[ECOLOG-L] Early Bird registrations for SCCS-Bengaluru 2015 are now open!!
Dear all, The *Student Conference on Conservation Science (SCCS) – Bengaluru* brings together young researchers in the science and practice of biodiversity conservation. The conference facilitates interaction, encourages exchange of research ideas and methods, sharing of knowledge and experience related to conserving wildlife and helps build contacts and capacity. As a sister conference to SCCS-Cambridge, SCCS-Bengaluru focuses on attracting student participants, primarily from countries in South and South-east Asia and Africa. The 2015 conference will be held at the JN Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, from *8th to 11th September 2015*. SCCS-Bengaluru is a four-day conference, where you can look forward to a host of *long and short workshops* (which are research focussed and equip students with skills required for conservation), *six plenary talks* by invited speakers, and close to *20 student talks* and *80 student poster presentations*. We also have an extended *'Who's Who in Conservation' *session for students to learn about the work done by a diversity of academic institutions and conservation organisations, and to discover work and research opportunities they offer. *Early Bird registrations are now open on our website http://sccs-bng.org/!* Abstract submissions will open next week for those who want to present either a talk or a poster. Students need to register and pay the conference fee before being able to submit an abstract. You can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sccsbangalore and Twitter https://twitter.com/sccsbng for more updates. For further information don't hesitate to contact us at s...@sccs-bng.org. Warm regards, Devathi Parashuram Conference Administrator
[ECOLOG-L] Summer Courses in Biology of Fishes Field Marine Science (UG, G)
Summer Course at the Florida State University Coastal Marine Laboratory is offering two short courses this summer (full descriptions here: http://marinelab.fsu.edu/education/courses Suitable for graduate and undergraduate students. (1) Biology of Fishes (Dr. Dean Grubbs dgru...@bio.fsu.edu)) – May 25- June 6 . http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs103/1110134778130/archive/1120120321994.html and Field Marine Science (Dr. Chip Cotton ccot...@fsu.edu) - June 8-19. http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs103/1110134778130/archive/1120144672415.html
[ECOLOG-L] The International Canopy Network
Dear Colleagues: The mission of the International Canopy Network (ICAN) is to promote forest canopy and forest ecosystem conservation through the integration of research, education, and environmental outreach activities that concern forest canopy organisms and interactions. Founded in 1994, ICAN works to ensure the connectivity of canopy researchers and provide members with professional benefits. Conservation can begin with education, and because the canopy ecosystem in inherently interesting to many people, it is an ideal tool for the promotion of science and forest conservation. ICAN is a growing non-profit organization. Your membership is critical to help us develop and distribute our quarterly newsletter, compile the ICAN directory, and develop educational and conservation projects. Below, we outline our future programs and describe how you may get further involved. ICAN’s email bulletin board, or listserv, provides an opportunity for researchers, educators, and others to discuss the many concepts, perspectives, and objectives associated with forest canopies. Please email us for instructions on how to subscribe. ICAN’s future educational projects include a video series titled “Treetop Talks”, which will highlight current researchers in the field and will be free and available to the public through our website. We are also planning to work with local primary school children on the campus of the University of Utah through an experiential learning series called “Tree for Tots” that brings faculty members throughout a range disciplines to teach the children about the importance of trees in their field of study. Contribute your latest research, observations, artwork, job postings or queries, or news about upcoming meetings to our quarterly newsletter, What’s Up?. Send contributions to the editor at internationalcanopynetw...@gmail.com. To receive these benefits and to support ICAN activities, please consider a membership. Benefits include: * Our quarterly newsletter * The membership directory * Professional meetings and symposia * Collaboration with distinguished peers * Access to databases on canopy research and education (over 7700 citations) To find out more about a subscription to ICAN, please email internationalcanopynetw...@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting ICAN, Autumn Amici ICAN Program Coordinator *Email: internationalcanopynetw...@gmail.com internationalcanopynetw...@gmail.com* and Nalini Nadkarni President -- Autumn Amici ICAN Program Coordinator internationalcanopynetw...@gmail.com
[ECOLOG-L] Biosphere 2 REU 2015 program - Application Deadline Extended!
