Ecologist position – Soils, geomorphology, and ecosystem resilience on the Colorado Plateau (http://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov/news_info/jobs/) An Ecologist position (GS09) is available at the USGS Canyonlands Research Station located in Moab, UT. The successful candidate will work on a collaborative project examining how soils, geomorphology, and vegetation states interact to effect ecosystem resilience on the Colorado Plateau. This project includes analysis of existing coupled soil-vegetation data sets, collection of new data, and GIS analysis. Within the framework of this NPS & USGS-funded study, this position will: 1) oversee study design and supervise technicians helping with data collection, 2) synthesize data to explore patterns of soil-mediated climate change linkages to ecosystem function, 3) effectively use statistical analyses to assess effects, and 4) communicate results in presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Moab, UT is a small town offering a variety of outdoor adventures, and more information about Moab can be found at www.discovermoab.com. This position offers an exciting opportunity to elucidate how climate change – predicted to be notably strong on the Colorado Plateau – will affect the plants, soils, and ecosystem function of the region. Specifically, this position will focus on understanding 1) how soil- geomorphic-vegetation relations vary across the landscape, 2) the mechanisms behind observed patterns, and then 3) use information from patterns and mechanisms, along with other sources of data, to inform regional land managers how resilience to forecast climate change will vary across the landscape. Qualifications: A Ph.D. degree and a background in field methods in soil science, ecology, and/or range management is preferred. Education and/or documented research experience in desert soils, geomorphology, and plant community dynamics is required. Incumbent also be in excellent physical condition to withstand the rigors of the environmental conditions and must pass a physical fitness test and a background check. A valid US driver’s license is required. Salary and start date: Salary is $47,923/year plus full benefits. Preferred start date is Jan or Feb 2015. Position is expected to last 2 years. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references to crs_j...@usgs.gov. This job will be announced on www.usajobs.gov. Application: Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens. If you have questions send an email to crs_j...@usgs.gov. This job will be announced on www.usajobs.gov.
