Summer Jobs and Internships | Undergraduate Programs

Summer Jobs and Internships:

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Arizona State University: I am looking for an upper-level undergraduate student to assist in summer data collection for research on how stream channel geomorphology influences bat foraging activity. Responsibilities will include capturing and handling bats, guano collection, recording and analyzing calls with Anabat detectors, collecting and sorting insect samples, and some data entry. Research will begin mid-May through the end of August 2006. Location: Angelo Coast Range Reserve, Branscomb, CA. Qualifications: Previous experience handling and identifying North American bats is a plus, but not required. Most importantly, applicants must have enthusiasm, maturity, physical fitness, and willingness to work at night in potentially uncomfortable conditions (e.g., heat, poison oak, mosquitoes, bears, etc.). Applicants will also need the 3-part pre-rabies vaccination series or proof of adequate titer (vaccination costs will be covered if necessary). Salary is $10/hour plus housing. Hours will be variable, including up to 12-hour days and possibly up to 7 days in a row. If you have questions or want more information, please contact me at elizabeth.m.hagen@asu.edu. I will start considering applicants immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Interested participants will be asked to submit a cover letter, CV/resume, and names and contact information for three references who know you well. Posted: 2/28/06.

Assateague Island National Seashore: We seeks to hire a GIS Technician to work in the Natural Resource Management Division during Summer 2006. The selected applicant will acquire first-hand experience in utilizing GIS in the field of natural resource management by supporting research efforts including threatened and endangered shorebird and plant studies, wildlife management, water quality monitoring, and coastal geomorphologic monitoring. The GIS Technician will primarily be editing and parsing FGDC-compliant metadata, which may involve communicating with resource managers and/or carrying out literature searches for metadata development or verification of data accuracy. Finished metadata and datasets will then be posted to the NPS Data Store website, which provides public access to the Park’s spatial data. The GIS technician may also scan and post research results to the park’s public website. The position will be full-time between May and August 2006, with the possibility of continued part-time work in the fall. Start date is flexible. Technician will be paid at a GS-04 rate ($12.14 per hour). Park housing is available in close proximity to the ASIS Visitor Center and Headquarters in Berlin, MD for approximately $150/month. Applicant must be a full-time student and be enrolled for Fall 2006. Successful completion of a background check will be required as a condition of employment. Applicant must have a basic knowledge of methods, procedures, and technology of GPS and ArcGIS (ESRI GIS Software) sufficient to view spatial data in ArcGIS. Applicant must also have some familiarity in creating and editing FGDC-compliant metadata using ArcCatalog. The ability to learn new software independently is also necessary, as the applicant will need to use the NPS Metadata tools extension. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows-based operating systems, scanners, and GIS hardware and software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and ArcGIS) is also required, along with the ability to communicate information in a clear and concise manner. How to apply: Applications must be received by March 3, 2006. Send resume (OF-612 preferred, available here), contact information for two references, college transcripts (unofficial is acceptable), and documentation of full-time student enrollment to Courtney Schupp, Assateague Island National Seashore, 7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811. Courtney_Schupp@nps.gov. Posted: 1/19/06.

Bodega Marine Laboratory: We are seeking 10 motivated undergraduate students interested in marine science careers to participate in a Summer Research-Experience-for-Undergraduate Program, supported by the National Science Foundation. Over eight weeks (6/25-8/19/06), students will develop confidence and independence in doing research and communicating science. Faculty and other mentors will provide one-on-one research training, from choosing a topic to writing a paper, in a friendly supportive environment. Students will learn how to communicate their research results in an effective way in special modules during the program. Students will also develop essential career survival skills, including the code of scientific ethics. Participants will receive a stipend ($3500) plus all laboratory housing, meals and travel costs. Applications are due March 1, 2006. More information and application forms. Posted: 2/17/06.

Bradley University: The Biology Department is recruiting six undergraduate students to participate in a 10-week intensive summer research experience in integrated ecology. From May 30-August 4, 2006, participants will work in collaborative research teams and will gain experience in molecular, physiological, organismal, community and ecosystem approaches to address real environmental problems along the Illinois River Corridor. The program is funded through the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. REU participants will work as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team prepare a final research report in journal format present research results in a final program symposium participate in programmatic activities, including seminars, workshops and social events. The selection of REU participants will be based on * record of academic accomplishment, * letters of recommendation, * statements of research interests and career goals. REU participants will be provided: * $3500 stipend, * $1000 meal allowance, * free on-campus housing. We especially encourage applications from potential or declared transfer students, and from underrepresented minorities. Application information. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 30, 2006. Posted: 1/5/06.

CEDO Intercultural: One undergraduate student is needed to participate in a research program assessing the conservation priority of coastal wetlands in the Northern Gulf of California at the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico. The position is funded under NSF's Research Experience for Undergraduates program. Position closing: August 10, 2005. Start date: Late August or September (flexible), 10-week stay required Stipend: $350 per week plus $50 for subsistence costs. Lodging provided at field station. Travel expenses to and from station are also covered. Qualifications: Undergraduates who have not yet completed their degree and who are US citizens or permanent residents. Class work or major in marine science, environmental science, botany, conservation biology or geography; ability to work independently; basic knowledge or fluency in Spanish recommended. Send resume and names of three people familiar with the applicant's capabilities to: Hem Nalini Morzaria Luna, Ph.D., Research Coordinator, CEDO (hemnalini@cedointercultural.org). Posted: 7/22/05.

Chicago Botanic Garden: The CBG and Northwestern University are pleased to announce undergraduate research opportunities through a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in Plant Conservation Biology. This summer, we are offering research projects involving small teams of students and mentors working on larger, interdisciplinary, projects. REU students will work together, each choosing an individual project that fits within the broader scope of the team effort. Areas of team investigation may include rare plant monitoring and demographics, molecular ecology, and invasive species biology. Individualized projects will also be available in microbial ecology, remote sensing, and restoration. Besides a wonderful summer immersed in research, the CBG-NU program, with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), provides each fellow with a summer stipend of $3,000, housing/living costs, and contributions towards travel and research expenses. Students from groups that are traditionally under-represented in science, and those from smaller undergraduate institutions with limited opportunities for research are especially encouraged to apply. The program starts on June 15, 2006, and ends August 30, 2006. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2006, and decisions will be made by April 8, 2006. For information and application forms, email Dr. Louise Egerton-Warburton, Program Co-ordinator, lwarburton@chicagobotanic.org. Posted: 1/27/06.

Clarkson University: Summer Research Opportunities In Environmental Sciences and Engineering for Environmental engineering or science students expecting to graduate between December 2006 and May 2008. Ten weeks, May 30 - August, 2006. Conduct environmental research with faculty and graduate student mentors. Research projects are available in the following areas: - aquatic and atmospheric chemistry; - green chemistry; - biodiversity and ecological sustainability; - drinking water and hazardous waste treatment technologies; - environmental stresses on biological systems; - lifecycle assessment and sustainable energy; - bioremediation and fate of subsurface contamination. Benefits: free room and $75/week for food, a stipend of $3,500, some travel expenses. Apply by March 1, 2006. For complete information, visit http://www.clarkson.edu/reu/. Posted: 12/9/05.

Florida State University: We have obtained a REU grant for this summer for an undergraduate student who want to work on monotoring a new invasive species (Zaprionus indianus) that we found in the USA last year. Previous experiences in Brazil and Uraquay show that this species expands rapidly, has a large effect on the existing drosophilid community. Furthermore, it is a documented pest species on figs and damaged fruits still on the tree and a pest alert has been issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture. We expect that this species will expand its range in the coming years to all suitable habitat (Open forest, savannah like, urban areas) in the southern USA. This invasion, how bad as it is in itself, offers a unique opportunity to study the rapid expansion of an invasive species caught in the act. If you are interested in this project, please contact either Kim van der Linde (kim@kimvdlinde.com) or Dr. David Houle (dhoule@bio.fsu.edu) for a full project description. Posted: 4/9/06.

