Summer (& Other Seasonal) Research Opportunities

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Science Writing Internship - Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Stipend: $650/week. On-site housing in SERC dormitory included.
Location: Edgewater, Maryland. This is a fully on-site internship.
Deadline: Friday, Nov. 15, 11:59pm ET
Duration: 16 weeks, full-time
Start Date: Early February 2025
Mentor: Kristen Goodhue (SERC Science Writer)
Link to original job post: https://serc.si.edu/internships/opportunities/spring-science-writing-intern

Description:
Sharpen your science writing skills with an internship at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), the Smithsonian’s coastal research hub on Chesapeake Bay! As the science writing intern, you’ll gain experience creating content for multiple platforms, from short and snappy social media posts to long-form feature stories. You’ll cover scientists, educators and volunteers in the field and lab.

The spring internship will focus primarily on SERC’s climate change work and 60th anniversary, with an emphasis on storytelling through both written and video pieces. News articles and feature stories will appear on SERC's Shorelines blog (https://sercblog.si.edu/) and may appear in our print newsletter, On The Edge (https://serc.si.edu/about-us/serc-newsletter). Videos and social media posts will appear on SERC's Instagram (https://instagram.com/smithsonianenvironment), Facebook (https://facebook.com/smithsonian.serc), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/smithsonian-environmental-research-center) and X (https://x.com/smithsonianenv) accounts. Longer videos may also appear on SERC’s YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/smithsonianserc).

What You’ll Learn:

Interviewing scientists and other experts
Translating complex, technical topics into engaging, public-friendly language
Writing news and feature stories about science, following a standard journalistic style (Associated Press)
Creating videos for social media
Writing copy for different social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X)
Implementing best practices for accessibility in science communication

Eligibility:
SERC's science writing internships are open to undergraduate students, master's students and recent graduates up to one year after graduation. International students are welcome to apply.

Desired Qualifications: Strong scientific background (some natural sciences coursework; not required to be a science major) and a flair for telling stories about science for a nonscientific audience.

To apply:
Submit the following materials to GoodhueK@si.edu by Friday, Nov. 15, 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time, with the subject line “Science Writing Intern”:

·         Cover letter

·         Resume with two references (name, title and contact information)

·         One to three writing samples explaining science for general readers. Writing samples can include school papers, student newspaper articles or pieces you've written for a personal blog—anything that tells a story about science in a nontechnical, engaging way! Multimedia pieces are also welcome, as long as at least one of the samples is written. Total length of all writing samples should be no more than 10 double-spaced pages. If multimedia samples are too large to email, upload them to a file sharing system like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive or Dropbox and include a link in your application.

Pro tip for applicants: Don't just talk about your past experience. Show us how this internship would give you something new! Smithsonian internships are meant to be learning experiences, especially for students who have had fewer opportunities outside of schoolwork. Let your application reviewers know how this experience would benefit you beyond another line on a resume.

About the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center:
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is a research unit of the Smithsonian Institution dedicated to studying the coastal zone, where roughly 70% of the world’s people live. Its staff of scientists and educators seek solutions to some of the planet’s most urgent issues, including climate change, invasive species, biodiversity loss and pollution. The center is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay, approximately 10 miles south of Annapolis, 40 miles west of Washington, D.C., and 40 miles south of Baltimore. The 2,654-acre campus encompasses forests, wetlands, farmlands and shoreline. To learn more, visit https://serc.si.edu

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race/ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, martial/parental/caregiver status and disability. The SERC community recognizes the value of diversity in promoting innovative science and creative solutions, and we strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We recognize that each applicant for this role will bring unique skills, knowledge, experiences, and background to this position. As such, while candidates must meet the minimum qualifications related to education and student/alum eligibility for Smithsonian internships, we will be looking for candidates who possess many, but not necessarily all, of the skills and experiences listed above.

Questions? Contact Kristen Goodhue (goodhuek@si.edu) She gets internship questions often and is happy to help!

Kristen Goodhue (she/her)
Science Writer/Public Affairs Specialist
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Posted 10/24/24

Hiring for 2025 field season: SW Rare Plant Monitoring Technician

About The Institute for Applied Ecology

The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a non-profit founded in 1999 with a mission to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research, and education. Our vision is a world where all people and wildlands are healthy and interact positively, biological diversity flourishes, and environmental challenges are met with a social commitment to solving problems with scientific principles.

