Marine Biology Field Research Program – Enrollment Closes March 31 (Limited Spots Remaining)

 Unlike traditional classroom-based programs, students spend their days on the water working directly with marine animals, learning how to safely catch, measure, tag, and release sharks and rays while collecting real scientific data used in ongoing research.

This experience provides students with the kind of hands-on field skills and practical experience that graduate schools, research programs, and marine science employers value highly.

Program Highlights

• Work directly with sharks and rays in their natural habitat

• Learn professional marine field research techniques

• Gain hands-on experience collecting and recording scientific data

• Work alongside experienced marine researchers and instructors

• Ideal for students interested in marine biology, conservation, and wildlife research careers

Important Enrollment Update

Enrollment for Summer 2026 closes March 31, and several weeks are already nearing capacity.

Current availability is limited for the following weeks:

• Week 4 – limited spots remaining

• Week 5 – limited spots remaining

• Week 6 – limited spots remaining

• Week 8 – limited spots remaining

Students interested in participating are encouraged to apply soon before the remaining spots are filled.

Program Information

Students can learn more or request information here:

www.coastalmera.com

REU opportunity at Mountain Lake Biological Station in Virginia

 Mountain Lake Biological Station REU:  https://mlbs.virginia.edu/reuprogram

Mountain Lake Biological Station has an excellent field biology REU program: it pays really well ($7,000) and includes room and board all summer.

Aquatic and Marine Research Opportunity

TLDR: Aquatic & Marine Research Opportunity
Interested in aquatic or marine systems and want hands-on research experience? Dr. Mike Henson’s Aquatic Microbiology Lab is seeking ENVS students for Spring and Summer positions. Projects focus on microbial responses to environmental change in systems like Florida Bay, the Caribbean, and the Mississippi River. Approximately 4 to 6 hours per week. Options for academic credit or paid work (depending on available funding). To learn more or express interest, email Dr. Henson with your year, availability, and a brief note about why you would like to join the lab.

 

Full message:

If you are interested in aquatic or marine environments and want hands-on research experience, there is a great opportunity to work with Dr. Mike Henson in his Aquatic Microbiology Lab. His work was recently featured in NIU Today for NSF-funded coral reef research, and he is currently welcoming ENVS students for Spring and Summer positions.

The Aquatic Microbiology Lab studies how microscopic organisms respond to environmental change in both freshwater and marine systems. Current projects include topics such as:

• How microbial communities in Florida Bay respond to heatwaves and implications for water quality and carbon cycling
• The pathogen driving sea urchin die-offs in the Caribbean and how the pathogen survives and spreads
• How microbial communities change along the Mississippi River from its headwaters to the Gulf and what that reveals about nutrient and carbon movement

Dr. Henson is most interested in students who:

• Are genuinely curious about aquatic or marine systems and environmental change
• Want to learn and build skills through regular, hands-on lab work
• May be ENVS majors or minors who are not pursuing a BIOS major but still want strong research experience

There are no strict course prerequisites. Having some lab experience and courses like BIOS 208+210, BIOS 209+211, or BIOS 313 is helpful, but motivated early-career students (first or second year) are also encouraged to reach out.

You will have the opportunity to learn:

• Core skills in environmental microbiology and microbial ecology
• Lab skills such as aseptic technique, microbial physiology, and molecular methods
• Use of instruments such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, and flow cytometry
• Data handling and basic analysis related to water quality and ecosystem health

Time and compensation

• Time commitment: approximately 4 to 6 hours per week, typically over 2 to 3 days
• Options for either academic credit or paid hourly work, depending on available funding

To be considered, email Dr. Henson (mhenson@niu.edu) with:

• A short introduction, including your year and major
• Your general availability for the upcoming semester or summer
• A brief statement on why you are interested in working in the Aquatic Microbiology Lab
• Email subject line “Interest in Aquatic Microbiology Lab Research”

If you have questions about how this experience could fit into your ENVS degree plan or potential credit options, feel free to reach out to Melissa at mburlingame@niu.edu. 

