Biological Science

Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute is offering an internship with the Great Plains Science Program based in the grasslands of northeast Montana (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/restoring-americas-prairie). Interns will assist Smithsonian fellows and staff in

• 1) monitoring of plant biodiversity and ground nesting bee responses to mammalian grazers (bison, cattle, and prairie dogs) and bison grazing intensity,
• 2) conducting field experiments to identify responses of grasshoppers and bees to plant nutrients and insecticides,
• 3) monitoring prairie dog responses to insecticide use,
• and 4) processing samples and developing a reference collections of grassland plants and insects.

Additionally, there will be opportunities for interns to conduct independent research projects on grassland insects and plants based on their research interests. The research will be conducted in Phillips County/Blaine County/American Prairie region in northeastern Montana (nearest town Malta, Montana).

Learning Objectives: This is a paid internship opportunity to support research of Smithsonian Conservation Ecology Center’s staff. During this internship, interns will learn:

• plant and insect field sampling techniques
• insect identification and sample preservation
• plant field identification and lab preparation of plant tissue for preservation and chemical analyses
• how to conduct an independent research project in field ecology
• how to compile ecological data in Excel, Survey123, and analyze data on ecological communities in Program R
• how to present ecological goals and research outcomes to diverse audiences
• how to apply to graduate school and research fellowships

Compensation and Housing: Interns will receive a monthly stipend of $2000. Interns will be housed on site at no cost at the NGO site American Prairie. Interns may be asked to share a bedroom with one other intern of the same gender and are responsible for purchase of their own benefits and food.

Appointment Term: June 1-Aug 31, 2025. Dates are flexible, especially for enrolled university students.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis ending on March 28, 2025.

Application Instructions: Send a cover letter (no more than 1 page), CV, and email addresses of two references in one combined pdf to Calla Sopko at callasopko@gmail.com. Please name the PDF as “YourLastName_SI_Intern2025.pdf” and write “Smithsonian Intern Application” in the subject line. Applications that do not follow these instructions will not be considered. While we may not get back to you immediately, we will consider all applications and inform you of a final decision.

Qualifications: Applicants must:

• Be enthusiastic about grassland insects and plants
• Either have a BS/BA in relevant field at the time of hire and be within 6 years of receiving a BS/BA or Masters OR be enrolled in a BS/BA or graduate program in a relevant field
• Have a valid US driver’s license and be willing to drive a truck in rough terrain
• Be willing to live in a very remote location (1 hour drive from the nearest grocery store), working with a small team
• Enjoy being outdoors and be willing to work outside in hot weather
• Be willing to spend long hours in the lab processing insect and plant samples
• Have strong communication skills
• Be respectful to all team members from diverse backgrounds
• Follow safety guidelines

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Knowledge of plant and/or insect identification, especially if relevant to eastern Montana grasslands
• a BS/BA in relevant field at the time of hire
• Previous experience conducting grassland fieldwork or working with plants or insects
• First aid training
• Strong writing skills
• The desire to pursue a career in a related field

The Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery in Moscow, Idaho is seeking 4 paid interns for summer 2025 to learn operational greenhouse forest seedling production for reforestation and forest restoration. The Pitkin Forest Nursery is an operational forest nursery that grows native conifer tree, deciduous tree, and shrub seedlings for reforestation in the Inland Northwest. The nursery produces over 400,000 containerized seedlings each year that are sold to reforest lands damaged by wildfires and other natural disturbances, as well as following timber harvesting.

Interns will work at the Pitkin Forest Nursery where they will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of containerized forest seedling nursery production. They will learn how to adjust greenhouse environments, seed testing and preparation, principles and practices of semi-automated irrigation and fertilization, identification and management of common pests and diseases, customer relations and sales, mechanical operation and maintenance through a combination of focused indoor training and hands-on experience. Interns will gain hands-on experience watching seedlings grow and critically evaluate necessary steps required to manage the growth and health of seedlings. Interns will visit numerous local and regional forest nurseries throughout the summer.

