Tell us a bit about yourself

This is frequently the first question you will confront in a job interview, and it's one that is surprisingly difficult to answer. It's important to spend time preparing an answer that fits the job and organization for which you are interviewing. Susan Adams offers some applicable advice on the Forbes blog, How To Craft A Job Search Elevator Pitch. Dana Leavy provides excellent guidance on the Savvy Intern blog, The 5 Best Job Interview Tips… Ever.

What is a Forest Service Outreach Notice?

The U.S. Forest Service is committed to diversifying its workforce. Part of that effort is assessing the diversity of the pool of applicants who might be interested in particular positions. Many jobs with the Forest Service are first advertised in an "Outreach Notice" that asks people interested in the position to complete a form.

Many outreach notices contain a statement such as, "The purpose of this Outreach Notice is to determine the potential applicant pool for this position. Assuming sufficient responses are received from this outreach notice, a referral list will be requested on or soon after [date]." All of them indicate the deadline for replying to the outreach notice and provide information that will be helpful in identifying the job posting in USAjobs.gov.

You can find U.S. Forest Service outreach notices at http://jobs.forestry.oregonstate.edu/category/job-type/outreach-notices. The Forest Service maintains a list of them at https://hrm.gdcii.com/outreach/Default.aspx, but that site does not provide a link to the actual notice. Checking the outreach notices frequently and replying to those that interest you can help you be prepared to apply positions as soon as they are posted. This can be a definite advantage in the federal employment process, since completing the application is very time consuming and timeline for accepting applications is often short.

Program Manager of restoration ecology program for Illinois Coastal Zone

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

#4354

                                                            AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

                                                             CAREER OPPORTUNITY BID NOTICE

The IL Department of Natural Resources is inviting applications for the following position:

                                                                                                                                Monthly

Position Title:  Natural Resources Specialist, Option 4                           Salary Range:  $4388.00 – 6004.00

Position Location: Coastal Zone, Michael Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL  60601 (Cook County)

WORK SCHEDULE -     Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm 1 hour Meal Break

Description of Duties

Under general supervision, serves as program manager administering, implementing and managing the Department’s restoration ecology program for the Illinois Coastal Zone.  Provides professional planning and management expertise and consultation to both the public and private sectors in natural areas preservation and management, endangered and threatened species protection, avian and mammalian ecology, aquatic biology and ecosystems management to advance Coastal Zone restoration.

Desirable Education, Training and Experience

Requires knowledge, skill and mental ability equivalent to a Master’s degree in natural heritage resource management, or a related biological, life or natural science; or requires a bachelor’s degree in natural heritage resource management supplemented by two years of directly related professional experience.  Requires ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with representatives from federal, state and local governments, conservation organizations, other departmental employees, and the general public.

Where

To Apply:          Diane Tecic, Michael Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL  60601 312/814-0665   312/793-5968

                                Name                                                     Address                                                                  Phone                     Fax

Bargaining unit employees interested in bidding for this position should complete a Bid Form, attach it to an application, and submit it directly to the name and address listed above.  Bid Forms may be obtained at any Department of Natural Resources facility.

*NOTE:  In addition, employees who are interested in a promotion into this position must have a promotional grade.  If you do not already have a promotional grade for this title, complete a Promotional Examination Application(CMS100B) and sent it directly to the Examining Division, 500 William G. Stratton Building, Springfield, Illinois 62706.  In order to be considered for this vacancy, the CMS100B must be mailed to the Examining Division no later than the date listed below as the last day to apply.

The Department of Natural Resources does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, physical stature and/or any non-merit factor in admission, treatment or employment in programs or activities in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Constitution, Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Acts, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the U.S. Constitution.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Office is responsible for compliance and may be reached at 217/785-0067.

