilitate early learning, K-12, and postsecondary outcomes, with particular attention to environmental justice. YOUR BACKGROUND AND ABILITIES Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure in ED Impact Fellow REMOTE - WASHINGTON, DC $97,000 Annually IMPACT FELLOW Individuals of all types and from many backgrounds and agencies have excelled as part of the “ED Green Team” at different points over the last decade. They have each brought unique skills to bear. Some possibly helpful knowledge, skills, and abilities might include: Excellent written and oral communication. An eye for design. Social media aptitude. Ability to learn and manage online platforms for newsletter, application intake, and resources sharing. Knowledge of environment, sustainability, environmental education, indoor environmental quality, and school infrastructure concepts. Familiarity with implementing, monitoring, and evaluating environmental sustainability programs within educational settings. An understanding of the unique needs of K-12 and post-secondary institutions when it comes to environmental sustainability and infrastructure. Knowledge of the principles of environmental education and education for sustainability. Experience with school stakeholders, decisionmakers, and influencers EDUCATION REQUIREMENT We recommend at least an undergraduate degree for this role and welcome a graduate degree. We know that strong writers, great organizational and design skills, as well as social media aptitude come from a variety of degree pathways, including, but in no way limited to, the liberal arts, social sciences, public policy, education, business, communications, environmental sustainability, engineering, architecture, and area studies. SALARY This fellowship will provide a salary that accounts for the cost of benefits for the entirety of the fellowship duration at an annual rate ranging from the equivalent of a GS-9 to GS-11. Precise pay will depend on experience, education, and locality. Additional information about the Fellowship can be found in our FAQ. HOW TO APPLY We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Early submission will ensure your application receives full consideration. ABOUT IMPACT FELLOWSHIPS The FAS Impact Fellowship is a selective fellowship program that supports the development and placement of emerging scientific and technical talent within high-impact roles across the federal government. From education to clean energy, immigration, wildfire resilience, national security, and fair housing, Impact Fellows are serving across a variety of federal agencies in roles that augment existing government teams as they confront some of the greatest scientific and social challenges of our time. Learn more and apply here: https://federation-of-american-scientists.rippling-ats.com/job/452736/environmental-sustainability-and-infrastructure-impact-fellow?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

Foreign Agricultural Service Diversity Fellowship

Are you interested in joining the Foreign Agricultural Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)? Do you want to make a positive change in the world? The Foreign Agricultural Service Diversity Fellowship provides financial support through two years of graduate study in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics or related field, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities leading to an appointment in the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the USDA. Important: The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in USDA and those with financial need. It is open to students and alumni of all universities and with any major. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in U.S. engagement with the world, the program values candidates representing a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic diversity Learn more: Register for an general presentation hosted by the program: August 10, 2022 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST by registering at: https://howard.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpcOGqrzgtGNQ344NqlXVaKWVGQTS_ZDFZ If you plan to apply for this program, or if you are interested and not able to attend the presentation, please fill out this brief interest survey at: https://umdsurvey.umd.edu/jfe/form/SV_bNsTNpJYD0KvnzT Service Requirement: Recipients are obligated to complete a minimum five-year term of service in the Department of Agriculture FAS Foreign Service. Eligibility requirements: Applicants must be seeking admission to enter graduate school in the fall of 2023 for a two-year program at a U.S. university in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, or in a field relevant to the work of the FAS Foreign Service. Applicants may be in their senior year of their undergraduate studies, graduating by June 2023, or they can be college graduates. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of application. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Deadline: October 6th, 2022

