Volunteer Opportunity with Exotics

Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Volunteers have the opportunity to learn about animals and help educate the public about conservation and animal care.

Age requirement: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to apply for current volunteer positions, including Zoo Aides and Zoo Interpreters.  

Time commitment: Most volunteer programs require a one-year commitment but all are encouraged to apply. Please see each position description for information on requirements for that particular program. Some short-term and single-day opportunities may be available seasonally. 

Recruitment process: Each volunteer opportunity has an application and interview process. If accepted, full-time volunteers must pass a Smithsonian background check and complete initial training. Please be aware that some positions may also require proof of certain vaccinations.

More information about different opportunities can be found here

2023 AGNR State Fair Dairy Exhibit Team

Each year, the College of Agriculture takes a string of dairy cattle to the Maryland State Fair for a milking and educational exhibit. We are looking for students to help prepare these animals to go to the fair, take care of them while at the fair – potentially show them in the ring, and answer questions that the general public may have.

C4T link: https://umd-csm.symplicity.com/students/app/jobs/detail/7de2c086a1068d48a3fed54944bbe4d7

Delmarva Chicken Association (DCA) - Agricultural Conservation Specialist

 Delmarva Chicken Association (DCA), the 1,600-member trade organization working for the benefit of the Delmarva chicken community, is seeking an enthusiastic and passionate person to fill the position of Agricultural Conservation Specialist. This position will work closely with chicken growers and other members in implementing beneficial conservation practices, including but not limited to vegetative environmental buffers (VEBs), pollinators, and other whole-farm comprehensive nutrient management protections. The position will offer technical assistance, grant management, and resources to help members and build upon DCA’s mission to be an innovator in conservation practices.

 

A minimum Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, plant sciences, or a related field and a minimum of five years’ work experience is required. DCA offers a salary commensurate with experience, $58,000 - $62,000, plus health, vision, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement plan contributions, paid holidays, paid vacation, and sick leave. For more details on the job description, visit www.dcachicken.com/job/ or call 302-856-9037. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Holly Porter at porter@dcahicken.com or mail to 16686 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947 postmarked by March 17, 2023.

Undergraduate Research Assistant in Waste to Energy

Undergraduate Student Research Assistant in Waste to Energy The Bioenergy and Bioprocessing Technology Laboratory under the direction of Dr. Stephanie Lansing in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology is looking to hire a part-time (15-20 hours/week) Undergraduate Research Assistant for waste to energy research. The work involves collecting and analyzing food waste, manure, wastewater, and municipal solid waste. Analyzing samples in the laboratory for organic content, energy production potential, and other parameters. The student would also be responsible for inputting data into Excel spreadsheets, washing laboratory glassware, filtering samples, and keeping the laboratory environment clean. The student must be comfortable working with laboratory equipment, food waste/manure samples. 

Previous lab experience is a plus, but not necessary. The student must show a demonstrated work ethic, attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and stick to a punctual laboratory work schedule. Priority will be given to underclassmen (freshmen, sophomore and juniors) to allow for the possibility of the student working multiple years in the Bioenergy and Bioprocessing Technology Laboratory, but all levels are welcome to apply. 

Pay rate will start at $15/hour. There is a possibility of pay increases with experienced gains. Opportunities include professional development with mentoring from graduate students, post-docs, and Dr. Lansing. Attendance at monthly laboratory meetings is mandatory, where relevant research topics will be discussed and results from the laboratory experiments presented. 

Applications should be emailed to Dr. Stephanie Lansing: slansing@umd.edu by October 10th at 5pm. The applications should include an updated resume, a cover letter detailing laboratory experience, expected graduation date, and a schedule detailing the proposed blocks of time you would be able to work in the lab (15 hours a week; Mon - Fri from 8am - 6pm) during the Fall semester.

Internship Opportunities at Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care

 

We would like to extend the opportunity for your students to apply for a Spring 2023 or Summer 2023 undergraduate internship at Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care in Ocala, Florida. We offer comprehensive programs in our ambulatory, hospital and reproduction departments to undergraduate students. Please review the flyer below and feel free to share with your students. Applications can be sent to kgeor@petersonsmith.com. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

For more information, please visit https://www.petersonsmith.com/undergrad-internship-program/.

Student Workers Needed for Dairy Study

Job Description:

UME is seeking an undergraduate student in Animal and Avian Sciences (or other related field) to assist in data collection of a dairy cattle feeding study at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center (CMREC) Dairy Facility.

