Search in the box or pick a category below:




Organization: USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Location: Hampton, VA
Deadline to Apply: Jan. 19, 2025
Description:
LAFB Airport Technician Vacancy
SALARY:
GS 6 $45,628 – $59,313
GS 7 $50,703 – $65,917
DUTIES:
- Responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement.
- Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will revise existing WDM programs.
- Uses WDM tools/devices which may include some or all of the following depending on need in assigned area: firearms; foothold, body-grip, cage traps; foot snares; neck snares; chemical control methods; pyrotechnics; noise cannons/exploders; drop nets; rocket/cannon nets; various other scaring devices.
- Correctly identifies current, and forecasts future, damage problems and relates them to the damage-causing species.
- Independently determines and selects the most effective means of control for individual situations.
- Modifies or adapts established damage control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic or political considerations.
- Assists in the negotiation of cooperative service agreements with landowners, lessees, or administrators to accomplish the goals outlined for the WS program. May independently negotiate small cooperative service field agreements.
- Enters data into established WDM database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, and events.
- Assists others in preparing and submitting routine and special reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, events.
- Complies with restrictions and mitigation measures established through consultation with relevant Federal and State agencies.
- Carries out duties in accordance with program decisions made in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) under guidance and oversight by supervisor.
- Demonstrates a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices and materials, and equipment.
- Performs other duties, as required.
James R. Powell, SE District Supervisor
USDA Wildlife Services – Virginia
1548A Holland Rd., Ste. 100 Suffolk, VA 23434
757-925-4391
james.r.powell@usda.gov
Organization: USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Deadline to Apply: Jan. 12, 2026
Description:
NAS Oceana Wildlife Specialist January 2026
TYPE OF POSITION: 13 Month Term Appointment with possibility for Benefits, Excepted Service, (may be extended up to 4 years))
WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time, maxi flex including occasional weekends, and early mornings and nights
ANNOUNCEMENT #: VA-WS-25-12 this is a reannouncement of VA-WS- 25-09, previous applicants need not reapply
SERIES/GRADE: GS-0404-06/07
LEVEL: GS-0404-07
LOCATION: Virginia Beach, VA (Relocation expenses will not be paid)
SALARY: GS 6 $45,628 – $59,313
GS 7 $50,703 – $65,917
DUTIES:
- Responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement.
- Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will revise existing WDM programs.
- Uses WDM tools/devices which may include some or all of the following depending on need in assigned area: firearms; foothold, body-grip, cage traps; foot snares; neck snares; chemical control methods; pyrotechnics; noise cannons/exploders; drop nets; rocket/cannon nets; various other scaring devices.
- Correctly identifies current, and forecasts future, damage problems and relates them to the damage-causing species.
- Independently determines and selects the most effective means of control for individual situations.
- Modifies or adapts established damage control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic or political considerations.
- Assists in the negotiation of cooperative service agreements with landowners, lessees, or administrators to accomplish the goals outlined for the WS program. May independently negotiate small cooperative service field agreements.
- Enters data into established WDM database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, and events.
- Assists others in preparing and submitting routine and special reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, events.
- Complies with restrictions and mitigation measures established through consultation with relevant Federal and State agencies.
- Carries out duties in accordance with program decisions made in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) under guidance and oversight by supervisor.
- Demonstrates a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices and materials, and equipment.
- Performs other duties, as required.
James R. Powell, SE District Supervisor
USDA Wildlife Services – Virginia
1548A Holland Rd., Ste. 100 Suffolk, VA 23434
757-925-4391
james.r.powell@usda.gov
Organization: NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Location: Various
Deadline to Apply: Open until filled
Description:
2025 CWD Field Tech Announcement
SALARY: $15.00 – $22.00 per hour
SALARY GRADE / SALARY GRADE EQUIVALENT: NC05
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Full-Time
Appointment times are 4-month, September/October 2025 through January/February 2026 or 5-month, September 2025 through January 2026
Positions will be home-based and located in Districts 3, 4, 5, and 6
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) is seeking applicants to fill multiple Wildlife Conservation Technician (Working Title: “CWD Field Technician”) positions. These positions will be considered full-time temporary positions with a 40-hr work week. Appointment times vary for each location with four-month positions in Districts 3, 4, 5, and 6 and a 5-month position in District 5. Start dates vary as well, with most beginning either early September or October 2025.
The primary purpose of these positions will be to support WRC’s ongoing disease monitoring efforts in white tailed deer, specifically and focused primarily on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance. Under the supervision, direction, and training of WRC Wildlife Management Division Regional Supervisors and District Biologists, these positions will coordinate and collaborate with Cervid Health Cooperators (CHCs), meat processors, private landowners, land managers, hunt clubs, hunters, etc., to facilitate the collection and processing of tissue samples consistent with agency protocols for CWD surveillance.
Applicants must have a basic knowledge of local wildlife, excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in an unsupervised capacity and as part of a team. The primary responsibilities will be tissue sample collection, staffing check stations, coordinating sample collections with CHCs, tissue transport and processing, data collection and management, and carcass/tissue disposal. Other duties may be assigned.
The employee must be a self-starter and willing to maintain a flexible schedule. Frequent daily travel, extended workdays, and weekend work will be required to meet agency objectives.
The workstation for these positions will be in the employee’s home-based office using an agency provided phone, computer, and truck. The workstation location for these positions will be located within the respective Districts.
APPLICATION: All applicants must complete and submit a State of North Carolina application for employment using the attached or by going to the OSHR’s website: https://oshr.nc.gov/pd107-2023fillablepdf/open. Send completed application and resume to jason.allen@ncwildlife.gov.
Organization: UT School of Natural Resources
Location: Knoxville, TN
Deadline to Apply: Feb. 6, 2026
Description:
The School of Natural Resources at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville (UTK), invites applications of exceptional leaders for the position of Professor and Director of the School of Natural Resources (SNR). This is a full-time, 12-month, tenured position.
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville stands as Tennessee’s flagship state research institution, renowned for its outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs that command national and international recognition across various fields. A core component of UTK’s mission is embodied by the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), which seeks to fulfill the land grant mission by addressing pressing societal issues through research, teaching, and Extension efforts. The School of Natural Resources is the comprehensive natural resources program in the state, consisting of 36 teaching, research, and Extension faculty, 19 professional staff, 8 administrative support staff members, and more than 325 students in our undergraduate and graduate programs. The school’s mission is to advance the science and sustainable management of natural resources to promote their health, utilization, and appreciation in Tennessee, the region, and beyond. Knoxville offers a pleasant mix of urban culture and wildland recreational opportunities within a region recognized as a global hot spot for biodiversity. The University of Tennessee is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Several key federal, state, and non-governmental organizations are on or near campus. Research activities are supported at ten AgResearch and Education Centers across the state.
