Natural Resources Job Board

The Mountain is an ecologically conscious retreat and learning center perched on a dramatic granite outcropping high above the beautiful Nantahala National Forest in Highlands, North Carolina. We offer group retreats and opportunities for outdoor recreation and learning, including an 6 week residential summer camp (MountainCamp) which has operated for over forty years. Our campus includes a lodge with sweeping mountain views, cabins and bunkhouses, a lake, an extensive network of trails, an old growth forest, and a farm focused on educating guests about sustainable agriculture.

Camp Counselors supervise youth (ages 5-18), and plan and conduct trips and activities during our 6-week residential summer camp. Counselors live on-site during camp, and stay in a cabin with a co-counselor and 6-8 youth per session, whom they supervise for 5.5 days per week. Our goal during camp is to provide enriching programs filled with recreation, adventure, education and creativity. We strive to create a safe environment where youth are treated with respect, kindness, consideration and are celebrated for their individual talents.

 Position: Health Center Coordinator

USDA Forest Service Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) within the Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS) located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

At the heart of the USDA Forest Service's mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency’s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It’s been there from the agency’s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the USDA Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.

Research Project: This project will facilitate collaboration between USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station and the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at NC State University (NCSU), along with external collaborators at The Ohio State University (OSU) and Yale University. Under this agreement, NCSU will host an ORISE Research Fellow to support economic analysis and modeling on hardwood management and novel markets for biochar sourced from hardwood pulpwood in the timber supply region that previously serviced the Pactiv Evergreen Paper Mill in Canton, NC. The ORISE Fellow will support an integrated modeling exercise that incorporates inputs from empirical analysis of forest inventory data, spatial analysis of factors influencing management and biomass transport costs, techno-economic and life-cycle analysis of biochar production from hardwood pulpwood (completed by Yale PI Yao) and spatially-explicit intertemporal optimization of hardwood management and markets in the Southern Appalachian Region (SAR).

Current regional, US, and global models of forest management and markets do not adequately capture the nuance of hardwood management (including selective “high grade” harvesting), niche product markets, or environmental outcomes from management choices (mesophication) or non-management (degraded forest health, increased disturbance risk). Further, mixed hardwood systems in the Southern US comprise the dominant share of aboveground carbon stocks in the region, so continued (or improved) management of these systems will be critical to maintain and enhance the U.S. forest carbon sink. Losing large demand pulls such as the Pactiv in Canton, NC could disincentive continued management and result in residual market impacts through suppressed stumpage prices. It is thus critical to assess the potential implications of mill capacity contraction in the SAR and to evaluate novel markets and policy incentives needed to support the utilization of lower valued pulpwood, including for biochar production.  

The objectives of this collaboration include the following:

The Fellow will learn from NCSU and OSU collaborators to develop a new dynamic economic model of forest management and markets, building on the national- and global-scale approaches outlined in Baker et al. (2023) and Austin et al. (2020). The Fellow will have access to datasets and models maintained by NCSU and OSU collaborators, including the Hardwood version of the SubRegional Timber Supply Model (Dhungel et al., 2023) the Global Timber Model (GTM), and others. The candidate will gain valuable experience in forest sector modeling and market/policy analysis, while contributing to a growing scientific literature on forest sector modeling and filling key scientific knowledge gaps on hardwood and biochar systems sustainability.

Learning Objectives: This collaborative project between Forest Service SRS, along with Dr. Baker and Dr. Forrester at NCSU and Dr. Sohngen at Ohio State, provides a unique opportunity to link spatial datasets, forest inventory analysis, and economic projections modeling over long time-frames to assess the implications of new markets for hardwood pulp in the Southern Appalachian Region. Mutual benefits to the applicant and project research staff include – (1) scientific advancement in modeling to inform hardwood management alternatives and the development of new markets for hardwood pulpwood in regions that are experiencing a contraction in existing pulp mill capacity, (2) economic projections to assess potential climate benefits of biochar sourced from hardwood pulpwood, (3) scenario analysis to compare policy incentives for supporting hardwood pulpwood markets and hardwood management for improved forest health and carbon sequestration, (4) improved depiction of hardwood management, inventory dynamics, and niche product markets into broader forest sector models, and (5) research that supports sustainable pulpwood biochar systems across federal, state, and private lands.

Additionally, the participant selected for this project will have the opportunity to hone many aspects of their scientific skillset while participating collaboratively with SRS researchers, including: 

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Tara Keyser (tara.keyser@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2025.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year but may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The anticipated stipend is $78,000 annually.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation. Foreign national candidates may have a mandatory in-person requirement depending on visa status.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by 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 USDA Forest Service. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USDA Forest Service, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.USFS.SRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in a relevant field (e.g. applied economics, Forest Economics, Forestry, Natural Resources). Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 8/31/2025. 

