Biological Science

The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs at Portland State University is hiring field technicians this summer to survey lakes and reservoirs in the Pacific Northwest for the early detection of aquatic invasive mussels (particularly Dreissena spp.), snails, crayfish, and invasive plants. This position will include field surveys at lakes and rivers, specimen collection, specimen ID training, lab analysis (involving the handling of hazardous chemicals), and field work involving eDNA sampling for invasive mussels, and water chemistry sampling. There will be lots of time spent both driving a truck with a trailer, and piloting a boat at waterbodies. This position is excellent for gaining experience in field sampling, lab analysis, and research in aquatic systems.

Pay rate: starts at $19.86 / hr

Minimum qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• A degree in biological or physical science (or enrollment in a college-level degree program)
• Ability to follow dichotomous keys
• Attention to detail and note taking during meetings and in the field
• Basic computer skills (word processing, simple spreadsheets, navigation apps…)
• Comfortable around water and dirty conditions
• Ability to solve unforeseen problems in areas with little/no cell or wifi coverage
• Ability to get along with crew members during extended time in the field

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience conducting field surveys
• Experience using GPS and navigation programs
• Field data collection and management using Survey123 or similar program
• Practice and experience hauling trailers and backing them up
• Practice and experience operating small boats with combustion engines
• Familiarity identifying aquatic plants
• Familiarity with freshwater invertebrate identification
• Experience working in remote settings

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental-scale observation facility funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle. The NEON program is designed to collect long-term, open access ecological data to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing, from freshwater systems such as streams, rivers, and lakes to terrestrial systems spanning tropical forests to deserts to tundra. We depend on our people to collect observational data and samples, to monitor automated instrumented systems that collect terrestrial and aquatic data, and to operate our airborne observation platform that captures remote sensing data of regional landscapes and vegetation.

Within NEON, we have several different job opportunities that range from temporary to full-time positions. 

You can reach out to Bryce Duchesne, Duchesne@Battelle.org, with any questions!

Hudson Carbon, a mission-driven research non-profit based in Hudson, New York, is seeking a new part-time (approx. 20-24 hours/week), 6-month-contract team member for our lab & field crew. Hourly rate from $20-30 per hour depending on experience. The Lab Technician will work with the Research Director, Lab Manager, and other Technicians to assist in our soil carbon lab and manage field work.  

This position is a 6-month, part-time position not eligible for benefits. The position may be extended, dependent on funding and mutual interest. During the 6-month period, the majority of the technician’s time will be spent conducting lab work: processing soil samples for elemental analysis, performing data entry, and maintaining resulting datasets. 

Job Description:

• Efficiently and effectively use soil processing lab equipment: sieves, analytical scales, drying ovens, and other lab equipment. 
• When called upon, willingness to learn and independently operate elemental analyzer, but also field-based equipment: greenhouse gas (GHG) flux analyzers, soil coring equipment, and other field-based data collection infrastructure. 
• Accurately collect and report data from samples. 
• Organize, label, and store samples for further use. 
• Maintain accurate field and lab records. 
• Assist in inventory upkeep and lab maintenance tasks. 
• Assist in field equipment upkeep and maintenance. 

Key Qualities/Skills:

• Must be incredibly detail oriented, capable of maintaining focus in a busy environment. 
• Must have the ability to organize and methodically perform repetitive tasks. 
• Patience and precision are required. Must be willing to take the time to do things correctly. 
• Must be able to rigorously follow procedures and maintain the integrity of the research process. 
• Troubleshooting skills and collaboration will be needed when issues arise. 
• Must be honest and forward about mistakes, to protect the reliability of results. 
• Bring an easy-going and friendly attitude to work and be excited to contribute to the team. 
• Must be independently motivated, with a strong work ethic. 
• Previous lab experience is a plus. 
• Must have a passion for science, particularly at the intersection of agriculture, ecology, and change. 