DATE POSTED:  January 9, 2013      LAST DAY TO APPLY:  January 23, 2013                 

Summer Internships in Environmental Sciences, Forest Service (Otto, NC)

Summer Internships

In Environmental Sciences

USDA Forest Service

Southern Research Station

Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Otto, NC

Summer Intern positions in Biological Sciences are available at USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, located in Otto, NC.  To qualify, students must: (1) be in good academic standing, (2) be currently enrolled in a college or university, and (3) plan on returning to college or university in fall 2013. Interns work with Coweeta scientists and staff on a wide variety of projects.  Current research projects include, but are not limited to: land use effects on water quality using GIS; southern Appalachian forest carbon, nutrient, and water budgets and cycling; and effects of cation depletion on forest stream water quality.  Projects typically have both a field and laboratory component, and may include some data analysis.  Students may utilize some portion of data collected and/or analyzed to fulfill university intern requirements.  The rate of pay ranges from a GS-03 (approximately $11.95/hr) to GS-04 (approximately $13.41/hr), depending on education and experience.  A limited amount of housing is available on site for approximately $125/month. 

Interested students should send (1) a letter of interest, (2) resume, and (3) college transcripts by March 1, 2013 to:

Chelcy Ford Miniat

Research Project Leader

USDA Forest Service

Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory

3160 Coweeta Lab Rd

Otto, NC 29763

cfminiat@fs.fed.us

Positions are highly competitive -- early applications are encouraged. U.S. citizenship and a valid driver’s license with minimal moving violations are conditions for employment.  The USDA Forest Service is an equal opportunity employer.

The Forest Service provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or outreach process, please notify Cheryl Jefferson at 828-259-0562.

Seasonal Forestry Internship-Riverside, IL

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

FORESTRY

SEASONAL FORESTRY INTERNSHIP

Village of Riverside is seeking to fill the position of Seasonal Forestry Intern.  Riverside, Illinois is a unique suburban landscape, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1869.  This landscape has been designated a National Historic Landmark in recognition of its historic landscape architecture and unique design. 

The part-time position offered is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in urban forestry at the municipal level.  Learn the functions and obligations associated with a public agency and develop customer service skills while performing forestry in an urban setting. 

General Responsibilities:

Position works under the general direction of the Village Forester of Public Works and will focus on several aspects related to plant health care in a municipal setting.  Responsibilities include the monitoring of Village trees for disease and insect issues; updating tree inventory records; maintaining woody and perennial plantings in parks and parkways; record keeping and administrational duties related to forestry operations; assisting the Village Forester with various forestry related activities.  Position will also operate various vehicles and equipment for the purposes of forestry operations. 

Position Requirements:

The position requires extensive field work.  Course work and/or experience pertaining to urban forestry or a related field are desirable for the position.  Applicants should be able to meet physical requirements of the position. Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds is required.  Vision requirements call for long distance sighting of Dutch elm disease and other related insect or disease issues in the landscape.  Communication skills will be required to coordinate with Village Forester and interact with residents.  The successful candidate must have a valid driver’s license and pass a physical examination with a drug screen to gain employment with the Village of Riverside.

Starting Salary:

The starting hourly pay is $12 per hour for a 40 hour work week.  This position is budgeted as seasonal, meaning that an applicant should start in mid May and terminate employment by mid August.  These terms are negotiable and can be modified to accommodate candidates.       

Selection Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and complete an employment application by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 15^th, 2013.  Employment applications are available at the Village of Riverside’s website, www.riverside.il.us.

Village of Riverside

Department of Public Works

Attn:  Michael Collins

3860 Columbus Blvd.

Riverside, IL 60546

Questions should be directed to Village Forester, Michael Collins, at (708) 442-3590 or mcollins@riverside.il.us

The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Illinois DNR Aquatic Nuisance Species Specialist

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

4357

                                                                                         AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

                                                                                          CAREER OPPORTUNITY BID NOTICE

The IL Department of Natural Resources is inviting applications for the following position:

                                                                                                                                                                Monthly

Position Title:      Natural Resources Advanced Specialist, Option 1                                       Salary Range:  $4885.00 - $6745.00  

Position Location:   Office of Resource Conservation, Division of Fisheries, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield (Sangamon County)

Work Schedule -                 Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm  Saturday and Sunday days off.

Description of Duties

Under the direction of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Manager, serves as primary project manager for all Departmental activities related to the prevention and management of ANS transfer between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins through the Chicago Waterway System.  Works closely with international, federal, state and non-governmental partners in developing and implementing policies, programs and plans for preventing the inter-basin transfer of ANS.  Secondarily supports ANS Manager in statewide implementation of the Illinois Comprehensive Aquatic Invasive Species Plan.