Pay is $18/hour for 40 hours per week. The internship will last 12 weeks between May 19 and August 8, 2025. Flexible start and end dates may be possible. Housing will be provided on the University of Idaho campus, 2 miles from the Pitkin Forest Nursery.

Interns that complete this program will be highly competitive for forest nursery careers.

To apply, complete both steps:

1. Complete the online form: https://tinyurl.com/znarrc3b
2. Send your resume to Andrew Nelson at asnelson@uidaho.edu. The email subject line must be “Summer 2025 Pitkin Nursery Internship Application”. The body of the email should briefly introduce yourself.

Interns must be authorized to work in the USA, pass a criminal background check, and drive university vehicles.

Application Deadline March 21, 2025

This internship will focus on studying the ecological consequences of northward Avicennia germinans (black mangrove) expansion into coastal regions of south Louisiana historically dominated by Spartina alterniflora (marsh grass). These foundation species play a critical role in shaping estuarine ecosystems, and this study seeks to examine how shifts in dominant vegetation influence the diversity, abundance, and diets of estuarine fauna including commercially important white shrimp, brown shrimp, and blue crab. This study will be a part of a broader research project that uses stable isotope analysis (SIA) and remote sensing to study food web response to mangrove encroachments. The selected participant will conduct independent research within the scope of this project guided by faculty members and graduate students in the Nelson Ecosystem Ecology Lab: https://www.nelsonecolab.net/science.

Job Description: The successful applicant will undertake mentored, independent research aimed at quantifying estuarine fauna diversity and abundance across habitats dominated by mangroves and marsh grasses. This job will be based in Athens, GA at the University of Georgia’s Main Campus. Core responsibilities include:

• Identification and enumeration of estuarine fauna.
• Development of statistical workflows utilizing R and/or Python.
• Data visualization and presentation of research findings.

Participants will also benefit from professional development workshops tailored to their interests, covering topics such as coding, stable isotope analysis, scientific writing, conference presentations, and career pathways. Optional fieldwork opportunities may be available outside the program’s formal timeline on a voluntary basis.

Hours and Compensation: This will be a full-time (~40h/week) paid position funded through the NSF REU Program. The position is for a 10-week period from late May to early August. Start and end dates can be discussed within this window.

Qualifications and Eligibility: Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be eligible for NSF REU Funding. Criteria can be found here: https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/reu/students
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have completed coursework in ecology, biology, chemistry, or related fields.

Applicants should exhibit a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Candidates with a demonstrated interest in ecology, coastal science, or marine biology are preferred. Individuals from backgrounds underrepresented in the marine sciences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process: Interested candidates are invited to submit the following application materials to Herbert.Leavitt@uga.edu (cc: Emelie.Foster@uga.edu) with “REU Position Application” as the email subject:

• A cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the position.
• A current CV
• Unofficial transcripts
• Information for three references (including email and phone)

Application Deadline: March 21st, 2025

This program represents a unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, refine technical and analytical skills, and engage with a vibrant community of marine scientists. We encourage highly motivated individuals to apply and look forward to reviewing your application.

Questions: Please direct any questions about this program to Herbert Leavitt at: Herbert.Leavitt@uga.edu

For students interested in conservation biology, environmental science, or botany, UVM professor Stephen Keller is coordinating an off-campus internship opportunity with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) in New Hampshire. There are two internships available working with AMC researchers to conduct conservation science in the northeast’s unique alpine zones.  Students earn 3 credits of PBIO 3991 and can apply them to their degree requirements in consultation with their academic advisor.

Interns will live on-site in the White Mountains in NH, conducting conservation science and public outreach. Housing and meals provided by AMC!

Internships are full time, mid-May to mid-August.

Registration by instructor permission, please email Stephen.Keller@uvm.edu.

We are seeking an intern to assist with tasks related to maintaining a common garden experiment being conducted by Smithsonian Institution. The 11-year-old experiment is composed of thousands of native tree species planted in plots along a diversity gradient (monocultures, 4 species, and 12 species mixtures). The intern would assess survival and growth of trees; check temperature sensors on each plot; remove any invasive tree species; and summarize data. The Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute is 3200 acres located in Front Royal, VA and serves as an endangered species breeding station for the National Zoo, as well as the headquarters for ecologists researching conservation of wildlife and plants.

