Tuesday, March 19, 2019

DNR Conservation Warden Career Day - 4/6/2019



The conservation warden career requires many skills, including good communication skills, an ability to connect with the public, and a passion for protecting people and natural resources.  We look for applicants from a very wide variety of backgrounds and with a variety of interests (we’ve hired applicants who majored in communications, natural resources management, biology, criminal justice, education, journalism and many other topics).  Protecting natural resources is important and relevant to everyone, so we encourage anyone with an interest to attend.  With that in mind, please share with anyone you feel might benefit, and let me know if you have any questions. I know we’re looking forward to this event and I hope you and your students are, too! 

Our “Warden Career Day” takes place over the course of about four hours and attendees are encouraged to attend the entire event (although it’s not required).  We have attendees rotate through several presentations, given by current conservation wardens, that answer a myriad of questions about natural resources law enforcement, the hiring process, and our department.  It’s an exciting opportunity to learn more about the warden career, as well as meet some of the men and women who proudly wear the warden uniform.  This is not a hiring event, but will help applicants better prepare for when we do begin hiring for our next class of conservation wardens.

Attendees should RSVP for the event by visiting the warden website or using this link: https://bookwhen.com/wi-dnr-wardencareerday%20#focus=ev-save-20190406100000

More information on the conservation warden career can be found on our recruiting website: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wardenrecruitment/

Alaska Summer Field Studies (10 credits)

The Evergreen State College (www.evergreen.edu) and the Wrangell Mountains Center (www.wrangells.org) are offering a 7-week undergraduate field studies program in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, for which students receive 16 quarter/10 semester upper-division credits. This program has been operated for nearly 30 years and is based out of the historic town of McCarthy. The course includes significant hands-on field research skill development, and four of the seven weeks are spend exclusively in the backcountry. 

More details below, or visit www.wrangells.org/fieldstudies.

WRANGELL MOUNTAINS COLLEGE FIELD STUDIES 2019

Program dates: June 22-August 9, 2019 (seven weeks) Credits awarded: 16 quarter/ 10 semester upper division
Cost: $9400, inclusive of food, tuition, fees, and transportation from Anchorage to McCarthy (travel to Anchorage not included)
Faculty: Dr. Ken Tabbutt (geology), Peter Impara (geography, landscape ecology), Nalini Nadkarni (forest ecology), Shawn Hazboun (sociology)
Website: www.wrangells.org/fieldstudies

With glaciers and meltwater streams flowing from 16,000 foot peaks, canyons deeper than Yosemite, spruce-forested valleys, and a region experience extensive disturbance due to climate change, our study area is in the middle of the world’s largest international complex of protected wilderness lands. Glaciation, volcanism, erosion and ecological disturbance and succession are exposed and active, making it an ideal natural laboratory in which to study Alaska’s dynamic landscapes. 

In the fast-changing world, even the most remote landscapes are rapidly evolving, posing new challenges to researchers, natural resource managers, and residents. Alaska’s Wrangell Mountains are a “natural classroom,” and over the course of our summer program, students learn how ecology, geology, and human activity, policy, and climate change impact the landscape of the Wrangell Mountains, and beyond. Our team-taught inter-disciplinary curriculum will provide the knowledge, skills and abilities to tackle the important environmental questions of the future.  The remote setting will foster self- and group-responsibility and build students’ confidence in backcountry travel and field research. One month is spend exclusively in the backcountry, and three weeks are spent in McCarthy at the Wrangell Mountains Center's headquarters. 

Students will receive credit for three upper-division (junior-senior) courses: 

Natural History of Alaska (4 quarter hours) – Survey of natural history of Wrangell-St. Elias ecosystems, including an introduction to scientific, social-scientific and arts-based research methods for field studies. Introduction to Wrangell-St. Elias species identification, ecosystem characteristics (including geologic formations), disturbance and critical field skills such as generating and refining inquiry questions from on-site observations, assessing and optimizing methods, interpreting data, and presenting findings and placing research in a broader context, such as through field journaling and scientific writing.

People and Place (4 quarter hours) – Field study, using social science research, of relationships among cultural groups and the environment and issues of sustainability. Writing creatively about protected areas, the imaginative process integrates literary, social and natural sciences. Employing regional case studies, students assess historical and contemporary thought and use of protected lands, and outcomes of different environmental policies and land/wildlife management, including human and natural consequences.

Field Research: Dynamic Landscapes (8 quarter hours) – The emphasis on this program is to prepare students to participate in faculty-mentored, undergraduate field research.  Research methods and data analysis will be introduced during the first backcountry trip in the second week.  This practical experience will prepare students to conduct their own small-group research project during the second, three-week backcountry trip.  