Desirable Education, Training and Experience

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of a bachelor’s degree in fisheries, fish culture or closely related biological science.  Requires four years of progressively responsible professional experience in fisheries resource management.  Requires thorough knowledge of lake, river and stream ecology.  Requires working knowledge of fisheries biology and aquatic ecology.  Requires thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations pertaining to fisheries resource conservation.  Requires competency in use of computers.  Requires a valid driver’s license.

Where

To Apply: Kevin Irons, Fisheries ANS Manager,  One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL  62702   217/557-0719  217/785-2438 

                      Name                                                               Address                                                                                  Phone                          Fax  

*(SEE NOTE)

Bargaining unit employees interested in bidding for this position should complete a Bid Form, attach it to an application, and submit it directly to the name and address listed above.  Bid Forms may be obtained at any Department of Natural Resources facility.

*NOTE:  In addition, employees who are interested in a promotion into this position must have a promotional grade.  If you do not already have a promotional grade for this title, complete a Promotional Examination Application(CMS100B) and sent it directly to the Examining Division, 500 William G. Stratton Building, Springfield, Illinois 62706.  In order to be considered for this vacancy, the CMS100B must be mailed to the Examining Division no later than the date listed below as the last day to apply.

The Department of Natural Resources does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, physical stature and/or any non-merit factor in admission, treatment or employment in programs or activities in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Constitution, Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Acts, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the U.S. Constitution.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Office is responsible for compliance and may be reached at 217/785-0067.

DATE POSTED:     January 8, 2013              LAST DAY TO APPLY:   January 22, 2013                                  

Wildlife Research Technician, University of Illinois

Title:  Wildlife Research Technician

Employer:  Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois.

Project:  Survival and space use of American mink

Job Description:  We are seeking one full-time technician to help live-trap and radio-track mink in Champaign County, Illinois.  The technician will be responsible for setting and checking live traps, assisting with transmitter-implant surgery, and relocating radio-marked mink.  Duties will also include collecting mink scat and measuring riparian habitat.  Field work is physically intense, and will require tracking mink during the night and possibly weekends.  The project will run from 01 February – 30 April 2013 with the possibility of an extension.   

Qualifications:  Applicants must be enthusiastic and hardworking, with the willingness to work irregular hours including weekends.  Previous field experience requiring data collection is preferred.  Because this is a full-time position, current students should not apply.  Applicants with a B.S. degree will receive preference.

Salary: $11.00/hr, 40 hrs per week.

Application Procedure: Please send a cover letter and resume/CV (including contact information for two references) to Adam Ahlers (aahlers2@illinois.edu), 217-419-2090.

Part-Time Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory Technician, University of Illinois

The Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is seeking a part-time (20 hours per week) Laboratory Technician for the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab.  The salary range is $17 - $20 per hour.

This position will perform a variety of molecular, hematologic, and serologic assays for use in wildlife health epidemiology studies including:

·         Perform DNA extraction, conventional PCR, and qPCR techniques with precision and reliability.

·         Analyze several clinical samples with direction. 

·         Perform specific assays typical of an epidemiology lab including (but not limited to) reptilian complete blood counts, plasma biochemistries, protein electrophoresis, ELISA, viral isolation, bacterial/fungal culture, and heavy metal toxicology. 

·         Responsible for data recording, inventory, invoicing, and lab maintenance.

·         Occasional animal care duties and field opportunities may occur.

The candidate must be able to work with and provide direction to veterinary, graduate, and undergraduate students that are infrequently in the laboratory.  An ideal candidate will have one year of experience and be positive, have good communication skills, hard-working, and organized.  A bachelor’s degree in biological, chemical, or natural resources science is required.  An advanced degree is preferred.

Qualified candidates should contact Dr. Matthew Allender, mcallend@illinois.edu.

The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).

Executive Director, Clinton Conservation District (St. Johns, MI) due 9/28

Executive Director, Position Description, 08/24/12

Clinton Conservation District

2343 N. US-27

St. Johns, MI 48879

 

Applications should include a cover letter, resume, and references.