The Director’s responsibilities include leadership of all school programs and administrative responsibility for planning, fiscal management, human resources, and facilities. The Director reports to the Deans of AgResearch, UT Extension, and the Herbert College of Agriculture, working with their offices to accomplish school goals and objectives. The Director guides the School of Natural Resources in its mission to deliver statewide, nationally and internationally recognized programs in teaching, research, and Extension. The Director helps articulate and promote the School’s vision to provide high quality, relevant education and training for undergraduate and graduate students that encompasses the vision of the University of Tennessee – a world enriched by our ideas, improved through action, and inspired by the Volunteer spirit of service and leadership – thus positioning students to take their places as academic and industry leaders in the state of Tennessee and the world.
The Director serves as the chief executive officer of the School and is responsible for providing dynamic, visionary leadership in the following key areas:
- Strategic Leadership: Facilitate the achievement of the School’s teaching, research, Extension, and service missions, while ensuring alignment with institute and university goals and growing all programs and enhancing leadership.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, administration, alumni, industry and agency partners, advisory groups, and external constituencies to establish priorities and guide the School’s growth.
- Faculty and Staff Development: Recruit, support, mentor, and evaluate a diverse team of faculty and staff; lead efforts in performance management, retention, and professional development.
- Student Success: Oversee student recruitment, advising, and support efforts to enhance enrollment, retention, and student achievement within the School’s disciplines.
- Academic Program Quality: Ensure the health, accreditation, and continuous improvement of academic programs and maintain high standards for teaching and learning outcomes.
- Collegiality and Professionalism: Promote a positive, collegial, and welcoming School culture that values teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Resource Management: Manage the School budgets, human resources, and facilities; identify and cultivate internal and external funding and sponsored opportunities to support program growth.
- Visibility and Advocacy: Enhance the visibility of the School (forestry, wildlife, fisheries, outdoor recreation, and renewable carbon) through strategic marketing, promoting excellence, and fostering recognition of faculty, staff, and student achievements at the institute, university, state, and national levels.
Faculty Mentorship: Implement and administer a structured faculty mentoring program, ensuring long-term support through multi-member mentoring committees.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS The successful candidate must:
- Qualify for the rank of Professor in the School of Natural Resources with an earned PhD in forestry, wildlife, fisheries, outdoor recreation, wood science or closely related field and a distinguished record of scholarly achievement
- Display evidence of visionary leadership that aligns with faculty goals for the Extension, research, and teaching programs within natural resources
- Demonstrate interest in and understanding of the Land Grant philosophy
- Possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills
- Have a strong commitment to development of faculty, staff, and students and a proven ability to foster collaboration across disciplines and institutions
- Demonstrate administrative and leadership experience, including supervision of personnel, fiscal management, and strategic planning
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS We seek a collegial leader with:
- Experience working within a land-grant university system
- Experience in and a willingness to engage in assessing priorities, strategic planning and implementation, and adaptability to change in a multidisciplinary environment
- Skills in effective management of personnel and mentorship, navigation of administrative challenges, and facilitation of productive teamwork
- Demonstrated fiscal and resource management skills, and a commitment to financial transparency
- Experience in teaching, and curriculum development and assessment
- International reputation in specialty area, successful grantsmanship at regional and national levels, and active involvement in appropriate scientific societies
- Demonstrated evidence of successful collaboration including scholarly activity and establishing productive partnerships
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following documents through UTK’s faculty application portal:
1. Cover letter outlining your relevant experiences in reference to the qualifications detailed in the announcement
2. A leadership statement (two-page limit) to address all three areas of the Land Grant mission
3. CV
4. Full contact information of three professional references
5. Copies of transcripts
Closing date: Review of applications will begin February 6th, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Organization: University of Tennessee – Knoxville: UT Institute of Agriculture, School of Natural Resources
Location: Jackson, TN
Deadline to Apply: Open until filled
Description:
Extension Assistant/Associate/Professor of Forestry
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville: UT Institute of Agriculture: School of Natural Resources
Location: Jackson, Madison County, TN
Open Date: May 16, 2025
The School of Natural Resources (SNR) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) invites applications for a 12-month, tenure-track, 100% Extension Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor of Forestry. This position is stationed at the Western Region Extension Office in Jackson, Madison County, Tennessee, and reports to the Director of the UT School of Natural Resources.
The successful candidate will develop, implement, evaluate, and report on a comprehensive statewide educational program for private (rural and urban), nonindustrial landowners concentrating on forest management. Specifically, the successful candidate will develop and deliver educational programs regarding forest management, enhancing forest productivity, marketing commercial forest products, and understanding forest ecosystems, all aimed at assisting landowners with their forest management objectives. Examples of educational programs include Tennessee Healthy Hardwoods, Welcome to Your Woods, Tennessee Tree Day, Forestry Worker Curriculum, Teachers Conservation Workshop, Back Porch Forestry YouTube, and The Forestry Footnotes Newsletter.
Expectations of the position include engaging in scholarly activities related to Extension programs, including securing internal and external grants, and assuming leadership roles supporting grants. The successful candidate will provide guidance and assistance to county Extension agents and assist other specialists with 4-H youth program development and implementation as needed. The finalist will develop and maintain relationships with cooperating agencies (e.g., Tennessee Division of Forestry, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, County Forestry Associations, Tennessee Forestry Association) to further promote sustainable forest management. The finalist will participate in programs and activities for the School of Natural Resources and UTIA as needed.
Candidates must be committed to cooperating with diverse groups within and outside of the university and have the ability to work with clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status.
The University of Tennessee is one of two land-grant institutions in the state and is the state’s public flagship university. The School of Natural Resources is the comprehensive natural resources program in the state, consisting of 31 teaching, research, and Extension faculty; 17 professional and 8 administrative staff members; and more than 350 students. The School’s mission is to advance the science and sustainable management of natural resources to promote their health, use, and appreciation in Tennessee, the region, and beyond through programs in teaching, research, and Extension.