Applicants should have a background in ecology, interest in forest ecology, and plans for a career in conservation, forestry, land management or ecology. Stipend is $1400 per month and housing is available at a communal residence on-site ($270 per month fee). Expected tenure is 3-4 months, with a start date in May. Send letter of interest, resume (including list of references), and unofficial transcripts as a single document to William McShea by April 1 (mcsheaw@si.edu).

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (SNZCBI) is seeking an intern to assist with multiple projects related to conservation technology for wildlife monitoring. SNZCBI scientists collect data on wildlife and natural ecosystems globally using sensors such as camera traps, GPS collars, and remote sensing. As wildlife data becomes increasingly digital, we require robust technology systems to ensure long-term access and sustainability.

To support Smithsonian staff members engaged in biodiversity monitoring, we are hiring an intern to assist with two key programs focused on camera trap and GPS collar data.

Program Areas

1. Digital Biodiversity Collection
   The Smithsonian is establishing its first ‘born digital’ collection—a high-quality, publicly accessible database of camera trap images chronicling the distribution, abundance, and species richness of wildlife over time. This collection will include datasets from the annual Snapshot USA survey and other related projects and will involve machine learning via the Wildlife Insights platform, participatory science via Zooniverse.org, and data science techniques.
2. Wildlife Movement Data & Conservation Indicators
   This initiative focuses on developing quantitative metrics and indicators from GPS tracking and remote sensing data to inform biodiversity conservation. The project integrates movement data into conservation indicators, bridging the gap between ecological research and practical conservation strategies at local and global scales.

Intern Responsibilities

The intern will work closely with two Smithsonian staff members:

The Digital Collections Manager – supporting data curation, quality control, metadata corrections, and project setup for Wildlife Insights and Zooniverse.

The Quantitative Ecologist – assisting with analysis of GPS tracking data, camera trap images, and satellite imagery.

Specific tasks include:

• Identifying and quality-checking incoming data
• Correcting metadata and classification errors
• Transferring data between platforms and setting up projects in Zooniverse
• Engaging with volunteers and community scientists
• Analyzing diverse ecological datasets
• Developing data wrangling skills in R, Python, and JavaScript

This internship offers valuable hands-on experience at the intersection of ecology, conservation technology, machine learning, and community science.

Required Qualifications:

• Current or recently graduated undergraduate or graduate student in ecology, wildlife biology, conservation biology, environmental science, or a related interdisciplinary field.
• Ability to accurately classify species and behaviors in camera trap images.
• Interest in camera trap, GPS collars, wildlife monitoring research, and/or plans for a career in wildlife biology/conservation.
• Experience or aptitude in acquiring, manipulating, and managing spatial data, including digitizing maps/images, creating maps, and performing basic spatial analysis.
• Demonstrated qualitative, quantitative analysis and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent learning skills and attention to details.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with managing, maintaining, and populating relational databases.
• Experience with Zotero, EndNote, or other reference management software.
• Experience with statistical analysis (R, Python, SAS, etc).
• Experience with spatial data acquisition, storage, administration, and management functions via ArcGIS, ENVI, QGIS, and/or R; and/or remote sensing analysis via Google Earth Engine.
• Experience working closely as a team, managing multiple projects and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources and deadlines.
• Experience conducting field surveys in conservation or wildlife biology.

Location

• This internship will comprise mostly office work and will be in-person at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, VA.
• The intern will be part of a cohort of interns at the Center with regular meetings and additional opportunities to interact with fellow interns and researchers.

Compensation

This position will be supported by a $1500/month stipend and optional $9/day on-site housing in a communal dorm. The internship will be approximately 6 months, with a start date in May and end date in November, with the option for an additional 6-month renewal.