USVI_UVIcampusMarine —> View from the University of the Virgin Islands Marine Center (https://www.uvi.edu/research/center-for-marine-environmental-studies/index.html)

UVI_fieldteam —> The UVI field team (pictured Co-Pi Dr. Marilyn Brandt and Field Researcher Moriah Sevier) placing tags on coral in Brewers Bay (St. Thomas, USVI)

DiademaA_USVI —> photo of Diadema antillarum in Brewers Bay (St. Thomas, USVI)

CoelomicFluid_sampling2—> photo of me (Co-Pi Henson) sampling coelomic fluid from sea urchins

September_USVI_fieldteam —> photo of the collective field in during the September Field Campaign.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hiring for summer 2026

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nationalparkservice_great-smoky-mountains-national-park-is-hiring-activity-7374115362268807168-3543?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAC_fCFIBmcCgWx22aIV0cFWLt-iqWgmmzRA

National Park ServiceNational Park Service965,015 followers965,015 followers1w • 1 week ago • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hiring for summer 2026

Join the National Park Service for a rewarding seasonal job & help protect America’s treasures.

📝 Apply on USAJobs.gov

Seasonal Recreation Fee Clerk & Technician - (Sept. 15 - Sept. 21)
Seasonal Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) - (Sept. 12 - Sept. 19)
More seasonal positions coming soon - we will keep you posted!

🕓 Important: Job announcements will close by the posted date or when the applicant limit is reached (whichever comes first).

Learn more about working with us on the park website: https://lnkd.in/d8uXqgMd

📌 Note: A new 2-page resume policy has been implemented. Only the first 2 pages of your resume will be reviewed to determine qualifications.

BIOS 412/ BIOS 512 Mycology

 

One year post-bac/ RAMP employment opportunity at The Morton Arboretum for recent graduates

 Hoban lab project at Morton Arboretum: The Tree Conservation Biology team will be hosting a RAMP participant to advance our knowledge about conservation and restoration of the threatened butternut tree, while developing conservation partnerships with indigenous peoples and state, federal and other partners, and engaging with communities, including through citizen science. Butternut is a native tree dying off due to a disease that has been reducing populations for about 70 years, resulting in current populations that are about 95% reduced from their size a century ago. The main research project will focus on assessing individual tree health, habitat suitability, disease progression, seedling growth, and other aspects of the ecology of this system. We will collect data in the field and use genetic tools, forest health assessments, soil ecology, GIS, and spatial statistics, along with traditional knowledge, to better understand why some trees are healthier than others, why some populations have seedlings while many do not, how quickly the disease progresses, and how to foster adult tree and seedling survival. In addition to collecting and analyzing data to test hypotheses developed in collaboration with the mentree, we will engage in youth education and outreach, working with citizen scientists, and sharing our findings with diverse audiences. Success factors include an interest in a combination of field, lab, desk, and computational work; teamwork and communication skills; experience with or an interest in learning and using computational tools including R and GIS; ability to work outdoors in hot, cold and wet conditions; enthusiasm for conservation, restoration and environmental stewardship; passion for trees and forests. Work will take place primarily in the Chicago region but may include trips to other locations.

Morton Arboretum summer internship Application deadline is January 31, 2025.

 REU Site: Integrative Tree Science for the Anthropocene at The Morton Arboretum

Morton Arboretum

May 2025 - Aug 2025

Award Title

REU site: Integrative tree science for the Anthropocene at the Morton Arboretum

Application deadline is January 31, 2025.

 

Overview

Experience careers that explore solutions for climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resources management, and urban life through the National Science Foundation REU Program: Integrative Tree Science for the Anthropocene at The Morton Arboretum

The era of unprecedented transformation of the biosphere due to human activities is termed the Anthropocene and calls for directly addressing the ecological and environmental challenges of the present and near future. The REU at The Morton Arboretum uses trees as model systems to investigate questions related to evolution, ecology, conservation, and management in natural and built environments.

Participants will:

• Engage in a paid, 10-week summer program, with housing and travel provided, conducting an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD-level mentor.
• Gain direct experience on all aspects of a research project, from hypothesis and research question development, experimental design, collecting and analyzing data, to presenting the results at a final symposium.
• Develop critical thinking, independence, self-confidence, perseverance, and collaborative skills, interact with interns from other Chicago institutions, and benefit from workshops on science communication and professional development.

The 10-week research program includes:

• $7,500 stipend
• Housing, research supplies, and travel
• Professional development workshops in science communication, responsible conduct in research, resume building, and more

Research areas:

• Soil ecology
• Forest ecology
• Conservation biology
• Root biology
• Plant systematics and biodiversity
• Urban forests and arboriculture
• Plant breeding and horticulture

Learn more:

• Present your research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
• Work on unique projects.
• Meet new people and grow your network.

Eligibility Requirements

Students participating in the National Science Foundation-supported REU program must be:

• Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. 
• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student (graduating seniors or recent graduates are not eligible to apply). 
• Able to participate from May 27 to August 1, 2025.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate a passion for the natural world and a willingness to engage in research across diverse environments. A commitment to collaboration, attention to detail, and scientific inquiry is essential. Experience with specific methods or data analysis is often useful but not required, as mentoring teams will teach project-specific techniques. Applicants will be matched to projects based upon interests, personal background, and enthusiasm.