E-mail is preferred; gary.fritz@mi.nacdnet.net

Due date for submittal is Friday, September, 28, 2012

POSITION SUMMARY:

The position is full time with the Clinton Conservation District (CCD) located at 2343 N. US-27, St. Johns, MI, 48879. Starting salary is between $19.00 and $22.00 per hour, depending on qualifications. The Executive Director provides administrative and program information/implementation support to the CCD Board of Directors in carrying out the District’s programs in conformance with the purpose of the District as defined by Michigan law. The position is responsible to a five-member Board of Directors that meets monthly and is directly supervised by the Chairman of the Board. Performance evaluation and decisions regarding salary and other compensation, disciplinary actions and termination of employment are the responsibility of the entire CCD Board of Directors.

Some flexibility with scheduling is permitted and will, from time to time, be required. Employment with the District is terminable at will. An employee may be terminated at any time with or without cause and with or without notice, subject to applicable state and federal laws. Employment is at the discretion of the Board and contingent upon factors determined by the Board including, but not limited to, available funding, job performance, changes in program direction or organization.

This professional position requires skills and experience in program development and administration, communications and financial management. A high degree of confidentiality, along with diplomacy is required. The incumbent must be open to training and mentoring in order to develop an in-depth understanding of conservation practices as well as conservation programs available to assist land users in conserving soil, water, and related natural resources.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

ADMINISTRATION / PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT / INFORMATION DELIVERY

1. Understands the purpose, powers, programs, and responsibilities of the District.
2. Seeks information and keeps the Board informed about local, state, and federal regulations, laws, programs and/or activities that may impact the District. Compiles background information to facilitate the decision-making and policy-setting function of the Board of Directors.
3. Assists in coordinating District programs with the programs and activities of personnel from NRCS and other federal, state, and local agencies involved in the conservation practices of related natural resources.
4. Seeks and prepares grant applications and other funding proposals as opportunities arise to enhance the District’s programs. Maintains records and submits grant reporting requirements as dictated by the individual grants funded. Oversees the grant deliverables to make sure they are met in a timely manner.
5. Serves as the day-to-day manager/administrator for all District conservation programs grants received. Coordinates volunteer assistance on projects and programs.
6. Assists the District chairperson in planning and conducting monthly board meetings. Prepares and distributes agendas; meeting packets and records minutes of meetings.
7. Assists the Directors in planning and conducting the District’s Annual Meeting and Election.
8. Assists the Board of Directors in developing their strategic plan, annual plan of action and publishing an annual report on the District’s mission, planned actions and accomplishments, priority resource assessment, and goals.
9. Assists Directors in developing closer working relationships with local units of government as well as local state and federal elected officials.
10. Required to supervise other District employees, prepare and update job descriptions, conduct evaluations, and recommend needed training, disciplinary action, and recognition of employee efforts.
11. Assures that all funds received and disbursed according to guidelines in the District Operations Manual. Assumes responsibility for payroll, accounts payable/receivable, taxes, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports. Assists with audits as necessary.
12. Assures that a monthly financial report are prepared for the Treasurer and the Board’s review and approval.
13. Responds to telephone calls and walk-in requests for assistance and/or directs the request to the appropriate party/agency for assistance.
14. Assures the inventory of office supplies is sufficient to allow operations to continue efficiently and cost-effectively. Annually, assists in a physical inventory of equipment owned by the District.
15. Understand and comply with the District’s Policy and Procedures handbooks as prepared by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD).
16. Identify sources and recommend action to the Board to secure adequate operating funds for the District.
17. Performs other duties as requested by the Board of Directors.

INFORMATION/EDUCATION

1. Provides leadership in planning and implementing the District’s information and educational outreach programs.
2. Prepares District news releases and other printed material to promote the District’s mission and programs.
3. Presents programs to key civic groups about the District’s mission, programs, and accomplishments.
4. Maintains website with ongoing programs and information regarding the District.
5. Assist in developing workshops and programs for land users interested in improving natural resources. Seeks cooperation and collaboration with Michigan State University Extension and other partners in planning and implementing these events.
6. Assists and provides information to programs and educational resources available to local school teachers.

