Biocontrol of Invasive Aquatic Plants Research

Job Details

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, we are 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, you will participate in invasive aquatic plant biological control applied & foundational ecological research and field campaigns. You will be involved in the set-up, maintenance, and break down of studies, plant propagation cultures, and biocontrol agent insect rearing cultures, large-scale biocontrol agent harvest and release efforts, and biocontrol agent density surveys and data processing. Your research area will primarily involve the invasive floating plant giant salvinia and the salvinia weevil.

This opportunity will involve occasional participation in administrative/laboratory settings (data entry/microscope insect sorting and identification) but will primarily be field based. Fieldwork takes place year-round in varied weather conditions and typically involves physical exertion.

Requirements

• Enthusiasm for ecology, plants, insects, and field work
• Developed critical thinking skills
• Tolerant of participating in varied weather conditions (heat, cold)
• Ability to participate independently as well as in teams
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Strong written, oral, and electronic communication skills
   

Desired Skills

• Prior experience in plant propagation/culturing, insect sorting or identification to family, or field-work
• Data collection
• Compiling and managing scientific data via spreadsheet (basic formulas in Excel/Google Sheets)
• Field facility maintenance

Eligibility Requirements">8 )

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (<a href="#" data-bs-toggle="popover" tabindex="0" role="button" data-bs-title="Chemistry and Materials Sciences" data-bs-content="
    • Bio-inorganic Chemistry
    • Bio-organic Chemistry
    • Biophysical Chemistry
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Materials Sciences
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
     
    • Engineering (5 )
       
      • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
         
        • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
           
          • Age: Must be 18 years of age

Contact Information

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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.

If you have questions, send an email to usace@orise.orau.gov.