Start Date: September 2022 through December 2022

Structure: 7:30 - 10 am, minimum 2 days per week with option for additional shifts as schedule allows up to 20 hours per week.

Pay: $13/hour

Position Description:

This paid position offers undergraduate student the opportunity to learn about some of the basics involved with large-scale dairy cattle nutrition and management research.  Students will work with Extension faculty and dairy farm staff to help facilitate a study designed to evaluate the economic implications of feeding forages that differ in their nutritional content.

Job Responsibilities:

·       Using designated research equipment to measure and record daily feed refusals (leftovers)

·       Using designated research equipment to delivery and record daily amounts of fresh feed delivered to individual cows

·       Ensuring cows receive the correct amount of feed each day

·       Performing additional related duties as required

Qualifications:

·       University of Maryland undergraduate student, preferably in Animal Science

·       Experience working with livestock (preferred, but not required)

·       Attention to detail

·       Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds

·       Ability to provide reliable transportation to and from the research farm

·       Ability to operate farm research equipment with proper training

·       Eager to learn about livestock management, nutrition, and research

If interested, contact Dr. Sarah Potts (sbpotts@umd.edu), Extension Specialist, with University of Maryland Extension.

Fall semester course -- Sustainable Ag in Nicaragua and January travel

Welcome Back, all you may be interested in these two courses about Sustainable Agriculture and Environment in Nicaragua.  ANSC371 meets Tuesdays during the Fall semester, and the second course, ANSC 372 is the travel course in January.

 To Enroll, email rkohn@umd.edu

Sustainable Agriculture and Environment in Nicaragua
Seminar (ANSC 371, 1 credit) Wed. 4:00 to 5:15 ANSC 0402
Travel Abroad (ANSC 372, 2 credits) Jan. 3-17, 2023

 This two-part course will discuss the effects of colonialism and systemic racism on the people and environment of Nicaragua. It will include a broad range of topics relating to the history and current situation in Nicaragua, land reform, agricultural practices, food security, food sovereignty (domestic food production), and environmental protection.

In the travel-abroad course you will practice hands-on techniques in agroecology, visit farms, and explore eco-tours. You will swim in a pristine volcanic lake, ride horseback in cloud forests, and observe turtle hatching. A major focus will be techniques to decrease impacts of climate change, and to decrease greenhouse gas emissions while mitigating poverty and maintaining food sovereignty. Nicaragua produces 90% of the food it consumes and exports beef, coffee,
and fruit among other items. Per capita greenhouse gas emissions are one eighth as high as for the US. You will learn how they are able to achieve these stunning accomplishments.

The course is offered in conjunction with the Nicaraguan farm organization Friends of ATC (Association of Rural Workers). Speakers will include US and Nicaraguan experts representing different sectors of society and discussing the Nicaraguan revolution and how their economic model allows them to address climate change while decreasing poverty and improving food security and food sovereignty.

Frederick Equine Services Agricultural Summer Internship

Support Sigma Alpha at Maryland Day: Grilled Cheese and Kiss-A-Pig!

Come out to show support for Sigma Alpha, Professional Agriculture Sorority, on Maryland Day on April 30th! They will be selling grilled cheese from 10am-4pm outside the ANSC building and hosting their traditional Kiss-A-Pig Event! 

Want to see you favorite sister or professor kiss a pig? Venmo @SATreasurer to vote! One dollar ($1) is equivalent to 1 vote! Please include the name of the person you are voting for in the transaction note for it to count! All funds raised will be donated to Heifer International. Voting ends April 29th!

Sisters that you can vote for: 

• Kate Fortouna
• Briana Gleizer
• Katelyn Amoss
• Alma Figueroa
• Heidi Rhinehart
• Grace Tisone
• Marika Winston
• Shannen Auffarth 

Animal Science teachers that you can vote for: 

• Dr. Balcom
• Dr. Black
• Dr. Vanklompenberg
• Meghan McLean

Press Pause for Self-Care 4/20

Exams getting stressful? Need some self-care? Wanting some cuddly animal cuteness in your life? Join the Counseling Center to Press PAWS for Self-Care on April 20th 12-3pm on McKeldin Mall. Assess your stress and play with therapy dogs. Come for the afternoon or as a quick break between classes!

