Plant Research - Master

Organization U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Reference Code ERDC-EL-******** How To Apply Click on Apply now to start your application. Description The Environmental Laboratory (EL) is one of the seven laboratories of U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (USACE-ERDC), which is the Army Corps of Engineers' integrated research and development (R&D) organization. EL provides solutions to environmental challenges for the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense and the Nation through environmental science and engineering research and development. Researchers in EL conduct research in ecosystem science and technology, environmental resiliency, environmental sensing, ecological modeling and forecasting, risk and decision science, environmentally sustainable material, systems biology, climate change, computational chemistry, environmental chemistry and environmental security.
Team Mission: The Aquatic Plant Ecology Team supports the concept that an ecosystem approach is necessary for sustainable management of aquatic and riparian nuisance plant species. This approach goes beyond stand-alone efforts to remove targeted species, incorporating additional methodologies aimed at developing a sustainable plant community dominated by beneficial, native species. Study of the biology and ecology of nuisance and native plant species provides a foundation of knowledge of the relative strengths and weaknesses of each species and is critical to development of sustainable management strategies.
Team research includes laboratory, greenhouse, mesocosm, pond, and field studies on non-native and native aquatic, wetland, and riparian plant species. Research examines factors limiting establishment and persistence of invasive and native plants, including competitive interactions between native and introduced plants and the effects of disturbance and nutrient loading on plant communities. Additional applied research investigates adaptive restoration/ecosystem management techniques. As an offshoot to this approach, the team is developing, refining, and applying technologies for establishing native plants as the basis for ecosystem restoration and nuisance plant management. This includes ongoing study and development of methods of propagation and production of aquatic and riparian plants for use in ecosystem restoration projects, field-testing of methods to establish plants, assessment of plant community development, and analyses of the ecological role of the aquatic plant community. What will I be doing? Under the guidance of a mentor, your research will include aquatic and riparian habitat restoration and applied/foundational ecological research. You will be involved in the set-up, maintenance, and break down of studies and plant propagation cultures, large-scale restoration plantings, plant community surveys and mapping, and assessment of plant community development. Field work takes place year-round in natural riparian and aquatic environments in varied weather conditions and typically involves physical exertion (plant restoration and survey efforts). Where will I be located? Lewisville, Texas Why should I apply? This internship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward. There are multiple opportunities available to engage in your applied research and evaluation interests. What is the anticipated start date? ERDC-EL is ready to make an appointment. Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidates. What is the appointment length? This appointment is a part-time, six-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant. What are the benefits? You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-EL. Stipends are typically based on the participant's academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following: Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE. Relocation Allowance Training and Travel Allowance About ORISE This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense. Qualifications Enthusiasm for ecology and field assessments Developed critical thinking skills Tolerant of varied weather conditions (heat, cold) Demonstrated organizational skills Strong written, oral, and electronic communication skills Desired Skills Prior experience in plant propagation/culturing, habitat restoration, or field-assessment Knowledge of restoration or wetland ecology Knowledge of taxonomic identification of aquatic and riparian plant species (native and non-native) of the southern United States Experience in field measurements/data collection (i.e. knowledge of instrumentation to collect water quality data, instrument calibration) Familiarity with mapping/survey techniques (GPS rover, GIS, HEP, FQA) Experience compiling and managing scientific data via spreadsheet or database Basic statistical analyses and associated use of statistical software Experience in water quality analyses Experience in field facility maintenance This opportunity will include overnight travel to conduct field assessment. Travel frequency varies but averages 1-2 weeks per month for 2-3 nights per trip. Application Requirements A complete application consists of: Zintellect Profile Educational and Employment History Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity) Resume (PDF) Transcripts/Academic Records - For this opportunity, an official transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts. One recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application. Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. If you have questions, send an email to . Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the "Apply" button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above. 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