The University of Arizona will be holding a 10-week Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program this summer (June 7- Aug 14, 2015) in environmental and Earth system sciences at Biosphere 2 (B2 http://www.b2science.org/outreach/reu). Students will participate in a variety of activities that will help them pursue a career in environmental sciences. Students will conduct their own research under a mentor, interact with other participants and scientists, and present research findings in a formal poster symposium setting. A unique part of the B2 REU experience will be the opportunity to interact with the public who visit B2 on tour and to obtain training in outreach related to their research topics. Additionally, students will participate in professional development workshops, an ethics in science workshop, and field trips to local attractions. Students in their Sophomore or Junior years from a wide range of disciplines and interests including biology, ecology, plant sciences, hydrology, soil science, geology, atmospheric science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computer science are encouraged to apply. Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this NSF funded program. Research at Biosphere 2 (http://www.b2science.org http://leo.b2science.org/) aims to catalyze interdisciplinary thinking and understanding about the Earth, its living systems, and its future. Students in the REU program will conduct research in the Earth system and environmental sciences that examines some facet of soil-water-atmosphere-plant interactions. Improving understanding of these interactions is important in gaining insight into the impacts and causes of global environmental change and variation. Key to research at B2 is the use of methods and techniques that allow linking across scales. Additionally, some REU projects will be conducted in partnership with the southwestern Critical Zone Observatory (http://www.czo.arizona.edu/). Projects will focus on a variety of topics that include (but aren't limited to): coupling ecohydrology and biogeochemistry, investigating abiotic and biotic contributions to ecosystem processes, integrating measurements across scales, using innovative tools to link climate and ecological function, and modeling of ecosystem and soil processes. REU Students will receive: A competitive stipend, Lodging at Biosphere 2's student village, a food allowance, and travel to and from Tucson, AZ. Applications are now due February 27, 2015, and application material can be found at: http://www.b2science.org/outreach/reu
[ECOLOG-L] social media and job searches
Some advice in Nature magazine on using Twitter to facilitate a job search: http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/articles/10.1038/nj7538-263a
[ECOLOG-L] NEON, Inc - HIRING - Seasonal Field Technicians
NEON Hiring - Seasonal Field Technicians - Multiple Locations Locations: MA, VA, FL, PR, WI, KS, TN, AL, ND, TX, UT, AK Job Summary This position reports to the Manager Field Operations of the assigned domain. Seasonal Field Technicians assist with field observation; sample collection and handling; sample processing and sample shipment of a variety of taxa. The Seasonal Field Technician will perform a variety of scientific and technical tasks. The Seasonal Field Technician is a biological sampling technician performing seasonal and periodic sampling activities. Seasonal field sampling is conducted with direction from and assistance of Field Technician I, II and III. The Seasonal Field Technician will also perform field and laboratory activities. The Lead Seasonal Field Technician may provide guidance to temporary/seasonal field technician crews. This is a temporary assignment. Will work varied schedules (up to 12+ hours per day) including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early mornings, evenings and weekends. Daily and weekly work schedules will fluctuate. Work days may be up to twelve hours long. Work days may be split with morning and evening work. At times, work may begin at dawn and go through dusk. The work week may also include weekends and occasionally may be scheduled up to 12 consecutive days. Visit our website for full job description, list of locations and to apply http://www.neoninc.org/about/careers/seasonal-field-technicians-0
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate research assistantship