Mary Wilson Animal Care and Conservation Scholar Program

Mary Wilson was a senior zookeeper at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore where she worked for 38 years. She was the first African-American woman zookeeper at the zoo. In honor of her legacy, the Maryland Zoo has created the Mary Wilson Animal Care and Conservation Scholar Program for a local black, indigenous, or person of color (BIPOC) student with a passion for animals and an interest in a wildlife or conservation career. This intern will be paired with an experienced zookeeper to learn first-hand about working with animals and Zoo visitors. The Scholar Program will allow a student to experience the daily work of an Animal Keeper, with additional exposure to other departments, which might include the Animal, Hospital, Commissary, and Education, providing a unique insight into the Zoo world. A research project throughout the six weeks will round out the learning experience. Upon successful completion of the program, the Scholar will be knowledgeable about the benefits and demands of various wildlife careers, and will have valuable hands-on experience in animal care.

The Mary Wilson Scholar Program is designed to provide an understanding of the zoo field as well as basic skills for individuals interested in pursuing a career in animal science, biology, ecology, conservation, veterinary medicine, and/or zoology. Candidates with limited prior work experience in animal care but a demonstrated passion for the field, are highly encouraged to apply. The Scholar will receive weekly feedback from their mentor, and will get a written evaluation on general performance and the research project at the end of the Scholar Program.

For more information regarding eligibility, dates, responsibilities, and to apply, click here. Applications are due April 30th, 2022.

Smithsonian Women’s Committee Diversity Internship in Conservation Biology

The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's Center for Species Survival is accepting applicants for conservation biology internships. Headquartered in Front Royal, Virginia, SCBI plays a leading role in the Smithsonian's global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. Since 1983, Center for Species Survival scientists have pioneered innovative approaches to solve wildlife conservation problems around the world, with the goal of avoiding extinction and creating methods to sustain viable wildlife populations in zoos and the wild.

This is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate (first year) students to gain experience in conservation biology with a special emphasis in reproductive science and its role in conservation. Students will gain first-hand experience in tackling conservation issues and fundamental biological questions while working alongside highly experienced researchers from SCBI’s science directorate. They will be mentored in the scientific process, including defining their own research project, robust record keeping, data and statistical analyses, data presentation and a final scientific paper.

For more information about qualifications, benefits and how to apply, click here. Applications are due Monday, April 4th, 2022.

Inaugural Spring Health Professions Symposium

About: This unique, conference-style event allows students and alumni the opportunity to engage in workshops about a variety of important topics related to career exploration and admission to health professional programs. The FREE, full-day event will feature presentations on topics related to admissions requirements, gaining experience, skill building, and professional development for the following health professions: medicine, podiatry, optometry, dentistry, physician assistant, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and genetic counseling. Presenters will include health professional school admissions representatives, healthcare professionals, current graduate students, pre-health advisors, alumni, and student leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to network and learn more about how to achieve their goals in healthcare. Light refreshments will be provided.

When: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April, 9, 2022

Where: In-person at the Edward St. John Learning & Teaching Center, University of Maryland, College Park

Target Audience: ALL pre-health students and alumni of the University of Maryland, College Park, and surrounding universities

How to Register: This is a FREE event. Attendees should register here

Deadline to Register: Registration closes on March 31, 2022

Contact Courtney Butler, HPAO Assistant Director, at cbutler@umd.edu with questions.

AGNR State Fair Dairy Exhibit Team

Wags for Wellness 3/18

Join the University Health Center and visit with some of your favorite friendly pups with Wags for Wellness! March visits are scheduled for Thursday, March 10 from 11a.m.-1p.m. at the Health Center and Friday, March 18 from 1p.m.-3p.m. at McKeldin Library. Sign-ups are required. Use this link to register for one or more of our upcoming events!

Coastal Biology Undergraduate Research Program at the University of North Florida

The University of North Florida (UNF) is one of the host sites for the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. The program, which runs May 23 to July 29, offers paid research training experiences in coastal biology to 10 undergraduate students. Students are paired with professionals to complete and present research projects related to their advisor’s expertise. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States. The program provides free meals, housing in UNF residence halls and a $5,500 stipend. Applications close March 19.

UMD Equine Research Unit Winter Student Worker

If you're interested in getting hands-on skills with horses during the winter break, UMD's Equine Research Unit (ERU) is looking for a small but dedicated group of students to hire that will take care of our campus horses turned out at the ERU in Ellicott City, MD from 12/20 to 1/21. This is a part-time job involving basic horse care.

The ERU is located on the beautiful 900-acre Central Maryland Research and Education farm in Ellicott City in Howard Co. (4241 Folly Quarter Rd). The ERU has about 13 acres of fenced pasture, a 16-stall barn, and office and storage space. It is home to our Equine Rotational Grazing Demonstration site. 