Required Qualifications:
- An earned doctorate in forestry, forest management, natural resources, or a closely related field.
- At least one forestry degree from a Society of American Foresters accredited program.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to think critically, solve problems, and navigate complex situations professionally.
- Proficiency with electronic technology or a willingness to learn/use distance educational technology.
- Ability to provide leadership and demonstrate self-reliance in a collaborative environment.
- Computer literacy and proficiency in web-based applications, such as MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Office.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Practical field experience in hardwood silviculture and forest management.
- In addition to a Doctorate degree, 5 or more years of professional experience in Cooperative Extension program development.
- Experience working with Extension programs, USDA agencies, and/or related educational programming.
- Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing educational programs in silviculture and/or forest management.
- Ability to interact and gain support from constituencies outside the university, such as business and industry, state and federal agencies, and non-profit and private foundations.
- Demonstrated ability to obtain and manage external funding to support Extension and research programs.
- Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.
- Experience in planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating educational programs for small-scale landowners.Experience working in community-based non-formal education settings.
Application Instructions
Submit a letter of interest, a one-page statement of formal (classroom-based education) and/or informal (practical-based education) teaching, a one-page statement on Extension philosophy, copies of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work, a curriculum vitae detailing educational background, work experience, publications, presentations, and grants secured, and names and full contact information of three professional references, through the university’s online job portal. Review of applications will begin July 7, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with experience. Questions may be directed to search committee chair, Dr. Sharon Jean-Philippe, jeanphil@utk.edu. This institution is using Interfolio’s Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge. Apply Now.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@utk.edu or (865)974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or (865)974-0717 or investigations@utk.edu.
Organization: University of Wyoming
Location: Oahu, HI
Deadline to Apply: Feb. 15, 2026
Description:
Start dates: Between March-May 2026
Open Until Filled: No
JOB PURPOSE: We are seeking technicians to work on a research project on Oʻahu, Hawai’i as part of the Hawai’i V.I.N.E. (Vertebrate Introductions and Novel Ecosystems) project, a collaboration across multiple universities (UH Manoa, UW, NAU, and UIUC) that began in 2014. The project is investigating temporal changes in seed dispersal and how removal of dominant invasive plants alters seed dispersal in mesic and wet forest ecosystems. Native species extinctions and non-native species introductions have dramatically changed the forest species composition. Although many native plants depend on birds for seed dispersal, on Oʻahu there are no longer any native frugivorous birds to provide this function. Instead, a suite of non-native birds are dispersing seeds. Additionally, invasive plants often dominate seed dispersal networks with impacts to native plant seed dispersal. Understanding temporal changes and how removal of invasive plant species impacts seed dispersal is critically important for restoration efforts.
There are multiple positions open with starting dates spanning March to May, with a minimum of a five-month commitment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Basic duties include: (1) Invasive plant removal, (2) measuring fruit abundance and vegetation characteristics, (3) performing point counts for bird abundance, and (4) deploying game cameras. Additional duties will include: (1) ensuring accurate and consistent data recording and entry, (2) maintenance of field equipment, (3) collaborating with team members for data analysis and interpretation, and (4) participating in team meetings and contributing to project planning and adjustments. Additionally, applicants will be expected to participate in regular (at least monthly) outreach and education events related to the project.
The candidate(s) selected for this position will work on a field crew of 6-9 people including other technicians, crew leader, and graduate students. Technicians must be able to work early mornings in rugged terrain in challenging field conditions. Fieldwork will involve long days of hiking and temperamental weather conditions. This is a full-time position and technicians will receive effective compensation of $16/hour, plus shared access to vehicles and the option to live in crew housing. Further details will be provided during interviews. Applicants will be responsible for their flight to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Hawaii.
QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum: A bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources, wildlife management, botany, ecology or a related field and field experience pertaining to wildlife biology or botany are required. Applicants must be responsible, organized, and comfortable living and working as a team. An enthusiasm for research and fieldwork is essential, as well as patience and a strong work ethic. Valid driver’s license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy. Desired: Preference will be given to applicants with experience in tropical ecosystems, avian ecology, plant ecology, and/or a demonstrated knowledge of Hawaiian plants.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Complete the online application. Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information (email and phone) for 3 references familiar with your field work experience as a single PDF document. Review of applications will begin December 15, 2025. Applications for this round of hiring will not be accepted after February 15, 2026. In your cover letter, please specify your desired start date. Include details of any prior experience in point counts and experience with plant identification and/or systematic vegetation surveys.
For questions, please email us at vine.hawaii@gmail.com.
Organization: Advantage Timberland, Inc.
Location: Bluefield, VA
Deadline to Apply: Not provided
Description:
Advantage Timberland will be hiring a full time permanent Field Forester. Responsibilities will include all aspects of planning, preparation and supervision of timber harvesting operations.
Other responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: timber cruising, carbon inventory, log scaling, deed research, forest road design and layout, GPS use, GIS use, soil sampling, planting operations supervision, and timber marking. The area of responsibility will primarily be McDowell, Mercer, Wyoming, Fayette, Kanawha, Boone, Raleigh and Mingo Counties, West Virginia.
Applicants must have a degree in Forest Technology, Wildlife Biology (with forestry courses), or Forestry/Resource Management. No experience is necessary as we will provide on-the-job training.
We offer competitive salary, medical insurance w/vision, dental insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, boot allowance and continuing education.
Please send a cover letter and resume to terry@advantagetimberland.com.
Organization: Florida Forest Service
Location: Jefferson County, FL
Deadline to Apply: Jan. 22, 2026
Description:
The Florida Forest Service is advertising to hire a Forester in Jefferson County, Florida. This position provides technical assistance to private forest landowners in managing their forests, but also helps with prescribed burning and other forestry programs.
Salary: $51,000.30 – $62,000.12
CONTACT:
Mitch Stiles, 850-519-3331
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in Forestry or a related field from a Society of American Foresters-accredited college or university; or
Anticipated receipt of a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in Forestry or a related field from a Society of American Foresters-accredited college or university within six (6) months of the closing date of this advertisement.
NOTE: Applicants in this category will not be appointed until they have acquired and provided final proof of receiving the required degree.
A bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees in Forestry or a related field obtained outside the United States must either: 1) be obtained from a Society of American Foresters-accredited college or university; or 2) the curriculum must include at least two (2) of the following four (4) courses: Silviculture, Dendrology, Forest Mensuration or Forest Management.
