Sunday, October 28, 2018

Louisiana Agricultural Consultants Association scholarships

 The Scholarship Committee of the Louisiana Agricultural Consultants Association is extending the deadline for graduates and undergraduates to apply for four scholarships valued at $2,000 each.  The response from students to date has been disappointing, and this may make it difficult to raise funds for scholarships in the future.  We need your help.  Please encourage students to apply for our scholarships.

Contact Paul Templet tomplay43@gmail.com
https://laca1.org/applications/




The application deadline has been extended to Nov 5, 2018.  Looking forward to receiving more applications.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Internship at the Smithsonian Gardens

Smithsonian Gardens provides an exceptionally well-rounded array of experiences in its intern program thanks to the wide diversity of services it offers to the Smithsonian, the world's largest museum complex.  We accept current and recently graduated undergraduate and graduate students studying horticulture, landscape architecture, museum studies, or other related fields.  Selection is based on both an evaluation of the applicant’s application and available positions. 

Internship Opportunities include:
§  Greenhouse Production Internship
§  Horticulturist Internship
§  Education and Outreach Internship
§  Archives of American Gardens' Internship
§  Landscape Architecture Internship
§  Orchid Collection Internship

More information about the internship opportunities and how to apply can be found on our website at http://www.gardens.si.edu/get-involved/internships.html  .
Deadlines:
Applications for internships should be received no later than the dates listed below.

Winter/Spring Internships: December 1
Summer Internships: February 1
Fall Internships: May 15

Requirements for applying to the Smithsonian Garden intern program:
Submit an on-line application
Two letters of recommendation
College transcript(s)
Essay describing background, interest in field, career goals and chosen project.
We’d appreciate if you could forward this information to any students who may be interested an internship with Smithsonian Gardens! 

Office:  600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 3300, Washington, DC 20024
Mailing:  PO BOX 37012, Capital Gallery 3300,  MRC 506, Washington DC 20013-7012
T: 202-633-5845

Monday, October 15, 2018

AT&T Foundation scholarships

We are pleased to announce that the AT&T Foundation contributed $11,000 to the University of Louisiana System Foundation to support scholarships for first-generation college students. As a result, we are able to award 22 scholarships at $500 each. The list of criteria follows. More information can be accessed through https://www.ulsystem.edu/attscholarship18/.  Plans are to award at least two scholarships per institution and four at-large. Please note that the application deadline is October 30. Feel free to share with your students as you see fit.

AT&T FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARSHIP
·         Award 22 $500 scholarships
·         Must be a Louisiana high school graduate with a minimum High School GPA of 3.0
·         Must be enrolled at a University of Louisiana System institution
·         Must be a first generation student
·         Must be a first-time freshman
·         Must be enrolled in a STEM curriculum
·         Must be enrolled in at least 15 credit hours per semester

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

County Operations Trainee

Vacancy Announcement Number LA-2019-0001, for a County Operations Trainee (COT), Grades CO 5/7/9, opened today and will close on October 18, 2018.  This announcement is opened to the public.  The link to view the announcement is:

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Agricultural Environmental Specialist

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry is seeking qualified applicants for an Agricultural Environmental Specialist I, II, III position.  All qualified applicants interested in a career opportunity in the inspection, compliance assistance and regulation of agriculture pesticide, seed, fertilizer and horticulture green industries are encouraged to apply.   The position is domiciled in Pointe Coupee Parish but will be required to perform work duties in Iberville, Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge parishes.  

Interested applicants should contact Kiara Moore by e-mail  kmoore@ldaf.state.la.us or by telephone at (225) 952-8096. 

The position is posted on the LA Careers website.  For more information, go to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisiana?department[0]=DAF-Agriculture%20and%20Forestry&sort=PositionTitle%7CAscending

Monday, September 24, 2018

Beaumont Botanical Garden Position



Beaumont Botanical Garden is around 23 acres of trees, various types of flower beds and a pond with a waterfall. There is a 10,000 square foot Conservatory and a 2300 square foot propagation house. There is a magnificent garden center with a commercial kitchen and a hall that seats 400. A special brides dressing room. We average 35 weddings a year in the facility.  There are all kinds of native plants a large OGR bed and another large rose bed with Hybrid Teas and Floribundas. We are putting in an American Rose Society AOE bed to test grow new miniature and miniflora roses not yet on the market. There are 4 full time gardeners to keep up the grounds and work as assigned by the HD. Many of the flower beds are taken care of by the garden club that sponsors it. I take care of the rose garden.
The 13 clubs make up the Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs. We have an executive council that oversees the business of BCGC. We have a monthly meeting to discuss the business at hand.
The HD can make purchases up to $2500 without approval. We are a self-funding non-profit organization.
Based upon the qualifications of the individual the pay can range from $48,000 to $70,000.
Expectations are for this person to be the leader with creative ideas to make theBeaumont Botanical Gardens and eye pooper. Creative, energetic and a people person.
We will provide the resources and man or woman power for this individual to achieve that goal.
Beaumont Botanical Gardens sits in Tyrrell Park which also  has an 18 hole golf course, cattail marsh, and riding stables. We have around 15,000 visitors/annually.