TO APPLY: visit www.wrangells.org/fieldstudies

Admission is on a rolling basis, and the end of rolling admission is April 26.

Princeton Environmental Ideathon

Are you looking to gain experience valuable to future employers? Are you passionate about the environment?  Do you want to put your knowledge to use? Then you may be interested the Environmental Ideathon!

Final application deadline is 3/22.

Held from April 5th to April 7th, our theme is the Green Metropolis whereby we aim to draft project proposals that have the potential to reduce carbon emission in selected cities. You will choose one city in which you will work with a team and identify an environmental problem that is related to at least one of five categories: energy, transportation, water, waste, and food.

There are three components to the competition: a project proposal, an optional prototype, and a lightning talk. You will be guided by experts from all the necessary disciplines to draft a project proposal (it may be a physical product, policy, or both). If applicable, we want a preliminary prototype. The lightning talk will occur in front of a panel of judges.

The objective of the Princeton Environmental Ideathon (PEID) is to bring together a diverse collection of young individuals passionate about solving environmental issues, and to provide them with the opportunity to debate, collaborate, and ideate.

Winning Teams have the choice to connect with outside organizations to develop their proposal.

Urban Ecology Field Lab in Chicago

In brief, the Urban Ecology Field Lab is an 8-week interdisciplinary course that will train students in social and ecological theory and methods that will prepare them to conduct urban ecology research, which they will apply in a practicum project in partnership with a local community-based organization and a land management/public policy agency here in Chicago. This is the fourth year of the program and it's been a fantastic experience to be a part of. The program is run by scientists and staff at the Field Museum of Natural History.

The program runs from June 10 - August 2. The first five weeks involve methods training, field trips, and overnight immersive experiences. The final three weeks require data collection and analysis, culminating in a presentation of actionable results to local stakeholders doing conservation and social engagement work in the community. While this is a research training program, we are also aiming to generate longitudinal data that will help make an impact in regional conservation practices.


Cost of the program is $1500 (Scholarships are available), which includes:
-2 overnight immersive
experiences
-Weekly field trips
-Equipment for methods
training
- Lunch once a week
- Coffee and tea once a week
Does not cover lodging or food. 

We would greatly appreciate your help recruiting students to participate in Field Lab. Applications can be found on the course website, https://www.fieldmuseum.org/science/research/area/keller-science-action-center/science-action-chicago/urban-ecology-field-lab  and the program flyer is attached. 

Please share within your departments and classes. The application deadline is April 12th.

This is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on training and research experience. Our aim is to recruit upper level undergraduates and early phase grad students with some experience/coursework in the social and ecological sciences. We will work with students to ensure the Field Lab can be used for credit in your home institution (most students register the Field Lab as a 3-4 credit internship).

please contact me with any questions!

Graham Pickren, PhD, Geography
Scientific Affiliate and Urban Ecology Field Lab Program Coordinator
The Field Museum of Natural History
Chicago, IL, USA 60605

Internship, Job, and AmeriCorps Opporunities at Boone County Conservation District (BCCD)

For more information about the AmeriCorps opportunity, visit: http://www.seversondells.com/americorps-opportunities/

There are opportunities for:
-Environmental Education Members
(for more information/apply, visit: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=84612&fromSearch=true)
-Citizen Science Members
(for more information/apply, visithttps://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=85612&fromSearch=true)
-Natural Resource Members
(for more information/apply, visit: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=85559&fromSearch=true)
-Volunteer Support Member
(for more information/apply, visithttps://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=85523&fromSearch=true)



Natural Areas Technician Intern
-to apply or for more information, visit: http://www.bccdil.org/internship/

Position Summary: This position functions to assist in implementing natural resources management of the Boone County Conservation District (BCCD). Additional responsibilities include: * Working in cooperation with managers and employees as needed to carry out the mission of the BCCD; *Assist with the everyday tasks associated with natural resources management and habitat restoration. Compensation Range: $9.00-$11.00

Tasks 
• Controlling invasive plant species in natural areas throughout BCCD properties.
• Propagate native seed in a greenhouse setting.
• Transplant seedlings in a greenhouse setting.
• Develop and present educational programs relating to natural resources management.
• Mix and apply herbicides in accordance with labels and training. • Collect native seed to be used in projects on BCCD property.
• General maintenance, which can include the following: litter pick-up, tree and brush removal, and minor general maintenance on equipment, light construction, vandalism repair, mowing, and painting.
• Safely operate district vehicles.
• Safely operate district vehicles while pulling a trailer.
• Load and unload equipment such as ATV’s, tractors, skid steer loaders, and mowers.
• Use hand held tools and landscape equipment such as: drills, reciprocating saws, chainsaws, clearing saws, pole pruners, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, and rototillers, in a safe and efficient manner.

Minimum Job Requirements 
• Must pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen, and physical.
• Must be eighteen years of age or older with a valid driver’s license.
• Work with a minimum amount of supervision and able to solve problems.
• Ability to operate District vehicles and landscape equipment in a safe manner.
• Ability to learn and understand BCCD rules, regulations, and district information and can convey this information to conservation area users.
• Ability to work weekday evenings and or weekend hours.
• Ability to work as part of a crew.
• This position requires manual physical labor including: lifting, bending, walking, and standing in extreme weather conditions. Position requires the ability to lift 45 lbs.
• Ability to work outside/inside and under all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to work overtime when needed.

Preference will be given to applicants who have:
1- Experience with chainsaws along with completion of a safety course.
2- Certified Illinois Pesticide ID card, Applicator preferred.
3- Basic knowledge of native and invasive species of Illinois. 



Seasonal Maintenance Worker

To apply/learn more, visit: http://www.bccdil.org/

Position Summary: Under direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, performs daily maintenance operations of Conservation Areas, facilities, equipment and vehicles.

Compensation Range: $9.00-$11.00 per hour

Essential Functions:
• Perform cleaning of facilities for public use such as: Picnic areas, pavilions, restrooms, charcoal grills, fire rings, and refuse cans.
• Perform grounds maintenance to conservation areas and trails such as: mowing, trimming, raking, seeding, planting, mulching, watering and snow removal.
• Operate and maintain a variety of vehicles, equipment and tools after proper training and instruction; including but not limited to: Trucks, utility vehicles, tractors, mowers, string trimmers, saws and power tools.
• Inspects district vehicles, equipment and tools prior to use to ensure safe use and operation.
• Use proper safety procedures and equipment to maintain safe working environments for staff and public users. • Informs immediate supervisor of any unsafe working conditions or equipment.
• Maintain a satisfactory working relationship with district employees and the general public.
• Occasionally work weekday evenings and weekends as assigned.
• Ability to learn and understand BCCD rules, regulations, and district information and can convey this information to conservation area users.
• Any other duties as assigned

Summer Internship at Organic Farm in Big Rock

Intern at an 8 acre farm of produce and sheep farming this summer (June 17-August 11, 2019) via an Ecological Restoration Program. Student will work 15 hours per week for 7 weeks for 120 hours total. 

Intern will learn:
-to assess the selection of native plants and best placement on property
-assist in design of the native plant gardens and planting of species selected
-learn and implement designs that make this garden both handicap manageable for the farm owner

Intern will get training from:
-local experts from groups like the Audubon Society and Conservation Foundation

Intern will create:
-videos to document project/put up on farm's Facebook page to share with others
-site maps and contact professional documents

For more information about the farm, visit: www.bigrockorganics.com

Contact Jack King (jacking@niu.edu) if interested in this opportunity!

Carbon Pricing 4/1 at Dekalb Public Library

We have also scheduled our Carbon Pricing 101 forum for 4/1 at 7 pm at the DeKalb Public Library.  April Fool's Day is probably not the ideal date to talk about such an important issue, but this was the only date open during  the two-week period we were targeting.  This forum is a collaboration between League of Women Voters, Climate Reality Project, and Citizens' Climate Lobby.  350Kishwaukee and League of Women Voters of DeKalb County will be the local hosts.

We are grateful to Meryl Greer Domina of 350Kishwaukee and Carole Minor of League of Women Voters of DeKalb County for the tremendous help they have provided in advising us and in arranging for the venue.  Meryl and Carole have also volunteered to do a lot of local promotion.  


NWF Graduate Student Research Fellowships







Four National Wildlife Federation Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunities!

The National Wildlife Federation is currently accepting applications for four graduate student fellowships this spring.

  • Earn a $3,000 stipend 
     
  • Help grow NWF's Higher Education and Career Development programs
     
  • Gain valuable career experience and professional development
learn-more-button.png
We are seeking graduate students for the following four fellowships:
apply-today-button.png
National Wildlife Federation Graduate Student Fellows help to educate and engage emerging environmental leaders through dedicated research projects. Monetary fellowship grants are awarded to graduate students working with National Wildlife Federation staff on research that helps to expand the content and development of NWF's Higher Education and Career Development programs to help college students and recent graduates to use project-based learning to develop their environmental leadership and sustainable career goals. NWF graduate student Fellows join a national network of current fellows and alumni, many of whom have gone on to lead new businesses, agencies, and programs for sustainability across the U.S. Read their stories here.

Application deadline: April 7, 2019

To apply, visit: https://www.nwf.org/Home/EcoLeaders/Get-Involved/Fellowships