NOTE: Applicants will provide an academic equivalency evaluation obtained in the United States showing the required courses.
Organization: Montgomery County Parks & Recreation
Location: Montgomery County, TN
Deadline to Apply: N/A
Description:
The Forestry & Trails Maintenance Specialist will support the Montgomery County Landscaping Division through
the daily maintenance, management and development of the Parks and Recreation trees and trails.
Responsibilities include the development, implementation and oversite of trees and trails programs, including
trail management, forest health management, erosion control, tree maintenance and removal, fuels reduction,
vegetation removal, needs assessments, and the coordination of programs, initiatives and restoration projects to
enhance County parks.
Organization: NC State University
Location: Raleigh, NC
Deadline to Apply: Not provided
Description:
NC State University:
We are recruiting a MS student to focus on how forest structure, composition, and function are affected by extreme weather events. Hurricane Helene caused substantial damage to oak-hickory forests in western North Carolina. The variability of damage and the large amount of downed woody materials modified the wildlife distributions and oak regeneration efforts. The student will work with a team from NC State University (Drs. Jodi Forrester and Chris Moorman) and the US Forest Service (Dr. Tara Keyser) to use inventories of vegetation and wildlife to evaluate and aid forest recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
The preferred start date is May 2026.
Qualifications: BS in Forest and/or Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, or related field; strong oral and written communication skills; aptitude for quantitative data analysis and modeling; and experience working in forest ecosystems.
To apply or ask questions, please send your CV and a cover letter describing your experience as one document to jodi_forrester@ncsu.edu
Organization: Elmore Lab at Clemson University
Location: Clemson, SC
Deadline to Apply: Not provided
Description:
The Elmore Lab (https://sites.google.com/view/elmore-ecology) at Clemson University is seeking to recruit 1 PhD and 1 MS student to join the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation (FEC) under the Wildlife and Fisheries Biology graduate program (https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/forestry-environmental-conservation/students/graduate.html).
Tropical Storm Helene caused widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction across the southern Appalachian region in September 2024. These impacts caused long-term and potentially permanent changes to the distribution, structure, and function of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Field evaluations and monitoring are required to understand how baseline ecological conditions changed following these large-scale, geological changes in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Graduate students working on this project will be part of a larger team working to monitor and assess terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. This dynamic and multi-disciplinary team at Clemson University has expertise across the fields of forestry, wildlife, fisheries, and fire ecology. Team members will work closely with federal, state, and non-governmental organizations to communicate findings and inform ongoing, on-the-ground restoration and recovery efforts aimed at focal species, ecosystems and important forest resources.
The PhD candidate will help coordinate a landscape-scale monitoring project and ask questions surrounding how priority bird species (e.g., Kentucky Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, Veery, Ruffed Grouse, etc.) respond to hurricane damage and restoration projects. Bird monitoring will use autonomous recording units (ARU) and may integrate other human or citizen science-based surveys into occupancy or population trends. The MS candidate will help coordinate a smaller scale nest monitoring project and ask questions surrounding how priority bird species nesting behavior and success is influenced by hurricane damage and restoration projects. Both projects will compare across disturbed to undisturbed areas and may include questions pertaining to scale and resolution of disturbance on the landscape. Students will have the opportunity to develop some specific research questions and shape their dissertation/thesis to their interest within the above framework.
Each position includes a tuition waiver and a 12-month stipend (PhD = $35k and MS = $30k per year). The position also includes a university computer, funding for professional travel (e.g., conferences and training) or field work, and publication costs for peer-reviewed publications. Positions will be located on campus at Clemson University (https://www.clemson.edu/), a public land-grant Carnegie R1 Research University in a college town setting, on Lake Hartwell, in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is about 2 hours from Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC, and about 45 minutes from Greenville, SC. Clemson is bound on the north and south by the 17,500-acre Clemson University Forest and the west by Lake Hartwell. The FEC is home of the South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Baruch institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, The National Bobwhite and Grassland Initiative, and several other research and education centers. Remote work is not possible as students must take on-campus classes and conduct summer field work in remote areas of Pisgah National Forest just outside of Asheville, North Carolina.
The Elmore Lab and FEC at Clemson University desire to create a diverse community that welcomes people regardless of race, culture, age, gender, sexuality, religion, socioeconomic level, political perspective, physical ability, opinion, value, or experience. We value and believe that each member of our team enriches our research experience by contributing to the understanding and engagement of science while being included and respected. We also recognize that effective mentorship is an important influence for student outcomes, experiences, completion, satisfaction, and success. We expect a mutual exchange, mentor-mentee relationship founded in respect, personal rigorous goals to be set, and we do everything in our ability to achieve those as a team.
PhD applicants must have a MS degree and MS applicants must have a BS degree in wildlife ecology, natural resources, environmental science, geography, GIS, or closely related field. The desire to publish peer-reviewed scientific articles is required, and ideal applicants will have evidence of both written and oral communication skills. Applicants demonstrating advanced modeling and computational skills, including proficiency in R and/or GIS programs (or demonstrating a desire to learn these skills) will be highly competitive. Applicants should demonstrate that they have the ability to lead and manage an independent research project, but also be a part of collaborative team efforts. Commitment to bird conservation is a must, and demonstrated experience conducting bird field work highly desired. For the PhD position, applicants with experience processing ARU data and/or integrating multiple data sources at broad spatial scales will be highly competitive. For the MS position, applicants with experience tracking individual birds or conducting nest studies will be highly competitive.
To apply, please send a single merged PDF that includes a letter of interest and qualifications, full academic CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for at least 3 professional references to jaelmor@clemson.edu with “Bird response to disturbance graduate position” as the email subject. I welcome informal inquiries about the position. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until successful applicants are found. The positions will start in January or May of 2026.
Organization: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Location: Nashville
Deadline to Apply: January 26th
Description:
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is seeking a qualified individual to serve as the department’s prescribed fire operations manager. TDEC has a successful fire program and is looking to increase capacity with a full-time wildland fire operations manager. Located within the Bureau if Conservation, the successful candidate will work closely with Tennessee State Parks and the Natural Areas Program to implement fire management on TDEC lands. Through an existing resource-focused, science-driven fire program, the fire operations manager will help coordinate 15-20 prescribed burns per year on agency land and ensure program readiness to assist our partners to suppress wildfires within the state when requested. This position will work with over 60 militia-style firefighters from across TDEC; and will be supported by our team of botanists, ecologists, hydrologists, archaeologists, zoologists, park rangers, conservation workers, interpretive guides, and GIS gurus. The fire operations manager will be responsible for ensuring alignment with the Tennessee Division of Forestry and NWCG standards, writing and reviewing burn plans, leading prescribed burns, coordinating training opportunities and trainee assignments for TDEC staff, maintaining an equipment cache, and tracking agency fire objectives.
Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree, 5 years’ experience of full time professional work in wildland fire, ecology, or land management, and a single resource boss qualification. Preferred candidates will have Burn Boss or Burn Manager training, GIS experience, and a demonstrated history working on teams with varied backgrounds.
The duty station will be in Nashville with opportunity for some remote work. With statewide responsibility, the position requires regular fieldwork with occasional overnight travel. Questions about qualifications and job duties can be directed to sam.king@tn.gov
Highlighted Responsibilities & Requirements
- Working knowledge of ecological concepts in Tennessee related to fire management
- Qualified as a single resource boss (CRWB, ENGB, or FIRB preferred)
- Experience writing burn plans and executing prescribed burns
- Ability to conduct public outreach related to natural areas preservation
- Familiarity with ArcPro Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) units, and mapping mobile applications.
- Ability to operate various equipment used in land management (e.g., fire engine, ATVs, tractors, chainsaws, mowers, skid steer)
- Ability to conduct field work and site assessments, sometimes in difficult terrain and the ability to meet physical standards of arduous wildland fire certification.
Organization: UT School of Natural Resources
Location: Knoxville, TN
Deadline to Apply: Feb. 6, 2026
Description:
UT School of Natural Resources Job Announcement-Professor & Director
The School of Natural Resources at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville (UTK), invites applications of exceptional leaders for the position of Professor and Director of the School of Natural Resources (SNR). This is a full-time, 12-month, tenured position.
The Director’s responsibilities include leadership of all school programs and administrative responsibility for planning, fiscal management, human resources, and facilities. The Director reports to the Deans of AgResearch, UT Extension, and the Herbert College of Agriculture, working with their offices to accomplish school goals and objectives. The Director guides the School of Natural Resources in its mission to deliver statewide, nationally and internationally recognized programs in teaching, research, and Extension. The Director helps articulate and promote the School’s vision to provide high quality, relevant education and training for undergraduate and graduate students that encompasses the vision of the University of Tennessee – a world enriched by our ideas, improved through action, and inspired by the Volunteer spirit of service and leadership – thus positioning students to take their places as academic and industry leaders in the state of Tennessee and the world.
The Director serves as the chief executive officer of the School and is responsible for providing dynamic, visionary leadership in the following key areas:
- Strategic Leadership: Facilitate the achievement of the School’s teaching, research, Extension, and service missions, while ensuring alignment with institute and university goals and growing all programs and enhancing leadership.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, administration, alumni, industry and agency partners, advisory groups, and external constituencies to establish priorities and guide the School’s growth.
- Faculty and Staff Development: Recruit, support, mentor, and evaluate a diverse team of faculty and staff; lead efforts in performance management, retention, and professional development.
- Student Success: Oversee student recruitment, advising, and support efforts to enhance enrollment, retention, and student achievement within the School’s disciplines.
- Academic Program Quality: Ensure the health, accreditation, and continuous improvement of academic programs and maintain high standards for teaching and learning outcomes.
- Collegiality and Professionalism: Promote a positive, collegial, and welcoming School culture that values teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Resource Management: Manage the School budgets, human resources, and facilities; identify and cultivate internal and external funding and sponsored opportunities to support program growth.
- Visibility and Advocacy: Enhance the visibility of the School (forestry, wildlife, fisheries, outdoor recreation, and renewable carbon) through strategic marketing, promoting excellence, and fostering recognition of faculty, staff, and student achievements at the institute, university, state, and national levels.
- Faculty Mentorship: Implement and administer a structured faculty mentoring program, ensuring long-term support through multi-member mentoring committees.
Organization: South Carolina Forestry Commission
Location: Newberry County, South Carolina
Deadline to Apply:
Description:
The Responsibilities of the Project Forester:
Provides forest management assistance to private landowners to include preparation of forest management plans. Administers cost-share programs for the project. Assists with conducting prescribed burns, wildfire suppression, and disaster response. Represents the SC Forestry Commission at local meetings.
- Provides forest management assistance and outreach to landowners and the general public to promote active management of forestland. Writes forest management plans to produce multiple benefits including the sustainable production of forest products, clean air and water, wildlife habitat, aesthetics and to mitigate wildfire risks through recommending mastication and other fuels reduction activities. Administers cost-share programs and prepares reports. Assists landowners with implementation of forestry practices. Performs insect and disease activities. Represents agency at local meetings.
- Responds to wildfires and all-hazard incidents both in-state and out-of-state through Southeastern Compact requests and western wildfire assignments. Participates in FireWise activities to include conducting wildfire risk assessments for at-risk communities in the wildland urban interface and other wildfire prevention events. Responds to non-wildfire disasters, and participates in wildfire and disaster-related exercises as directed. Assists in basic wildfire investigations, burn site inspections, participates in incident management activities on large fire events. Supports Sector Fire Management Officers on fire suppression activities.
- Participates in opportunities for professional growth as directed such as working with specialty foresters and participating in and/or conducting training as directed to include wildland fire training (i.e. fireline refresher). Serves as acting Sector Fire Management Officer when needed.
- Provides landowner services such as prescribed burning and timber marking in project area and elsewhere as directed.
- Participates in activities and/or projects in support of agency’s mission and performs other duties as required.
Minimum and Additional Requirements:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited program or an earned degree at the baccalaureate, master’s or doctorate level in forestry or related natural resources field that meets the SAF Certified Forester educational requirements. (Examples of “related natural resources” include, but are not limited to, environmental studies, wildlife management, range management, or ecology. The earned degree(s) must have a total of 56 semester credit hours with 51 semester credits as specified in the SAF forestry-related coursework areas (a through d) and an additional 5 credit hours in any of the forestry-related coursework areas.)
- Must pass a physical fitness test of walking two (2) miles in thirty (30) minutes carrying a 25 lb. pack or meet the agency physical fitness program requirements.
- Must obtain firefighter registration with the SC State Fire Marshall’s office.
- Required to be a SC registered forester within two years of appointment.
- Criminal background check required. Drug and Alcohol test required.