Vegetation Ecologist

Vegetation Ecologist Job Classification Ecologist II (Grade S-25) Natural Resources Branch Fairfax County Park Authority The Fairfax County Park Authority, located in Northern Virginia outside Washington D.C., seeks an experienced Vegetation Ecologist to conduct Natural Vegetation Community Classification (NVCC) and other duties on Fairfax County parkland. The position is part-time, not to exceed 1,560 hours per calendar year (approximately 30 hours/week). This position is eligible for County-sponsored medical plans (employee is responsible for bi-weekly premiums), but paid leave and retirement benefits are not included. Agency vehicles will be available for use; however, site visits may occasionally require the use of a personal vehicle when the agency fleet is unavailable. The vegetation ecologist will work within the Natural Resources Branch to conduct Natural Vegetation Community Classification (NVCC) in parks countywide using a standardized methodology and support other stewardship and resources management activities within the Natural Resources Branch as well as requests from other divisions within Fairfax County Park Authority. The NVCC survey product is a planning-level geographic dataset of natural vegetation communities (vegetation map). This data provides the Fairfax County Park Authority and partner agencies much needed information on its natural resources that will be used to preserve, protect, manage, and restore parks, and will inform natural resources and development planning decisions made by the agency. The vegetation ecologist will spend most of the growing season (April-October) in the field collecting vegetation data, with occasional office days for data management as necessary or during inclement weather. Data management work will be conducted during the dormant season or on a periodic basis following longer periods of field data collection. Field data collection will utilize iPads and be designed to integrate with ArcGIS online. Editing proficiency using ArcGIS is required as is the ability to identify Virginia’s plant species efficiently and preserve plant samples for identification in a lab settling. This position is expected to work independently in the field with minimal direction and oversight following an initial training period. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree is required in ecology, biology, botany, forestry, geography, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field. Ability to proficiently identify the plant species of the Mid-Atlantic Region Prior experience with vegetation ecology, natural community classification, forest stand delineation, and/or vegetation mapping (ideally, inventory-based). Familiarity with the Natural Communities of Virginia Classification of Ecological Community Groups (Third Approximation, Version 3.3) and/or the U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC). Experience collecting, organizing, and managing large quantities of data. Database management experience is a plus. Experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Work, PowerPoint, and Excel), ArcGIS, and mobile GPS is required. Ability to communicate technical and semi-technical issues effectively, both orally and in writing, to a wide range of audiences is required. Ability to perform field work alone under potentially adverse conditions, including exposure to heat, humidity, steep and wet terrain, and insects is required. Able to work well with others; this is a team project involving multiple ecologists, an agency data manager, and the project supervisor. A valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle is required. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree preferred in ecology, biology, botany, geography, natural resources, environmental science, or related field. Proficiency in GIS database management. At least two years of experience inventorying natural communities using the Natural Vegetation Community Classification system. To Apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and answers to the following questions via email to David Lawlor at dave.lawlor@fairfaxcounty.gov. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position has been filled. Start date TBD (August/Sept. 2022). Fairfax County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable Accommodation upon request Questions: Please indicate all major(s) minor(s) for your completed degree(s)? Biology Ecology Environmental Science Wildlife Biology Other related field How many years of experience do you have conducting vegetation surveys? Less than one year One to two years Three to five years Five years or more How many years of experience do you have with, natural community classification, forest stand delineation, and/or vegetation mapping? Less than one year One to two years Three to five years Five years or more How many years of survey experience do you have using National Vegetation Community Classification system? None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five to less than six Six years or more How many years of experience do you have using mobile GPS devices for field data collection? None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five to less than six Six years or more How many years of experience do you have managing and editing GIS geographic databases for natural resources data? None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five to less than six Six years or more

