Summer (& Other Seasonal) Research Opportunities

Listings will be kept for a month after being posted or until their deadline (if listed). Only paid positions will be listed. Please send any opportunities not listed here by clicking on this link:

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Paid Field Ecology Research Interns

B4WarmED Overview:
Northern Minnesota is a focal point of potential climate warming impacts because it sits at the transition between boreal and temperate forest biomes. B4WarmED (Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) is a unique manipulative experiment that warms plants and soil in the field to examine tree seedling and germination response to warming with respect to physiology, phenology, growth, and survival. For more information about the lab and the project visit our webpages.

Position overview:
We seek independent and mature undergraduate or newly graduated students with a background or interest in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field for paid field research internships. New openings start at end of July/August for the second part of the growth season. Start dates for the openings are flexible and up for negotiation. On average an internship lasts about 4 plus months with the possibility of extending it until end of the growing season and beyond. Typical work days are eight hours Monday through Friday, however some tasks require early morning, evening, or weekend work. A valid drivers license is required. Personal vehicle is helpful but not required. Successful hires will work through variety of tasks with primary focus on tree biometric, ecophysiological and ecological measurements and data collections in the field with occasional site maintenance, laboratory work and treatment implementation. The intern will work in an individual and team setting. Consequently, a maturity to work autonomously often with long hours is required.

Responsibilities:
Work independently to collect biotic and abiotic data in field and laboratory settings in accordance with established protocols
Measure plant growth, physiology, and phenology
Measure soil characteristics and processes
Data entry using Excel and Google drive
Implement rainfall reduction treatment
Routine maintenance of field sites, field instruments, and research equipment, including a Licor 6400xt.
Lab work includes data entry, biomass assessments and leaf area analysis
Aiding principal investigators and graduate students as needed.

Desired qualifications: 1) Eagerness to work hard in an outdoor setting. 2) Capacity to collect data following established protocols. 3) Familiarity with plant and tree species of northern Minnesota. 4) Willingness to work well and play well with others and live in remote area with others and/or alone. 5) Curiosity and passion for the natural world. 6) Flexibility to adapt to a frequently changing schedule. 7) Demonstrated ability to work under changing weather conditions with large swarms of insects.

Research sites:
Field work will be split between research sites at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Cloquet, and the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, MN. Both research sites are in beautiful forested settings and provide access to the natural areas of northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. An individuals home base will be at either of these locations, though travel between sites will be required depending on project needs. University vehicles are used for such travel. On-site housing with furnishing and a kitchen will be available.

Application:
Applications will be submitted using the link https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/361154/. They will be reviewed as soon as the HR personnel release them to the supervisors of the project. Potential candidates will be contacted for a phone interview. Please upload a letter (including available working dates), one-page resume, and contact information for two references electronically.

Raimundo Bermudez
bermu019@umn.edu
Department of Forest Resources
University of Minnesota
St Paul, MN 55108 USA

Posted 7/27/24

Seasonal Field Technicians, Santa Clara River Conservancy, Ventura, CA

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
OPEN: May 10, 2024
TITLE: Seasonal Restoration Field Technician
LOCATION: Cities of Fillmore and Santa Paula,Ventura County, CA
APPLY: Four positions potentially to be filled.
START TARGET: September 3, 2024
END DATE: February 14, 2025

SUMMARY
The Santa Clara River Conservancy(SCRC) is seeking multiple restoration field technicians for a full time, 6-month season to assist with implementation of its restoration program along the Santa Clara River in Ventura County, California. The Santa Clara River is the largest intact river system in southern California, supporting thousands of acres of prime agricultural land, essential local water supplies, and multiple sensitive animals, plants, and critical habitats. SCRC is implementing several large-scale restoration efforts including ongoing removal of Arundo donax (giant reed) and numerous other invasive weeds from the riparian corridor, as well as conducting habitat restoration. SCRC is working closely with restoration ecologists at UC Santa Barbara to implement both active and passive restoration methods within the Cienega Springs Ecological Reserve in Fillmore. SCRC’s restoration program is part of a larger mission to ensure the sustainable use of the river, protect its critical floodplain and associated habitat, and expand public access to and along the river. The candidates are expected to join a core restoration team comprised of SCRC staff and University of California, Santa Barbara, staff, to contribute significantly to the ongoing large-scale habitat restoration project of statewide significance in Fillmore, as well as invasive weed management and developing restoration work in Santa Paula.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