To Apply:

• Applications deadline is March 14, 2025.
• Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references as a single PDF, named “Internship_Your Last Name.pdf” to both Sarah Huebner (huebners2@si.edu) and Weiqian Gao (gaow@si.edu).
• Please include your last name and “Wildlife Monitoring Internship” in the title of your email.
• Cover letter should include:
  • Statement of interest.
  • Potential start date and the duration of time you are available for the internship.
  • Elaborate on your programming experience and skill as much as possible.
• Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to contact each application individually regarding the application status.

Students will collaborate with research teams that include both undergraduate and graduate students while also developing and conducting their own independent research projects. Many REU students extend their research by pursuing independent studies or senior honors theses at their home institutions, with some even publishing their findings in major scientific journals. Additionally, weekly presentations by mentors and other scientists provide students with a broad exposure to the full spectrum of ecosystem research at Hubbard Brook.

The program runs from late May to mid-August. Students receive a $5500 stipend for the 10-week program, as well as free housing. Limited funding is available for research supplies and travel expenses. Food costs are paid by the participants. Students live at Hubbard Brook Research Foundation’s researcher housing adjacent to the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, among a community of summer field students and technicians. All residents are expected to share and cooperate with cleaning, cooking, and related chores.

Applicants should send the following to the mentor in the field they are interested in: a letter explaining why a summer research project interests you and how it fits into your broader plans, your resume and email contact for two references (they do not need to submit letters).

We are currently recruiting for students for the following topics:

Lepidoptera community: This project aims to understand more about Lepidoptera (moths and caterpillars) community that are the most important herbivores in northern hardwood forests and the most important link from plant production to birds and bats. We will work with the student to develop a project that may include elements such as building a photographic library of the moths and caterpillars of Hubbard Brook, collecting Lepidoptera samples using various field methods, developing AI-assisted methods for identifying and enumerating moths, and other research avenues as determined by the student and mentors. Because the Lepidoptera work is closely linked to bird and bat research, the student will learn and participate in long-term bird research including nest searching, territory mapping, and counting food availability and participate in bat research.

In your application, please include: a letter explaining why a summer research project interests you and how it fits into your broader plans, your resume and email contact for two references (they do not need to submit letters).

If interested in the position, please send your application to Dr. Matt Ayres (Dartmouth College: matthew.p.ayres@dartmouth.edu) and Miranda Zammarelli (Dartmouth College: miranda.zammarelli.gr@dartmouth.edu). Application Deadline: March 2, 2025.

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Hubbard Brook Black-throated Blue Warbler REU Position 2025: The REU student will participate in the long-term monitoring of the Black-throated Blue Warblers at Hubbard Brook, and will investigate how these birds monitor their social environment using vocal cues. We will work with the student to build a project that may include gathering acoustic data using passive and active recording techniques in the field, annotating song recordings, and using machine learning algorithms to identify individual singers. This student will work closely with other members of the Black-throated Blue Warbler crew, and will learn and participate in ongoing long-term ecological research including color band resighting, behavioral observations, nest searching, and territory mapping.

Complete applications should include 1) a letter explaining why a summer research project interests you and how it fits into your broader plans, and 2) a resume/ CV with email contact for two references (they do not need to submit letters).

If interested, please send your application to Dr. Mike Webster (Cornell University, msw244@cornell.edu) and Bridget Tweedie (Cornell University, brt43@cornell.edu). Applications are due by Friday, March 14th.

Undergraduates seeking research experience in forest ecology are invited to apply for a 10-week expense-paid internship in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

About the project: MELNHE (Multiple Element Limitation in Northern Hardwood Ecosystems) is the longest-running N by P factorial fertilization study in a temperate forest anywhere in the world. Since 2011, we have been conducting nutrient manipulations in 13 stands in Bartlett Experimental Forest, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, and Jeffers Brook. The MELNHE project presents many opportunities for short- and long-term research. More information is available at https://www.esf.edu/melnhe/, including a blog from previous field crews.

Internship Description:  Interns will be guided in the design of their research projects and will interact closely with graduate students and senior research scientists from SUNY-ESF, Cornell, University of New Hampshire, and Miami University. Interns will gain a wide variety of skills by assisting in all ongoing projects. Interns have the opportunity to present their results at the annual Hubbard Brook Cooperators Meeting in July.

