Job Announcement: Living Rivers School Research and Teaching Assistant
Status: 30+ hours a week, M-F, August 1-22, 2020
Time Frame: Review begins now, position open until filled
Biocitizen Inc. is a nonprofit educational institution that specializes in Field Environmental Philosophy [FEP], a peripatetic way of teaching students how to read the natural and cultural history of their biome. Its Living Rivers School introduces students to complex environmental issues by teaming them with established river conservation biologists in field research activities.
Biocitizen seeks a talented, motivated Ichthyological Conservation Biology graduate student who will assist Dr. Boyd Kynard, and mentor LRS students, as he conducts his final data collections for the two studies he began last year on the middle section of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts:
#1: Where Do the Small Fish Live?
#2: In Which Tributaries Do Sea Lamprey Live?
Please see the LRS course announcement to learn about the program objectives and activities.
This position is perfect for a candidate who wants to get field research experience with one of the world’s most respected riverine ichthyologists, and hands-on experience teaching students the basics of scientific protocol, conservation biology and Leopoldian ethics. Boyd’s assistant will receive acknowledgement for research conducted in all published and unpublished reports.
Under his direction, Boyd’s assistant will return to the same places data was collected last year and redo the collections. The assistant will have 2 junior assistants who were trained last year, who know the river, the sites, understand the collection protocol, and have experience working with and managing students in the field. The assistant will mentor 2 junior assistants and 4 LRS students.
Note 1: Boyd and his son Brian are BK Riverfish, a fishways design, engineering and construction company. You will be introduced to their business as part of this job, which could lead to some excellent prospects.
Note 2: It is possible to arrange for independent study college credits for this work and Biocitizen and Dr. Kynard will help you to get it.
Requirements:
– A Leopoldian commitment to increasing the health of rivers, river-habitat and fish
– Serious professional interest in, and ability to conduct, Ichthyological Conservation Biology research
– Dedication to training our future environmental leaders
– Some experience teaching 10-16 year olds is desirable
– Clean driving record as you’ll be driving students in a 7 person passenger van
– Stamina and energy for data collection in flowing water in sunny and rainy conditions
– First Responder First Aid certification; Lifeguard certification is optimal
Duties:
– Research, teaching, and transporting students from 9am -3pm M-F, August 3-21
– Blog posts, and email correspondence with parents
– Planning with Dr. Kynard and Kurt Heidinger, Ex. Dir. Biocitizen, Inc.
Compensation and Logistics:
– Assistant will receive compensation commensurate with research and teaching experience, folded into provided room and board, and transportation costs to and from Bradley Airport, Hartford/Springfield.