About Hudson Carbon: Hudson Carbon is an on-farm research institute and soil lab based at Churchtown Dairy, in Hudson, New York. Our work is focused on developing and implementing research projects that are aimed at better understanding the dynamics of soil & biomass carbon, and greenhouse gas cycling in regenerative, organic agricultural systems & regenerative forest management. Beyond contributing to the literature, our goal is to operationalize our research to catalyze the adoption of regenerative organic agriculture and forestry as a solution to climate change, ecological degradation, and food sovereignty. We achieve this by contributing to state and federal policy development and collaborating on food system development projects more broadly. To that end, we work with world-class research institutions like Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, The Woodwell Climate Research Center, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, as well as other local and regional stakeholders, including farmers, land conservancies, cooperative extensions, and state & federal legislators. Hudson Carbon was founded and built by organic farmers, bringing a unique perspective to the space, grounded in practical domain knowledge, systems-thinking, and a passion for ecologically minded agricultural production. 

Interested applicants, please send resume and cover letter, as well as any other relevant resources highlighting your skills and experience to the following email address: tiffany@hudsoncarbon.com 

Job Description for Iowa Department of Natural Resources: Prairie Specialist Temporary Worker
Location: Prairie Resource Unit – Brushy Creek State Rec Area, 2820 Brushy Creek Rd, Lehigh, IA 50557
Hourly rate: $15.25
Start Date: August 11, 2025, flexible for the right candidate
Anticipated End Date: December 31, 2025 (780 hours)
Application deadline: July 18, 2025
Job Description:
The DNR is seeking to hire a temporary employee to be stationed at the Prairie Resource Unit. The primary responsibilities of the Temporary Worker at the Iowa DNR Prairie Resource Center are to assist the team with the production of local ecotype native grass and wildflower seed for Iowa’s public lands. The person in this position must possess strong organization and communication skills and be able to express ideas orally and in writing. The candidate must possess identification skills of plants to lead others in the propagation, maintenance, and harvest of prairie species. Candidates must possess the ability to operate independently with indirect supervision under general coordination and program guidelines.
Job duties:

• Assist in the propagation of prairie species at greenhouse and plot areas.
• Assist in the planting and establishment of native grass and forb production fields.
• Assist in the direction of volunteers, inmates, college interns, and other staff in cleaning, planting, and harvest of prairie plant materials.
• Identify and harvest seed of specific prairie species from prairie remnants across the state.
• Assist with harvest and storage of prairie seed.
• Assist with distribution of plant materials to various DNR entities.
• Participate in personal and professional development training activities.
• Control noxious weeds in seed production areas. Beneficial to have pesticide applicator’s license prior to employment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possessing or pursuing a college degree in wildlife biology, animal ecology, or another closely related natural resource field.
• Must be available for all interviews and training as required.
• Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Able to work alone, with the public, in all conditions, on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required.
• Able to withstand physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, or hauling.
• Work with minimal supervision, demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail.
• Follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers.
• Exhibits honesty and integrity.
• Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous and cooperative manner.
• Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.
• Aligns behavior with needs, priorities, and goals of the organization.

Applications due by July 18, 2025 for full consideration. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Laura Miner at laura.miner@dnr.iowa.gov. For more information contact Laura Miner, Prairie Resource Unit Biologist at 515-543-8319.

YMCA Earth Service Corps in Seattle is hiring. A brief overview is below and a full position description is available at this link: https://www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org/earth-service-corps-1

Want to work over the school year with some amazing teenagers in the greater Seattle area? Want to inspire and support the next generation as they develop leadership skills to address the environmental challenges of our time? Want to develop your own professional skills? Check out the YMCA Earth Service Corps (YESC) Program Instructor position!

• Position Description is here and application link is here.
• This is an AmeriCorps position from Sept. 2, 2025 -July 15, 2026.
• Benefits include a living stipend of $2,438.10 – 2,548 per month, a $7,395 Education Award, student loan forbearance and payment of interest that accrues, health insurance, and more!
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until July 1^st.
• Applicants must be 21 and US Citizens to qualify for this AmeriCorps position. Learn more about AmeriCorps here.
• Want to learn more? Contact YESC Director Chelsey Wheeler at cwheeler@seattleymca.org or 206-466-1048.