Possible research topics include:

Stem mapping: Tree locations can be used to assess competition and to interpret the effects of tree size and species on many of  the variables we measure, such as soil respiration, root biomass, and herbaceous plants. Our current MELNHE stem maps need to be updated to include the most recent ingrowth (tagged during tree inventory in 2023). Experience with ArcGIS would be helpful but is not required.

Experimental beech leaf disease treatment and monitoring: This project includes applying treatments to selected beech trees and monitoring their canopy condition. Treatments are centered around testing the ability of phosphite and potassium to mitigate BLD symptoms, either as they arise or after being established. 

Measuring soil respiration: Soil respiration in our plots has been increasing steadily since 2012, and these trends are not explained by increasing temperature. If photosynthesis is increasing in response to elevated CO2 but carbon is not stored as biomass and is instead respired off, this is important to global carbon budgets. 

Work days typically begin at 8:00 and end at 4:00, but may be shorter or longer depending upon the day’s activities. Interns are provided with shared housing near Bartlett Experimental Forest. A stipend of $200 per week is provided for living expenses. Food is prepared communally by the interns and graduate student researchers, and costs for groceries average $6-7 per day. Mileage to and from sites will be covered at the federal mileage reimbursement rate, but initial transportation to NH will not be covered.

Desired Qualifications:  Ideal applicants will have a strong interest in forest biology, ecology, biogeochemistry, or geospatial analysis. Undergraduate students and recent graduates will be considered. A positive attitude is important and a sense of humor is a plus. Willingness to work and live in a communal setting is critical. Candidates should be able to perform repetitive tasks with attention to detail in a field setting under adverse conditions. Applicants should be flexible in their expectations, but an estimated breakdown of the summer is: 60% fieldwork, 15% lab work, 10% data management, and 15% research proposals and reports of independent projects. 

To Apply:  Please send one pdf file including your statement of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to Erica Albertson and Sara Sternick (Yanai.forestecology.lab@gmail.com). Your statement of interest should include a ranking of the three research topics. We will begin interviewing selected applicants in early March and will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The field season will begin on June 1 and ends on August 15; let us know if your availability differs from those dates.

We seek to fill two (2) NSF Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions at the Savannah River Site (SRS) Corridor Experiment (near New Ellenton, South Carolina) for projects investigating the role of corridors on insect and plant ecology in the summer of 2025. Students will work directly with Thomas Smith (University of Wisconsin, based at SRS), Melissa Burt (Tusculum University), and the project collaborators (Ellen Damschen, John Orrock, Lars Brudvig, Nick Haddad, Julian Resasco, Doug Levey) to: (1) gain insight and experience in ecology field research and (2) conduct a mentored research project of their own within the context of ongoing research.

REU students will be on site at SRS collecting data in the field in the largest corridor experiment in the world. In addition to working with a large team of other undergraduates, graduate students, principal investigators, and US Forest Service personnel, they will gain experience with experimental design, data collection, data analysis, and scientific writing and presentation. Students will design and conduct an independent research project with the guidance of their mentors, attend lab meetings focused on research and professional development, and assist with field tasks associated with the Corridor Project. Potential tasks include surveys of plant-pollinator interactions, mark-recapture of insect populations, insect sampling via pitfall traps, collection of plants for functional traits measurements, vegetation surveys, and site maintenance tasks. Students should expect to develop individual projects around one of two topics related to: 1) the impacts of fragmentation and corridors on insects and/or plant-insect interactions, or 2) the demographic effects of corridor use by plant herbivores.

Applicants should be hard-working, inquisitive, dedicated, and responsible. This would be a good opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in science, particularly in ecology and conservation biology.

Application Process:

Deadline to Apply: February 26^th, 2025 for full consideration, rolling deadline thereafter until positions are filled. Interested students are encouraged to apply by submitting to: tasmith28@wisc.edu

(1) a short letter (~1 page) that explains your interest in the position and summarizes any relevant experience, (2) a CV or resume, and (3) the names and contact information for two references. Applications will begin to be reviewed on February 26^th and will continue to be considered until the positions are filled.