Hi all, Below is an announcement for an MS-level graduate research assistant position. Sorry for cross posting. Guiming Wang Research Assistantship M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science Mississippi State University Project Title: Fine-scale seasonal movements of eastern wild turkeys in Mississippi Project Description: One M.S. Research Assistantship is available within the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Mississippi State University. Thesis research project is aimed to: 1) understand fine-scale movements of eastern wild turkeys in response to spatiotemporal variation in resources and weather in multiple sites across Mississippi using GPS telemetry; and 2) assess the effects of genetic relatedness and social affinity on the movements of wild turkeys using radio telemetry and microsatellite analysis in central Mississippi. The student will collect GPS relocation data across Mississippi. The research project involves spatial modeling of movement data. Qualifications: B.S. degree in wildlife sciences or a related field. Extensive in-state travel is required. Desirable qualifications include excellent written and oral communication skills and good organizational skills. A minimum 3.0 GPA and having taken the GRE is desired. Coursework in GIS or spatial analysis would be beneficial. Location: Starkville, Mississippi Starting Date: 1 August, 2015 Stipend: $16,500 per year plus tuition and health benefits Closing Date: 1 May, 2015 or until position is filled Application: Apply via electronic application within the Office of Graduate Studies, Mississippi State University. Also create a single PDF document containing the following: 1) cover letter describing credentials and professional goals; 2) a resume; 3) three references; and 4) a copy of university transcripts and GRE/TOEFL scores. Please email this file to Dr. Guiming Wang (guiming.w...@msstate.edu) with “Wild turkey Assistantship” in the subject line. Inquiries: Dr. Guiming Wang; email: guiming.w...@msstate.edu; phone: 662-325-0414 MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
[ECOLOG-L] Faculty Research Assistant: Marine Infectious Disease
Dear all, I am seeking a research assistant in my new lab: For more details, please see: http://www.higheredjobs.com/search/details.cfm?JobCode=176022481Title=Faculty%20Research%20Assistant or below: *Qualifications:* B.S. in Biology/Molecular Biology/Marine Science or related field required. Minimum of 1 year experience in aquatic animal health or similar field. *Responsibilities:* University of Maryland Baltimore County's Department of Marine Biotechnology located in Baltimore's Inner Harbor is seeking a Faculty Research Assistant for the laboratory of Dr. Colleen Burge. The selected candidate will understand aquatic organism husbandry, sampling, and quarantine procedures. He or she will demonstrate the ability to work independently, perform marine disease ecology, microbiology, and molecular biology tasks, and have working knowledge of basic laboratory equipment and have the ability to operate standard equipment (i.e. autoclave and centrifuge). The candidate is expected to partake in either field or laboratory sampling of marine organisms and perform general molecular biology and microbiology laboratory duties, including sterile technique, isolation of micro-organisms, DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning of genes, and plasmid preparation. Responsibilities also include preparing solutions, buffers, and ordering supplies. *Salary: *Commensurate with experience. *Position Available: *Immediately *Applications: *Interested applicants should send a letter of application curriculum vitae including three references (name, affiliation, phone number, and e-mail address) in PDF format via email to upload.job.v14efvv...@u.box.com. Applicants will receive an e-mail from Box confirming receipt of the e-mail with attached files. *Closing Date:* Application review will continue until a suitable candidate is selected. UMBC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Best, Colleen -- Colleen Burge Assistant Professor INSTITUTE OF MARINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY University of Maryland Baltimore County Columbus Center 701 East Pratt Street Baltimore MD 21202 USA (410) 234-8834 (office) (410) 234-8835 (lab) colle...@umbc.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Summer course: Ecology and society: Biodiversity and global (France)
COTE summer school 22 nd to 26 th June - Bordeaux, France Ecology and society: Biodiversity and global change The Cluster of Excellence COTE , organizes its third Summer School on Ecology and society: Biodiversity and global change . It will take place in Bordeaux from the 22 nd to the 26 th June 2015. Join the summer school and go through an exciting scientific programme! The school will offer to PhD students and young researchers an excellent opportunity to interact with specialists (researchers, engineers and managers) . The conferences will be held in English . The knowledge of French is not required. The registration is free and includes both accommodation and meals. Travel expenses will be supported up to 1000 . Candidates should reegister on the website: http://cotesummerschool.u-bordeaux.fr/%28beforehttp://cotesummerschool.u-bordeaux.fr/(before the 31 st of March) . Provide a CV, a short letter of nomination from your supervisor and a cover letter indicating the topic(s) that may be interesting to your on-going research, and your expectations attending to the school . Please follow up the programme updates and find out more information on the summer school website at http://cotesummerschool.u-bordeaux.fr/http://cotesummerschool.u-bordeaux.fr/ Attending this summer school may be the opportunity to participate to the World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling RMA 2015 that will be held from 29 th June to 1 st July 2015 in Bordeaux. For any question, please contact me at julien.dume...@u-bordeaux.fr Mr Julien Dumercq, coordinator of the summer school . -- Julien Dumercq Chargé de mission LabEx COTE Training and communication T. 7012 P. file:///C:/Users/INOUY_~1/AppData/Local/Temp/callto:06653766680665376668 cotesummerschool.u-bordeaux.fr/