This is a tremendous opportunity for a person to put to work that ingenuity and creativity to work. 

If you have questions please contact Dale Dardeau: 409-882-4197 or Email: ddardeau@gt.rr.com

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Refuge Biological Volunteer

Job Title: REFUGE BIOLOGICAL VOLUNTEER
 (Positions available at Cameron Prairie, Lacassine and Sabine National Wildlife Refuges)

Purpose:Gain experience operating and maintaining National Wildlife Refuge facilities, programs, and recreation areas through accomplishing designated assignments for and with refuge staff.
Brief List of Qualifications:
  • A valid driver’s license
  • Positive attitude and communications skills
  • Willingness to learn about and do new things.
  • Availability to provide a minimum of 4 hours of service per week with a minimum commitment of 40 hours total (arranged in advance with staff).  
Benefits:
  • Networking opportunities within US Fish and Wildlife Service staff
  • Strengthen and build your resume by learning and doing new things and building relationships with staff who may serve as references for you.
  • Assist with or participate in exciting refuge or research projects.
  • Independently create/complete your own project; work with staff to fulfill a Refuge need.
  • Hands-on experience with bird banding, fish stocking, habitat management, etc.
  • Volunteering in a peaceful environment where you can support wildlife and nature.
Volunteers Currently Needed to Conduct: 
  • Visitor Center operations and maintenance: greet and assist visitors in person and via phone requesting info on Refuge programs and SW LA way finding; light maintenance /janitorial duties like sweeping, cleaning boardwalks, stocking toiletries, etc. This is a great way to become familiar with the Refuge activities and staff. (Cameron Prairie)
  • Refuge upkeep and maintenance: litter pickup, weed eating, sign installation, painting, brochure stocking. (All Refuges)
  • Lottery waterfowl hunt blind preparations and maintenance (Cameron Prairie)
  • Hunt data form distribution/collection and data entry (All Refuges)
  • Sign installation to guide hunters to Lottery Hunt Blinds (Cameron Prairie)
  • Carpentry and painting projects (All Refuges)
  • Fish Habitat creation for Festival Fishing Ponds (Cameron Prairie)
Contact: For a volunteer application or to learning more about how you can participate please contact Diane Borden-Billiot at diane_borden-billiot@fws.gov or call 337-598-2216 (o) or 337-563-3491(c).


Thursday, August 16, 2018

EHS Industrial Hygiene Technician

Position Summary
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, completion of industrial hygiene field investigations, identifying monitoring methods and media, performing exposure monitoring for hydrocarbons, particulates and other airborne contaminants, conducting noise dosimetry sampling and completing area noise surveys, assisting with indoor air quality investigations, operating and maintaining field testing equipment, and compiling data from field investigations.
Specific Job Duties and Responsibilities
· Learns to conduct industrial hygiene surveys including, but not limited to, air and noise sampling, area noise, illumination, ventilation surveys, IAQ, ergonomic studies, and other studies as appropriate to level of expertise.
· Learns to operate, calibrate, and maintain instruments including sampling pumps, calibrators, noise dosimeters, and sound level meters, and direct reading gas meters.
· Learns to conduct safety inspections at client site.
· Collect notes on activities performed by workers being monitored and/or maintain daily log of activities related to project work.
· Complete data sheets, IH calculations, chain of custody forms, and prepare samples for shipment to laboratory.
· Learns to create data tables and drawings for reports.
· Enter field data into MedGate.
· Conduct respirator fit testing.
· Submit administrative paperwork including timesheets, expense reports, field reports, etc. on timely basis in accurate and neat format.
· Assists others as needed. 