Fordham University: We are pleased to re-announce that The Louis Calder Center - Biological Field Station of has a select number of paid research opportunities for undergraduate students in our Calder Summer Undergraduate Research (CSUR) program. The CSUR program will run from May 29 through August 18, 2006. This is an NSF-REU Site. Students will work at a wooded field station with state-of-the-art research laboratories, less than an hour from New York City. This year we will offer approximately ten awards to qualified undergraduates interested in conducting independent research. Stipends of $4,800 plus a travel reimbursement will be awarded to successful applicants, and rent at the field station is free. Limited funds are available to support research and local travel. A sample of some of the potential student projects for 2006 includes: - Atmospheric deposition effects on microbial communities and function. - Biological control of arthropods that transmit disease. - Disturbance and land use effects on soil biogeochemistry. - Causes and consequences of land use on nutrients and anoxia in a recreational lake. - Ecological importance of aquatic mosses in streams. - Ecology of symbiotic fungi in hemlock and oak forests. - Expression patterns of key symbiosis genes. - Impact of an invasive mosquito species on local mosquitoes. - Plant responses to climate change. - Stoichiometric differences among aquatic and terrestrial plants. - Potential impact of exotic plants in promoting native bee abundance and diversity. - The link between algal biodiversity and stream ecosystem health. - The role of transposable elements in bacterial endosymbiont evolution Successful candidates will be matched with scientists with similar research interests. Core program activities include the design and execution of independent, closely mentored research projects, and participation in mini-courses and weekly seminars. Through these activities, students will learn the fundamentals of experimental design, use of the scientific literature, data collection and analysis, and oral presentation. - An application (which includes a full list of potential research projects) can be requested from: REUatCalder@fordham.edu More information Phone: 914-273-3078, ext. 10. Applications are due February 24, 2006. Posted: 2/1/06.

Harvard University: Harvard Forest offers an exciting program for up to 30 undergraduate students and recent graduates to collaborate with scientists conducting ecological investigations for 12 weeks during the summer of 2006 (May 30-August 18). Each student will participate in an ongoing research project with a researcher from Harvard, The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biology Laboratory, Woods Hole Research Center, University of New Hampshire or other institutions. Responsibilities may include field sampling, laboratory studies, data analysis and scientific writing. In addition, students attend weekly seminars and workshops given by nationally known scientists about their research, and about career planning, ecological ethics, and graduate school preparation. At the end of the summer, students will develop their research results, prepare an abstract, and present their findings at a student research symposium. Academic credit may be arranged with the student’s home institution. Harvard Forest research focuses on the effects of natural and human disturbances on forest ecosystems, including global warming, hurricanes, forest harvesting and invasive organisms. Researchers come from many disciplines and specific projects center on population and community ecology, paleoecology, land-use history, aquatic ecology, biogeochemistry, ecophysiology and atmosphere-biosphere exchanges. Summer 2006 project listings and researchers. Compensation: Students are paid a stipend of $4560. Excellent housing and a full meal plan are included as part of the program. Limited funding is available for travel to and from the Harvard Forest. On-line applications are due March 5, 2006. Posted: 1/5/06.

Institute of Ecosystem Studies: IES is pleased to announce its 19th summer of undergraduate research opportunities through our "Ecology in Context" program. In 2006, 10 students will join the unique IES research community to carry out cutting-edge investigations of their own design, working closely with a mentor scientist. The program emphasizes the community nature of the scientific enterprise. As participants design and complete their independent research projects they consult with other scientists, present their plans for critique, and then speak in our annual Undergraduate Research Symposium and write a paper for a peer-reviewed IES Occasional Publication. The program provides students many opportunities to reflect upon and think about the process of science and its place in the world. Seminars and informal meetings provide for training in many facets of the process. Through a case study of a regional environmental issue, a career forum, and a day spent teaching high school students from a nearby city; students explore the social, political, intellectual and personal dimensions of being an ecologist. The twelve-week program for 2006 begins May 30 and runs through August 21. Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors or first semester seniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its possessions. Participants receive a $4650 (tentative) stipend and free housing in an Institute dormitory (Milbrook, NY). More information. Application Deadline: 15 February 2006. Posted: 12/6/05.

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary: We seek a university student (junior or senior level) to spend the summer working as a research intern on a study of life history traits of wild rice (Zizania aquatica). The Sanctuary is located in Lothian, Maryland, about 15 miles east of Washington, D.C. The Sanctuary is a 1,400 acre nature preserve and environmental education center on the tidal Patuxent River, and we are a member of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. To learn more about the Sanctuary, visit www.jugbay.org. One of the largest stands of Wild Rice on the east coast grows in Jug Bay's tidal freshwater marshes, along the Patuxent River in Maryland. Wild Rice has great value as a seed source for migrating waterbirds and songbirds. Little is known about the growth requirements of this tall annual plant nor do we understand the environmental factors that control its distribution. This research project will investigate the ecology and life history of Wild Rice, including its spatial distribution, biomass, growth patterns, occurrence with other emergent species, and physical/chemical characteristics of the soil and water where it grows. The intern will study these topics and will also map the distribution of rice stands in the mid-Patuxent River. The intern works five full days a week and occasional weekend days. Applicants must be physically fit, able to walk in wetlands wearing hip waders, and paddle a canoe or kayak. Ability to operate a small motorboat desired. No housing is supplied. A stipend of $3,600 is provided to the intern. The project starts on May 15 and concludes on August 15, 2006. To apply, please send your resume, the names and email addresses (and phone numbers) of three references, a copy of your transcripts (need not be official copies) and a letter of intent. In your letter of intent please tell us about yourself, why you are interested in ecology, what relevant experience you might bring to the project and describe your career goals. Deadline for receipt of applications is April 25. Please send application information to Sanctuary naturalist Elaine Friebele, at RPFRIE00@aacounty.org. or by mail to: Elaine Friebele, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, 1361 Wrighton Rd., Lothian, MD 20711. jugbay@toad.net, 410-741-9330. Posted: 3/16/06.

Kansas State University: Konza Prairie Biological Station and the Division of Biology at KSU will offer the 11th annual Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site program in the summer of 2006. The Konza Prairie REU Program is an opportunity for undergraduates to conduct original research under the supervision of an experienced scientist. Konza Prairie is a 3,487 ha prairie preserve and is a core site in the network of Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites. Ongoing research at Konza Prairie focuses on the role of disturbance by fire, grazing and climatic variability in maintaining the flora and fauna of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The research theme of the REU Site program will be in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology of a Temperate Grassland. Undergraduate research projects will span disciplines ranging from molecular and microbial ecology, organismal biology, community dynamics, and ecosystem science. The REU program runs for 10 weeks from late May to mid-August. Eligibility is restricted to U.S. citizens that are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program. Internships will include housing, a $4,000 stipend, travel to the national meeting of the Ecological Society of America in Memphis, Tennessee and college credits for a 3-credit course in grassland ecology. Complete applications must be received by March 1, 2006. Information on the REU program, including application forms or contact Dr. Gail W.T. Wilson, REU Program Coordinator, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506-4901, EM: gwtw@ksu.edu, PH: (785) 532-2892. Posted: 1/6/06.

Mississippi State University: Eight students are being sought to participate in the 2006 Research Experiences for Undergraduates program in Conservation Biology in the Southeastern United States. The REU students will gain experience in designing and conducting independent projects and will contribute to on-going research examining issues related to conservation biology in the SE. The program runs from approximately June 1 to Aug. 5 (although those interested in working with Dr. Linder and avian conservation may start earlier due to the onset of the breeding season). If you have any specific questions about one of the research areas, you are encouraged to contact the mentor(s) directly. Mentors and their research interests include: Dr. Ervin (plant ecology, wetland ecology, and invasive species), Dr. Linder (avian ecology) and Dr. Taylor (fish ecology). Students will receive a $3,000 stipend for the summer, housing is provided and a food allowance is also provided. To apply or find additional information, including email addresses of mentors, please see our REU program website. Deadline: March 15, 2006. Posted: 3/6/06.

