Summer (& Other Seasonal)
Research Opportunities
Listings will be kept for a month
after being posted or until their deadline (if listed). Only
paid positions will be listed. Please send any opportunities
not listed here by clicking on this link:Summer field/lab technician job posting
Dr. Heather Alexander is hiring field and lab research technicians to work in the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab (https://forestfireecology.auburn.edu/) at Auburn University for spring/summer 2025, starting May 2025. Must be able to commit 40 hours per week through the end of August, and travel for overnight, multi-day trips (up to a week) outside of Auburn. The positions will include a combination of fieldwork and lab work. No prior experience necessary, but applicants must possess an interest in forest ecology, a willingness to learn, and be capable of (and excited about) working long hours outdoors exposed to heat, cold, biting insects, and thorny vegetation. Pay ranges from $12-$16/hour depending on education and experience.
Research technicians will gain experience collecting experimental and observational field data. Other tasks will include vegetation sampling, measuring plant traits, plant identification, data entry, and vegetation and soil sample processing in the lab.
If interested, please e-mail a brief description of your interest/experience and a résumé to Tamara Milton (tfm0010@auburn.edu).
Notice: Auburn University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer and committed to building an inclusive and diverse community.
Tamara Milton
Postdoctoral researcher, Forest and Fire Ecology Lab
College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment
Auburn University
602 Duncan Dr., Auburn, AL 36849
Office 4302
Posted 4/22/25
Summer lake ecology technician
We seek a summer field technician to assist with physical and chemical sampling of lakes around and in the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC). We are particularly interested in finding an undergraduate student with interest in aquatic ecosystems. Experience is beneficial, but a strong work ethic, willingness to work outside in less than ideal weather, ability to work well as a team, and strong attention to detail will go a long way. Occasional long days may be required.
The ideal start date is mid-May, but there may be some flexibility. The position will extend into mid August. The technician will be based at UNDERC, where housing will be provided for the duration of the season.
Housing: Shared apartment housing provided on site.
Pay: $5,000 stipend.
To apply: Email Dr. Steve Jane at sjane@nd.edu with a resume and short paragraph (4-6 sentences) explaining your current interests and past experience. Review of applications will be as received.
Stephen Jane
Society of Science Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Notre Dame
Website: https://stephenjane1.wixsite.com/stephenjane
Posted 4/12/25
Summer REU position: Wildfire Ecology in Fairbanks, Alaska
Job description
We are seeking a summer REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) for the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research program, which is housed in the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). The REU will work closely with the graduate students and technical staff to study wildfire severity and vegetation recovery. The REU will work as a part of a team traveling to plots across Interior Alaska by truck and helicopter. They will be based in Fairbanks, but some camping will be required to visit outlying sites.
We are seeking a motivated person who is adaptable, willing to learn, and can handle fieldwork in remote conditions that can be wet, cold, and buggy. More than your experience, we value your attitude!
Stipend: $9000. The REU will be expected to work 40 hours per week for the duration of the summer, from June 9 to August 13. Travel to Alaska and lodging are not provided. We are committed to reducing barriers to fieldwork and will provide all necessary personal fieldwork and camping gear.
General duties and responsibilities
Collecting plant and soil samples
Performing vegetation and tree surveys
Fieldwork preparation
Data entry
Data quality control
Minimum qualifications
Have a valid driver’s license
Be over 18 years of age
Be able to walk through uneven terrain carrying up to 40 pounds of field gear
Preferred qualifications
The skills to identify plants
Experience with taking tree measurements
The ability to spend long hours outside
The ability to work independently as well as part of a research team
The ability to pay attention to detail
A desire to live and work in remote settings
Please send as one PDF document a short cover letter and CV/resume to xanthe.walker@nau.edu. The position is open until filled, and we will review applications on a rolling basis.
Xanthe Walker Ph.D.
Center for Ecosystem Science and Society
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Posted 4/8/25
EIU Seasonal Fisheries Intern Positions
Job Title: Seasonal Fisheries Interns (field and laboratory), 2 – 3 total
Location: Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
When: May through August of 2025, start date flexible and contract may be extended depending on performance.
Salary $1200 per month stipend for interns
Description: The Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at Eastern Illinois University is seeking several seasonal fisheries interns to assist with general field and laboratory work associated with graduate research projects. Current projects include invasive carp reproductive ecology, stream fish community monitoring, and sportfish population dynamics on the Wabash River. Field work duties will include assisting graduate students with a variety of fisheries surveys, recording biological and environmental data, and maintaining field equipment. Fisheries surveys will be conducted on a variety of streams, rivers (Wabash and Illinois Rivers), and reservoirs throughout Central Illinois. Surveys will include barge electrofishing, electric seining, larval fish sampling, boat electrofishing, hoop netting, collection of water quality samples, and macroinvertebrate sampling. Laboratory work will include processing larval fish samples, assisting with water quality measurements, assisting with stream fish identification, assisting with fish aging techniques, and maintaining a clean and organized lab space.
