Fully Funded MS/PhD Research Opportunity for Hispanic Students - Purdue University Northwest Water Institute

The Water Institute at Purdue University Northwest is currently seeking Hispanic undergraduate seniors interested in pursuing a Master's degree and Master's students interested in pursuing a PhD, with research opportunities focused on:

• Food-Energy-Water-Land Nexus for Sustainable Agriculture
• Renewable Energy Integration in Agriculture and Rural Communities
• Desalination-centered Food-Energy-Water Nexus
• Nuclear-Enabled Agriculture, Desalination and Wastewater Management
• Innovative Nutrient-Energy-Water Technologies for Circular Bioeconomy
• Artificial Intelligence-enabled Process Intensification and Optimization
• Waste-to-Value Environmental Technologies for Sustainable Development

Waterworlds, ENVS/ANTH 320

 Waterworlds, ENVS/ANTH 320

- Survey of water issues from a holistic social, political, economic, and environmental perspective. Explores water as key to social life and as a resource under threat. Uses case studies to examine water scarcity, pollution, and unjust distribution, and solutions.

- General Education course in the Nature and Technology domain

- Fulfills the Human Diversity requirement. 

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

Water Career Platform

 The program is called Veolia Workforce Academy, and it's a joint venture with the Water Environment Federation and the American Water Works Association (which represents 50,000 members and more than 4,300 water and wastewater utilities in North America) to provide a fully digital workforce training and employment pathway program. It's designed to expand access to water sector careers across the United States and create skilled jobs. This program emboldens young professionals to learn technical skills and prepare them for state level certifications necessary to enter and advance their careers in the field. 

It is completely FREE to enroll and take courses. The program just rolled out last week and I believe early engagement will push out more material that can truly impact young professional's lives. Additionally, Veolia has a number of internships it offers from Environmental Compliance to Scientists listed on their career page. 

Academy.veolia.us

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.

CALL FOR GRAD STUDENT APPLICANTS: Partnerships Along the Headwaters of the Americas for Young Scientists Program (PATHWAYS Program)

 CALL FOR GRAD STUDENT APPLICANTS: Partnerships Along the Headwaters of the Americas for Young Scientists Program (PATHWAYS Program)

 

The PATHWAYS Program invites full-time Ph.D. and M.S. students across the social and natural sciences, and engineering, interested in interdisciplinary water research, for a research experience (NSF IRES #2505480) across the Andes and Central American cordilleras. PATHWAYS fellows must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.

 

Program details:

• PATHWAYS hosts and funds (living expenses and travel) an interdisciplinary summer school in Cuenca, Ecuador (May 17-30) for 10 fellows.
• PATHWAYS funds (living expenses, research funds, and travel) individual research experiences in Latin America for fellows beginning in June 2026.
• PATHWAYS provides fellows with in-country mentorship from professors across Latin America.

 

Program Schedule:

• Pre-application deadline: October 2, 2025
• Competitive students will be asked to provide a full application by November 14, 2025, and they will be notified of the results of the selection process by the end of November 2025.
• Fellows will meet regularly via video-conference beginning in January 2026 through May 2026.
• The interdisciplinary summer school will be held in Cuenca, Ecuador on May 17-30.
• Fellows will conduct their individual research projects beginning in June 2026. Research projects typically last up to three months.
• Pathways fellowship alums stay connected to the program through conferences and Transect of the Americas meetings (https://transect-of-the-americas.wsu.edu).

 

Interested students apply here: https://transect-of-the-americas.wsu.edu/pathways-program​

 

Feel free to contact me at bpwarner@unm.edu if you have any questions.

Thx!

Ben

2025 SMC Internship Opportunity

The Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is seeking 1 intern to assist our planning and regulatory staff on a variety of tasks.

The successful candidate will spend time in the office and field under the guidance of SMC staff and will be involved in several phases of the Planning and Regulatory Program in support of watershed workgroups, grant inspection coordination, education and outreach, site inspections, MS4 coordinator support and GIS tasks.

Examples of office activities may include, but will not be limited to 1) Watershed Workgroup support by updating the websites, taking and organizing meeting minutes, assisting with lining up presenters, and helping with meeting notes, 2) 319 grant inspection coordination 3) creating an SMC grant tracker spreadsheet, 4) reporting on Watershed-based Plan milestones, 5) Education and Outreach support by creating project factsheets, coordinating stream clean-up requests, creating an inventory of project photos, assisting with Deicing Workshop event coordination, and updating watershed webpages 6) Central Permit Facility maintenance support by creating QR code signs, organizing speakers, organizing Seed Harvesting Event, and creating incentives for maintaining the native plant community on the green roof. 7) GIS tasks to include filling data gaps in the SMC GIS Permit database.