National Park Service: The National Park Service in Fairbanks, Alaska is looking to fill 3 full time summer biotech positions. Only students registered for the coming semester (summer or fall) are eligible to apply. The incumbents will conduct field work, expedite field crews, and/or help with data entry for the Arctic Network Inventory & Monitoring Program in Fairbanks, Alaska. The positions are stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska and include field work in five of the nations most pristine parks, encompassing over 20 million acres in Northern Alaska. These positions will assist park biologists with large mammal, bird, aquatic and/ or vegetation surveys. Field work may be conducted in extremely remote areas accessible only by float plane, boat and/or helicopter. Field work may be conducted in harsh conditions for long periods of time. These positions also require a significant amount of sedentary work such as tabular and spatial data entry and mining of ecological data. Knowledge of Alaska plants and animals and experience with databases (Microsoft Excel, Access or Sequel Server) are a plus. Salary range is from $15.09-$18.69 per hour, plus $25 dollars per day for per diem when conducting field work. Travel to and from Fairbanks can not be paid for temporary positions. If you are interested in any of these positions please send a cover letter, resume or C.V. and a statement of interest (short paragraph) to Suzie Mauro at Suzie_Mauro@nps.gov; 907-455-0668. If you would like more detail about the parks or our program please check out our website or contact the hiring official: Dr. Diane M. Sanzone, Ecologist (Arctic Network Coordinator), National Park Service, 201 First Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99701. All federal employees must undergo background and security checks. The National Park Service is an equal opportunity employer. Closing date: April 21, 2006. Posted: 4/6/06.

National Park Service: The National Capital Region Network (NCRN) Inventory and Monitoring Program seeks 2 motivated students in the areas of biology, ecology, hydrology, or related sciences, to assist in water resource sampling. NCRN's long-term water resource monitoring program is designed to ensure our parks possess science-based information needed for effective resource management. This summer we will be collecting data for hydrology, temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, pH, acid neutralizing capacity, and nutrients (ammonia, nitrate, and total phosphorus). The incumbents will directly assist the Water Resources Specialist in installing water level loggers, collecting water chemistry data in the field, and analyzing water samples in the lab. Ability to do field work under hot, humid conditions and possession of a valid driver's license is required. Familiarity with scientific research techniques, hydrology, water chemistry, aquatic ecology, water quality monitoring, sampling protocols, and/or laboratory analytical methods is desired. A successful candidate should be quick to master monitoring equipment and protocols and comfortable working with Microsoft applications, especially Access and Excel. Ability to read maps and navigate is also desirable. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain hands-on training and experience in the installation and use of water level loggers, handheld water chemistry instrumentation, and collection, handling and analysis of water chemistry samples. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Park Service and its programs and to assist with tasks on a variety of projects taking place in parks across the region, including field work relating to vegetation monitoring and wildlife surveys. The selected applicant should be enrolled as a student in the fall of 2006 in order to qualify for this appointment. Duration: One position May through August; one position will extend through the school year. Specific beginning and ending dates are negotiable with respect to school calendars. Salary: $15.81 per hour. Interested students should send a letter of application, brief resume, transcript or other proof of registration for Fall 2006, and list of references by email, mail, or fax to: Marian Norris, Water Resources Specialist, Inventory and Monitoring Program, National Capital Region Network, 4598 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Washington, DC 20007. Phone: (202) 342-1443 x206, Fax: (202) 282-1031, Email: marian_norris@nps.gov. Posted: 3/29/06.

National Park Service: A field assistant is sought to perform field research in Lava Beds National Monument in northeastern California during late April - July 2006. The project's goals are to: a) better document distribution of American pikas (Ochotona princeps) in the Monument, through targeted searches in ice caves, lava-tube collapses, and lava flows; b) document the microclimates of these areas, through use of temperature-humidity remote recorders; and c) test competing hypotheses regarding the distribution of animals, including factors of climate, local habitat area, physiography, anthropogenic disturbance (due to Monument visitors), and vegetation. Assistant should be comfortable with GPS work, field-data collection, surveying vegetation and creating vouchers, use of plant keys (ideally for species of the Great Basin and Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion), basic data analysis, and writing short reports. Working conditions: Include severe weather (below-freezing temps to hot, dry conditions), rough terrain (e.g., lava), and remote locations. Compensation: Weekly stipend through the Student Conservation Association (plus potential for AmeriCorps grant, with sufficient hours), transportation while working in the Monument, and opportunity to learn hands-on about a unique geologic and biological treasure. To apply: Email by 3 February a cover letter (outlining your interest in the position and highlighting your most relevant experience), resume, and list of three references to Tim Downing at Lava Beds (tim_downing@partner.nps.gov; (530) 667-4088). Posted: 12/19/05.

Native Seed Network: The Native Seed Network/Institute for Applied Ecology will be hiring three interns this summer from mid-May to late September (end date is flexible). Our paid internship program is intended to provide field experience to individuals considering conservation biology or restoration ecology as a career choice. Interns will be collecting seed from native plants for prairie restoration throughout the Willamette Valley as well as assisting in wetlands restoration and conservation programs. The internship offers opportunities to work with native prairie species, develop plant identification skills, participate in research and monitoring projects (common garden, rare species monitoring), use technological tools (GPS, Access database, seed processing equipment), and network with public agencies and private organizations that could be your future employer. Qualifications: * Interest in conservation biology, restoration ecology, botany * Plant identification skills (or enthusiastic willingness to learn) * Attention to detail * Ability to work as a team-member for long hours in hot, dry/cold, wet conditions, with potential exposure to poison oak Details: $8/hr; mostly field work, some office work. Housing in Corvallis is not provided. College credit may be available for students currently registered at Oregon State. For more information, contact Kimiora Ward. Mail, FAX, or email your cover letter, resume and two references by May 8, 2006 to: Native Seed Network, 563 SW Jefferson Ave., Corvallis, OR 97333. Phone: 541-753-3099, FAX: 541-753-3098, Email: kimiora@nativeseednetwork.org. Posted: 4/27/06.

Northern Arizona University: Summer Technicians will work as pairs doing time-constrained visual surveys of all arthropods on cottonwood trees in Ogden Utah, as part of a trophic cascade research project. Applicants must be comfortable surveying from 16' orchard ladders, have experience with arthropod identification, and be meticulous data collectors. Training with a reference collection of cottonwood insects will be provided. There will be ample opportunity for students to collect data for independent study projects. Group housing in Ogden will be provided, but applicant should have reliable personal transportation. Additional duties may include insecticide application, tree watering, and leaf damage measurements. Pay is $11/hour; field season runs from May through July, possibly into August. Application procedure: ASAP send (or email) letter of interest, resume, at least 2 references to: Bill Bridgeland, School of Forestry, Northern AZ University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011. William.Bridgeland@nau.edu, (928) 527-0208. There is 1 position left that needs to be filled ASAP! Posted: 2/20/06, revised: 5/11/06.

Organization for Tropical Studies: We are accepting applications until January 31 for our Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in Tropical Biology in Costa Rica for this summer 2006. With funding from the National Science Foundation, the REU will provide hands-on, field-oriented research experiences to undergraduate students from throughout the United States. This is the fifth year that OTS is able to offer this intensive program to train student to conduct tropical research. We strongly encourage minority students to apply for this program. The 2006 OTS REU program, scheduled to run from June 5 to August 12, 2006, will support 12 undergraduates with a strong interest in field ecology. Several senior researchers with projects at the OTS La Selva Biological Field Station have again committed to serving as mentors, and will assist students with project selection, design, execution, analysis and presentation. We hope the students will also participate in the many opportunities available at La Selva, including seminars, interactions with other scientists, and exposure to a residential tropical field biology environment. Participants will receive a stipend of $3,500 plus other benefits including travel, room and board at the field station and an equipment allowance. Additional details and applications forms. Posted: 1/12/06.