[ECOLOG-L] US-IALE Sponsored Student Travel Awards For 2015
US-IALE Sponsored Student Travel Awards For 2015 Up to ten (10) travel awards, valued at up to $500 each, have been made available to support students to attend the 2015 US-IALE World Congress in Portland, Oregon. TO APPLY,* students are to submit all application materials as a single document (either Word or PDF): 1. The application form (download as a Word Document or PDF) 2. A cover letter (ONE page) containing: • A short description of the student's graduate research and relevance to landscape ecology; • A brief summary of the student's professional goals; • A brief statement about how this award will benefit the student’s graduate studies. 3. A copy of the student's abstract that was submitted to the meeting 4. A short (ONE page) Curriculum Vitae. Within three weeks following the conference award recipients are required to submit a short (1-2 paragraph) summary of their experiences at the meeting. This information is important for obtaining award sponsorship for future years. All US-IALE sponsored student travel award applications are due to Betty Kreakie (usiale.travelaw...@gmail.com; Subject: Application USIALE Travel Award) by March 1, 2015. Awardees will be notified by early April 2015. Note: Applicants must be enrolled as a student at the time of the application deadline to qualify for a travel award. Students are eligible to receive one US-IALE sponsored student travel award per degree program. Sponsored student travel award recipients are not eligible to receive NASA- MSU Professional Enhancement Awards during the same conference year. Students who are interested in applying to the NASA-MSU Awards Program (http://www.csis.msu.edu/NASA-MSU.htm) must submit a separate application, following the submission guidelines for the NASA-MSU Awards. *Please strictly adhere to all directions when preparing and submitting all application materials; not doing so will result in disqualification of an application. Preference will be given to US-IALE members. To join US-IALE or renew membership, please visit http://www.usiale.org/index.php? id=membership
[ECOLOG-L] Tuition waivers available - Earth System Science Policy graduate studies
The Earth System Science Policy Department at the University of North Dakota is accepting applications for its graduate program. Students can apply for one of three degrees: 1. Masters of Environmental Management- an applied degree for students interested in a potential career path in natural resources management, non-profit organizations, local government, environmental impact assessment, etc. An internship is required to complete the degree. 2. Masters of Earth System Science Policy- a traditional thesis research driven degree for students interested in advanced academic training and career options beyond. 3. PhD in Earth System Science Policy- a traditional dissertation research driven degree for students interested in advanced academic training and career options beyond. All three ESSP degree options provide students with skills training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), public speaking, interdisciplinary team building and problem solving, as well as theory and practice in addressing sustainability issues. Tuition waivers are available on a competitive basis; research assistantships are available periodically, dependent on available funding. For more information about ESSP please visit our website or email the graduate director. For questions about specific research opportunities, please email faculty directly; their contacts can be found on the ESSP website. -ESSP department website- http://essp.und.edu/ -Graduate Director- Xiaodong Zhang zh...@aero.und.edu -To apply directly, visit UND My Gradspace- http://graduateschool.und.edu/my-gradspace.cfm
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc opportunity in the Stouffer Lab