Applicants should expect to spend approximately 12 weeks of summer 2025 at SRS as an REU. Start/end dates: late May-early August. Stipends are ~$500/week with an additional offset to living expenses ($50/week), reimbursement for travel to South Carolina for non-local individuals (up to $500), and funds for research expenses related to the project. Housing is not provided, but we can assist in identifying housing arrangements for each student.

We are interested in individuals at any stage of their undergraduate career, but REU students must be enrolled as undergraduates through at least August 2025 (i.e., cannot be graduating in May 2025) and be US citizens or full-time residents.

For more information contact the REU mentors: tasmith28@wisc.edu and mburt@tusculum.edu

Permanent link to REU advertisement: https://damschenlab.zoology.wisc.edu/2025/02/11/hiring-research-experience-for-undergraduate-reu-students-to-work-on-corridors-and-insect-plant-ecology/

The Fridley Lab at Clemson University is seeking two motivated undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience in plant ecology as part of research teams working in the Great Smoky Mountains and Clemson Experimental Forest. Students will assist staff and graduate students in fieldwork in Clemson, SC, as well as several multi-day trips to the Smokies, about two hours from campus. Students must be able and willing to do some hiking and work off trails in humid conditions, and front-country camping is involved for at least one student. Students will also be involved in a variety of laboratory activities related to plant growth trials, which may include sensor building and statistical analysis, pending student interest. Students will be provided with a $6000 stipend for living expenses over the 12-wk duration starting approximately May 19 (start and end dates are flexible). Qualifications and application instructions are at https://www.fridleylab.org/join-us. Deadline: March 21, 2025.

The Inventory and Monitoring Branch of the National Park Service at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking two qualified applicants for a three-month vegetation monitoring internship during the summer of 2025. See the listing below and follow this link to apply: https:/​/​secure8.entertimeonline.com/​ta/​conservationlegacy.careers?ShowJob=671620034

Position Title:  Vegetation Monitoring AmeriCorps Individual Placement

Conservation Legacy Program: Southeast Conservation Corps  

Site Location: Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Address: 1316 Cherokee Orchard Rd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Position Available: 2 

Housing: Not Provided

Terms of Service: 12 weeks

Start Date: 05/19/25 

End Date: 08/07/25 

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 hr

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Inventory and Monitoring Branch is recruiting qualified applicants to assist with fieldwork, data collection, data management, data entry, and other tasks as needed to be related to several ongoing and long-term field projects, including forest plot monitoring, stream surveys for federally endangered rock gnome lichen, and rare plant monitoring. Fieldwork is labor intensive and requires several crew members to operate safely and communicate effectively. All data collected will inform park policy, assist in educating park visitors, and assist park management efforts to make sound stewardship decisions and protect critical natural resources throughout the park. The work will also help inform research interests from park partners and universities.

Data collected during these projects will assist park management efforts to monitor and protect 1) vegetation communities, including some that are either globally rare, at-risk, or locally endemic, 2) the federally endangered rock gnome lichen, and the riverine habitats in which it occurs, and 3) rare plants and other rare organisms that are at risk from human activity.

Description of Duties: 

Inventory of Long-term Vegetation Monitoring Plots

• Collect data with ecologists and biological technicians in 32 long-term vegetation plots in various forest types throughout the park.
• Collect a wide variety of data including standard forestry measurements, species inventory, soil samples, photo documentation, and other field data as needed. Use dichotomous keys to classify plant community and identify unknown plant species.
• Perform data management, data entry, and data quality assurance checks as needed on all field data.

Federally endangered Rock Gnome Lichen inventory

• Work with rare plant biologists and bio-technicians to collect data on rock gnome lichen populations throughout the park. Surveys will be primarily focused in riverine habitats, but will also include exposed cliff and/or rock outcrop habitats.
• Collect data on rock gnome lichen abundance, extent, and cover; GPS point, polygon, and line data; and photo documentation.
• Perform various data management duties, including data entry and quality assurance checks, hard copy data management and organization, and spatial data entry and editing.