S.M. Stoller Corporation: Our Environmental, Surveillance, Education, and Research Program has positions available for students to work as paid technicians collecting and managing data on multiple ecological research projects funded by the Department of Energy (DOE). Many of the projects are related to sagebrush steppe rangeland and wildlife habitat management. These projects include long-term vegetation change, avian surveys, sagebrush population biology, and physiological ecology studies. The positions are temporary, full-time for the 2006 field season (late May to mid-August). Employment start and end dates are flexible based on the end and start dates of university classes. The primary work location will be at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), located 45 miles west of Idaho Falls. The close proximity of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Craters of the Moon National Parks, as well as great public access to National Forests and BLM lands make for excellent nearby outdoor recreation opportunities. Qualifications: Preference will be given to college students in biology, range management, wildlife science, environmental science, ecology or a related major. Since field crews often work in remote areas of the INL with limited access, candidates must be mature, responsible and able to work with a minimum of supervision. A cover letter, resume, transcripts and three letters of reference should be sent to: Mr. Douglas K. Halford, S.M. Stoller Corporation, 1780 First Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. dhalford@stoller.com, Voice: (208) 525-9358, Fax: (208) 525-3364. E-mail letters of reference will be accepted. Deadline: March 15, 2006. Address questions to Dr. Roger D. Blew (rblew@stoller.com). Posted: 2/17/06.

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute: Undergraduate Research Position Spring 2006 - Developing mechanistic models of seed dispersal by wind. We seek a highly motivated upper-level undergraduate with a strong quantitative background to conduct research on seed dispersal by wind in tropical forests for three or more months between January and May 2006. This research is part of an interdisciplinary NSF-funded project to develop and validate mechanistic models of seed dispersal for 50 wind-dispersed tropical tree and liana species. This REU position involves field work, lab experiments, data analysis and potentially modeling directed towards understanding how seed release probabilities vary with windspeed and other factors. The work will be conducted largely independently, under the direction of Helene Muller-Landau and in consultation with the more senior ecologists and atmospheric modelers on the research team. The position is based at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute field station on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, which provides opportunities to attend twice-weekly research seminars and interact with a wide variety of scientists on a daily basis. No background in ecology is required, but interest and willingness to learn are critical for students lacking such background. Students with substantial coursework in mathematics and/or the physical sciences will be preferred. We will pay all travel, room and board, plus a stipend of $300 per week. There is the option of obtaining academic credit for this research through the department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota. More information. To apply, email a resume, a letter of interest (briefly stating your research interests, scientific background, and professional goals), and the names and contact information for 3 references to Helene Muller-Landau at hmuller@umn.edu. Application review will commence November 1, 2005 and continue until the position is filled. Posted: 10/18/05.

Texas A&M University: 4-6 positions for full-time summer workers, based in either Colorado Springs, CO or Bushland, TX (near Amarillo). Lodging/meals are not provided for either position and pay rates are commensurate with the year of college attended. Applications for employment can be downloaded here and sent to either Dr. Jerry Michels (asychis@aol.com) or Vanessa Carney (vacarney@ag.tamu.edu) via email or at the physical address below. Job #1: Student Worker (Entomology), 2 positions Location: Colorado Springs, CO and surrounding area Applications for the position will be accepted until April 1, 2006, or suitable candidates identified. The position will run full-time until August 31, 2006 and primarily involve outdoor surveying. Applicants should be prepared for working under field conditions along the Colorado Front Range. Specific responsibilities will include mapping weed infestations using GPS technology, collecting data on plant parameters, some plant community ecology, identification and quantification of insect biological control agents. These positions may involve working hours outside of the regular business day and some long distance/overnight travel (vehicle provided). Minimum qualifications for employment include a high school degree and at least a college freshman level, preferably with a major in entomology, plant science or biology. Previous field and/or GPS experience is preferred, and a keen interest in scientific research is recommended. Preference will be given to applicants with related work experience. Candidates should be reliable, attentive to detail and self-motivated. Must also be at least 18 years of age due to Experiment Station driving restrictions, and have a clean driving record. Security clearance for federal/military installations may be required. Job #2: Student Worker (Entomology), 2-4 positions Location: Bushland, TX (11 miles west of Amarillo) and surrounding area The position is full-time (i.e. 40 hours/week) during the summer, commencing immediately following the spring semester. An earlier start at part-time hours is possible. Screening will continue until the position is filled. Greenhouse, field and some laboratory work will be involved with this position. Specific responsibilities will include planting and maintenance of greenhouse plants/insect colonies, performing field experiments, collecting, organizing and recording data and assisting with various other laboratory, greenhouse, and fieldwork, as required. Projects include biological control of noxious weeds, remote sensing of insect pest damage in crops and entomological field crop research. This position may require some work on weekends, hours outside of the regular business day and some off-station travel (with station vehicle). Employees will observe all applicable Texas Agricultural Experiment Station rules and policies. Minimum qualifications for employment include a high school degree and at least a college freshman, preferably with a major in entomology, plant science or biology. Previous field and/or greenhouse experience is preferred, and a keen interest in scientific research is recommended. Preference will be given to applicants with related work experience. Candidates should be reliable, attentive to detail and self-motivated. Must also be at least 18 years of age due to Experiment Station driving restrictions, and have a clean driving record. Posted: 3/15/06.

Texas A&M University: Full-time Summer Position for Undergraduate Student or Recent Graduate. We are seeking a highly responsible individual to conduct field studies as part of the Leon River Restoration Project in central Texas. The Leon River Restoration project is an ongoing watershed-scale research project on private lands investigating potential changes in the quality and quantity of water through removal of juniper, while improving wildlife habitat and forage production for livestock. This person will primarily participate in the water quantity component of the project, under direct supervision of Dr. Georgianne Moore in the department of Rangeland Ecology and Management. Work consists primarily of soil and plant sampling and analysis, with some additional experience with stream flow and weather monitoring. Successful candidates will gain valuable field work skills and exposure to a wide array of research methods. Applicants must be able to conduct physical work in adverse weather conditions and willing to spend 18+ nights a month on site in Pearl, TX (population ~125). Housing will be provided at no cost and available for the entire summer. Deadline for applications is March 27th. Interested students please send a resume and cover letter via e-mail to Dr. Georgianne Moore (gwmoore@tamu.edu). Posted: 3/15/06.

USDA Forest Service: Summer Positions for Student Temporary Employment. Survey for wildlife species such California spotted owls and northern goshawks. Surveys will involve working long days and nights (10-12 hours per day). Students must be in good physical condition as surveys will involve hiking in steep, uneven, remote terrain. Locations: Eldorado National Forest - Placerville and Amador Ranger Districts. Time Period: Mid-May/June to Mid-August/Sept. Requirements: Full-time Student. Pay: GS 3/4 ($11.33-$14.23 per hr.) Salary varies depending on experience and education. Living Accomodations: Barracks may be available for $5.95 per day. If interested, please contact Claudia Funari at cfunari@gmail.com or call 209-295-5940. Please send resume to the above e-mail address, if you would like to apply. Posted: 5/11/06.

USDA Forest Service: Botany Field Technicians. This is a preliminary announcement for three, three-month 'biotech' positions with the US Forest Service, Wayne National Forest, Ohio for the 2006 summer season at the GS-5 ($13.58/hr), GS-4 ($12.14) and GS-3 ($10.82) levels. Pay grade will be offered based on education and/or level of experience. Housing is not provided but affordable housing can be found in Ironton, OH or Ashland, KY. Preferred start date is May 15th. Duties include: Assisting botanist in conducting surveys for non-native invasive plant species, threatened and endangered species and inventorying other vascular plant species (75%), using GPS and GIS to document locations of plants of interest (10%), entering data from surveys into databases (10%) and other tasks as assigned (5%). Qualifications: A course in vascular plant taxonomy and the ability to key plants to the species level is required. Courses in agrostology, orienteering (or experience in compass work, pacing and map reading) and dendrology would be beneficial. Past field-work and experience with database and GIS programs and GPS equipment would also be helpful. Must be willing to work alone in remote forest locations or with others in a team setting. Work may require travel between the three different units of the Wayne National Forest, and up to 2 weeks/month of overnight travel. Please send resume with references and cover letter to ckirschbaum@fs.fed.us by March 3rd. Be sure to include in your resume, relevant coursework and work/volunteer experiences. Posted: 2/17/06.