·       Providing scientifically-focused and prudent field labor for all aspects of habitat restoration, including non-native species control (manual, mechanical, and chemical), native seed collection, plant propagation and installation, construction and maintenance of infrastructure, and erosion control. Applicant must be willing to perform labor intensive activities in the field 5 days a week.
·       Problem solving and implementing creative solutions for complex projects with support and guidance from the Restoration Manager and field team.
·       Documenting information including mapping natural resources and management activities, completing field logs, data entry and analysis, and assisting with preparation of project progress reports.
·       Communicating with supervisor and team to develop weekly tasks and discuss project challenges and developments.
·       Assisting with biological monitoring and surveying of vegetation, herpetofauna, invertebrates, and other taxa.
·       Working closely with subcontractors and other project staff to protect biological resources and ensure all restoration activities are done in compliance with regulatory permits.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

·       Applicants must have some college-level coursework in botany, biology, ecology, or a related field.
·       Physically able to work in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, variable outdoor conditions including heat, cold, wind, dusts, chemicals, moisture, and dryness. Position requires frequent standing/walking, and lifting of up to 50 pounds; often performing repetitive bending & stooping, power gripping/squeezing (hand tools, levers, etc.), repetitive or fine hand movements, occasionally working with arms above shoulder level, climbing stairs, using portable ladders, operation of and/or working in the presence of vehicles and heavy, moving, or dangerous equipment. Position will include wearing personal protective equipment, including safety glasses/goggles, gloves, safety shoes/boots, face shield.
·       Willingness to mix and apply herbicides on a regular basis (field technicians will receive training on these methods and all safety protocols are followed).
·       Excellent work ethic and team-player attitude. Ability to lead, as needed.
·       Applicant is a self-starter! Able to take initiative, work independently, and remain self-sufficient.
·       Strong attention to detail, with proven ability to follow specific instructions.
·       Ability to effectively express his or herself orally to other project staff.
·       Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
·       Must be able to commute to Ventura County work sites in Fillmore and Santa Paula.
·       Commitment to the entire season.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

·       At least two years of coursework and demonstrated progress toward a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related sciences.
·       Experience in native habitat fieldwork or closely related fields.
·       Knowledge and understanding of equipment and techniques used to perform habitat restoration activities.
·       Knowledge and identification of plant species indicative to riparian woodland, coastal sage scrub and wetland habitats.
·       Experience with biological monitoring and performing work activities within sensitive habitats.
·       Knowledge and familiarity with use and repair of small power equipment, including weed eaters, chain saws, and augers
·       Elementary GPS capabilities.
·       Experience with electronic data collection devices.
·       CPR/First Aid certified.
·       English/Spanish bilingual.

COMPENSATION
This is a full time, temporary, 6-month position. Compensation is $18 to $21 per hour (usually working 40 hours/week), depending on experience and qualifications.   Benefits include Workers Compensation coverage, six paid holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Veterans’ Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Presidents’ Day.

TRAINING
These positions are ideal for people who are committed to ongoing learning and development. Successful candidates will receive extensive on-the-job training on safety protocols, plant identification, native plant propagation, native plant installation, and invasive weed removal techniques and management methodologies, from Field Specialists during the field season. The candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside staff scientists from both the University of California, Santa Barbara, and SCRC staff during the field work as well as other seasoned professionals affiliated with restoration partners and land owners.

TO APPLY

Please send inquiries and application materials including a letter describing your experience relevant to the position, resume, and three references to eceviker@santaclarariver.org. Applications will be reviewed as received and notifications will be made by August 5, 2024 and/or until filled.

Santa Clara River Conservancy
PO Box 789
Santa Paula, CA 93061
www.santaclarariver.org

Posted 5/18/24

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