Summer Ecology Internships May-July 2022

March 4, 2022

Two YSE PhD students are looking for undergraduates interested in field experience in environmental science to assist with two projects focusing on community ecology in the American West during the summer of 2022.

Projects: One project is based in Pinedale, Wyoming and investigates the influence of climate change and livestock grazing on plant communities (Pinedale-based project). The other project investigates the influence of climate and soil on plant-plant interactions across the western US (West-wide project). Both projects focus on big sagebrush ecosystems.

Fieldwork:

·       The Pinedale-based project is seeking candidates that will be available from May 20th to August 1st (dates are flexible). The project takes place at five livestock watering points located within an hour drive of Pinedale. There is likely to be a small amount of car-camping to minimize drive time between sites. Most nights will be spent in the town of Pinedale. At each watering point we are monitoring plant community response to variable grazing pressure and simulated climate change scenarios. The internship will provide experience in plant community monitoring protocols (Daubenmire quadrats), wildlife camera trapping, point-based NDVI and soil moisture sensors and productivity measures (biomass clipping).

·       The West-wide project is seeking candidates that will be available from May 20th to the July 31st (dates may be somewhat flexible). The field work will involve extensive travel by 4x4 truck across the western U.S. for 1-2 week periods with a doctoral student from the School of the Environment. Accommodations during these trips will primarily be car-camping in the field. We will be based in Missoula, Montana and return there between sampling excursions. Field work will provide experience in several standard vegetation monitoring methods (line-point intercept, gap-intercept) used extensively by land management organizations, supplemental methods designed specifically for this project, and soil sampling. Field sites are widely distributed across the American West and travel between sites will require long periods of driving (4-12 hours). This position provides a unique opportunity to explore the rugged and stunning landscapes of the American West while gaining valuable field experience. There may be opportunity to continue to engage with the project in the fall through soil sample analysis in the lab.

 Qualifications & requirements:

·       Pinedale-based project: The candidate should be comfortable working outdoors for extended periods of time, including under adverse weather conditions (heat, rain, etc.). Be comfortable living with graduate students and able to wake up early 5 days a week. Ideally the candidate will be organized, adaptable, and have a broad interest in community ecology.

·       West-wide project: The candidate should be willing and able to carry a 20-pound backpack, off-trail, over rugged terrain for up to 4 miles a day and to work irregular hours in adverse weather. Experience driving 4x4 trucks on rough roads is a plus, but not required, though candidates will need to take and pass Yale’s Driver Safety Awareness Training and be willing to help with driving between sites.  The ideal candidate will be motivated, organized, and adaptable—and bring a sense of adventure and interest in community ecology.

Funding: Candidates will be expected to apply for funding through the Yale summer grant opportunities, and depending on grants, food and travel costs may be partially covered. Students may apply for the Summer Environmental Fellowship to cover expenses.

We will provide guidance for students applying to funding through Yale summer grant opportunities.

Mentoring: Working alongside the doctoral students who designed these projects may be of interest to students developing a senior essay topic.

For more information, or if you are interested in applying, please contact rachel.renne@yale.edu or scott.carpenter@yale.edu.