USDA Forest Service: Rocky Mountain Research Station, Great Basin Ecosystem Management Project. Research assistants for field and lab work with the riparian plant ecology, pinyon-juniper ecology, invasive species, and fire history studies of the Great Basin Ecosystem Management Project. Work includes sampling vegetation and soils in central Nevada watersheds near Austin, Nevada, laboratory processing of the collected materials, and data entry. You may be eligible for academic credit-talk to your advisor. Hours: Full time (40 hrs/wk) from mid/late May until classes resume at the end of August. Some part time before and after this period is possible. Pay: $10.52-13.21/hr depending on education and experience. Qualifications: Interest in working with plants required, knowledge of native Nevada plant species desirable. Familiarity with field plant and soil data collection techniques and lab processing techniques. Computer skills, especially MS Excel. Good physical condition, including ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time in varying weather conditions. This will include hiking long distances in rough terrain with sampling gear and samples. Low-impact camping skills. Availability for extended field work, up to five days (usually Monday-Friday). Good driving record. Some experience with 4WD vehicles is desirable. Must be registered as at least a half-time student. Contact: David Board, Ecologist (dboard@fs.fed.us); Dr. Robin Tausch, Range Ecologist (tausch@unr.edu); Dr. Jeanne Chambers, Research Ecologist (chambers@unr.edu); 775.784.5329. Posted: 2/1/06.

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center: we are seeking to hire two full-time temporary Biological Science Technicians (GS-404-04) to assist in maintaining two large-scale avian monitoring programs: the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and the Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA). Duties: Preparation of biological data for computer entry, performance of quality assurance and quality control procedures on biological data using optical character recognition software and other techniques, assisting with database management, photocopying and filing, conducting literature searches, preparation of graphs, charts and other materials for web pages, and assisting in preparation of administrative correspondence and technical reports on wildlife resources. Duration: 22 May - 1 Sept. 2006 (approximate). Salary: $12.68 per hour. Hours: 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. Qualifications: These positions will be filled via the U.S. Geological Survey's Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). To qualify for the STEP program applicants must be a: 1) U.S.A. citizen 2) Current student (undergraduate) in good standing at an accredited college or university. In addition to the requirements above, preferred candidates will possess the following qualifications: -- Two years of completed course work in biology, wildlife management, environmental science, or related field. --Knowledge of biological theories, concepts and principles; knowledge of distributions and natural histories of North American birds, a plus but not required. -- Knowledge of computer software used to summarize data and develop web pages (e.g., Excel, Access, MS Word). -- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Duty Station: work will be performed in an office environment in Laurel, MD. Housing and transportation to and from the work station will be the responsibility of the applicant. Contact: Keith Pardieck (301-497-5843). To apply, send cover letter and resume with three references by 17 March 2006 to: Keith Pardieck, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4038; email: kpardieck@usgs.gov. Posted: 2/22/06.

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center: we are seeking a student to fill a full-time summer student contract position. The student contractor would assist in maintaining the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program. Start and end dates are flexible. Duties include: Converting data to format required for importation into database, updating route maps using mapping software, preparation of biological data for computer entry, performance of quality assurance and quality control procedures on biological data, assisting with database management, photocopying and filing, conducting literature searches, preparation of graphs, charts and other materials for web pages, and assisting in preparation of administrative correspondence and technical reports on wildlife resources. This is a full-time (8 hours/day, 40 hours/week), temporary student contractor position. Work will be performed in an office environment located on the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center campus in Laurel, Maryland. Extended periods of computer use will be required. Required: Current student at an accredited college or university with at least two years of completed course work; coursework in biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred; knowledge of biological theories, concepts and principles (knowledge of distributions and natural histories of North American calling amphibians a plus); knowledge of computer software used to summarize data (i.e., Excel, Access); ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Compensation is $13.63 per hour for student who has completed two or more years of college. Student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location. The Government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Travel away from the duty station is not expected. Approximate Dates: 30 May - 31 August 2006. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume with 3 references by March 25, 2006 to: Linda Weir, USGS NAAMP Coordinator, North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP), USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4038. phone: (301) 497-5932, fax: (301) 497-5784, email: lweir@usgs.gov. Posted: 3/1/06.

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center: The U.S. Geological Survey's Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative Northeast program needs two field technicians: one technician will be part-time student contractor (March-May 2006) with possible extension to full-time during the summer; the second technician will be full-time summer only (June - mid-August 2006). Technicians will conduct amphibian surveys at National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia (e.g. Patuxent Research Refuge, C&O Canal National Historic Park, Rock Creek Park, Shenandoah National Park, and Prince William Forest Park). Field work involves identifying, catching, and measuring amphibians and some reptiles, collecting water quality and environmental data, and sampling for available pond habitats. The student will be required to conduct field surveys using techniques including visual encounter and coverboard surveys, dip netting, calling surveys, stream transect searches and temporary removal sampling. Data may be entered onto palm pilots in the field and later downloaded to computers for proofing. Data entry into the National ARMI Database is a required part of the position. The position requires completion of academic coursework related to wildlife biology. Previous field experience with amphibians and/or reptiles is highly recommended. The position requires the use of GPS units, palm pilots, digital cameras, and computer software for data entry and presentation (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Access). Knowledge of GIS is preferred but not required. Most of the work is outdoors, sometimes under harsh or hot conditions. The student needs to be in good physical condition, as the job requires long hours in the field (including some night-time surveys) and hiking with up to 25 pounds of equipment. Students may also be asked to mark amphibians with florescent elastomer. Students applying for the part-time spring technician must be willing to work during the day, at least 3 days a week. Students applying for summer technicians must be able to work 40 hours per week from early June - mid August 2006. Students are responsible for all costs of transportation to and from Patuxent. Government vehicles are available for all field work initiated from Patuxent. Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and experience (approximate wages are: $12.43/hour for two or more years of college, $13.91/hour for completion of BA/BS degree, $17.22 for completion of BA/BS plus one year of graduate school). Principle duty Station: USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Rd., Laurel, MD 20708-4038. To apply, send the following to Sandra Mattfeldt at the above address or via email (sandra_mattfeldt@usgs.gov) or FAX (301.497.5784) by Feb 10, 2006 (for spring technician) or April 14, 2006 (for summer only technician): 1) Letter of intent 2) Resume, including previous field experience, list of classes taken, contact information, social security #, and two or three reference contacts 3) One piece of evidence of current or recent (within past 12 months) enrollment in degree program (e.g., transcript, letter from University admissions, a current registration card). Posted: 1/5/06.

University of California Berkeley: 2 summer field technician positions available for knobcone pine regeneration project. tudents and graduates with an interest or background in fire, forestry, ecology or a related field are encouraged to apply. Pay Range: $10-$13/hour. More information. Posted: 3/28/06.

University of California Davis: We are accepting applications for an NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) position to be filled for the summer of 2006 at the Bodega Marine Lab. The Bodega Marine Lab, associated with UC-Davis, is a fully-equipped field station with superb access to coastal marine and terrestrial habitats on the Sonoma Coast of California. The selected student will contribute to on-going research examining trophic interactions in coastal prairie ecosystems, and will gain experience in the design, execution, analysis, and written and oral presentation of an independent project. The program runs from approximately June 25 to August 19. Students will receive a $3,500 stipend for the summer and reimbursement for travel expenses. On-site room and board also will be provided. More information. Students are encouraged to apply ASAP as screening of applications will begin shortly after April 10 and will continue until filled. To apply, please email a letter of interest, college transcript, cv or resume, and the contact information for 3 professional references to: drstrong@ucdavis.edu (Donald Strong) and dsgruner@ucdavis.edu (Daniel Gruner). Posted: 3/30/06.

University of California Santa Barbara: I am accepting applications from undergraduate students interested in a summer internship in plant ecology. The selected student will work with Jonathan Levine and myself on a study examining germination strategies and seed banks of 70 native annual California plant species. The purpose of the project is to determine how life-history strategies of native plants impact their ability to survive and persist in human-altered environments and under different climate change scenarios. The selected REU student will be involved in field work at field sites in San Diego, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, the central valley and northern Napa and will work at the UCSB greenhouses, examining seed banks from soil cores collected from throughout California. The position also includes an independent project component. If you are interested please send a cv or resume along with a letter of interest by April 7 to: Margie Mayfield at mayfield@msi.ucsb.edu. I will send more details about the project and the position to interested individuals. Posted: 3/27/06.