IAE values diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from all groups of people. We recognize that the strength of IAE is in our people, and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. IAE does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices, and our commitment to equal employment opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Start Date: 3/3/2025
End Date: 8/29/2025
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Status: Temporary, Full-time

Compensation: $20.75/hour
Plus, travel expenses associated with overnight field work (food and lodging), paid holidays, sick leave, and overtime pay.

About the role

The Southwest Branch at the Institute for Applied Ecology will be hiring two technicians to work with the Southwest Rare Plants Ecologist for the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Rare Plant Monitoring Initiative. More information about the program can be found in this blog by the 2023 crew (https://appliedeco.org/rooting-for-rare-plants-in-new-mexico/). The crew will monitor demography of rare plants on BLM lands across NM following established protocols, particularly in areas where multiple-use land management (i.e. energy extraction) impacts on rare plants are expected. Crews will be required to drive to remote areas throughout New Mexico, camp at drive-up campsites for 1-7 consecutive nights, hike up to several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management. While rare plant inventories are the main focus, technicians may have the chance to assist with other plant IAE projects during the summer. This is a full-time, temporary position that requires overnight camping and non-traditional work hours inclusive of weekend and evening hours.

Specific Responsibilities

- Work with a crew leader and another technician to visit monitoring plots and collect demographic data (including life stage, phenology, and size) for rare plants across the state of New Mexico
- Identify plants located near monitoring plots to species level
- Hike up to several miles a day to access rare plant populations
- Scout and survey areas for species that the IAE may begin monitoring, and setting up new monitoring plots
- Assist in data cleaning and management

Minimum Qualifications

- A positive attitude with an interest in ecology and botany
- Effective communication skills and experience working on a team
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Basic computer skills
- Willingness to spend multiple days (1-7 nights at a time) camping at drive-up sites in remote areas; familiarity with and willingness to adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles
- Able to conduct frequent bending, kneeling, and standing
- Able to collect data accurately in a variety of adverse weather conditions, which may include extreme heat and sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions, bears)
- A valid driver's license with the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle off-highway, along occasionally difficult roads
- Able to lift up to 40lbs
- Able to hike up to 6 miles a day

Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with basic plant taxonomy, including major families and botanical vocabulary
- Plant ID skills using technical keys
- Knowledge of plants of the Southwest
- 1+ field seasons performing plant identification and vegetation sampling
- Electronic data collection experience
- Experience with ArcGIS Online interface and ArcGIS tablet applications (Collector and Survey 123)
- Coursework/training in botany and/or degree in botany or related field

How to Apply

Please fill out and submit this application form (https://ats.rippling.com/appliedeco-jobs/jobs/04ae7a36-02f3-41e6-878c-fa18f9b88dc8) with all required materials by 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024.

If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to our FAQ (https://appliedeco.org/seasonal-hiring-applicant-guide/) or direct them to humanresources@appliedeco.org and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Posted 10/17/24

Aquatic ecology seasonal position - Maine Conservation Corps/MEDEP

The Biological Monitoring Program (BMP) is part of the State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The BMP assesses benthic macroinvertebrate (aquatic insects, etc.), algal, and aquatic plant assemblages to evaluate the ecological health of the States freshwater resources. Monitoring and assessment results are used to document current conditions, identify causes and sources of pollution, determine if waterbodies meet State water quality criteria, and develop protection, management and restoration strategies. The BMP is seeking applications for an Environmental Steward for the 2025 season. This is an Americorps position with Maine Conservation Corps, serving at a Maine Department of Environmental Protection host site. The term of service runs from January - November 2025, with a weekly stipend of $525 and a $7395 education award.

The Environmental Steward will assist with biological monitoring and assessment of rivers, streams, and wetlands. This will include both field support and data management related to the project. As time allows, the member will also conduct or participate in education/outreach activities and volunteer events.

This position will assist the BMP staff with monitoring and assessment of the States' waters, managing data, and communicating results to a wide variety of interested parties. The ES will have the opportunity to develop in the areas of water resources management, data management, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Link to full position description:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/get_involved/conservation_corps/join/position.shtml?id=7163207

For questions, contact Corps.Conservation@maine.gov or Adam.A.Pepi@maine.gov (BMP host site supervisor)

Posted 10/5/24


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