- Must possess a valid Driver’s license (Class D).
Organization: The Morton Arboretum
Location: Lisle, IL
Deadline to Apply: Jan. 31, 2026
Description:
Morton-Arboretum-REU_2026-Flyer
REU at The Morton Arboretum: Integrated Tree Science for the Anthropocene
The Center for Tree Science Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at The Morton Arboretum is now accepting applications for summer 2026. The program includes a $7500 stipend, covers housing and travel expenses, and runs from May 26 to July 31, 2026. The program uses trees as model systems to investigate questions related to evolution, ecology, conservation, and management in natural and built environments. Applications are accepted through January 31, 2026.
WHO SHOULD APPLY:
Students who are interested in biology, environmental science, genetics, chemistry, ecology, natural history, natural resources, statistics, modeling, programming, and engineering. This program seeks to build research skills for all students, particularly for early-stage students (first or second year), and students from limited-research institutions.
Please visit our website for more information (mortonarb.org/reu), check out the flyer, or contact ctsreu@mortonarb.org with questions.
Organization: Georgia Southern University
Location: Statesboro, GA
Deadline to Apply: March 1, 2026
Description:
Research Experiences in Southeastern Coastal Plain Ecosystems (RESCoPE)
The RESCoPE program is a part of the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) initiative which aims to provide meaningful experience to develop undergraduate students using experience-based learning. Hosted in the Georgia Southern Institute for Coastal Plains Science, our program brings together ten undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and allows them to engage in independent research with a departmental faculty mentor during a ten-week program. Fellows are paid a weekly stipend ($725/week), housed on campus at no cost, and receive a meal plan with the university. Students are able to engage with faculty, graduate students, and a number of program partners from governmental entities and NGOs in the southeastern US. Our program provides meaningful experiences to growing researchers including field trips, expert-led panels for professional development, and an opportunity to present research findings at an end-of-the-program symposium! Research is focused in Coastal Plain ecosystems in the Southeastern US, including hardwood forests, sand hills, blackwater rivers, and barrier islands. Program faculty mentors have a wide breadth of research interests including landscape ecology, freshwater science, fisheries biology, entomology, and more! Explore the program’s webpage, linked here, to learn more about potential faculty mentors, the University, and how to apply.
Selected applicants will receive:
- A ten-week paid fellowship position ($7,250 total).
- Research experience mentored by a program faculty mentor.
- Networking opportunities with program partners and GS faculty (seminars, workshops, field trips, etc.).
- Included housingon the Georgia Southern Statesboro campus.
- A pre-loaded Eagle Express card with enough funds for meals from on campus facilities for the duration of the program. Eagle Express can also be used around campus and at select restaurants, businesses, and grocery stores around town.
- On-campus parking for those with vehicles.
- Professional and personal growththrough a dynamic and enriching cohort-based program.
Eligible applicants:
- Must be currently enrolled in an applicable undergraduate program; applicants must be eligible to enroll in Fall 2026 and be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree at that time.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Must be able to relocate to Statesboro, GA for the duration of the program. Travel costs (flights, fuel/milage, etc.) will be reimbursed.
Applicants must submit:
- A completed online application and registration through the online NSF ETAP portal. (https://etap.nsf.gov/award/2742/opportunity/11512)
- A personal essay expressing your interest in the RESCoPE program at Georgia Southern and your research background.
- One reference for a letter of recommendation.
- Undergraduate transcript(s)
Organization: Colorado State Forest Service
Location: Walden and Steamboat Springs, CO
Deadline to Apply: Feb. 15, 2026
Description:
State Forest Seasonal Announcement 2026 Final
LOCATIONS:
Medicine Bow Routt National Forest Parks Ranger Sation (Walden, CO)
Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger Station (Steamboat Springs, CO)
HOURLY PAY RATE: $18.00 per hour (depending on experience) – dormitory style housing
EMPLOYMENT DATES: Late May 2026 through August 2026 (start and end date may be variable)
CLOSING DATE: Applications will be considered until all vacancies are filled, however materials should be received by February 15th, 2026 for full consideration.
Minimum Requirements:
- Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date
- Pursuing or completed degree in forestry or related natural resources field
- Ability to (or willingness to learn how to) operate a manual transmission vehicle
- Ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles in variable weather and road conditions
- Ability to (or willingness to learn how to) operate chainsaws, timber cruising & marking equipment, and perform strenuous outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions
- Ability and willingness to work long hours with occasional evening and weekend duties (work based on a 40-hour work week)
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team
Conditions of Employment:
- This position requires hiking and carrying field equipment most hours of the workday
- Occasional camping will be required
- The employee should be able to work in adverse weather conditions, steep/rough terrain, and with minimal supervision
Preferred Experience:
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written
- One season of field experience
- Experience in the utilization of Microsoft Suite, ArcGIS Suite, Avenza or GPS
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supporting the US Forest Service GNA program in Jackson and Routt Counties
- Chainsaw operation – thinning and opening roads
- Assisting with timber sale layout – cruising, boundary delineation, and marking
- Various GPS and GIS applications
- Assisting with the assessment and treatment of insect and disease projects
To Apply:
Please send electronic versions of the application materials to the email address below:
CSFS_StateForest@mail.colostate.edu
Resume, cover letter, and three (3) professional references
For questions regarding the position, please contact:
Nolan Edler
Colorado State Forest Service
59228 State Hwy 14
Walden, CO 80480
(970) 723-4505
Organization: Texas A&M Forest Service
Location: Lufkin, TX
Deadline to Apply: Open until filled
Description:
Salary: $58,000/year min. + benefits
Start Date: As soon as a suitable candidate is identified.
Major & Essential Duties: The selected individual will support the Texas A&M Forest Service Silvicultural Program by performing the following major and essential duties:
- Provide scientific expertise on forest establishment, growth, vigor, productivity and sustainability by delivering current, research-based information to agency forester, consulting foresters and forest industry professionals.
- Support landowner and public education efforts by developing and delivering educational materials and outreach activities that promote understanding of forest science, management practices and the environmental and economic benefits of forests.
- Translate research into practice by synthesizing current silvicultural science into practical tools, including diagnostic guides, prescription methodologies and decision-support models to enhance forest vigor, resiliency and productivity.
- Develop and implement silvicultural strategies that address a wide range of landowner objectives, with an emphasis on practical, science-based guidance tailored to small-acreage owners and diverse forest management goals.