University of Houston: Two research positions are available for the summer of 2006 (~June 1 to August 10) to assist in research on the effect of colony genetic diversity on colony function in the western harvester ant. The work is part of a long-term study of harvester ant population biology and evolution. The study area is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Grand Junction, Colorado on the Colorado plateau. Field assistants will monitor daily activity patterns, conduct food discovery experiments, and help with estimating reproductive output. Successful applicants must be reliable, tolerant of desert conditions, and must have their own car. We are seeking highly motivated people who can work independently and as part of a research group. In addition to a salary, student housing costs will be covered. Interested applicants should send or email a cover letter, CV, and have three letters of references sent to: Dr. Diane C. Wiernasz, Department of Biology, University of Houston, Houston TX 77204-5001. Electronic applications and letters of reference are encouraged (dwiernasz@uh.edu). In your cover letter, please indicate how this position fits into your long- term career goals. Review of applications will begin March 20th and continue until the positions are filled. Posted: 2/28/06.

University of Maryland: Field assistant needed to help a PhD student studying social communication and group movement of Pallid bats (Antrozous pallidus). The study sites are located at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (Clarno Unit) and the Pine Creek Conservation Area near Fossil, Oregon. Previous field experience is strongly desired although previous experience studying bats is preferred but not necessary. The successful candidate must be enthusiastic and willing to withstand adverse weather conditions (very warm days, cool nights), rocky terrain, and working late nights potentially throughout the evening (we are studying bats after all!). Duties will include observational data collection of Pallid bats at maternity roosts as well as recording of social calls and monitoring the movement of bats using radio telemetry. The candidate will also assist with mistnetting bats at a water source adjacent to the maternity roost and will gain experience in identification and collection of data from captured bats. However, if the candidate wishes to handle bats they must receive the required rabies vaccination prior to the onset of the field season. Start date will be approximately June 1st with fieldwork continuing until the first week of August (depending on availability of applicant). Both travel to and from the field site as well as housing will be provided. This is a great opportunity in a truly beautiful part of the country for either a recent college graduate or college senior looking to gain research experience. If interested or if you have any questions please send an email describing your research interests and experience (less than one page) along with at least 2 references to Bryan Arnold at barnold@umd.edu. Posted: 3/23/06.

University of Massachusetts: Field Assistant studying the attraction of insects to the fragrant compounds of Squash flowers Dates: June 5- September 1st Full time (dates somewhat negotiable) Pay: $8-10 an hour depending on experience. A field assistant position working this summer on an NSF funded project studying the evolution of fragrance in Cucurbita texana- the Texas wild gourd. Duties will include identifying, collecting and pinning insects, setting up fragrance traps, observing pollinator and beetle activity, and counting pollen. This job can be physically demanding and may include some early mornings. All work to take place in and around Amherst, Mass. A car and drivers license is required and biology majors are preferred. To apply please send: * A current resume (please include your GPA); * Contact information for 2 references: email and phone#’s; * A brief cover letter describing your interest in this position to Nina Theis (ntheis@nsm.umass.edu). Posted: 5/11/06.

University of Michigan: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA), Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, and the Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research (CILER), administered by the University of Michigan, announce their 2006 Great Lakes Summer Student Fellowship Program. This fellowship program provides students with an exciting opportunity to conduct research in the Great Lakes region under the mentorship of an individual scientist or professional. Summer fellowships are available in a broad range of fields including Aquatic Ecology, Ecosystem Modeling, Maritime Archaeology, Marine Instrumentation, and Communication/ Outreach. We seek to fill 25 full-time, twelve-week positions. Preference is given to currently enrolled or just-graduated undergraduates, although graduate student applications will also be considered. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of $5,000 for the twelve-week fellowship. Additional information on the individual fellows positions and application instructions can be found at CILER or GLERL. Deadline: 15 February, 2006. Posted: 1/17/06.

University of Minnesota: We are seeking responsible students to fill two summer field assistant positions related to carbon cycling research in northern Wisconsin. The primary responsibilities of this position will be surveying vegetation and woody debris and collecting soil samples and trace gas samples for laboratory analysis. This research will be conducted in forests and wetlands of northern Wisconsin. The field sites are located in the Chequamegon National Forest, near Woodruff and Park Falls, WI. Housing can be provided. These positions will provide opportunities to learn field sampling techniques for ecosystem research. Training is provided. Travel to field sites is required. Applicants should have a background in a related academic discipline (soil science, ecology, forestry). Applicants must be interested and able to work outdoors. Applicants should be prepared to work independently and should demonstrate good organizational skills. Experience in field research is preferred. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license. Salary $10-11/hr. Application information (including major and pertinent coursework, year in school, resume, and references) should be sent by email to Dr. Peter Weishampel (weish004@umn.edu). Posted: 4/9/06.

University of Minnesota: Forest Inventory Field Assistants. We are seeking 3 people to assist with a research project in Northern Wisconsin in summer 2006. Positions will involve collecting forest inventory data following methods similar to USFS Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) methods. The data collected will be used to develop remote sensing based models of forest structure and productivity. Position is full time through the summer months. Most work will be outdoors, although some data entry, quality control, and basic analysis will involve computer work. Pay is $11/hour and housing will be provided. Experience or coursework in forest ecology, forest measurements, knowledge of area species, and GPS use is preferred. Applicants should be students in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, or related fields. To apply, send resume and cover letter to: Ryan Anderson (ande8047@umn.edu). Posted: 4/5/06.

University of Minnesota: Four full-time field assistant positions will be available from May 15 to August 18 to assist with research on the impacts of alternative forest management regimes in riparian forests. Two teams will be formed, each working under the supervision of a graduate student. Duties: Team 1: Work will focus on a single site near Grand Rapids, MN and will involve assisting with measurements of overstory density and structure, coarse woody debris, tree regeneration, and woody and herbaceous vegetation. Housing in Grand Rapids will be provided. Team 2: Work will involve eight separate sites in north central and eastern Minnesota, including along the north shore of Lake Superior, and will also involve assisting with measurements of overstory density and structure, coarse woody debris, tree regeneration, and woody and herbaceous vegetation. Housing in either Grand Rapids, Duluth, or along the north shore will be provided. Qualifications: 1. Strong taxonomic skills with understory woody shrub and herbaceous species as well as tree seedlings is required. 2. Willingness to work long days on your feet in all weather conditions among mosquitoes while carrying equipment and supplies is necessary. 3. Familiarity with forest mensuration terminology and techniques would be helpful. Pay Rate: All positions pay $11/hr for a 40 hour work week for no more than 12 weeks. Applicants with student status (will be enrolled somewhere in the fall) have priority. Application: Please send the following via email (ezenner@umn.edu) or snail mail (Eric Zenner, Dept. Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, 1530 N. Cleveland Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108) by March 1st: 1. 1-page Cover letter/email describing your qualifications and interest in the position, 2. Resume showing prior work experience and/or a transcript to demonstrate taxonomic skill, 3. Names and email addresses (or snail mail) of three work or school references. Please visit Silviculture Lab jobs for the most current information. All positions must be filled by May 15th. Posted: 2/2/06.