The shifts that need to be covered are from 8:00 am to ~ 9:00 am and 4:00-4:30pm. Students must have their own form of transportation. Pay is minimum wage and covers gas money if you live close, but students will also gain hands-on experience with horses and grow relationships with UMD animal science professors. 

The job involves performing health observations, feeding, grooming, performing basic treatments, mucking paddocks, and keeping good records. Students with horse experience or those that took ANSC 103, 232, or 330 are preferred, but horse experience is not necessary. Once hired, students must enroll in the occupational health program at UMD and take the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee training. If you're interested, please complete the form linked here and send it back to Dr. Burk amyburk@umd.edu as soon as possible. 

Apply for Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Institutes and Contest

Agriculture Future of America (AFA) is an organization committed to providing leadership and career development training for students pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field. Each year, AFA holds institutes tailored to students' interest to meet other students and industry professionals passionate about that sector of agriculture. This year the institutes are animal, crop, sustainability, technology, food, and policy. The institutes are typically a 3 day long conference in different locations ranging from Florida to California. The only cost the student is responsible for is airfare, everything else is covered. This is a wonderful opportunity to network and grow professionally and personally! Applications are due December 1st.

Those that submit their application and complete this google form by December 1st will be entered to win the following:

• First place will win: a $25 target gift card, an AGNR lanyard, an AFA baseball cap, and a reusable metal straw.
• Second place winner will win: An AFA phone wallet, an EOS chapstick, a key chain bottle opener, and CHS foundation travel mug.

Applications only take 30-45 minutes to complete. For any questions, email Genny Pelletier, an AFA student ambassador at gennyp18@umd.edu.

UMD Summer Opportunities in Agricultural Research and the Environment Program

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, College Park provides a nationally recognized education that meshes applied learning, community engagement, professional mentorship, real-world opportunities, and supportive and diverse learning culture to ready students for sustainable and socially-minded practice. Summer Opportunities in Agricultural Research and the Environment (SOARE) is a gateway to graduate education, providing underrepresented undergraduate students with on-campus research experience to establish important relationships with faculty in their respective fields of study and to conduct graduate-level research.

This fall we are holding several summer research internship information sessions. We offer two summer internship programs in agriculture education, extension education, plant biology, animal and avian science, veterinary medicine, entomology, agricultural business, agricultural economics, nutritional science, food science, environmental science, earth science, geography, soil science, natural resources management, landscape architecture, and Marine Estuarine Environmental Sciences. We are seeking twenty students to fill 2022 summer positions paying $4,500 -$6,000. SOARE will help you:

• Increase the knowledge of, and interest in, doctoral-level training in the agricultural, environmental, food, and nutritional sciences
• Build professional and personal networks to support students interested in joining the academic community
• Create a diverse academic environment by increasing the number of traditionally underrepresented students in AGNR graduate programs and ultimately the professoriate.

SOARE Benefits:

• Research training
• Career panels & shuttles
• Team research
• Scientific research poster
• Post-program mentoring
• Travel award to a national conference
• Paid 2nd-year internship (for eligible participants)
• UMD Graduate School application fee waivers
• and more...

Students at two-year and four-year institutions are eligible. Sign up to attend a Research Internship Session below, select the date that works best for you! If you are interested in a personalized session to discuss SOARE/SOARE SWAG at UMD, email Dr. Evelyn Cooper at ecooper@umd.edu to schedule a one-on-one session.

• November 16, 6-7 PM
• https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0kdeGtrzIvGNFbO1t9panvERqVKpJ6JlzY
• December 15, 6-7 PM
• https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0qdumqqj4vHtwVxIhY8YYHtQI32hVDciyh
• January 29, 11 AM-12 PM
• https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrd--pqTIpHtZOr2004YGlAdNcS_9q-KMt
• February 2, 6-7 PM
• https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYsc-irrzIjHtwMM_h361TPsosT8MgeUjpc

AGNR Student Council x Rocky Point Creamery CrossTalk 11/18

On Thursday, November 18th at 7pm in PLSC 1140, AGNR Student Council will be hosting a CrossTalk event featuring Emily Snyder (c/o '13) from Rocky Point Creamery. This talk will consist of anything and everything dairy! Bring questions about cows, animal welfare, management, how ice cream is made, milk processing, how to run a business, or anything in between!

At this event, the winning flavor from the Ice Cream Flavor Feud contest will be served. Vote for the winning flavor on their Instagram stories (@agnr_studentc) from November 1st until November 5th!

Register now for the event here!