Qualifications
Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED plus ARSC (Association of Reciprocal Safety Councils) Basic Orientation Plus and client-site specific safety orientation. Prefer an Associate’s Degree in science or technology-related field such as industrial hygiene, engineering, industrial technology, environmental sciences, safety, biology, physics, or chemistry. 
Required Licenses or Specific Training: Prefer training in asbestos, lead or mold. Additional training may be required depending on client- or project-specific requirements and/or company policies.
Background screening may require TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Credential), NABSC (North American Background Screening Consortium), or other graded background program. Drug and alcohol screening according to DISA, NASAP (North American Substance Abuse Program), or other corporate policy. Medical examination including a standardized medical questionnaire, pulmonary function test, chest x-ray, audiometric exam, and respirator fit test. Must have a valid driver license.
Proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility and customer required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Trained in Respiratory Protection and fully certified to wear respiratory breathing equipment (Fit Tested).
Other Required Skills, Knowledge or Abilities: PC skills with ability to learn new software. Familiarity with OSHA regulations, ACGIH, ANSI, CGA, and other applicable EHS guidelines and consensus standards. 
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 
Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily. 
Interpersonal Communications: Ability to read, write and comprehend English (operational, process, safety and quality instructions.) Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Second language is a plus. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization preferred. Contacts with immediate associates and immediate supervisor for instructions, training and guidance. Daily customer contact.
Physical Demands 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. Uses hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Must be able to climb ladders, walk over rough ground, and work in confined spaces. Must be physically able to operate the equipment used for the job (pumps, calibrators, noise dosimeters, sound level meters, direct reading gas meters, and other standard or specialized IH instrumentation) and be physically able to wear a safety equipment as appropriate (such as fall protection system and respirator without limitations). Must also be able to wear personal protective equipment, including fire-retardant clothing, steel-toed shoes/boots, gloves, earplugs, hard hat, safety glasses, or other protective equipment as appropriate for particular work site. 
Work Environment
May be infrequently exposed to possible operations hazards or working in or visiting operational site, including dust, fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, rotating machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work temperatures, slippery surfaces, water and electrical hazards. Exposure to extreme fluctuations in temperature may be required. May be exposed to noise at varying intensities. Exposure to outdoor environment. Work may require long hours between breaks and meals. Must be able to travel for extended overnight periods on short notice
Reporting Relationships
Complexity of Duties and Decisions: Performs a variety of manual functions. Follows established procedures to perform standardized tasks. Most errors are caught during self-inspection or by higher level staff before leaving work unit. Supervisor assures that the work is technically accurate and in compliance with instructions or established procedures.
Scope and Responsibility: Works under direct supervision: Specific instructions are given on assignments or follows written or verbal instructions and established procedures and standard practice to perform assigned tasks. No direct reports, but may assist less experienced.

Thank you,
Lindsey McDaniel
Total Talent Recruiter
……………………………………………………………………….
TOTAL SAFETY | O: 281.583.6179 |  C: 281.513.6339
4210 Malone Drive, Pasadena, Texas 77507

Saturday, July 7, 2018

CK Associates internship position

We have an opening for an internship in our Lake Charles office.  Jr, Sr or graduate students, contact:

Jesse Bertrand, M. S.
Environmental Scientist
jesse.bertrand@c-ka.com
700 Pujo St. Ste B
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Office (337) 625-6577 ext. 2002
Cell (337) 794-2316
(Baton Rouge, Lake Charles,
Shreveport, Houston

Research Internship


Coastal Prairie Research INTERNSHIP, Part Time
Location:  Gray Ranch, Vinton, LA
Supervisor:  Brian Early
Background:  Coastal prairie was once expansive in southwestern Louisiana, occupying 2.5 million acres.  Due mainly to conversion of prairie land to agriculture uses, only an estimated 0.2% of this grassland remains.  The most promising coastal prairie remnants in Louisiana are found on private ranches in the Lake Charles area and are utilized as rangeland.  Through ongoing Coastal Prairie Stewardship and Research efforts, LDWF is providing information on the recovery potential of coastal prairie following heavy grazing and has performed habitat stewardship, including prescribed burning and chemical brush control, on several rangeland prairie remnants to enhance prairie habitat in southwest Louisiana. 
Project Scope:  The student intern will contribute to a long-term field experiment designed to determine the recovery potential of wet coastal prairie that has experienced historical episodes of heavy grazing. The study site supports remnant coastal prairie with the vegetation consisting of conservative prairie species as well as “increasers” and weedy taxa typical of disturbed soils.  Grasses that typically dominate prairie communities have been reduced in extent by incompatible grazing.  In 2013, a series of nine cattle enclosures were erected. The study area has been burned annually since 2015 and will be burned again in early 2018. The student intern will collect and analyze quantitative vegetation data and make inferences about the treatment effects on plant species diversity and floristic quality. Vegetation data collection will require 5 to 7 days of fieldwork and would best be timed to coincide with peak fall flowering (late September to early October).  Reptile and amphibian traps will be deployed in 2018 on a subset of the treatment areas. The student will also use vegetation data to test for possible influences of habitat variables on reptile and amphibian trapping results.
Timing:  2018 Fall Semester (August 20 - December 31, 2018); 20 hours per week.  Data collection is ongoing and began in January 2018; data analysis will take place from September to November 2018; writing of research paper in late November to December 2018. 
Compensation: Student intern will receive compensation at the rate of $10.00/hour. College credit will be contingent upon university approval.
Housing:  There are no LDWF lodging facilities in the area.
Note:  Student intern will be required by the landowner to sign an indemnification form.
To Apply:  To apply for this internship, please submit your cover letter, resume, and student application via email to Carey Lynn Perry at cperry@wlf.la.gov.  The deadline to apply is July 20, 2018. This internship would take place during the 2018 Fall Semester (August 20 - December 31, 2018).