University of Minnesota: The Cedar Creek Natural History Area has opportunities for students to work as Research Interns. Most positions run from June through August, but some interns are needed as early as April and some until October. Pay is $9.30 per hour ($4500 in three months). If you are an undergraduate or a newly graduated student with a background in biology and want to start a career in ecology or environmental studies, or if you have a strong background and interest in flora of the Great Plains, we encourage you to apply. Much of our current work examines the ecology of our changing planet. Around the globe, humans are inducing extinctions, changing the atmosphere, increasing nutrients, transporting invasive species, altering fire frequency---all of which may alter the stability and functioning of ecosystems worldwide. At Cedar Creek we try to understand such impacts on ecosystems through long-term experiments and observations. In our most technologically advanced experiment, we increase nitrogen and carbon dioxide over part of a field to understand the effect on plant communities of different diversities and compositions. In our largest experiment (20 acres), we examine the effect of biodiversity on nutrient retention, productivity, invasion, pathogens, and other ecological properties. Numerous other projects study such topics as the effects of fire, herbivory by insects, and microbial communities. As a research intern, you would contribute to our ongoing experiments---learning to identify plant species, estimate species abundances, collect soil samples, maintain experimental areas, and so forth. Typical work days are eight hours, with occasional weekends possible. On-site dormitory housing is available for approximately $175 per month. This is hard work and mostly outdoors, though a few jobs have indoor laboratory or computer components. You have the opportunity to initiate your own research, attend our seminar series, and interact with graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members. In addition, your department may be able to approve this internship, with an appropriate independent project, for any field biology requirement of your major. To apply, please: (1) send a letter describing a) how this position would help you achieve your career goals, b) your work experience, c) dates you are available, d) minority status (optional), e) email address, (2) include a resume (maximum of two pages), (3) send a copy of your transcript (unofficial), (4) have two letters of recommendation sent. Applications are being accepted now, with the deadlines for completed applications being March 1, 2006. You will receive an email regarding your status when your application is complete. Send all materials to: Dr. David Tilman, University of Minnesota, 100 Ecology Building, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN 55108. Please direct inquiries to interns@lter.umn.edu or to Jared Trost at 763-434-5131. You will be considered for this internship if (a) you are a US citizen or (b) a foreign citizen attending a US college or university full-time. Posted: 1/18/06.

University of Nevada, Reno: A field assistant is needed May-August 2006 to work on a project involving North American pika (Ochotona princeps) distribution in the Great Basin. Work is mostly in mountain ranges throughout central and northern Nevada, although some sites are in eastern California and Central Oregon. Duties include surveying talus areas for pikas, collecting various data on site characteristics (elevation, slope, etc.), conducting vegetation surveys at pika sites, and some data entry. Field work is at high altitude (sites range from 8,000-13,000 feet) and is extremely demanding physically. Applicant must have the ability to hike 10+ miles per day over uneven, rocky terrain while carrying up to 20 lbs. Applicant must have the ability to interpret topo maps and use a GPS to navigate to sites which are not accessible by trails. Applicant must be comfortable and be experienced working alone in remote, mountainous areas. Excellent organizational skills and ability to key out (or willingness to learn) Great Basin plant species is necessary. Preference will be given to applicants who have or are currently pursuing a degree in conservation biology or related field. Field schedule will most likely be 4-5 days in the field with 2-3 days off and monthly stipend is $1400 per month. Please send letter of interest and resume electronically with FIELD ASSISTANT in subject by March 22, 2006 to: Nifer Wilkening (wilkeni4@unr.nevada.edu). Posted: 3/13/06.

University of Notre Dame: Two summer undergraduate technician positions are available in Dr. Jennifer Tank’s Stream Ecology Laboratory. One position may develop into a more permanent lab technician position in Fall 2006. Duties will include fieldwork, analyzing gas and water samples, data entry, and general lab work. The job will provide training on spectrophotometric methods, gas chromatography, ELISA, and field methods including measuring ecosystem metabolism, nutrient uptake, and stable isotope sampling. Current research in the Tank Lab is related to these three projects: 1) The effect of land use on in-stream nitrogen cycling (SW Michigan and NW Indiana). 2) The effect of a large woody debris addition on stream ecosystem function (organic matter dynamics, nutrient cycling, and macroinvertebrate secondary production) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 3) The role of traditional and genetically modified corn material in the form of non-harvested tissue and pollen in agricultural stream carbon cycling (central Indiana). Please send a letter of interest, a resume or curriculum vitae, and a list of 3 references to Michelle Evans-White (mevanswh@nd.edu), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0369. Electronic copies are preferred. Application review will begin on May 12 and continue until suitable persons are hired. Posted: 4/18/06.

University of Notre Dame: An REU position is available in the Lodge lab to develop a comparative study of rusty crayfish, an invasive species, in streams and lakes in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The goal of the project will be to determine a pattern of spread for rusty crayfish from lakes into streams. The REU will gain experience in designing and conducting an independent project and will contribute to on-going research examining the impacts and spread of the rusty crayfish in lakes and streams. This project will allow the student to participate in other graduate projects and to learn many skills related to aquatic ecology research (i.e., electrofishing, habitat surveys, water chemistry, etc.). The student will receive a competitive stipend and housing will be provided. Duration of the project will be from early June to mid August 2006. To apply please email a resume and cover letter, along with three references to Joanna McNulty (mcnulty.9@nd.edu). Additionally, transcripts should be mailed to Joanna McNulty, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame Indiana, 46556. Questions about the project may be directed to graduate students Angela Bobeldyk (abobeldy@nd.edu) or Jody Murray (jmurray7@nd.edu). Posted: 3/3/06.

University of Pittsburgh: The Ecology and Evolution Program in the Department of Biological Sciences has an NSF-funded research opportunity for an undergraduate student interested in the effects of pesticides on aquatic communities. The successful candidate will be trained in all aspects of conducting ecological research as part of a diverse research team that examines the ecology and evolution of aquatic organisms. The experience will include collecting animals from ponds, swamps, and marshes, conducting laboratory experiments and outdoor field experiments, and the opportunity to conduct independent research with the ultimate goal of publishing the work. Previous students have published their work in leading journals including Ecology, Ecology Letters, and Oecologia. The research experience occurs from early May through mid-August (12 weeks) at the Pymatuning research station. The student will attend weekly evening seminars and socialize with other undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty from around the country. During this time, the student will be paid $320 per week and enjoy free housing on the beautiful shores of Pymatuning Lake in northwestern PA. There also are funds available for research supplies and travel to nearby field sites (having your own vehicle would be very useful). Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enrolled as undergraduate students (graduating seniors are not eligible). Interested students should send a cv (i.e. resume), a list of references, and a brief cover letter detailing their interests in this research opportunity to Dr. Rick Relyea at relyea@pitt.edu. Posted: 3/21/06.

University of Puerto Rico: The Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies is accepting applications for the Summer 2006 internship in Tropical Ecology and Evolution at El Verde Field Station, Puerto Rico. The internship will run from May 29 to August 4th, 2006. Application deadline: 28 February 2006. The program will offer students the opportunity to have hands-on experience fields such as: - Plant Systematics and Population Biology. - Plant Community Dynamics and Forest Ecology. - Plant eco-physiology. - Terrestrial Arthropod Ecology. - Plant Reproductive Ecology and Evolution. - Aquatic Insect Ecology. - Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology. - Land-use History and Species Diversity. - Soil Ecology. Students will receive a stipend of $4,000 for the ten weeks duration of the program. Round-trip plane ticket from home institution to Puerto Rico will be reimbursed, up to a maximum of $800. The program will cover housing at the University of Puerto Rico and El Verde Field Station. The National Science Foundation and the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus, fund the program. The program is limited to undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor degree at a college or university during summer 2006 and to US citizen or permanent resident. Application materials and further information can be found at http://ites.upr.edu/REU/ or contact Alonso Ramirez (reu@ites.upr.edu) Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 21910, San Juan, PR 00931. Posted: 1/30/06.

University of Texas at Austin: Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Integrated Environmental Science. Beginning in the summer of 2006, the Environmental Science Institute will begin a new program to get undergraduates involved in integrated environmental science research. Students will be trained in interdisciplinary field and laboratory studies of watersheds in the areas of chemistry, biology, ecology, civil engineering, marine science, and geological science. The term is June 1 - August 10, 2006, with a stipend of $4,000 plus travel expenses. Applications and more information. Applications are due March 1, 2006. Posted: 2/6/06.