TECHNICAL

1. Assists landowners about programs available to provide technical and financial assistance for applying conservation practices on their land.
2. Provide assistance in the execution of grants to fulfill required objectives

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1. College degree in natural resources strongly preferred; however extensive experience in a similar position or related field will be considered.
2. Must be able to work independently without daily supervision and prioritize workload so critical tasks are completed in a timely manner. Must be able to be part of a diverse team. Maintains a positive attitude and possess both personal and professional motivation.
3. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including a thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation rules.
4. Ability to work with persons from many other organizations, agencies, and groups in a professional manner to project a favorable image of the District.
5. Ability to use the computer for word processing, data and financial management. Skills and experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint as well as computer knowledge using QuickBooks accounting is required.
6. Normal work hours will be 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
7. Participation in a limited number of evening meetings; weekend activities; or special events may be necessary. The Directors will determine policy on compensatory time as needed.
8. Travel outside the office and county on behalf of the District will be necessary and will be reimbursed at a rate determined by the Board in accordance with existing policies. Training sessions, meetings, or conferences may involve travel and/or overnight stays from time to time.
9. Experience recruiting, coordinating and managing volunteers.
10. A valid driver’s license is required.
11. This position will require an USDA-NRCS federal background check and fingerprints. Written authorization to contact a minimum of three references is also required.

Career Opportunities in Certification Verification

By Piper Hodson

CAR, VCS, ISO 14000, FSC, MSC.* These are only a few of the veritable alphabet soup of voluntary environmental standards that companies use to assure consumers that they are environmentally responsible. You may have learned about some of these standards in NRES classes, but have you ever thought about the career opportunities that they create?

These certifications provide information to potential customers. For example, you learned about declining fish populations when you took NRES 102, and wanting to continue to make your excellent grilled salmon recipe, you wonder how you can find salmon you can feel confident was harvested sustainably. The answer is that you use the sustainable seafood product finder provided by the Marine Stewardship Council to find the brands of specific fish species that meet the MSC’s standards of sustainable seafood.

Companies know that there are some consumers who will want sustainably harvested seafood (or lumber or coffee or cars that are produced with attention to sustainability, etc.), so they seek an advantage over their competitors by becoming certified. When a company signs onto one of these standards, it submits its activities to a certification process. Even the most voluntary standards (those not requiring third-party verification of claims) have an organization that needs people to convince companies to participate in the standard, educate the public to look for products with its seal of approval, investigate claims of violations, and manage the certification records. Those standards that require third-party verification generate even more career opportunities, because someone has to do the verification.

As a result, there are businesses that specialize in certification. One such company is Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), which describes itself as “a global leader in independent certification and verification of environmental, sustainability, stewardship, food quality, food safety and food purity claims.” SCS is one of several large companies, Bureau Veritas being another, that offers certification services for a wide range of standards around the world.

To learn more about this career path, you can explore some jobs with certification companies that are currently available:

·         Chain of Custody Technical Associate for Scientific Certification Systems

·         ISO 9000, 14000, and 18000 Lead Auditor for Bureau Veritas

·         Product Integrity Director for the Marine Stewardship Council

·         Accreditation Officer for International Code Council

·         Sustainability Services Program Coordinator for Scientific Certification Systems

·         Client Relations Manager for International Code Council

·         Technical Sales, Environmental Certification Services for Scientific Certification Systems

·         Account Manager for Bureau Veritas

·         Customer Service Specialist for Bureau Veritas

There are similar positions related to enforcing legally required standards, as well. For example, NRES Student Services recently received an e-mail asking us to advertise jobs in the Catch Shares Observer Program run by Alaskan Observers, Inc. Fishing trawlers on the West Coast receive limits on the fish they are allowed to catch, and they are required to carry observers when they are fishing. According to the job description, “Observers in the Trawl Catch Share Observer Program can expect to work at-sea 15-20 days per month, gathering fishing effort and location information, sampling for species composition, and collecting biological data from both prohibited and target species.” These positions require at least a B.S. in a natural science with at least 30 credit hours in biological sciences, one course in math, and one course in statistics. NRES graduates, particularly those in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation concentration, fulfill these requirements very well, and positions related to other types of regulation fit the profiles of other NRES concentrations.