The Stouffer Lab http://stoufferlab.org/ at the University of Canterbury (New Zealand) invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship to study the structure, dynamics, and evolution of ecological networks. Requirements: The ideal candidate has a strong quantitative background, demonstrated research excellence, and a PhD in ecology, engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, or related fields. Programming experience in both a compiled language (C or C++ preferred) and one or more scripting languages (such as Python or R) is highly desirable. Position details: The position is part of a Fast-Start grant from the Marsden Fund Council, administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand. The salary will be in the range of NZ$55,000-65,000 per year (depending on experience), and the starting date is negotiable. The initial appointment will be made for 1.5 years, with renewal dependent on progress, mutual agreement, and funding availability. How to apply: Applicants should submit (1) a cover letter describing their research interests and background, (2) a detailed CV (including publications), and (3) the contact details of three references to daniel.stouf...@canterbury.ac.nz. The cover letter should also include possible starting dates. Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until the position has been filled. - Daniel -- Dr. Daniel B. Stouffer Senior Lecturer School of Biological Sciences University of Canterbury Christchurch, New Zealand http://stoufferlab.org @StoufferLab
[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity: Wild Horse Burro Monitoring Technician
Description: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management Mount Lewis Field Office, is recruiting one rangeland ecologist, wildlife biologist, or botanist to conduct upland monitoring across the public lands. The Monitoring Technician will work cooperatively as part of a multi-disciplinary rangeland monitoring team. The overall objective is to collect and compile monitoring data within Wild Horse and Burro Herd Management Areas including but not limited to utilization, nested frequency, rangeland health indicators, water availability/condition, and wild horse or burro body condition. The Monitoring Technician may also be required to work as part of other monitoring teams collecting riparian or wildlife data or vegetation data for fire rehabilitation monitoring. General duties include planning for and completing monitoring within Wild Horse and Burro Herd Management Areas working either alone or in cooperation with the Mount Lewis Field Office Wild Horse and Burro Specialist or other staff member, including other Monitoring Technicians. Monitoring will require adherence to Bureau of Land Management Technical References, use of digital cameras, and detailed documentation of field observations. The incumbent will be responsible for compilation of data, labeling digital photos and analyzing and display of data using GIS (ArcMap). GBI is seeking an associate to fill the monitoring technician position that will perform the following duties: 1. Wild Horse and Burro Monitoring – The Monitoring Technician will be responsible for documenting wild horse and burro body condition on the range under established BLM Protocol (Henneke Condition Scoring). The monitoring will also involve the documentation of animal presence and movement patterns, and habitat quality and quantity including rangeland health indicators and water availability/condition. The Technician may assist with collecting data for wild horse and burro NEPA documentation and assisting with gathers. 2. Plant Identification - plant and plant community identification, including the ability to use vegetation identification keys to properly identify upland range plants common throughout the Great Basin. Responsible for the identification of individual plants, describing existing and potential plant communities using soil survey and ecological site description information. 3. Soil Identification - Has exposure to identification of soils, and is able to use of soil surveys in order to determine soils grouped into the site, identify landscape and soil factors, and determine existing or potential erosional factors. This information would be utilized to aid in determining site potential and evaluation of current conditions. 4. Upland Monitoring Studies – Utilizing plant and soil identification skills, the Monitoring Technician will be responsible for conducting upland monitoring studies under established BLM protocol. Monitoring could include but is not limited to Utilization, Use Pattern Mapping, Ecological Site Inventory, Cover and Density techniques. Location: Battle Mountain, NV is located ~220 miles east of Reno, NV and ~300 west of Salt Lake City, UT along Interstate 80. Battle Mountain and the surrounding area (pop. ~4,000) is predominantly rural; situated in the high desert (~4,500 ft. elevation) where ranching/mining are the local economic drivers. The Mount Lewis Field Office within the Battle Mountain District Office is responsible for managing approximately 4.5 million acres of public land typically of basin-and-range topography with Great Basin Desert/sage brush steppe ecotype. Compensation Timeline: o Rate of Pay - $16.00/hour o Medical benefits (health and dental) o Start Date: May 18, 2015 (or upon availability) – November 20, 2015, with potential for extension pending funding and a favorable performance review o Full time, 40 hours per week Qualifications: o Applicants should have a combination of educational and field experience related to the position of interest (degree in Rangeland Management/Sciences, Wildlife, Ecology, Botany or other similar degree), including an understanding of basic principles related to the fields of botany, soil science, and/or livestock science; o knowledge of Great Basin ecology, preferable; o knowledge and ability to use various monitoring techniques to determine range vegetation and animal condition (e.g. utilization, nested frequency, rangeland health indicators, water availability/condition, wild horse body condition); o knowledge and ability to identify rangeland vegetation and the functional aspects of rangeland ecology, riparian condition; and livestock and equine health); o ability to navigate and collect data using handheld GPS units, required; o ability to use a compass and read a topographical map; o experience working with ArcGIS, desirable (includes ability to analyze and display data using