Friday, June 15, 2018

Graduate Research Scholarship, Louisiana Sea Grant

Louisiana Sea Grant is offering a new coastal immersion program for graduate students called the Graduate Research Scholarship. Participants will receive communications training, learn from outreach professionals, engage with community stakeholders and get a guided tour of different coastal habitats.

These one-week trips will be offered August 13-17 and December 10-14 at no cost to the participant. Students may only attend one trip.

Space is limited in the program. Students will be evaluated and accepted into the Graduate Research Scholars program based on the submission of a one-page application. The deadline to apply is July 20, 2018. More information can be found here.

Further questions should be directed toward Dani DiIullo (ddiiullo@lsu.edu).

Monday, April 16, 2018

Louisiana Garden Club Federation Scholarships

The Louisiana Garden Club Federation has ten scholarships available for the 2018-19 school year.  Three of these scholarships are $2000 with others ranging from $1000 down to our $250 book scholarships.  The application deadline for these scholarships is June 1, 2018.

These scholarships are available to Juniors, Seniors or Graduate students who are Louisiana residents majoring in plant sciences, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, natural resources science, or related fields.  The GPA requirement is 3.0 or higher.  Please make this information available to students who may meet these qualifications. 

Information on eligibility and application forms is available at http://www.lgcfinc.org/scholarships.html .  All applications will be judged by a committee and the applicants will be informed of the status of their applications after our LGCF Summer Board Meeting in July. 

As you may know, last year we had two winners from McNeese State.  We hope to have even more winners from your school this term. 

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Student Trainee (Soil Conservation)




Student Trainee (Soil Conservation)
USDA/NATURAL RESOURCES  CONSERVATION SERVICE

Open & closing dates:   04/11/2018 to 04/17/2018
Salary:                                  $26,587 to $34,561 / per year
Pay scale & grade:           GS 03
Series:                                  GS-0499
Appointment type:         Permanent
Work schedule:                                Full-Time
Job announcement number:         NRCS-18-0234-PW-MW
Multiple Locations:         Rayville, LA                        Greenville, MS
                                                Ripley, MS                           Bryson City, NC
                                                Greensboro, NC               Brownsville, TX
                                                Jackson, TN                        Knoxville, TN
                                                Christiansburg, VA           Lawrenceville, VA
                                                Warsaw, VA
               

Refer to the vacancy announcement at usajobs for detailed information and how to apply.  

Summer internship at Cameron LNG

Interested candidates are required to apply for the “Intern” position on the Cameron LNG jobs link by Friday, April 13th. Interns will be required to specify the position they are applying for when submitting their application. Available 2018 Summer Internship Program positions: Environmental (Hackberry) – 1 position Externally-sourced students from local area universities will be equally considered, per the program guidelines set forth below: Program Eligibility: · Must have completed 60 hours of college credit by May 2018 and enrolled in current spring 2018 session or plan to graduate in the current semester. · May not work in same department as a relative. · Must be able to work the schedule as detailed in initial requirements by the sponsor. Interns must commence their internship by Monday, June 4th and work through approximately Friday, August 10th. · Must submit a resume and college transcript through defined channel by the deadline. · Must submit to and pass pre-employment background screening and drug and alcohol testing. A physical examination may be required for certain assignments. · Must be available for a day trip to Hackberry for a site tour and team building event. · Must be prepared to present on internship experience at the end of the program during an intern presentation session at respective location. Interns will be selected by the assigned sponsor and HR based on relevant career focus and interest, degree program requirements, GPA, and interpersonal skills. Interns’ hourly pay will be determined based on the responsibilities and skills required of their specific assignment, degree program and years of college credit completion. Please note, referrals for the 2018 Summer Internship Program are excluded from the Employee Referral Award Program. Interns who are hired for a full-time position after the program are not eligible referrals. If you have any questions about the program please contact Kayla Powers. kpowers@cameronlng.com

