Housing Support: Housing stipend up to $5,000 for the entire Fellowship is authorized based on actual expenses incurred. Fellow will be required to provide documentation to validate reimbursement. 

Housing Description: Fellow will be responsible for locating and securing suitable housing. This position is remote, with some travel required for field work and lab analysis. Duty-related travel expenses will be paid by the office to include transportation, lodging (on-site rustic cabin) and meals.

Valid Driver’s License: Required

Position Description: The position will be considered remote and will not be required to work from the Chicago Field Office (host office). The Fellow will conduct field work in Door County, WI, and Dupage County and Will County, IL. The Fellow will make at least one visit to a lab at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD and/or to the U.S. Geological Survey Midwest Science Center in LaCrosse, WI, and will attend a regional intern workshop in Bloomington, MN. Duty-related travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The Fellow will help advance the science behind the protection and recovery of the endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly. The Fellow will help advance conservation biology as eDNA is an emerging scientific method and there has been limited application to endangered species and aquatic invertebrates.

To implement this position, the Fellow will be responsible for:

• Reading reports and peer reviewed literature on the Hine's emerald dragonfly to gain a biological understanding of the species.
• Conducting a brief review of literature on aquatic eDNA sampling methods and compare it with the methods currently utilized for the dragonfly.
• Developing skills in all aspects of Hine’s emerald dragonfly larval sampling, eDNA sampling method(s) and procedures, and sample analysis.
• Documenting these field sampling and lab analysis activities in writing and with a photographic record.
• Drafting eDNA sampling protocols, in cooperation with academic researchers and USFWS Biologists, by compiling current methods used for the species and review of other potential methods used for other species.
• Assessing the current eDNA sampling and analysis methods used for the dragonfly and identity potential improvements and efficiencies.
• Being required to communicate regularly and as needed with their supervisor and will also take the initiative to contact internal and external partners, coordinate meetings, and give presentations.

The Fellow will have developmental opportunities with an introduction to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and various divisions and positions within the agency. The Fellow will develop skills in Hine's emerald dragonfly sampling techniques and project coordination and management skills and will have opportunities to demonstrate and improve communication skills.

Minimum Education Level: Open for consideration to undergraduate rising seniors/seniors and graduate students who will not complete their degree requirements before September 22, 2024.

Fields of Study:

• Biological Sciences
• Education/Outreach

Working Conditions Requirements: 

• Ability to conduct field work involving hiking and carrying equipment in Midwest summer conditions (i.e., high heat and humidity)
• Ability to lift/carry 50 pounds
• Ability and willingness to live in a remote cabin during some field work

Desired Characteristics: 

• Knowledge of genetics and the use of eDNA in surveying for aquatic species is very desirable.
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Cross-cultural communication skills
• Partnership building skills
• Project management skills
• Mentoring experience
• Public speaking skills
• Leadership roles (school, extracurricular, etc.)
• Teamwork skills