Careers in Sustainability Internship

Careers in Sustainability are present throughout all industries, and the employment outlook for individuals with interest in issues of sustainability continues to grow. UMD students of all majors are exposed throughout the campus to sustainability messaging. Participation in campus and community efforts surrounding these values is encouraged, and indeed supported. However, intentionally seeking a career that fits the values of sustainability is not actively pursued, especially by Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). Because of this, the University Career Center & The President’s Promise have created a grant-funded internship position to start to address this disparity. This internship will focus on increasing the awareness of careers in sustainability, with a focus on bringing this awareness to UMD BIPOC students. Through the internship, we hope to increase career awareness with various levels of research and engagement, bringing together students, employers, and alumni. Job duties will include:: Plan and organize a Fall 2022 career panel with professionals in the Sustainability Industry, with a focus on those who are BIPOC-identifying. Find and share specific opportunities such as grants, scholarships, internships, jobs that might target diverse populations specifically. Identify and connect with graduate school programs that focus on sustainability and sustainability careers to share with students interested in pursuing additional education. Conduct employer outreach to find opportunities for internships and jobs in sustainability. Seek out employers within the industry that are committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within their hiring process and company culture as well as BIPOC entrepreneurs. Connect employers to current programs like Intern For a Day to allow students the opportunity to explore the industry. Utilize Careers4Terps, our online career management database, to create a specific job board to share opportunities with students in the Sustainability Minor and university wide. Create an online repository of resources that can include alumni profiles and career exploration of the industry and intentionally including to feature BIPOC professionals. Qualifications: Must be a current University of Maryland undergraduate student Demonstrated interest in sustainability Demonstrated ability to problem solve and think critically, opportunity for autonomous work Ability to communicate effectively and professionally to multiple stakeholders: employers, alumni, potential panelists, faculty, staff, peers, etc. Preferred Qualifications: Student will be pursuing an AGNR major and/or the Sustainability Minor Experience using tools like LinkedIn to research organizations, programs, people, etc. Education and Mentoring Plan: Learning Objectives: Intern will learn professional communication skills, best practices for outreach, and have the opportunity to develop professional contacts in the field of sustainability Intern will develop knowledge and skills in event planning, promotion, and implementation Intern will utilize and further develop skills in researching, information literacy, and developing content for targeted audiences Intern will be mentored by a career services professional with over nine years of experience teaching professional communication and career management Intern will have the opportunity to develop relationships with professional staff and faculty within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources outside of the classroom Application Instructions: Please email a PDF of your resume, cover letter, and a brief (one-two paragraphs) statement addressing your interest in the position and what you hope to gain from it. Here is the link to the application (also above): https://umd-csm.symplicity.com/students/app/jobs/detail/e8013b528749fe8d134f5ce18237d15e Pay rate: $15.00/hr, 8-10 hrs a week, flexible timing (between 8 AM - 5 PM, M-F) Start Date: September 6, 2022 (Flexible) End Date: December 12, 2022 (Flexible) Format: Hybrid: mostly in-person, with some opportunity for remote work 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

Part-time job in an ENST lab

 

My lab has two openings for capable undergraduate students interested in the following areas:

1. Ecology of urban mosquitoes or 

2. Social dimensions of water management. 

Work would involve helping graduate students with various tasks specific to each area.

Interested students should contact me for further details.

--

Paul T. Leisnham (he/his)

Professor

Associate Chair and Director of Undergraduate Studies, ENST

 

leisnham@umd.edu

Recent media on our research: 

Scientific American

CNN

Maryland Today

AGNR News

University of Maryland

Department of Environmental Science and Technology (ENST)

1425 An. Sci./Ag. Eng. Bldg.

College Park, Maryland  20742-5825

Treasurer, Chapter 22CP

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

leisnham.org

University Website

Google Scholar

ResearchGate

LinkedIn

USFWS is hiring!

 USFWS has a ton of job openings right now. Check them out here: https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?a=IN15&p=1&s=startdate

FEDERAL APPLICATION TIP: Navigating the USAJobs Search Function When you visit USAJobs.gov to begin your job search, it appears that you only have the ability to search by keyword and location. However, if you click the “search” button, regardless of whether those fields are blank, you have the ability to search using filters. Filters include hiring path (e.g. Students, Veterans, Federal Employees, Internal to Agency, etc.), Pay, Grade, Department & Agency (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is listed under “I” in the agencies because it is listed as “Interior, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service), Series (i.e. job series), Work Schedule, Appointment Type (Permanent or Temporary), and others. These filters can help you narrow your search without limiting your search by a keyword that may filter out jobs you want, but that might not include the exact search term you provide. Refer to these job series standards for details on types of duties/careers and qualifications by job series to help you navigate the “series” search filter.

Office of Diversity & Inclusive Workforce Management
connect@fws.gov 
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Protected Species Observer

I am Iliana Bates with Smultea Environmental Sciences. I’m working with our team to recruit natural science graduates and alumni for positions with our Protected Species Observer (PSO) program in the offshore wind industry.  PSOs live and work aboard offshore vessels for 3-8 weeks at a time watching for marine mammals and collecting detailed observational data. This job requires an undergraduate science degree. 

We have ongoing employment opportunities, including training programs for required certifications.  

I’m hoping you can help me get this information to interested candidates or provide information for the appropriate contact person. (417)-321-4805, text messages are fine, or Iliana.bates@smulteasciences.com 

I have attached our Job Flyer and more information is available at our website at  https://www.smulteasciences.com 

Iliana Bates

Protected Species Recruiting Department

iliana.bates@smulteasciences.com

Smultea Environmental Sciences

+1 417 321 4805 (Pacific Time)