 

The Hans Brenninkmeyer Fellowship for Coastal Research supports two-year postdoctoral appointments focused on coastal issues in the Southeastern Massachusetts water bodies of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. The Brenninkmeyer Fellow will work with scientists at the Buzzards Bay Coalition and at partner research institutions, including Boston University, the Marine Biological Laboratory, Towson University, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the Woodwell Climate Research Center.  Learn more at: https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/about-us/brenninkmeyer-fellowship/

Two graduate research assistantships (MS or PhD) are available at the Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences at Southern Illinois University. Students will conduct research on recruitment sources and dispersal of native and invasive fishes in large river systems using natural chemical markers in otoliths and other structures to inform fisheries conservation and management. Students will also be expected to contribute to annual standardized sampling of fish populations in the Illinois portion of the Ohio River. Positions will begin August 2025.    

Qualifications: B.S. in Biology, Fisheries, Aquatic ecology or related field (and M.S. for PhD applicants), GPA ≥ 3.0, and interests in fish ecology and large river ecosystems. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong communication and analytical skills.  Experience with fish sampling in large rivers, otolith removal and sectioning, and/or otolith microchemistry desirable but not required.

Salary: $20,400 annually plus tuition waiver and health insurance subsidy

To Apply: Send cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references to Dr. Greg Whitledge gwhit@siu.edu. Positions open until filled.

MassWildlife is committed to a diverse, inclusive workforce and a supportive work culture. We encourage all individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Interns are needed to assist the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife with protection, research, and management of rare and endangered terns nesting on Bird, Ram, and Penikese Islands in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. These islands support half the North American population of the federally endangered Roseate Tern; active management to protect the population is critical to recovery. Terns are small, ground-nesting seabirds that are highly charismatic. The species we are working with nest in dense colonies and are very aggressive. They protect their nests and young by diving at, pecking, and defecating on intruders, including researchers, and vocalizing loudly. Interns will gain hands-on field skills through activities such as censusing of Common, Roseate, and Arctic Terns; monitoring tern growth and productivity; trapping and banding; reading bands on adults through spotting scopes; monitoring productivity of American Oystercatchers; and discouragement, censusing, and monitoring of nesting gulls. 

QUALIFICATIONS – Previous experience with biological data collection looked upon favorably, but enthusiasm and strong work ethic are more important. Candidates should be organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, reliable, and strong communicators. They must be able to work cooperatively with others and maintain a positive attitude. Flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor are essential for all staff. Additionally: 

SCHEDULE AND DATES – Early mornings, occasional long days, and changes in plans with little advance notice are normal for field-based work and should be expected. Interns can expect the workload to vary through the season, to work around the weather and the tides, and occasionally to work on weekends and holidays. Dates are flexible to accommodate college calendars. Our greatest need is from early May through mid-July, with June being our busiest time. Shorter-term opportunities are possible; however, interns must be able to start in May, unless they have previous field experience in seabird colonies. 

COMPENSATION –You may be eligible for credit or a monetary stipend through your college; however, MassWildlife does not provide financial compensation. Housing is provided for full-time interns. Food is not provided. 

TO APPLY – Please email the following to Sarah Guitart (Sarah.R.Guitart@mass.gov): 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

For additional information, see: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/buzzards-bay-tern-restoration-project

 After a 30+ year absence, black bears are recolonizing the mountains of West Texas and researchers with Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University have initiated a multi-year study aimed at quantifying many aspects of the recolonizing population’s ecology. The project will be hiring one black bear capture technician and two hair snare technicians to aid in these efforts. All technicians will work under the direction of the project graduate students and supervisory researchers to complete their duties. 
The capture position will consist primarily of monitoring bear activity, moving/setting/baiting culvert traps, and assisting graduate students with collaring and processing anesthetized bears during capture events. Additional opportunities may include den site habitat surveys, hair snare sampling, and investigating mortalities. 
The hair snare positions will consist primarily of establishing/maintaining hair snare stations, processing samples, trail camera set-up/maintenance, and data entry/organization. Additionally, given primary obligations have been completed, hair snare technicians will have the opportunity to assist with concurrent black bear capture and collaring efforts. 
All positions will require long/early days and weekend work in hot, arid conditions, often in remote locations. Housing will be provided to the capture technician in the form of bunk houses, camper trailers, or rented houses at various trapping locations as the trapline is moved. The hair snare technicians will be housed in a rented house in Alpine, TX. Applicants are expected to be self motivated, maintain a positive attitude, be team players, and pay attention to detail during stressful situations. The positions will pay $18.00/hour for 40 hours/week and will start September 1, 2025, and end November 30, 2025. 
To apply, submit an application at the following link: https://sulross.peopleadmin.com/postings/7822. The position is listed as “Black Bear Technician – short-term, no degree required”. Please state in your cover letter which position (or both) you would like to be considered for. 
Any questions should be addressed to Matt Hewitt at matthew.hewitt@sulross.edu. 