Examples of field activities may include but will not be limited to 1) assistance with scheduling and coordinating Des Plaines River Watershed inspections, 2) coordinating and performing field inspections under the guidance of the MS4 Coordinator 3) field inspections on various construction projects under the guidance of the SMC Regulatory Staff, 4) other assigned field tasks as needed under the guidance of SMC Planning and Regulatory staff.

To be successful in this position, candidates must possess a high level of attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills, and intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Office products. The candidate will also possess the ability to work both inside and outside in variable conditions and be willing to engage in limited to moderately strenuous physical activity. Successful candidate must also be highly motivated, be willing to take initiative and coordinate with project managers to ensure assigned work items are completed on schedule. 

We are looking for candidates who are a graduate of, or current student in, a 2- or 4-year higher education program with an emphasis on water resource engineering, environmental science, urban planning, biology, or a related field. Basic to intermediate level experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro is desired. Every effort will be made to provide County vehicles for field use; however, candidates must have their own transportation for traveling to and from field sites, if needed. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

This is an office position with regular Monday through Friday work hours (for example 8:00am – 4:30pm). Alternative work schedules are available including varying start times with the possibility for remote work opportunities depending on assignment. Candidate will work approximately 40 hours per week for up to 25 weeks, not to exceed 1,000 hours. The desired start date is flexible. Class credit may be available for these internships; please check with your academic advisor. Questions should be directed to Jeff Laramy at jlaramy@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-7709.

Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County! To learn more about the department you will be working for, visit the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Website. To learn more about other services Lake County provides and to see some of our employees in action visit our website to view videos. If you need assistance writing your resume, we have some tools to help you at our Human Resources website.

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam at a County-approved medical facility, at no cost to the applicant. Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply for this internship, visit https://tinyurl.com/5c3xy4se

Job Location Libertyville, Illinois, United States

Position Type Intern

Salary $18.00 USD

Applications will be accepted until May 23, 2023

DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District

 DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District

It is our mission to responsibly protect our healthy soils and clean water for all generations

Job Title: District Conservation Planner

Job Location: Sycamore, Illinois

Position Type: Full time

Salary Range: $45,000-$60,000 Salary will be based on education and work experience

Education Requirements: Associate degree or greater. Knowledge of natural resource management and conservation best management practices is preferred. A degree in agriculture, natural resources or a related field is desired but not mandatory depending on qualifications and prior experience.

Benefits: Full benefit package available

Program Overview:

The DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a local government unit established in 1947, serving DeKalb County, Illinois. Our vision is to conserve soil and water resources using evidence-based practices. We collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to promote conservation among all county residents.

Job Description:

The District Conservation Planner will plan and implement conservation and educational programs.

They should be familiar with production agriculture, natural resource concerns in farming, and urban stormwater management. Required skills include general GIS knowledge, keen observation, strong analytical abilities, and excellent communication and writing proficiency. The candidate will be required to attain Level III Conservation Planner status through training provided by the Natural

Resources Conservation Service. The candidate can expect occasional outdoor field work, afterhours work related to board meetings, special events and training. The selected candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be required to get fingerprinted and complete a federal government background check.

Key duties include:

• Assist with conservation programs in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Agriculture

(IDOA), USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and USDA- Farm Service

Agency (FSA).

• Assist with the NRCS Contribution Agreement.

• Manage the Partners for Conservation Program (PFC) and the Streambank Stabilization

Restoration Program (SSRP) through the IDOA.

• Provide support for additional conservation programs through the IDOA.

• Provide the County and Municipalities with natural resource information pertaining to

zoning, land use conversion and proposed land uses.

• Help with Natural Resource Protection in Urban and Rural Areas.

• District Sales Programs (Fish Sale, Rain Barrel Sale etc.)

• Maintain the DeKalb County SWCD website and Social Media Presence.

District Educational and Outreach Programs.

• Provide a commitment to building a better community and environment.

Job Offering Timeline: Closes May 11, 2025

Estimated start time: Early to mid-June

Mail Cover letter and Resume to: DeKalb County SWCD 1350 West Prairie Drive,

Sycamore, IL 60178 or Email: dekalbswcd@gmail.com

The DeKalb County SWCD is an equal opportunity employer. All programs and services of the DeKalb County SWCD are on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, natural origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or handicap. 

Scholarships -- Soil and Water; Conservation Achievement Scholarship

 

Soil & Water Stewardship Scholarship   $1000 Scholarship  Deadline February 15, 2025   The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship seeks to provide financial support to students enrolled full time at an accredited two- or four-year community college, college or university, which will lead to a career in a natural resource field.

CLICK for more INFO

 

 

Apply HERE Conservation Achievement Scholarship   Applications are now open for the 2025 Conservation Achievement Scholarship. Are you passionate about preserving Illinois’ natural resources? The Illinois Conservation Foundation wants to support the next generation of conservation leaders like you! ICF is offering up to four $2,000 college scholarships to outstanding seniors who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the preservation, protection, enhancement, or promotion of Illinois’ natural resources. Deadline to apply is March 1.