So next time you are thinking about your career, consider standard setting organizations and certification companies as one possible path.

*CAR (Climate Action Reserve), VCS (Verified Carbon Standards), ISO 14000 (International Organization for Standardization standards for Environmental Management), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), and MSC (Marine Stewardship Council).

Piper's Advice on Searching for Research Based Graduate Program

Once you know that you want to pursue a research based graduate program, you may feel overwhelmed by the idea that, for many programs, you are supposed to find an advisor before you even apply. I frequently get asked, "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT?" So here is my advice:

First, contact faculty from your undergraduate or master's program to see if they have any suggestions, given your research interests. This may or may not provide you with some good leads, but never fear, there is a way to do this for yourself.

Think back to your undergraduate courses and research that you have read. Are there any books or articles that pose intriguing questions that made you want to go find an answer? If so, they can lead you to an appropriate advisor and graduate program, and you should make a note of who wrote them and where they were employed at the time.

If you can't remember or find any of those materials, I'd advise you to do some searching in Google Scholar (http://scholar.google.com/). Of course, journal indexes and abstracts are also great sources, if you have access to them. For example, let’s say that after reading a lot of articles about the drought in the southern United States this summer and fall, you decide that one topic that interests you is how natural resource managers can best adapt their management practices in times of environmental stress. You would type in a search such as [drought "environmental management"], and when you get the results, limit it to more recent articles by using the pull down menu (say, to since 2008).

Then you start exploring. It’s a good idea to try several different versions of search terms for each of your areas of interest, and be as specific as you can. For example, one problem with the example search is that it will include aquatic, terrestrial, and, perhaps even, atmospheric subjects. You would want to specify that in your search. You might not be ready to do that right away, but once you do enough reading, you will be able narrow your searches to reflect your more specific interests.

Once you find books/articles that are central to your research interest, look for the place of employment of the authors (it’s almost always there somewhere). Then you can use Google (or any search engine) to find that faculty member’s university page, his/her individual page, and, most likely, the page of the graduate program(s) in which he/she teaches.

The biggest advantage of doing your search this way is that you are much more likely to find the full range of graduate programs that cover some element of what you want to study. Graduate programs in areas related to the environment are named in many different ways, and, because they are interdisciplinary, they can be found in a range of departments (i.e. in addition to a department such as NRES, you might also find that your area of interest is researched by people in departments of geography, plant science, fish & wildlife ecology, sociology, etc.).

Once you have found the faculty members who research what you want to study, you must begin contacting them. This is extremely intimidating, but for many research based programs, it is an absolute necessity for admission. On some faculty member's lab group pages, you will find specific instructions for how the prospective advisor wants to be approached, and some graduate program web pages will provide suggestions. In most cases, you will be asked to contact faculty via e-mail. In my experience, the most effective e-mail to a faculty member whom you want to enlist as your advisor is one that contains the key elements of

1. demonstrating a well-reasoned interest in their research (and reference to previous publications can be good evidence of that),
2. briefly discussing why their current projects interest you (especially if they have a section on it on their web page or list their current graduate students and their projects), and
3. outlining the skills that you already have and that you would want to develop in graduate school in order to pursue that research area. 

As always, though, no advice is universal, and you should always check to see if the graduate program or faculty member has different elements that they want to see.

Prospective students sometimes tell me that this sounds like a lot of work, and they are correct. This is a TON of work. Graduate school is even more work, though, and research based programs require the kind of self-direction and willingness to dig into a problem that this process requires. If you don't have the skills and perseverence to research potential advisors and the initiative to contact them, you should seriously rethink whether a research based graduate program is the best choice for you. As I discussed in a previous post, there are different types of graduate programs, and it may be that one of the others would better suit your interests. On the other hand, you may find that, in the process of doing all of this advance work, you find the research area that ignites your passion and sets the stage for a great career and life. It's worth some effort to find out, don't you think?