[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity: Rangeland Drought Monitoring Field Technician
Description: Impacts from a changing climate are being realized in a variety of ways, including prolonged and intensified drought conditions. The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, is recruiting three (3) Rangeland Monitoring Technicians to implement a variety of upland monitoring protocols across public lands in support of drought management decisions and/or rangeland health evaluations. Working with existing GBI staff, one (1) Technician will support the Mount Lewis Field Office and two (2) will support the Tonopah Field Offices. General duties include working cooperatively with BLM Rangeland Management Specialists as part of an upland rangeland monitoring team utilizing various field data collection methodologies to determine current upland range condition. Drought monitoring will be conducted to identify affected resources and monitor the condition of forage resources and level of use by livestock within allotments, wild horses and burros within Herd Management Areas, and within greater sage-grouse preliminary priority habitat. Monitoring data may also be collected to determine the effectiveness of emergency stabilization and rehabilitation (ESR) treatments after wildfires. The Technicians will be responsible for providing written documentation of data collection (survey forms) and organizing photographic and GPS/GIS documentation of survey areas. Based on collected data, conclusions and recommendations can be made in support of evaluating upland range and vegetative conditions in order to maintain, restore, and/or improve upland resource values to achieve a healthy and productive ecological condition. GBI is seeking Research Associates that possess the following qualifications to perform the duties described: 1. Plant Identification - plant and plant community identification, including upland range plant taxonomy and ecology common throughout the Great Basin. Responsible for the identification of individual plants, describing existing and potential plant communities using soil survey information, interpreting vegetation, and successional sequences. 2. Upland Monitoring Studies – utilize plant and soil identification skills to conduct upland range monitoring studies under established BLM protocols. Monitoring consists of double-weight sampling, ecological site inventory, utilization, use pattern mapping, cover, line-point intercept, gap-intercept, and density techniques. Duties may also consist of conducting livestock compliance checks, which provide information on livestock placement and movement as it relates to annual authorized use. 3. Soil Identification - exposure to identification of soils, use of soil surveys, determine soils grouped into the site, identify landscape and soil factors, and determine existing or potential erosional factors. This information is utilized to aid in determining site potential and evaluation of current conditions. Location: Battle Mountain, NV is located ~220 miles east of Reno, NV along Interstate 80. Battle Mountain and the surrounding area (pop. ~4,000) is predominantly rural; situated in the high desert (~4,500 ft. elevation) where ranching/mining are the local economic drivers. The Mount Lewis Field Office is responsible for managing approximately 4.5 million acres of public land typically of basin-and-range topography with Great Basin Desert/sage brush steppe ecotype. Tonopah, NV is located roughly half way between Reno and Las Vegas, NV along Interstate 95. Economic drivers in the Tonopah, NV and surrounding area (pop. ~2,600/~6,000 ft. elevation) include mining and renewable energy. The Tonopah Field Office manages 6 million acres of public land and has two distinct ecotypes Mojave desert and Mojave/Great Basin transition zone. Compensation Timeline: o Rate of Pay: $16.00/hour o Medical benefits (health and dental) o Timeline: appointment to begin May 18, 2015 (or upon availability) and continue through mid-November; potential for extension pending funding and a favorable performance review o Full-time position (40 hours/week) with occasional overtime Qualifications: o Applicants should have a combination of educational and field experience related to the position of interest, and an understanding of basic principles related to the fields of botany and/or soil science; o Knowledge of Great Basin ecology, preferable; o Ability to navigate and collect data using handheld GPS units, required; o Experience working with ArcGIS, desirable; o Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads; o Proficient in the use of a compass and ability to read a topographical map; o Effectively communicate, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; and o Physically fit to work outdoors, carry personal and field equipment, and withstand the rigors of the Great Basin in the spring, summer