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Sugarcane Agronomist


ASCL AGRONOMIST JOB DESCRIPTION

WORK LOCATION 
The agronomist will have day to day contact with sugarcane growers and processors in the western and northern sugarcane region. These cane parishes include St. Mary, Iberia, St. Martin, Vermillion, Lafayette, Acadia, St. Landry, Evangeline, Avoyelles and Rapides. Cooperative work with growers and sugarcane researchers will also require travel throughout the Louisiana sugarcane belt.

QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree (master’s desired) in plant science or related field. Other degree areas may be accepted if combined with sugarcane or other farming experience.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
The agronomist assigned to the western and northern sugarcane region will work with the Louisiana variety development program, help growers by providing important information pertaining to sugarcane culture and cooperate with other scientists working in the industry. These duties include scheduling and independently performing work assignments and accurately completing the research process such as making visual observations and collecting yield data to justify releasing a variety for commercial planting in the Louisiana sugar cane industry. The ability to use personal computers and spreadsheet and statistical software packages commonly used in data collection, analysis, and presentation processes is a must. Skill in keeping exact and detailed records of data obtained from experiments is needed.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requires physical exertion, such as regular and recurring lifting (40 to 50 lbs.) or walking at a fast pace on uneven terrain or bending under field environments that range from hot to cold and from muddy to dry.  In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working outdoors with irritant chemicals or dusty or rainy conditions. The employee is required to use protective equipment such as coats, rain gear (boots and coats), and gloves.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits offered include fully paid medical insurance, 401-K Retirement Plan, and work vehicle provided.

DATE JOB AVAILABLE
Upon completion of the selection process no later than April 30.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications should be submitted by April 10, 2018.  Applications should include a letter including the applicant’s interest and qualifications, a resume, transcripts, and names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three references.  Send applications to:

Herman Waguespack, Jr., Senior Agronomist
American Sugar Cane League
P.O. Drawer 938
Thibodaux, LA 70302
(985) 448-3707 office

OUTLINE OF ASCL’S AGRONOMY STAFF ACTIVITIES

  • SUGARCANE VARIETY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
    • Conduct experimental variety seed increase program.
        • Ability to identify differences in varieties based on small phenotypic and taxonomic differences.
        • Supervise primary seed increase stations including planting, rogueing and seed distribution.
        • Supervise secondary seed increase stations including rogueing, evaluation and sale of cane seed.
    • Participate in the outfield variety test program with LSU and USDA at test locations.
        • Participate in the planting, evaluation and harvesting of the individual tests.
        • Assist in scheduling tests.  Daily contact with growers makes for efficient scheduling.
        • Assist with the data calculation and preparation of experimental results.
        • Share in the presentation of variety results at various meetings.
    • Monitor diseases and insects in advanced varieties on seed increase stations as well as in variety tests.
    • Participate in the evaluation and selection of varieties in the infield testing stage.
    • Participate in the variety advancement committee in deciding which varieties have potential for the sugar industry and therefore should be continued in the testing program.

  • GROWER CONSULTATION.
1. Provide answers to specific questions from growers either by direct answer or by inquiries to other scientists.
  • Discuss specific research with growers.
  • Make specific variety recommendations on an individual grower basis.
  • Conduct field examinations to identify varieties, monitor cane pest infestations (diseases, insects, weeds), evaluate planting, harvesting and loading techniques, evaluate cane quality at the factories, and evaluate machinery modifications.

  • COOPERATIVE RESEARCH WITH OTHER SCIENTISTS.
    • Conduct research in cooperation with other scientists.  
    • Bring potential research problems from industry members to other scientists.
    • Discuss and give guidance on research, extension and education at various advisory committees, League committees and in regular personal contacts.
    • Conduct research on applied research problems brought forward by industry members.  

  • OTHER ACTIVITIES.
    • Participate and make presentations to various grower meetings, scientific meetings, field days, extension training meetings, consultants groups, and local and national advisory committees.
    • Be prepared to discuss all other League activities with growers and processors; including member relations, state and national legislative news, PAC, and the advertising campaign. Visits with County Agents. Prepare articles for the Sugar Bulletin. Serving as a member of the Agribusiness Committee, ASSCT, and various other professional organizations.