- Coordinate and deliver in-service training for agency Foresters and Resource Specialists on topics such as: 1) adaptive silviculture, 2) hardwood and pine production silviculture, 3) understory plant identification, 4) naturalist topics (e.g. animal ID, insect pollinators, wildlife management basics) and 5) ecosystem restoration (e.g. shortleaf and longleaf pine).
- Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to ensure silvicultural science is integrated into forest management planning, policy development and program delivery.
- Collaborate with state forest managers to establish and maintain “proof of concept” field plots primarily on state forest lands that demonstrate the effectiveness of current silvicultural strategies on forest productivity, resiliency, vigor, risk mitigation and economic return.
- Develop and lead outreach and marketing campaigns that effectively communicate silvicultural science using modern communication methods. Messaging should emphasize appeal, clarity, directness, brevity, credibility, transparency and memorability.
- Support and facilitate activities related to financial assistance programs administered by the Silvicultural Program.
- Assist with other Silvicultural Program needs and special projects as assigned. Assist with incident response and agency operations, including wildfire and all-hazard response, preparedness and recovery, as well as other program duties as assigned.
Occasional Responsibilities: The forester must perform related duties when required and is encouraged to be involved with the local community and professional activities not specifically related to the Texas A&M Forest Service
Work Experience and Required Skills:
- A minimum of three (3) years of professional field experience in the application of southern silviculture.
- Two (2) years’ experience (may be concurrent) incorporating applied research into educational and outreach tools and conducting data analyses to solve complex problems.
- Strong background in Southern Silviculture, with demonstrated knowledge of forest establishment, growth and management practices relevant to the region.
- Excellent communication, organization and documentation skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate reports and educational materials.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and similar software tools for data management, communication, presentations and documentation.
- Familiarity with applied demonstration procedures and the ability to establish, assess and maintain field demonstration sites for educational or research purposes.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate complex forestry issues and develop practical solutions.
- Effective project management skills, including planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of forestry-related projects.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and with external partners.
- Demonstrated experience in organizing, conducting and delivering educational programs, including public speaking, field days, workshops or professional training sessions.
Educational Qualification and Required Training: Bachelor’s degree in Forestry with emphasis in forest management or closely related course of study from a SAF Accredited Forestry Degree Program. Master’s degree in Forestry is preferred. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background in southern silviculture, including coursework and/or practical experience related for forest regeneration, stand dynamics, forest health and applied silvicultural systems
Working Conditions: This position involves a combination of office-based work and frequent outdoor fieldwork. While most duties will be performed in an office setting, the position will require regular travel to field sites for demonstrations, assessments, and educational activities. Fieldwork may involve infrequent exposure to harsh environmental conditions, including wind, sunlight, rain, and temperature extremes. The position demands a commitment to safely conducting outdoor work in a variety of conditions.
Comments:
- Must have a valid Texas driver’s license or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment, with record within Agency standards.
- Employee must meet and annually maintain a physical fitness standard.
- Must be able to work overtime occasionally, with some overnight travel.
Employment Status: Permanent, full-time position
Application procedures: Application is to be completed online. Search the following URL to gain access to the application process. Check back occasionally if the position described above is not yet available at the following link.
https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/about/jobs/job-listings/
Resume, cover letter and transcript(s) are REQUIRED to be uploaded to application. References are required to be entered in the secondary questionnaire section of the application. Certifications are preferred to be uploaded to the application. Documents/certifications can be uploaded in the “My Experience” page in the “Resume/CV section. More than one document can be uploaded; just click the “Upload” button for each document. Documents can only be loaded at this time and cannot be uploaded once the application is submitted. If there are any issues uploading documents, please contact 979-458-6690. Please check your spam folder in case more information is sent in regards to this position.
Contact Person: Eric Taylor at: (903) 834-6191 or etaylor@tfs.tamu.edu
Organization: Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards
Location: Franklin, NC; Robbinsville, NC
Deadline to Apply: 03/01/26
Description:
Description and Duties
Trail Specialists will conduct trail maintenance and construction, assess trail needs, collect wilderness data, and engage with visitors. Wilderness trail maintenance and construction may include assessing and repairing hurricane storm damage, corridor brushing, clearing downed trees, addressing drainage issues, repairing tread, stone and timber structure building, and removing trash from the trails to ensure they conform to Forest Service standards. Trail specialists regularly engage with visitors on topics such as wilderness ethics and Leave No Trace education, bear safety and canister use, landscape orientation, and general safety awareness. Throughout the season, the Trail Specialist will develop and maintain a strong, positive relationship with the U.S. Forest Service, nearby partner organizations, and local businesses on behalf of SAWS.
Open till filled, priority deadline 01/09.
Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 12 months of trail work or related field experience.
- Knowledge & Interest: Strong interest in federally designated wilderness areas, wilderness character, and natural resource management.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Independence: Proven ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Field Competence: Comfortable navigating and hiking independently in remote backcountry areas with a backpacking pack over rough terrain, including areas with limited or no cell coverage.
- Work Environment: Willingness and ability to live, work, and camp in remote, primitive, or challenging outdoor settings for extended periods.
- Public Engagement: Personable and comfortable interacting with the public and partner organizations in a professional and respectful manner.
- Stewardship Practices: Knowledge and application of Leave No Trace principles and backcountry travel and camp ethics.
- Technical Skills: Experience with traditional hand tools for trail construction and maintenance.
- Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multiple agencies and partners on joint projects.
Benefits
- USFS Crosscut saw certification
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Opportunities for professional development and network growth
- Opportunities for pro-rated gear deals
- Health, dental, vision insurance (Health: Employee pays 20% of monthly premium, 50% of premium for dependents. Dental & Vision: Employee pays 100% of premiums)
- Life and disability insurance
- Paid holidays
- Sick leave and vacation accrual
- Paid parental leave
- Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate
Organization: Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
Location: Washington, D.C.
Deadline to Apply: January 30, 2026
Description:
The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) is seeking to fill 10 paid REU positions for Summer 2026 at our NSF-funded REU site “Saving Endangered Species and Habitats: Next-generation Education, Research, and Training for Conservation Biologists.” This 10-week REU, held from June 1 to August 7, 2026, will give undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct hands-on, full-time conservation research and gain career-ready skills to improve knowledge of and best management practices for threatened species with the goal of helping to alleviate the global extinction crisis. Students will work with mentors to develop an original inquiry-based research project within one of the following three focal areas: 1) assessing and monitoring species in the wild, 2) understanding species integrity and resilience to anthropogenic threats, and 3) improving captive management of threatened species.
