Post-doctoral Position with U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ MODELING WITH PLANT RESONSE GUILDS AND EXPLORING RIPARIAN COMMUNITY LINKAGES ON A REGULATED RIVER IN THE SOUTHWEST U.S
We seek a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to lead research on the effects of Glen Canyon Dam operations, and other drivers of environmental change on riparian and terrestrial vegetation along the Colorado River downstream of the dam using plant response guilds. The successful candidate will have experience in plant ecology, familiarity with developing and applying statistical models, some exposure to riparian systems, as well as proven record of publications in peer- reviewed journals. Background: Riparian vegetation affects physical processes and biological interactions along river and stream channels. The presence and expansion of riparian vegetation promotes bank stability, diminishes the magnitude of scour and fill during floods, and the types of vegetation present affect wildlife habitat quality in both the terrestrial and aquatic realms. In Grand Canyon, the effect of riparian plants on the physical template of the Colorado River corridor is beginning to receive more attention because the interaction between vegetation and sediment has implications for campsite availability and accessibility, wildlife habitat, and aquatic shoreline habitats. With the increasing recognition of the role that both of vegetation and river regulation have on fluvial geomorphology, studies that evaluate the additive effects of both change agents on shoreline and channel geomorphic landforms are increasingly relevant to resource managers interested in preserving or re- establishing biotic linkages and channel dynamics. Project Description: This project utilizes annual monitoring data and historic data to explore the utility of plant response-guilds to probabilistically evaluate and assess wildlife habitat, and to use the guilds and a 22- year topographic survey record for retrospective analyses of riparian vegetation change on selected sandbars. We seek a post-doctoral scientist to use identified plant-response guilds (sensu Merritt et al., 2010, Freshwater Biology, 55: 206225) to develop vegetation response models to flows released from Glen Canyon Dam that may inform the retrospective analysis and future restoration efforts. The researcher identifies and estimates vegetation response, but also works with riparian and aquatic ecologist and geomorphologist to identify linkages between vegetation and aquatic and terrestrial communities and explores feedback responses between vegetation change and sediment and geomorphic change. The post-doctoral researcher will interact with scientists in the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center and, the US Forest Service and USGS Science Center in Fort Collins, CO. We expect that development and application of plant response guild models will culminate with a series of high-impact peer-reviewed publications. Insights gained from the modelling will help inform ongoing adaptive management experimentation in Glen and Grand Canyon (see www.gcdamp.gov). Appointment Details: Term of appointment is initially for 13 months with the possibility of extension for 1-2 additional years highly likely, but contingent on funding and adequate progress by the applicant; A start date in late 2016 is desirable, but with some flexibility. Review of applications will begin on July 5, 2016 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Salary is $71,012/yr (GS12) + full benefits. All local and professional travel costs will be covered. Scientist will be advised by a research scientist at the USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center. The postdoc will be located in Flagstaff, Arizona at USGS-GCMRC. Field work occurs primarily along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, AZ. Work includes whitewater rafting and camping for multiple days (up to 16 days), and may require hiking in rough desert terrain over distances more than 5 miles with large elevation change and limited access to water. Field conditions can include exposure to temperature extremes, common in desert environments, and monsoonal rain in the summer months. Instituitonal background: The U.S. Geological Survey's Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC; www.gcmrc.gov) is the science arm of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program. The construction and operation of Glen Canyon Dam has fundamentally altered the physical template of the Colorado River (e.g., sediment inputs and water clarity, water temperature, geomorphology), which has in turn affected biological resources of concern including introduced rainbow trout and native, endangered fish populations. Scientists at GCMRC develop and implement research and long-term monitoring of physical, biological, and cultural resources downstream from Glen Canyon Dam needed to inform the adaptive management process. How to Apply: APPLICANTS MUST BE UNITED STATES CITIZENS. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of appointment. Interested candidates should send inquiries, letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information to Charles Yackulic (cyacku...@usgs.gov)