University of Virginia: Professors Okin and Epstein, Department of Environmental Science are seeking an undergraduate student for an NSF funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position. Successful applicants will participate in plant ecology field research at the Jornada Experimental Range, near Las Cruces, New Mexico. The student will be involved with data collection for an ongoing project examining relationships between wind erosion and vegetation and determining the role that wind erosion plays in desert grassland degradation. The student will work closely with a Ph.D. student, collecting data on plant community composition, coverage, and function on experimental plots established to test the effects of vegetation removal and increased wind erosion on desert grasslands. Additionally, the student will be responsible for conducting their own independent research involving plant-soil interactions on experimental plots. REU positions are available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are currently enrolled as undergraduates at U.S. colleges or universities (graduating seniors are not eligible). Applicants should have completed some basic coursework in biology and ecology, and demonstrate an interest in plant ecology and independent research. Identification skills for plants are helpful. Preference will be given to upcoming third and fourth year undergraduates. The student must be independent and capable of developing an independent project and following it through to completion (including data collection, analysis and writing a final paper). Applicants should be in good health and capable of working long hours in hot, dry conditions. Candidates must be available for a minimum of 12 weeks during the months of July - September. Applicants must be available to work Monday – Saturday during the summer, but will work around school schedules once Fall classes begin in August. Successful candidates will receive a $3900 stipend. Money will also be provided for housing and travel expenses. Please send the following by email To Lorelei Hartman (ljh3x@virginia.edu): 1. Cover letter, 2. Resume, 3. Two references, 4. An unofficial copy of your transcript. Posted: 4/27/06.

University of Virginia: The Mountain Lake Biological Station is pleased to announce its Summer 2006 REU Program, now in its 14th year. Program Dates: May 30 - August 4. To learn more about the program or complete an on-line application, see the REU program web page. Application Deadline: March 1. Posted: 1/6/06.

University of Wisconsin - Madison: The Forest Ecosystem Ecology Lab is looking for qualified undergraduate and recently graduated students to assist with summer field collection for a pair of research projects located in Thompson Manitoba, Canada. Please see the web position anouncement (pdf) for a more detailed description. Briefly, the student will be assisting with remote sensing research primarily collecting data for satellite validation, monitoring, and experimental analysis. The work is part of a series of research projects which seek to understand claimte change impacts on boreal forest structure and function, which Dr. Tom Gower has led or been a part of for the last 14 years. Please contact Shawn Serbin (serbin@wisc.edu) for more information; to apply e-mail a resume and short statement of interest. Posted: 2/28/06.

Villanova University: We are searching for a creative, meticulous, and motivated environmental science undergraduate student to lead a summer-long global change research project. This NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) project is part of a larger collaborative project being carried out jointly at the Department of Biology at Villanova and the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory at Colorado State. The aim of the project is to better understand the impact of global climate change on the organic carbon balance in terrestrial ecosystems. The specific goals of the REU project are to study how changes in temperature alter the decomposition rate of organic matter that is more or less physically protected by soil aggregation. The REU student will be directly involved in method development, data collection and analysis. The ultimate goal of this summer project is to produce a scientific publication in the peer-reviewed literature. In addition to a competitive summer salary, the REU student will be a full team member contributing to cutting-edge ecosystem ecology research. Funds will also be available for the student to attend the 18th World Congress of Soil Science, held in Philadelphia, July 9-15 2006. This is a unique opportunity to participate in an international conference attended by thousands of researchers from around the world. Applications received by May 1st, 2006 will be guaranteed full consideration, with a starting date soon thereafter. The ideal candidate should have an interest in earth science, biology, ecology, environmental science or climate change, and be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a related field. Previous laboratory experience is preferred, but not required. Applicants should submit a cover letter stating their interest in the project, a current CV, a copy of their most recent course transcripts, and have two (2) letters of recommendation sent under separate cover. Submit application materials electronically to alain.f.plante@villanova.edu, or by mail to Dr. Alain Plante, Department of Biology, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085. Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Alain Plante (alain.f.plante@villanova.edu). Posted: 4/17/06.

Wichita State University: We are searching for an upper-level undergraduate to assist with field research to investigate effects of inflorescence, leaf, meristem and stem-feeding insects on reproduction and population growth of Tall thistle (Cirsium undulatum). This research will provide insights into population dynamics of weedy plants and biological control strategies for invasive species. In particular, we are examining how effects of insects that attack different plant organs combine to produce net effects on thistle individuals and populations and how variation in ecosystem productivity modifies these combined effects. The field assistant’s responsibilities will include experimental manipulation of insect herbivory, insect collection, quantification of insect damage and collecting demographic data on Tall thistles. The position will provide excellent experience in field techniques used in plant population ecology and the study of insect-host plant interactions. Fieldwork will be conducted primarily in tallgrass prairie preserves around Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition, the field assistant will participate in long-term research projects examining 1) interactions between thistles and both native and exotic insects and 2) factors that structure plant community composition in the Nebraska Sand Hills, the largest continental dune system in the western hemisphere. The field assistant position is a temporary, full-time position that will begin May 22 and continue through August 18. If agreeable to the project leaders and the assistant, there is the possibility of extending the position into late August or early September. The salary for this position will be $1,200 - $1,500 / mo depending on previous experience. To apply, please submit 1) a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, how the position would further your educational/career goals and your previous experience in biological field research, 2) a resume and 3) names of three references. In addition, please have your references each send a letter of recommendation to Dr. Leland Russell, Department of Biological Sciences, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita State University, Wichita KS 67260. If you have questions or want more information, please contact Dr. Russell (leland.russell@wichita.edu). Review of applications will begin February 24 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Posted: 2/6/06.

Summer Jobs and Internships | Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs:

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists - Leonard Rieser Fellowship: The deadline for the Leonard Rieser Fellowship in Science, Technology, and Global Security is March 10, 2006. If you know an undergraduate who cares about the role of scientists in formulating public policy and in addressing global security challenges, please let them know about the Rieser Fellowship. The Fellowship annually awards $2500-$5000 to a limited number of students so that they can pursue projects that explore emerging or critical issues at the intersection of science, global security, and public policy. To learn more visit the Rieser Fellowship website. Posted: 1/13/06.

SERC Internship Program in Environmental Studies: The SERC Internship Program offers undergraduate and beginning graduate students a unique opportunity to gain exposure and experience in a research environment. The program enables student to work on specific projects under the direction of the Center’s professional staff and is tailored to provide the maximum educational benefit to each participant. As the Smithsonian’s premiere US-based outdoor ecological laboratory, SERC offers internship projects in the following subprograms: Global Change, Landscape Ecology, Ecology of Coastal Ecosystems, Population and Community Ecology, and Environmental Education. These studies analyze local, regional, continent-wide, and global ecological processes at locations ranging from the Chesapeake Bay to tropical and polar regions. Education programs at SERC focus on increasing the public’s understanding of environmental issues. Although students will become familiar with all the research being conducted by a particular staff member, and with much of the research of the Center in general, individuals will devote most of their time to a project and content area of particular interest to them. Students will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge in a selected field of study and to learn a variety of research techniques through firsthand experience. SERC Internship Program participants will be expected to integrate what they have learned during their experience and present a brief seminar toward the end of their stay. Duration: Appointments are fulltime (40 hours/week) for 10-16 weeks. Compensation: Interns receive $400/week. Limited onsite dormitory space may be available for $75/week (board only). Eligibility and Requirements: Currently enrolled undergraduate and beginning graduate students (Master level) who are pursuing a career in environmental research or environmental education. Recent graduates are also eligible. Foreign students are eligible to apply. Application Procedures: Students must submit a formal application form, current transcripts, personal essay, and two letters of reference. Application deadlines are as follows: November 15 (spring), February 1 (summer), June 1 (fall). More information and application forms at http://www.serc.si.edu/pro_training/. Posted: 12/21/05.

Strategies for Ecology Education, Development and Sustainability (SEEDS): Promotes ecology opportunities for underrepresented students. The program’s mission is to stimulate and nurture underrepresented students’ interest in ecology in order to diversify and strengthen the profession of ecology. Student Field Trips are one such opportunity supported by the program. SEEDS Student Field Trips focus on ecologically significant areas in order to foster student identification with ecology through hands-on experiences with professional ecologists, exposure to the practical application of ecology, and by building student awareness of career options in the field of ecology. For more information about SEEDS and the other activities supported by the program, visit http://esa.org/seeds/.

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