[ECOLOG-L] Conservation Biology Practice in Brazil's Atlantic Forest Field Course - May 2015
Conservation Biology Practice in Brazil's Atlantic Forest Field Course - May 2015 University of Colorado-Boulder Study Abroad Programs is offering a conservation biology field course in Brazil, 11-28 May 2015. The course is held in the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil, a highly threatened center of faunal and floral biodiversity. Because much of the forest is in human-dominated landscapes, successful conservation practice can only occur jointly with efforts to alleviate socioeconomic issues. In two and a half weeks, this 3-semester credit course offers students hands-on experience through on-going conservation programs that couple biological understanding with sociological realities. We will be based out of the educational facilities of one of Brazil's largest environmental non-governmental organizations. On a four-day fieldtrip to the coast, participants will visit and learn about conservation in practice in the 1000-km long Serra do Mar Biodiversity Corridor. The course is designed for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students in disciplines pertinent to conservation. The application deadline is 2 March 15. For more information, please see: http://studyabroad.colorado.edu/?go=BrazilGS, or email the Faculty Director, Dr. Timothy Kittel (kit...@colorado.edu) or the Program Manager, Michal Greenberg (michal.greenb...@colorado.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity: Botanist/Riparian Vegetation Specialist
Description: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management’s Battle Mountain District Office, is recruiting an experienced botanist to work cooperatively with a BLM surface water hydrologist and GBI Riparian Specialist as part of a multi-disciplinary team to characterize current riparian-wetland condition/functionality. Information collected is used in support of drought management decisions and/or rangeland health evaluations. The successful candidate should have a solid background in riparian- wetland botany, including plant and plant community identification and aquatic ecology. Additionally, the individual should have a solid understanding of soil science and the inter-relationship between soil type, water availability, and vegetative composition. General duties will be to identify individual riparian plants, describe existing and potential plant communities using soil survey information, detail successional sequences and assist with field survey techniques; proper functioning condition (PFC) assessments, multiple indicator monitoring (MIM) and surveys associated with drought monitoring. Additionally, Specialist is responsible for providing written documentation of data collection; organizing photographic and GPS/GIS documentation of survey areas; recommending ways to maintain/improve watershed conditions; identifying soil types and relationships between site potential, current vegetation, and expected future conditions; developing conceptual models, and identifying trends. Location: Battle Mountain, NV is located ~220 miles east of Reno, NV and ~300 west of Salt Lake City, UT along Interstate 80. Battle Mountain and the surrounding area (pop. ~4,000) is predominantly rural; situated in the high desert (~4,500 ft. elevation) where ranching/mining are the local economic drivers. The Mount Lewis Field Office within the Battle Mountain District Office is responsible for managing approximately 4.5 million acres of public land typically of basin-and-range topography with Great Basin Desert/sage brush steppe ecotype. Compensation Timeline: o Rate of Pay - $16.00/hour o Medical benefits (health and dental) o Start Date: May 18, 2015 (or upon availability) – November 20, 2015, with potential for extension pending funding and a favorable performance review o Full time, 40 hours per week Qualifications: o Bachelor’s degree in natural science field, with coursework and/or experience that demonstrate an understanding of the principles of botany; o Knowledge of riparian soil characteristics and how they relate to plant communities; o Knowledge of the Great Basin’s most common riparian/wetland plants (or willingness to learn prior to employment); o Experience identifying riparian/wetland vegetation and ability to relate plant species to soil characteristics and water availability; o Experience performing vegetation surveys, analyzing the data, and drawing conclusions; o Ability to navigate and collect data using handheld GPS units; o Experience utilizing a compass and reading topographic map; o Experience using ArcGIS to create maps, analyze data, and organize layers; o Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads; o Ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team; o Effectively communicate, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; o Ability to live and work in rural and remote field and office environment; and o Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, and withstand the rigors of the Great Basin in the summer, fall and/or early winter. o Successful applicant(s) must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to BLM human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, GBI HR Coordinator, at agladd...