 Required: 
• Progress towards or completion of a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology, biology, ecology, or closely related field. 
• The ability to lift and carry over 50 pounds and hike off trail over rocky, steep, and rough terrain in remote locations. 
• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle through rugged conditions. 
• Ability to implement and adhere to established data collection protocols. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well with coworkers, supervisors, state personnel, and private landowners. 
• Ability to maintain a positive and mature attitude. 
• Must be willing to live and operate in remote desert locations with little access to certain amenities. 

Preferred: 
• Prior experience setting and maintaining hair snares and camera traps. 
• Prior experience capturing and collaring large mammals/carnivores 
• Familiarity with safety in hot/arid climates 
• Experience with chemical immobilization 
• Basic mechanical skills 

 A technician is needed to support the black bear research project in the borderlands region in southwest Texas. After a 30+ year absence, black bears are starting to recolonize this area, and the population has expanded through natural dispersal from adjacent areas in Mexico. Researchers with Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University, in collaboration with Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and US Fish and Wildlife Service have initiated a multi-year study aimed to gather data on the ecology of black bears along the borderlands region of southwestern Texas and northern Mexico. 

The technician will work under the direction of the project graduate students and supervisory researchers. Main duties will be setting and baiting culvert traps to catch black bears and assisting graduate students with collaring and monitoring anesthetized bears during capture events. Other field efforts will include deploying/maintaining trail cameras, processing fecal samples and data entry/organization. 

Positions will start on September 15, 2025 and will last for 3 months. The position may require long/early days and weekend work. Applicants are expected to be self-motivated, work well independently as well as in a team, and be able to follow instructions. Applicants are expected to be able to effectively navigate rough terrain both on foot and by vehicle (UTV & 4x4 truck). 

Housing will be provided in Del Rio, Texas in the form of a shared bunkhouse and/or rented space. 
 

·         Progress towards a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology, biology, ecology, or closely related field.
·         Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle through rugged conditions.
·         Ability to lift and carry over 50 pounds and hike over rocky, steep, and rough terrain in remote locations.
·         Demonstrated ability to communicate well with coworkers, supervisor, state personnel, and private landowners.
·         Must be willing to live and operate in remote desert locations with little access to certain amenities.
·         Experience with chemical immobilization.

Preferred: 

·         Prior experience capturing and collaring bears, or other large mammals 
·         Familiarity with safety in hot/arid climates with venomous snakes and spiney/spikey vegetation 
·         Prior experience working independently 

To apply for this position please send a resume, cover letter, and 2 letters of reference as a single pdf document to Caitlin Camp, caitlin.camp@sulross.edu. 

Status: Full time | Reports to: Southwest Field Manager | Location: Remote within the state of Nevada |Salary $67-71,000 

Founded in 2002, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works with 60+ partner groups, its Corporate Council and its 140,000 members and supporters to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish. We unite and amplify our partners’ voices by strengthening policy and funding around conservation, habitat, and access.  

The TRCP’s Nevada Field Representative works within the state of Nevada to advance TRCP’s mission to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish. This individual collaborates closely with partner non-profit organizations, community leaders, and decision makers to further TRCP’s policy priorities in the state, including expanding access on public lands; conserving big game migration corridors and seasonal habitats, special places, and backcountry public lands; and supporting state and federal policies and programs that enhance public access and habitat conservation. Working as a member of the Center for Public Lands field team, this individual works closely with the Director of Public Lands, Southwest Field Manager and field representatives from other Western states to further the conservation mission of the organization and to foster knowledge transfer. 

 

The TRCP offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401k, cell phone and home internet reimbursement, and ample paid time off.  

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

 

Minimum Requirements:  

The ideal candidate will have established relationships within Nevada across multiple sectors and governmental jurisdictions and have a demonstrated record of effectively influencing conservation policy.

Submission must include a cover letter to be considered.

The position is open until filled. No phone calls please. 

The TRCP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.