This REU takes advantage of the resources offered by the SMSC, located at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), which provide ample opportunity to learn and conduct research onsite, including lab, field, and/or computational research. Students will be trained in the responsible and ethical conduct of research, and how to effectively promote their findings using various online/social media platforms. Project mentors are conducting impactful, recognized research and all have experience in providing mentorship and professional development experiences for undergraduates. REU students will also participate in a series of career and skills-building seminars with faculty and attend colloquium talks given by experts in conservation, while interacting with peers in team-building activities and social excursions. Students will also enhance their communication skills by presenting their research findings at a final symposium as well as a poster preview for the local community. Successful applicants will be paired with a research mentor based on their interest in this REU’s thematic areas and the best fit of the REU experience for the student’s academic and/or professional or career goals.
As part of the application process, students will need to identify available projects they are interested in working on. A list of available projects and associated mentors can be found on our website at: https://smconservation.gmu.edu/nsf-reu/
This is a fully funded, 10-week paid research experience. Candidates must be available and in residence for the entire 10-week period. All REU participants will receive a $7,000 stipend, up to $500 in travel support to/from the REU site, plus room and board at the residence and dining facilities of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC), located at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia. Upon successful completion of the program, students can receive up to $200 in conference participation support.
Who should apply?
Undergraduate students who are very excited about a career in conservation, or interested in related disciplines, such as biology, ecology, genetics, physiology, animal behavior, endocrinology, anthropology, and environmental sciences, are encouraged to apply.
NSF-REU eligibility:
To be eligible for this REU program, you must be (1) at least 18 years old, (2) enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a bachelor’s or associate degree, (3) a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident.
Start preparing your application materials early! This is a competitive program and only 10 students will be selected. Through the online application system (NSF-ETAP), students will need to submit:
- Current resume
- Unofficial transcript(s) for all college/university-level coursework
- One letter of recommendation from a professor or someone from a professional capacity that can judge your ability to succeed in a research program
- An essay/narrative that describes your academic and professional interests related to the discipline of conservation and what motivated you to pursue them, as well as your future goals and ambitions and how this REU experience would help you achieve those goals
Apply by following this link to the NSF application portal: https://etap.nsf.gov/.
Create an account and enter SMSC in the search bar, or go directly to our program page: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7921/opportunity/11407.
If you have specific questions, please contact the REU Faculty Program Director, Dr. Anneke DeLuycker at adeluyck@gmu.edu
Organization: Various institutions
Location: Various
Deadline to Apply: Not provided
Description:
We are seeking motivated undergraduate student interns interested in biodiversity research. This opportunity is part of an NSF-funded project studying the coupling of above- and below-ground biodiversity in forest ecosystems across the continental U.S.
Duration & Stipend: Two paid internship options are available: $3,000 for a 4-week internship, $6,000 for a 8-week internship
Description:
Interns will have the chance to gain hands-on research experience related to the connections between above- and below-ground biodiversity in forests. The project involves working with data such as USDA Forest Service tree inventories and soil DNA sequencing, and collaborating with researchers across multiple institutions.
Ideal Candidates:
We encourage applications from undergraduate students who have an interest in ecology, forestry, biology, environmental science, or related fields. Candidates with some experience or coursework in data analysis, programming (e.g., R), GIS, or biology are encouraged but not required. Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and learning new skills is essential.
Collaborating Institutions and Principal Investigators:
Applicants interested in this internship should contact any of the following PIs at their respective institutions for further information and to express interest:
Purdue University: Dr. Insu Jo (insujo@purdue.edu)
University of Tennessee: Drs. Stephanie Kivlin (skivlin@utk.edu) and Joseph Edwards (jedwar98@utk.edu)
Indiana University: Dr. Richard Phillips (rpp6@indiana.edu)
Smithsonian Institution: Drs. John Parker (parkerj@si.edu) and Melissa McCormick (mccormickm@si.edu)
University of Texas at El Paso: Dr. Liz LaRue (ealarue@utep.edu)
USDA Forest Service: Dr. Grant Domke (grant.m.domke@usda.gov)
Application Process:
We will maintain a pool of interested undergraduate applicants and contact individuals when internship opportunities become available. Please reach out directly to any of the PIs listed above with a one-page statement of interest, resume, and contact information for two references.
Additional Information:
This internship offers valuable research experience within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team and may lead to further opportunities in ecological research.
Organization: USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Location: Norfolk, VA
Deadline to Apply: Jan. 19, 2026
Description:
NS Norfolk Chambers Wildlife Biologist Vacancy
SALARY:
GS 7 $51,210 – $66,574
GS 9 $62,640 – $81,436
DUTIES:
- Responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting direct control operations to reduce wildlife damage within a geographical area or technical/subject area of program involvement.
- Inspects and surveys areas and, as necessary, will revise existing WDM programs.
- Uses WDM tools/devices which may include some or all of the following depending on need in assigned area: firearms; foothold, body-grip, cage traps; foot snares; neck snares; chemical control methods; pyrotechnics; noise cannons/exploders; drop nets; rocket/cannon nets; various other scaring devices.
- Correctly identifies current, and forecasts future, damage problems and relates them to the damage-causing species.
- Independently determines and selects the most effective means of control for individual situations.
- Modifies or adapts established damage control techniques as necessary to meet local conditions and address specific environmental, economic or political considerations.
- Assists in the negotiation of cooperative service agreements with landowners, lessees, or administrators to accomplish the goals outlined for the WS program. May independently negotiate small cooperative service field agreements.
- Enters data into established WDM database/system of record. Uses data to prepare and submit routine reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, and events.
- Assists others in preparing and submitting routine and special reports regarding daily, weekly or monthly activities, observations, events.
- Complies with restrictions and mitigation measures established through consultation with relevant Federal and State agencies.
- Carries out duties in accordance with program decisions made in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) under guidance and oversight by supervisor.
- Demonstrates a respect for safety in all operations, including the operation of motor vehicles, firearms, control devices and materials, and equipment.
- Performs other duties, as required.
CONTACT:
James R. Powell, SE District Supervisor
USDA Wildlife Services – Virginia
1548A Holland Rd., Ste. 100 Suffolk, VA 23434
757-925-4391
james.r.powell@usda.gov