@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please include where you found this position posted. We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information Testing, Family Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer
[ECOLOG-L] Vegetation monitoring - SW Alaska - field positions
The National Park Service will be hiring up to two biological science technicians to work on vegetation monitoring projects in the Inventory and Monitoring (IM) Program’s Southwest Alaska Network. The positions will be filled at the GS-05 level ($17.92/hr) and will be based in Port Alsworth, Alaska, in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. POSITION DESCRIPTION: Duties will include sampling vegetation plots in remote, backcountry locations; identifying vascular and non-vascular (lichens, bryophytes) plants to the species level in the field and office; assisting in the development of a collection of voucher specimens; assisting in the update and maintenance of geographic information system (GIS) data; using a variety of software to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, analyze, and report data; assisting with photo documentation of project sites; and assisting in report preparation. The incumbent(s) may also assist with special projects, including forest disturbance and fuels inventories. Field work will be conducted in Lake Clark and Katmai National Parks and Preserves. The work is physically demanding, and crew members may be required to carry a heavy pack in steep, uneven terrain, often in inclement weather. Field work is often conducted in areas with high densities of brown bears, and crew members must complete a firearm safety certification prior to starting field work. START/END DATES: Anticipated start date is May 18, 2015, with field work running into early September. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience; substitutable education completed at an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of the two. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of plant taxonomy; experience in conducting ecological field work; and experience in working in remote, backcountry areas for extended periods of time. TO APPLY: Apply through USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/394534200. Applications must include a resume with contact information for at least three references, a copy of college transcripts, and a completed questionnaire, as indicated in the announcement. See the How to Apply page for specific details. Applications must be received by February 27, 2015, to be considered. For questions regarding the position, please contact Amy Miller (Email: amy_e_mil...@nps.gov; Tel: 907.644.3683).
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Position: U of Alaska Fairbanks Molecular Ecology
We have 2 years of funding for an MS or PhD student, beginning this summer or later, to help determine levels of genetic differentiation between two sedge species. The project would involve setting up and caring for common gardens in remote parts of Alaska, carrying out lab work (microsatellites or next-gen sequencing), data analysis and paper writing. The goal of the research is to determine whether the common circumpolar sedge, Carex subspathacea, and the less common C. ramenskii are genetically distinct. Natural populations of the two taxa are morphologically distinct, with one being tall and the other short. It has been suggested that C. subspathacea and C. ramenskii are actually a single species, and that the short stature of C. subspathacea is maintained by heavy goose grazing. In an experiment excluding geese on the YK Delta where the two species co-occur, C. subspathacea reverted to the tall form resembling C. ramenskii, while C. ramenskii reverted to the short-statured C. subspathacea when grazed, suggesting that the two species are actually grazing morphs of the same species However on the north slope of Alaska, C. ramenskii does not occur, and C. subspathacea maintains its short growth form even when excluded from grazing. This poses the questions as to whether there is genetic differentiation among populations of C. subspathacea at the regional scale, and whether C. subspathacea and C. ramenskii are indeed grazing morphs of the same species. If interested, please contact Diana Wolf dew...@alaska.edu and/or Roger Ruess rwru...@alaska.edu