Rare Plant Monitoring

• Work with biological technicians to perform inventory and monitoring of rare and/or vulnerable plant populations throughout the park.
• Collect a variety of biological data on rare/sensitive plant populations throughout the park; Perform GPS mapping and data collection; Utilize iPads and other mobile devices for data collection.
• Assist with Ginseng monitoring, root processing, and replanting.
• Assist with a variety of rare plant management efforts including mechanical thinning and fence installation.
• Perform data management, tabular and spatial data entry, and data quality assurance checks on a variety of field data.

Potential environmental/human risk involved with the above service: Electric shock, slips, trips and falls in uneven, swift-moving water environments. Bee stings, venomous snake bites, dead trees and/or branches falling, habituated Black Bears that show little signs of fear around humans, Carpal Tunnel Suyndrome, numbness on the legs from prolonged periods of sitting, and paper cuts.

Qualifications: 

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• At least 18 years of age
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent before using the education award
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• Applicants are pursuing or have completed a degree in ecology, biology, forestry, environmental science, or other related field.
• Applicants should be self-motivated, highly organized, and able to follow detailed protocols.
• Preferred knowledge and skills in ecology/botany/forestry, plant ID and the use of technical keys, vegetation sampling methods, orienteering, and GPS.
• Must be able to hike in mountainous terrain in inclement weather conditions, carrying a backpack, both on and off-trail.
• High-mileage field days are the norm.
• Good Good-fitting hiking boots and raingear are important items to have prior to arrival.
• Some overnight backpacking is a requirement. Intern will be a part of a team that operates safely and always communicates effectively.

Transportation: A personal vehicle is not required but highly recommended due to limited public transportation. NPS vehicles will be provided for transportation only for park capacity. The Individual Placement will be a driver at this park location. 

Physical Requirements: Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Time Requirements: Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week –  but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service. Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term. 

Orientation and Training: Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. Training from the park will include:

• Field Navigation and Site Assessment,
• Plot Installation
• Data Collection Methods
• Plant Identification
• Plant Community Classification
• Data management and Databasing
• GSA Fleet Defensive Driving online courses

Benefits: 

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,956.35
• Living Allowance: $600
• Possible student loan forbearance.
• Member Assistance Program – 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist.
• Uniform shirts
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths.

Evaluation and Reporting: As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service. Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to: 

• Bi-weekly timesheets
• Monthly Accomplishment Report
• Narrative Monthly Report.
• Bi-Monthly Check-Ins
• Midterm and Final Evals
• Exiting Task

Substance Free: In accordance with a drug-free environment, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.  

If you have questions about the position, please contact: 

Jon Cox

Biological Science Technician

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

jonathan_l_cox@nps.gov

If you have questions about the application process, please contact: 

Ray Wilson 

Individual Placement Coordinator 

Southeast Conservation Corps 

rwilson@conservationlegacy.org 

Note: UVM students interested in this REU should speak to Professor Eric Bishop von Wettberg in the ALE Dept. (Jeffords 2nd floor)

The University of Kansas Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology/Kansas Biological Survey is recruiting students to participate in Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) opportuniites in Summer 2025. The REU opportunities are part of the New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute, a National Science Foundation funded initiative whose overarching focus is how plant organismal systems (plant roots and shoots) relate to one another and how those relationships influence and are influenced by plant communities and the soil ecosphere. REU participants working at the University of Kansas will conduct research (described below), participate in the broader institute through in-person and virtual meetings, and will join a near-peer mentoring scheme in which they work closely with high school mentees, graduate students, postdocs, and professors to achieve research and training goals.

Location and time frame: This REU opportunity takes place at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS and runs for 10 weeks from May 26^th through August 1^st. 

Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Students who have already graduated with a four-year degree are not eligible. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents.

Benefits: REU interns receive $6000 stipend for the program, and food and lodging if needed.

Apply Here

Submissions due March 1, 2025 and selections will be made by March 31.