Qualifications: Progress toward, or completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or closely related field, and fisheries experience or related fields are preferred. Must be willing to work extended hours in the field or lab, occasionally in inclement weather or conditions. Must be able to carry 40 pounds of gear into and out of sampling locations. Will include occasional overnight travel during multiple day surveys.
To Apply: Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Using subject line EIU Technician, Last Name, please email cover letter, CV or resume, and contact information for three professional references to:
Dan Roth
Fisheries Researcher and Laboratory Manager
Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Department of Biological Sciences
drroth@eiu.edu
217-581-3100
Posted 4/3/25
Summer Field Work on the Hudson River - Millbrook, New York
The Hudson River Group at Cary Institute is seeking Two Summer Field Assistants to work on the Hudson River collecting and processing samplings:
For the Full posting and to apply, go to: https://www.caryinstitute.org/about/careers-cary?bzid=6659a794789c
Field Assistant - Seasonal Temporary in Millbrook, NY
The start date will be on or around May 12, 2025, with a flexible end date between August and October 26th. Exact start and end dates are open to negotiation.
Position Summary:
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies seeks a summer project assistant to assist in collecting samples from the Hudson River. This study is part of a large multi-partner effort to sustain and redefine ecosystem and fisheries monitoring in this iconic river system.
Successful applicants will spend approximately 80% of their time conducting fieldwork on the Hudson River estuary between Troy and Manhattan. The remainder will be spent on lab and office work. The fieldwork will be conducted primarily from small boats and shore. The position is based at the Cary Institute in Millbrook, New York.
Essential Responsibilities:
Specific responsibilities include assisting in the collection of biological, chemical, and physical measurements and samples and identification of zooplankton, zoobenthos, and phytoplankton.
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
Have a valid and clean driver’s license.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications:
Excellent work skills, including organization, communication, and a positive attitude.
Boater safety certification recognized by the State of New York.
First Aid and CPR certification.
Experience with trailering, operating, navigating, or maintaining small boats.
Experience using paper and digital navigational charts, GPS, and automated sensors.
Experience using basic hand tools.
Relevant coursework in freshwater ecology, limnology, and/or macroinvertebrates.
Required Skills:
Be highly capable of working independently and as part of a team.
Be able to swim.
Basic computer skills in Microsoft and/or Google Office Suite.
Working Conditions:
Ability to move objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
Ability to stand or sit for extended periods;
Able and willing to work on a boat and shore in remote areas and adverse weather conditions.
Able to take occasional pre-scheduled overnight or weekend trips.
Closing Date:
The positions are open until they are filled.
Salary:
These are hourly, nonexempt, non-benefited positions with an hourly wage range of $20-$23, depending on qualifications. The Cary Institute has a 35-hour work week.
There is potential for modestly priced on-site housing at the Cary Institute.
About Cary:
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is a leading independent environmental research organization dedicated to understanding ecosystems and addressing key environmental challenges. With a focus on freshwater, forests, disease, and cities, our scientists are global experts in ecology and tackle issues such as climate change, invasive species, and human impacts on land and water. Our research informs policy and management decisions to protect the environment and improve human wellbeing, with notable contributions to the Clean Air Act amendments, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
At Cary Institute, we prioritize sharing our science to enhance ecological literacy and foster informed decision-making. Through a variety of educational programs, we aim to engage students, decision makers, and the public while training the next generation of ecologists and resource managers. Our work spans both local and global scales, with significant impact on ecosystems such as the Hudson River, the Catskill and Adirondack forests, and the Baltimore watershed, making our research science in the service of society.
The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Cary Institute to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Apply Now: https://www.caryinstitute.org/about/careers-cary?bzid=6659a794789c/apply
Posted 3/27/25
Job openings: Southern California Forest Ecology Crew Leader (1) and Technicians (2)
The Soil Ecology and Restoration Group (SERG) at San Diego State University is seeking a crew leader and two field technicians for a project measuring wildfire risk in the montane forests of southern California. All three positions entail camping full-time and working a five-day, 10-hours-per-day schedule, May through October. Principal tasks include common stand exam and inventory, to entail woody plant identification, biomass measurement, and careful adherence to standard data protocols. Attention to detail, good interpersonal skills, and relevant education and experience are required. In addition, the crew leader must hold a four-year degree in biology, environmental science, plant biology or a related field, with at least two years of subsequent experience.
Full job descriptions and application links can be found here:
Crew lead:
https://careers-sdsurf.icims.com/jobs/18670/southern-california-forest-ecology-crew-leader/job
Field Technicians:
https://careers-sdsurf.icims.com/jobs/18671/southern-california-forest-ecology-field-technician/job
Posted 3/27/25
Fall 2025 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) Program at Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences
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. They will 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
Posted 3/4/25
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