We encourage applicants from colleges with limited research opportunities, groups underrepresented in STEM, first- and second-year undergraduates, and first-generation college students.

Website

https://mortonarb.org/science/opportunities-in-science/research-experiences-for-undergraduates-program/#overview

Current Conservation Job Opportunities

 USFWS Morris and Big Stone Wetland Management Districts/National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (National Wildlife Refuge System) is announcing 7 openings for seasonal Biological Science Technicians, at the GS-6 pay scale, including TWO located at Morris Wetland Management District and one at Big Stone NWR. Applications deadline December 9, 2024. The announcement can be found here or by searching USAjobs.gov for announcement number TS-25-12586529-MR-DE. This position will assist the biology and management programs at Morris WMD to monitor and manage prairie and wetland habitats. Primary duties will include waterfowl surveys, prairie monitoring, invasive plant management, native seed harvest, and managing the station's GIS data. The employee may also assist with prescribed burning if qualified. The position will last 6 months, approximately April-October 2025.  

**Note that the application deadline is Dec 9!**

Minnesota DNR

DNR is hiring a Regional SNA Specialist Senior in Fergus Falls, MN. Application deadline is December 10^th, 2024. This is a great opportunity to work with some of Minnesota’s most rare resources including native plant communities, rare species, and rare features. We are looking for a person that is skilled in natural resources management and experienced in natural ecosystems. The position will plan and coordinate natural area management, development, acquisition, outreach/education, monitoring, and research on state Scientific and Natural Areas and Native Prairie Bank Easements throughout the Fergus Falls work area in NW MN. Providing leadership to area staff, crews, contractors, cooperators, and others is another important role of the SNA Specialist Senior. See attached flyer or go to MN Careers website and search for Job ID 81668.

 

Pheasants Forever

PF is hiring 2 Habitat Partnership Specialist positions located at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices in Windom and Fergus Falls. Application deadline is December 13^th, 2024. Habitat Partnership Specialists will identify, process, evaluate, and coordinate conservation easement acquisitions within the Windom and Fergus Falls Wetland Management Districts (WMD). Find more details here. Interested applicants can contact Jon Beyer (office: 507-831-2220 ext 11) with questions.

 

We have a Farm Bill Biologist vacancy in Swift County, based out of the Benson USDA office. Application deadline is December 15th. 

 

The Nature Conservancy

TNC is partnering with Conservation Corps of Minnesota to host year-long CCM crews in NW and west central MN in 2025. Application deadline is December 12^th, 2024. Projects include prescribed fire, tree removal, invasive species control, native seed harvest, grassland monitoring surveys, firebreak preparation, and prairie restoration. Apply through CCM and indicate you interest in working with TNC on the application’s location preferences.

TNC is hiring a Field Steward for the Prairie Coteau landscape covering SW Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, based in Clear Lake, SD. Find more details here. Application deadline is December 19^th, 2024. The Field Stewards will help manage 12 TNC preserves consisting of rare calcareous fens, pothole wetlands, restorations, and native grasslands. As the Field Steward, you will identify conservation goals and objectives in collaboration with the program manager and others and effectively utilize resources to achieve identified goals and complete projects. You will help develop and implement various conservation management techniques such as grazing, prescribed fire (leading the fire line,) and invasive species management. You will also be responsible for leading seasonal employees, equipment maintenance, facilities management, and administrative tasks associated with projects. Contact Joe Blastick with questions (jblastick@tnc.org).

TNC is hiring a Grassland Conservation Fellow in South Dakota! Find more details here. Application deadline is January 3^rd, 2025. The Grassland Conservation Fellowship program is designed to provide talented individuals with opportunities to advance their skills for conservation. The Fellow will assist with conservation projects focusing on conservation land management and ecological monitoring while learning from and networking with professionals throughout our chapter. The Fellow’s main workstation will be at the Ordway Prairie preserve near Leola, SD where housing, (shared with employees, volunteers, and partners,) is available. You will be expected to travel between the main workstation and other project areas across the MN-ND-SD Chapter. Contact Mary Miller with questions (mmiller@tnc.org).

 

Coming Soon! TNC will post 2025 seasonal positions across MN, ND, and SD (including Morris, MN) in the next week or two. Check the TNC Careers website frequently and apply early. Follow this link, click “Jobs at TNC”, and search by state to find relevant job postings quickly.