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

Position overview: We seek independent and mature undergraduate or newly graduated students
with a background or interest in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field for paid field research internships. New openings start in spring 2025 (Between Mar 1-Apr 30). Start dates for the openings are flexible and up for negotiation. On average an internship lasts about 4+ months with the possibility of extending it until end of the growing season and beyond (workload and budget dependent). Typical work days are eight hours Monday through Friday, however some tasks require early morning, evening, or weekend work. A valid drivers license is required. Personal vehicle is helpful but not required. Successful hires will work through variety of tasks with primary focus on tree biometric, ecophysiological and ecological measurements and data collections in the field with occasional site maintenance, laboratory work and treatment implementation. The intern will work in an individual and team setting. Consequently, a maturity to work autonomously often with long hours is required.

Responsibilities:

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

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

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

Application: Applications will be submitted using the link https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/361154/. They will be reviewed as soon as the HR personnel release them to the supervisors of the project. Potential candidates will be contacted for a phone interview. Please upload all the three electronically:
-A cover letter (including available working dates)
-One-page resume
-Contact information (email + phone number) for 2-3 references

Position contact:

Raimundo Bermudez
bermu019@umn.edu
Department of Forest Resources
University of Minnesota

FULLY FUNDED MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS FOR U.S. UNDERGRADUATES IN BERMUDA

The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (ASU BIOS), a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University, has funding from the National Science Foundation, (NSF Award number OCE-2349130), for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program to support undergraduate researchers during the fall semester 2025 (program starts August 25, ends November 14). 

An REU internship at ASU BIOS is a great way to gain the experience necessary to embark on graduate studies or careers in science. Participants will conduct research projects under the expert mentorship of BIOS scientists. Potential areas of research for 2025 include:

• Coral Ecophysiology
• Coral Reef Ecology
• Marine eDNA
• Marine Invertebrate Physiology
• Marine Microbiology
• Oceanography
• Zooplankton Ecology

Throughout the 12-week semester, participants will give oral and virtual poster presentations that outline their research topic, experimental methods and results and attend a series of professional development workshops and seminars hosted by faculty members. In addition, they will provide a project report at the end of the program. Schedule and weather permitting, all participants will be offered an exciting opportunity to join an oceanographic research cruise aboard R/V Atlantic Explorer. Theywill also have the option to enjoy field and boat excursions to learn about Bermuda’s history, flora and fauna.  

Funding includes return air travel (from and to the U.S.), campus accommodation and meals and a competitive stipend. (Medical/travel insurance is the sole responsibility of the student).

Further information, including a link to the online application form, can be found here: https://bios.asu.edu/education/research-experiences-undergraduates-reu 

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, over 18 years of age and enrolled in a program of undergraduate study immediately before and after the program dates. Applicants are ineligible if they have participated in a prior NSF-funded REU in Ocean Sciences. 

Application deadline is May 31

Questions? Contact us at bios.education@bios.asu.edu 

Conservation Corps work all over the U.S. on projects ranging in focus from Ecology to History: Conservation Legacy and Corps Network.  You can serve on a crew with other young(er) folks, or be placed individually.  Most positions will come with an AmeriCorps stipend, education award, and other benefits.

Open Positions

Biomedical Research Internships Resources (PDF)

Paid internships all around the country, ranging from 3 to 12 months, most with housing provided and an AmeriCorps Education award upon completion.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces across the country. After working with the SCA, program participants emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.

MANO (My Access to Network Opportunities) Project, an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation, builds and develops young leaders of color who share a passion for serving and strengthening their communities. We partner with federal land management agencies (U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and many more!) to offer robust and hands-on internship and fellowship opportunities for those pursuing college degrees (undergraduate and graduate) or recently graduated individuals. All of our internships and fellowships are rooted in supporting the Conservation of our Natural Resources through diverse STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) positions. 

Apply for Internships through MANO

New internship opportunities open on a rolling basis so we encourage you to visit our page on a monthly basis. If you see a position is open past the end date, it is still accepting applicants and you are encouraged to apply.

For students and faculty in search of internships with government laboratories:

• Zintellect – Climb Higher
• Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)

Summer and school-year internships with GSK, a science-led global healthcare and pharmaceutical company: