Jobs: Student contractors at U.S.E.P.A. Gulf Ecology Division
The Gulf Ecology Division (Gulf Breeze, FL), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking students or recent graduates with a B.S. or equivalent degree in biology, chemistry, ecology, environmental science, marine biology, zoology or related field to provide services under contractual agreement. The majority of work will be devoted to one of the following projects: 1 - providing technical support for oceanographic research examine the factors controlling the onset and maintenance of bottom-water low oxygen conditions on the Louisiana Continental Shelf; 2 - providing technical support for research projects characterize the effects of environmental stressors on reef-building corals and their dinoflagellate symbionts; 3 - providing technical support for research involving estimation of population-level responses of estuarine fishes in experiments that incorporate stochasticity and density-dependence variables throughout the fishs life cycle; or 4 - providing technical support for research involving development of a geographic inventory of landscapes and their functional aspects utilizing data from scientific literature review and synthesis, acquisition of geospatial and biological data from distributed databases, data management, and data analysis. Please see http://www.epa.gov/oamrtpnc/q0700225/index.htm for details regarding the position. Thank you. Lori Barmore Mgmt. Prog. Analyst US EPA, ORD, NHEERL Gulf Ecology Division 1 Sabine Island Drive Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Phone #: (850) 934-9246 Fax #: (850) 934- 2404
Re: Field-worthy SUV
Doesn't it strike anyone kind of strange that this discussion about which SUV to choose popped up right amidst a discussion about wastefulness? I suggest that 90% of us using 4-wheel drive SUVs for research really don't need them. How often do you actually need to put it in 4-wheel??? Just stoking the fire here! On Thu, August 9, 2007 3:33 pm, Mike Marsh wrote: Robert, if you don't mind something old, find (with difficulty nowadays) a pre1985 Toyota land cruiser, also known in Australia as a troopie. these are instantly recognizeable by the completely box-like cabin, and the long-wheelbase model was designed to carry a squad of 8 soldiers in the rear sitting sidewise on two parallel benches, with a bench seat in front. The chassis and suspension is mor reminiscent of a locomotive than a truck completely solid. There is a manual, low-hi range transmission. You have to get out to lock or unlock the front hubs for 4 wheel drive. A diesel model will chug down the road at 55 mph forever, cross rivers, tow less bush-worthy vehicles, etc. We went to Australia in 2001 to cross the continent with local friends from Sydney to the Kimberleys. We bought a used long wheelbase 1984 troopie, had oil leaks in the front hubs fixed, and set out on a 3 week expedition. We covered 10,000 kilometers, perhaps 1/3 of it on unsealed (unpaved) roads of various degrees of roughness, had no breakdowns (well ,the clutch was slipping the last 600 km), one flat tire, and came away loving our vehicle, which we sold to a friend. You must not need to go fast, as the fuel economy drops. With 2 fuel tanks you have 400+ mile range. Mike Marsh Subject: Re: field-worthy SUV From: William Silvert [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2007 18:16:59 +0100 I'm no expert on this, but colleagues who have worked in Africa swear by the Toyota pickups. They run circles around Land Rovers and the like. Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: Robert Long [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2007 1:23 PM Subject: field-worthy SUV Hi folks, This is a fairly general question, but I'm looking for a small- or mid-sized SUV to serve as a field vehicle. It will be used extensively both on- and off-highway, although need not be capable of truly ruggged off-roading. A good amount of rear cargo space would be best (which eliminates some of the smaller SUVs like the Honda CRV), and decent gas mileage will be a strong plus. Can anyone recommend a few makes and models based on personal experience in the field? Thanks, Robert Malcolm L. McCallum Assistant Professor of Biology Editor Herpetological Conservationa and Biology [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
JSS website
Several list members apparently had problems accessing the JSS website, and thanks to some constructive advice I received the site should now be readable in most browsers. I have tested it with IE, Firefox and Safari. If anyone still has problems, please let me know. Obviously web programming is not a simple system! Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: William Silvert [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 4:32 PM Subject: New Journal - Simple Systems I am pleased to announce that I have finally addressed the issue of the overwhelming complexity of ecosystems in general, fisheries in particular, and everything else, by publishing the first issue of the Journal of Simple Systems (JSS) on the website http://simple.silvert.org.
ECOLOGY How to Help the Ecosystem Succeed? Re: Skipping meetings vs. teleconferencing
Dear Jacquelyn and Forum: (While Jacquelyn's email did stimulate these comments, they are not intended as a critique of her--they are about the phenomena, not the person.) The questioning of elders is a time-honored and essential, indispensable ingredient in the advancement of knowledge, the careful consideration of the thoughts of those who have spent almost a lifetime doing just that is likewise an important part of the mix of intellectual exploration of which science and any discipline are parts. It is sad in a sense, but also a bit ironic, that those at the beginning of their careers in ecology, should feel cheated when the continuing in the footsteps of their elders, mistakes and all, seems threatened. Ecologists, among, thankfully, a fairly large minority of the world's population, are beginning to see their predictions validated--and they don't like it. It appears to be a distinct possibility that major changes in human behavior will be forced upon, not only the innocent future generations, but upon the present generation just beginning to hold the earth's destiny in its hands. It seems unfair that, just as greater and greater efficiencies in energy use are within their grasp, that the consequences of past generations' profligacy are increasingly borne by the emerging generations. It is a frightening prospect to see Malthusian hunches about the consequences of population increases seeming to pale into comparative insignificance before harder and harder data about the spinoff effects like Anthropogenic Global Warming, Water Scarcity, and Peak Oil, for example, http://www.peakoil.nl/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/oilwatch_monthly_may_2007.pdf being poised to levy some unstoppable Armageddon upon the world just as its finest heroes are rising to the occasion. E. O. Wilson is a prophet with honor, but his prophesies may not be having sufficient effect upon the masses--nay, upon his own colleagues. It is as if Nero were sounding the alarm while the citizens of Rome were fiddling as it burned. But perhaps Wilson is hypocritical, having jetted his way to countless meetings in the past, while he now counsels restraint. Perhaps he regrets having used up too much energy so fast that now his followers must conserve? Perhaps we are lucky that he did jet around as much as he did, and perhaps we will be luckier still because some emerging scientist will put him in the shade, and the tradeoff of the jetting around for hisher accomplishments will be so great that future generations will be grateful? Could be. It also could be that some are more concerned with career advancement than The Mission (though why they chose ecology rather than, say, economics, is puzzling). There were times when scientists wrote letters on scraps of paper to each other, sent by sailing ship and horseback across continents and oceans. If we are unlucky (or lucky?), those times, or something akin to them, will come again--by choice or, most likely, as the oscillations from planting that first seed 12,000 years ago come home to roost (aka Chaos Theory, Tipping Point and Blowback?). There were times when lifetimes were spent before well-deserved honors were recognized by one's peers--and times when peers denied and ignored solid accomplishments of prophetic scientists. Yea, there were times when derision by peers, disrespect by the powerful, and ignorance by one's citizenry were so extreme that burning at the stake was a real, not merely virtual, risk. In those times, even great accomplishments did not provide a Ph.D., even after a lifetime of devotion. Why does the song, Abraham, Martin, and John come to mind? Where are our emerging Charley Darwins, Al Wallaces, Ros Franklins, Barb McClintocks, and Al Wegeners? Oh, how I would like to have a beer with y'all . . . but if we can't, I'll settle for an email, even a code-cracking formula scratched on a stone. WT At 05:10 PM 8/6/2007, JACQUELYN GILL wrote: More importanly, anyone ever spend a week sitting in front of a computer during an online meeting, without the added benefit of getting to chat informally with presenters and attendees from all over the world (or meet for beers afterwards)? If we don't have time to read all the journal articles in every issue of Ecology, what more effective way is there to serendipitously discover the research of our colleagues? I understand the need to make alternatives available, but the work that is inspired and generated by spending a week with fellow researchers more than makes up for any environmental impact (especially with features like carbon offsets) in my opinion. As a young graduate student, I'm pretty techno-savvy, but I would never want ESA to replace flesh-and-blood meetings with impersonal and inconvenient electronic alternatives. It's one thing for eminent scientists like Dr. Wilson to call for a reduction in world travel at the height of a distinguished
Jobs and Fellowships in Ecology - 7 new Jobs
Jobs and Fellowships in Ecology - 7 new articles 1.. M.Sc. Graduate assistantship- available for winter 2008=20 2.. Environmental Coordinator=20 3.. Resource Technician=20 4.. Junior Group leader in Ecology and/or Evolution=20 5.. Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (Biology)=20 6.. Research Fellow/ research scientist / laboratory manager=20 7.. Tenure-track position in Ecosystem Ecology for top level = scientists=20 8.. More Recent Articles=20 9.. Search Jobs and Fellowships in Ecology M.Sc. Graduate assistantship- available for winter 2008 Influence of intensive forest management on songbirds in the = post-fledging period One M.Sc research assistantship is available in = the Department of Forest Science at Oregon State University starting in = September 2007. The objectives of the study are to: (1) Assess the = influence of intensive forest management on avian habitat quality early = succesional forests of northern Oregon, (2) Environmental Coordinator JOB TITLE: Environmental Coordinator BROAD SUBJECT AREA: Ecology = JOB DESCRIPTION: This incumbent will assist the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe = to develop and implement an Environmental Program sponsored by EPA = funded grants. Frequent travel to the Summit Lake Indian Reservation and = EPA workshops may be required; however, specific work location may be = negotiated. CONTACT DETAILS: A detailed job Resource Technician JOB TITLE: Resource Technician BROAD SUBJECT AREA: Ecology JOB = DESCRIPTION: Incumbent will work within a variety of environmental = grants and contracts, sponsored by EPA and BIA, with emphasis on the = water quality program. The Resource Technician will direct and = administer all aspects of the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe's GIS system, = including development and maintenance of a central database Junior Group leader in Ecology and/or Evolution Junior Group leader in Ecology and/or Evolution at the = Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland = The Department of Ecology and Evolution at Lausanne University, = Switzerland, (http://www.unil.ch/dee ) invites applications for a junior = group leader position (Maitre assistant) in the field of Ecology and/or = Evolution. We are seeking a highly motivated young Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (Biology) Lecturer/Senior Lecturer Biology University of = Gloucestershire, UK The main focus of this post will involve teaching = within the undergraduate Biology Field. You will be expected to = contribute to a variety of areas of biology and ecology but expertise in = one or more of the following areas would be an advantage: parasitology, = population ecology, invertebrate biology. You will also Research Fellow/ research scientist / laboratory manager University of St Andrews Gatty Marine Laboratory School = of Biology Salary: =A327,857 - 31,353 per annum The Sediment Ecology = Research Group is seeking a research scientist and laboratory manager. = The position will be to support Professor David M. Paterson in the = management of the SERG group and taking a leading part in related = research. Candidates with relevant experience in any of the main SERG Tenure-track position in Ecosystem Ecology for top = level scientists The Universit=EF=BF=BD du Qu=EF=BF=BDbec =EF=BF=BD = Rimouski (UQAR) invites applications for a tenure-track position in = Ecosystem Ecology. We seek top level scientists to hold a Level II, = Canada Research Chair in Continental Ecosystem Structure and Function. = We are interested in candidates with outstanding research experience in = some of the following fields : ecosystem modelling, landscape ecology, = biodiversity, More Recent Articles a.. Research Assistant in Evolutionary Ecology=20 b.. Post Doctoral position in research areas = related with spatial and ecological planning=20 c.. GIS Analyst=20 d.. Chair of Biological Sciences=20 e.. Research Assistant / Technician (Macro-ecology = and evolution) =20
ECOSYSTEM EFFECT TRADEOFFS Transportation modes Re: Ecology of Passenger Train Investment Dollars, was: Re: Skipping meetings
Honourable Forum: Hooray! What ecologists (not to mention other scientists) need is more cross-fertilization of disciplines, especially railroaders (npi) and other industry and commerce people and their special knowledge. I have met some real sensitive-to-ecosystems bulldozer operators. I would like to hear more about ecosystem-effect tradeoffs in even more detail, and some analysis of the data in that respect. I wonder about predicting push-pull relationships with respect to service and equipment balances with demand and vice-versa. How do distances affect the picture? Routes? Commercial synergies, such as break-bulk point effects like food and lodging, entertainment, etc.? I would not object to paying better salaries, even to management, if we could get excellent management in the bargain. My direct experience with modern management is a bit old, but I don't know how out-of-date it is. From what my cubicle-rat friends tell me, so-called management is even worse now than it was a quarter-century ago. If only we could run trains (or anything else) on Management BS, generated in such unlimited quantities by bloated MBA's and their ilk, our energy woes might be over. (Pardon my rant.) PS: [WARNING: Do not read--contains the R word.] I saw or felt no rant here, but I did pick up on how sensitized people who post to listservs are to the potential for flaming. Anyone who speaks inconvenient truths runs a risk of stirring up a hornet's nest of wails from the wounded, folks caught with their intellectual hands in the cookie jar. That's why I think it's so important to stick to ISSUES, and avoid personalities entirely (except for reference to authors and perhaps some other limited common-sense exceptions). David no doubt does a good job of screening personal posts, as this list is outstanding for its maturity. It is crucial that listserv moderators, like David, recognize this crucial distinction and let posts on issues go through that are bound to be controversial--after all, that's where the cutting edge of any intellectual endeavor lies. Moderators can, and probably should in most cases, filter out personal attack-posts from folks who take statements about issues personally. However, while I agree that David's approach is probably better than mine might be, I might just let some ranting repostes (pun incidental) go through--especially if they advance the debate and reveal the temperament of the ranter. But, David is probably still right, because rants that make it through the moderator usually kill the discussion--at least among the reasonable. The issue baby gets thrown out with rant bathwater. Most objectors to my posts (it happens, even though I try to walk the line without compromising the point) have the good taste to direct their personal rants off-list. I used to object to such off-list posts, because I felt that I should be chastised in public for my errors in the interest of transparency and moving the debate, but now, on balance, I no longer hold that view. Perhaps, when a particular ranter urgently wants hisher email posted, a warning on the subject line might be required--just kidding; I'm an anarchist. Disagree without being disagreeable. --Unknown 'Tis friction's brisk rub that provides the vital spark. --Anon. (Perhaps the author was intimidated by objectors to rants?) At 09:35 PM 8/6/2007, Tom Schweich wrote: To avoid apparent conflict of interest, I disclose that I worked for a railroad for a 27 years. However, the question of passenger service quality has to do with money, or lack thereof. We, in the US, choose not to invest in the rail infrastructure necessary to provide a pleasant passenger train experience. We insist that passenger service mix with freight service, with a few exceptions. Then we try to squeeze out every last maintenance dollar. We also have some geographical issues, especially in the West, with long distances between major cities, that increase costs. Perhaps the statement is apocryphal, but we used to say that Amtrak could save money by giving every rail passenger a free Greyhound bus ticket, instead of running trains. Yes, I've ridden trains in Europe, including commuter trains in the Netherlands, and the Madrid Metro, Talgo, Altaria, and AVE trains in Spain. They're wonderful, especially the AVE. However, the Spanish have made a tremendous investment in infrastructure for the AVE (it has its own tracks) and the fare is still high. The cheapest fare on the AVE is about $200 from Madrid to Sevilla, roundtrip. You can fly for $226, roundtrip.If we really wanted good passenger service, we would invest in the infrastructure, pay good management salaries, pay for the maintenance, and be willing to pay higher fares. Sorry, I got no rant control ... Tom -- Tom Schweich http://www.schweich.com mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Malcolm McCallum wrote: Riding the train is a great experience, unfortunately, Amtrack is so
Re: Field-worthy SUV
Back when all the state would provide for us biologists was 2WD pickups, my first field supervisor said tire chains were to get you out of trouble, not to get you farther into trouble. When he got one of the first 4WD Dodge Power Wagons (the 1960 counterpart to today's SUVs), he then said 4WD was nice but it just got you into trouble even farther away from help. Warren W. Aney -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Malcolm McCallum Sent: Thursday, 09 August, 2007 16:34 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: Field-worthy SUV Doesn't it strike anyone kind of strange that this discussion about which SUV to choose popped up right amidst a discussion about wastefulness? I suggest that 90% of us using 4-wheel drive SUVs for research really don't need them. How often do you actually need to put it in 4-wheel??? Just stoking the fire here! On Thu, August 9, 2007 3:33 pm, Mike Marsh wrote: Robert, if you don't mind something old, find (with difficulty nowadays) a pre1985 Toyota land cruiser, also known in Australia as a troopie. these are instantly recognizeable by the completely box-like cabin, and the long-wheelbase model was designed to carry a squad of 8 soldiers in the rear sitting sidewise on two parallel benches, with a bench seat in front. The chassis and suspension is mor reminiscent of a locomotive than a truck completely solid. There is a manual, low-hi range transmission. You have to get out to lock or unlock the front hubs for 4 wheel drive. A diesel model will chug down the road at 55 mph forever, cross rivers, tow less bush-worthy vehicles, etc. We went to Australia in 2001 to cross the continent with local friends from Sydney to the Kimberleys. We bought a used long wheelbase 1984 troopie, had oil leaks in the front hubs fixed, and set out on a 3 week expedition. We covered 10,000 kilometers, perhaps 1/3 of it on unsealed (unpaved) roads of various degrees of roughness, had no breakdowns (well ,the clutch was slipping the last 600 km), one flat tire, and came away loving our vehicle, which we sold to a friend. You must not need to go fast, as the fuel economy drops. With 2 fuel tanks you have 400+ mile range. Mike Marsh Subject: Re: field-worthy SUV From: William Silvert [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2007 18:16:59 +0100 I'm no expert on this, but colleagues who have worked in Africa swear by the Toyota pickups. They run circles around Land Rovers and the like. Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: Robert Long [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2007 1:23 PM Subject: field-worthy SUV Hi folks, This is a fairly general question, but I'm looking for a small- or mid-sized SUV to serve as a field vehicle. It will be used extensively both on- and off-highway, although need not be capable of truly ruggged off-roading. A good amount of rear cargo space would be best (which eliminates some of the smaller SUVs like the Honda CRV), and decent gas mileage will be a strong plus. Can anyone recommend a few makes and models based on personal experience in the field? Thanks, Robert Malcolm L. McCallum Assistant Professor of Biology Editor Herpetological Conservationa and Biology [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Four wheel drive vehicles are a REQUIREMENT for most field projects!
Yes, their are field projects in which they are necessary, however, saying most is completely not true. In fact, if your car is not leaving the road then no you don't need 4 wheel. Many field projects do not require 4 wheel. Thus far, I have been involved in about a dozen field research projects such as inventories and status surveys that did not require 4 wheel drive. In fact, four wheel would have been useless since all travel off of the roads had to be done on foot because the national parks would not allow driving off of the roads! In other cases the terrain made driving off road virtually impossible. In these cases, good hiking boots were far more useful than 4 wheel drive. Having said this, many years ago I did an inventory for the US Army and 4 wheel was very useful and frankly needed. MLM On Fri, August 10, 2007 12:10 pm, Michael E. Welker wrote: All, Most of the herp projects I have worked on have required four wheel drive vehicles. Some of the PI's I have worked for were so inexperienced in field work that they didn't realize that a four wheel drive was a necessity. Many of the others tried to get by with very used four wheel drives because they didn't put enough money in their grant to get a decent field vehicle. And on some projects they wanted us to drive our personal four wheel drive vehicle. I would suggest the following: 1. Put enough money in your grant to get what you need and consider those that will be in the field. Don't skimp on the resources it takes to get the job done! 2. Any off road project requires four wheel drive. Even dirt roads (especially NF roads) become very muddy during rains and many also have sugar sand. 3. If you are not inexperienced enough with field projects to plan properly get some advice. 4. Get out of your lab and go to the field sites. Things look great on paper but that doesn't mean they work in the real world. 5. It is not your research techs job to provide a field vehicle it is yours! Take Care, Michael E. Welker Herpetologist / Wildlife Scientist 3105 Eads Place El Paso, Texas 79935 (915) 595-8831 home (352) 256-4000 cell [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Malcolm McCallum [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 5:33 PM Subject: Re: Field-worthy SUV Doesn't it strike anyone kind of strange that this discussion about which SUV to choose popped up right amidst a discussion about wastefulness? I suggest that 90% of us using 4-wheel drive SUVs for research really don't need them. How often do you actually need to put it in 4-wheel??? Just stoking the fire here! On Thu, August 9, 2007 3:33 pm, Mike Marsh wrote: Robert, if you don't mind something old, find (with difficulty nowadays) a pre1985 Toyota land cruiser, also known in Australia as a troopie. these are instantly recognizeable by the completely box-like cabin, and the long-wheelbase model was designed to carry a squad of 8 soldiers in the rear sitting sidewise on two parallel benches, with a bench seat in front. The chassis and suspension is mor reminiscent of a locomotive than a truck completely solid. There is a manual, low-hi range transmission. You have to get out to lock or unlock the front hubs for 4 wheel drive. A diesel model will chug down the road at 55 mph forever, cross rivers, tow less bush-worthy vehicles, etc. We went to Australia in 2001 to cross the continent with local friends from Sydney to the Kimberleys. We bought a used long wheelbase 1984 troopie, had oil leaks in the front hubs fixed, and set out on a 3 week expedition. We covered 10,000 kilometers, perhaps 1/3 of it on unsealed (unpaved) roads of various degrees of roughness, had no breakdowns (well ,the clutch was slipping the last 600 km), one flat tire, and came away loving our vehicle, which we sold to a friend. You must not need to go fast, as the fuel economy drops. With 2 fuel tanks you have 400+ mile range. Mike Marsh Subject: Re: field-worthy SUV From: William Silvert [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2007 18:16:59 +0100 I'm no expert on this, but colleagues who have worked in Africa swear by the Toyota pickups. They run circles around Land Rovers and the like. Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: Robert Long [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2007 1:23 PM Subject: field-worthy SUV Hi folks, This is a fairly general question, but I'm looking for a small- or mid-sized SUV to serve as a field vehicle. It will be used extensively both on- and off-highway, although need not be capable of truly ruggged off-roading. A good amount of rear cargo space would be best (which eliminates some of the smaller SUVs like the Honda CRV), and decent gas mileage will be a strong plus. Can anyone recommend a few makes and models based on personal experience in the field? Thanks, Robert
postdoctoral vacancy
*POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE* School of Ecology, University of Georgia, USA Applications are invited for a postdoctoral assistantship in Population Ecology. The position will focus on the study of co-evolutionary dynamics in a laboratory host-parasitoid and host-pathogen system. The protagonist species are the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), its ichneumonid parasitoid (Venturia canescens) and the virus (PiGV). The work, carried out in collaboration with Dr Steven Sait (University of Leeds, UK), will place a strong emphasis on designing lab experiments to test theoretical predictions and the analysis of long-term time-series data. The successful applicant would have a PhD in Ecology Evolution. The position is for 18 months in the first instance, with a salary in the range of $32-40,000 per year (depending on experience), plus fringe benefits. For further information, contact Pej Rohani +1 706 542 9249, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Applicants should send a detailed CV, together with a brief statement of research interests and three references to Pej Rohani, Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens GA 30602. Electronic applications are encouraged. Review of applications will start on August 20 and will continue until the post has been filled.
Re: euclidean distances and SAS
Although I can't speak for him, I would suggest Peter Smouse [EMAIL PROTECTED]. I had him for an Ecology and Evolution course regarding heterogeneity and Eucludean measurements. Hope this helps. --C. Hwang -- Charnsmorn Hwang Graduate Student Dept. of Entomology Rutgers University of New Jersey New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] alt. email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] phone: (862) 324-1595 On 8/8/07, Lene Jung Kjaer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello All, I'm currently trying to analyze deer habitat use, using the euclidean distance method by Conner et al 2001, 2003. I'm having trouble performing a randomization test on the distance ratios in SAS. This needs to be a randomization test of a MANOVA, which can't be done in poptools in Excel. Has anyone had any experience with this, or does anyone have any ideas to help me out? Thanks, Lene Jung Kjaer _ Lene Jung Kjaer, PhD. Candidate Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory Department of Zoology Life Science II Room 269B Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Il 62901-6504 Phone Office: 618-453-5495 Fax Office: 618 453-6944 Phone Home: 618-303-6136 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ While the rest of the species is descended from apes, redheads are descended from cats. MARK TWAIN
Four wheel drive vehicles are a REQUIREMENT for most field projects!
All, Most of the herp projects I have worked on have required four wheel drive vehicles. Some of the PI's I have worked for were so inexperienced in field work that they didn't realize that a four wheel drive was a necessity. Many of the others tried to get by with very used four wheel drives because they didn't put enough money in their grant to get a decent field vehicle. And on some projects they wanted us to drive our personal four wheel drive vehicle. I would suggest the following: 1. Put enough money in your grant to get what you need and consider those that will be in the field. Don't skimp on the resources it takes to get the job done! 2. Any off road project requires four wheel drive. Even dirt roads (especially NF roads) become very muddy during rains and many also have sugar sand. 3. If you are not inexperienced enough with field projects to plan properly get some advice. 4. Get out of your lab and go to the field sites. Things look great on paper but that doesn't mean they work in the real world. 5. It is not your research techs job to provide a field vehicle it is yours! Take Care, Michael E. Welker Herpetologist / Wildlife Scientist 3105 Eads Place El Paso, Texas 79935 (915) 595-8831 home (352) 256-4000 cell [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Malcolm McCallum [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 5:33 PM Subject: Re: Field-worthy SUV Doesn't it strike anyone kind of strange that this discussion about which SUV to choose popped up right amidst a discussion about wastefulness? I suggest that 90% of us using 4-wheel drive SUVs for research really don't need them. How often do you actually need to put it in 4-wheel??? Just stoking the fire here! On Thu, August 9, 2007 3:33 pm, Mike Marsh wrote: Robert, if you don't mind something old, find (with difficulty nowadays) a pre1985 Toyota land cruiser, also known in Australia as a troopie. these are instantly recognizeable by the completely box-like cabin, and the long-wheelbase model was designed to carry a squad of 8 soldiers in the rear sitting sidewise on two parallel benches, with a bench seat in front. The chassis and suspension is mor reminiscent of a locomotive than a truck completely solid. There is a manual, low-hi range transmission. You have to get out to lock or unlock the front hubs for 4 wheel drive. A diesel model will chug down the road at 55 mph forever, cross rivers, tow less bush-worthy vehicles, etc. We went to Australia in 2001 to cross the continent with local friends from Sydney to the Kimberleys. We bought a used long wheelbase 1984 troopie, had oil leaks in the front hubs fixed, and set out on a 3 week expedition. We covered 10,000 kilometers, perhaps 1/3 of it on unsealed (unpaved) roads of various degrees of roughness, had no breakdowns (well ,the clutch was slipping the last 600 km), one flat tire, and came away loving our vehicle, which we sold to a friend. You must not need to go fast, as the fuel economy drops. With 2 fuel tanks you have 400+ mile range. Mike Marsh Subject: Re: field-worthy SUV From: William Silvert [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2007 18:16:59 +0100 I'm no expert on this, but colleagues who have worked in Africa swear by the Toyota pickups. They run circles around Land Rovers and the like. Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: Robert Long [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2007 1:23 PM Subject: field-worthy SUV Hi folks, This is a fairly general question, but I'm looking for a small- or mid-sized SUV to serve as a field vehicle. It will be used extensively both on- and off-highway, although need not be capable of truly ruggged off-roading. A good amount of rear cargo space would be best (which eliminates some of the smaller SUVs like the Honda CRV), and decent gas mileage will be a strong plus. Can anyone recommend a few makes and models based on personal experience in the field? Thanks, Robert Malcolm L. McCallum Assistant Professor of Biology Editor Herpetological Conservationa and Biology [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: field-worthy SUV
Robert (and listserv members), Here is my two cents worth after years of working (and playing) in the western US. My recommendation is that if you need to move mainly people with little gear over good dirt roads with little actual 4WD use, get a hybrid SUV and try to stick to a Japanese brand.? (Jeeps?may also be a good choice.)??While these SUVs have better gas mileage, they will never have the all-around usefulness of a 4WD pickup. If you need a stouter vehicle that can handle any manner of field gear (think gassy chainsaws or predator bait) and is?capable off road, then you need a 4WD pickup truck.? I know many will disagree, but gas mileage is not at the top of the priority list, field worthiness is.? (Choose a fuel efficient daily driver if you are worried about gas mileage-it is where you can make the most impact.)? In my mind the optimal field vehicle would be a 2003-2004 Toyota Tacoma 4 door with 4WD.? The bed is short, but with a topper can hold quite a bit and you can always attach a roof rack.? Nissan makes a similar 4 door pickup.? Sadly, the 4 door Tacoma was only offered as an automatic transmission, but this really isn't an off road?problem unless you need to roll start the vehicle.? Stay away from older Toyota LandCruisers etc unless you are prepared for them to need lots of maintenance and?fail emission controls (if you have them in your community).? A 4 cylinder engine is more fuel effi! cient that a 6, but with a serious loss of power.? You need to ask yourself if you will ever need to tow a trailer or if a 4 cylinder can handle mountain grades with a loaded bed and 4 adults inside. Another option if you think you would be willing to sacrifice 4WD for gas mileage (I never would), and can find a 2WD 4 door pickup, is you could have a differential lock installed in the rear differential.? This would add negligible weight and would make the truck nearly as capable as a 4WD. Sincerely, James James P. Riser II Plant Biologist 330 SE Gladstone Pullman, WA 99163 AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.
Re: Field-worthy SUV
How often do you actually need to put it in 4-wheel??? Take it from a old desert rat, it isn't how often you shift into 4WD, it is how often you get stopped or stuck in a short patch of sand or a single deep rut on an otherwise fine 2WD road. Cheers, Jim -Original Message- From: Malcolm McCallum [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Thu, 9 Aug 2007 4:33 pm Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Field-worthy SUV Doesn't it strike anyone kind of strange that this discussion about which SUV to choose popped up right amidst a discussion about wastefulness? I suggest that 90% of us using 4-wheel drive SUVs for research really don't need them. How often do you actually need to put it in 4-wheel??? Just stoking the fire here! On Thu, August 9, 2007 3:33 pm, Mike Marsh wrote: Robert, if you don't mind something old, find (with difficulty nowadays) a pre1985 Toyota land cruiser, also known in Australia as a troopie. these are instantly recognizeable by the completely box-like cabin, and the long-wheelbase model was designed to carry a squad of 8 soldiers in the rear sitting sidewise on two parallel benches, with a bench seat in front. The chassis and suspension is mor reminiscent of a locomotive than a truck completely solid. There is a manual, low-hi range transmission. You have to get out to lock or unlock the front hubs for 4 wheel drive. A diesel model will chug down the road at 55 mph forever, cross rivers, tow less bush-worthy vehicles, etc. We went to Australia in 2001 to cross the continent with local friends from Sydney to the Kimberleys. We bought a used long wheelbase 1984 troopie, had oil leaks in the front hubs fixed, and set out on a 3 week expedition. We covered 10,000 kilometers, perhaps 1/3 of it on unsealed (unpaved) roads of various degrees of roughness, had no breakdowns (well ,the clutch was slipping the last 600 km), one flat tire, and came away loving our vehicle, which we sold to a friend. You must not need to go fast, as the fuel economy drops. With 2 fuel tanks you have 400+ mile range. Mike Marsh Subject: Re: field-worthy SUV From: William Silvert [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2007 18:16:59 +0100 I'm no expert on this, but colleagues who have worked in Africa swear by the Toyota pickups. They run circles around Land Rovers and the like. Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: Robert Long [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2007 1:23 PM Subject: field-worthy SUV Hi folks, This is a fairly general question, but I'm looking for a small- or mid-sized SUV to serve as a field vehicle. It will be used extensively both on- and off-highway, although need not be capable of truly ruggged off-roading. A good amount of rear cargo space would be best (which eliminates some of the smaller SUVs like the Honda CRV), and decent gas mileage will be a strong plus. Can anyone recommend a few makes and models based on personal experience in the field? Thanks, Robert Malcolm L. McCallum Assistant Professor of Biology Editor Herpetological Conservationa and Biology [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.
PCA Axis Scaling
Dear all, I wish to calculate overlap between areas and volumes in a PCA space. Do I weight the axis by the amount of variation explained or is it more complicated? All variables have been standardized. Many Thanks David Kidd
Graduate Assistantship in Plant Ecology at MS State Univ
A graduate assistantship in plant ecology is available as part of an interdisciplinary workgroup aimed at developing integrative management approaches for key invasive species in the Mid-South US. Work to date has focused primarily on projects related to the invasive cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum, an introduced herbivore of native prickly pear cacti - Opuntia spp.) and the terrestrial invasive cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica). The workgroup includes expertise in remote sensing, invasive plant management, and plant ecology, among others, and is housed in the MSU GeoResources Institute. The specific research for which applications are being solicited involves habitat modeling for prickly pear or cogongrass, and the student would be expected to contribute directly to data collection in support of USDA- and USGS-funded research. The student would be based in the plant ecology laboratory of Dr. Gary Ervin, in the Department of Biological Sciences. Related expertise in the Department includes plant systematics, evolutionary biology, spatial ecology, ecological modeling, and population genetics. Please see full announcement linked through: http://www.msstate.edu/courses/ge14/ ~~ Gary N Ervin, Associate Professor Department of Biological Sciences PO Box GY Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA on the web at: http://www.msstate.edu/courses/ge14/ for parcel delivery: Department of Biological Sciences 130 Harned Biology 295 Lee Boulevard Miss State, MS 39762 Office: Room 223 Harned Biology Bldg. Tel.: (662) 325-1203 lab : (662) 325-7937 FAX : (662) 325-7939 ~~
Field Ecologist AND GIS Consultant positions, Irvine, CA
The Irvine Ranch Land Reserve Trust (http://www.irlrtrust.org), Orange County, CA, is seeking a Conservation GIS Consultant as well as a Field Ecologist (both position descriptions are below). The announcement for the Field Ecologist has been revised slightly from the version posted to the Ecolog list-serv on 8/4/07. The current announcement does not contain a requirement for GIS experience. If you already replied to the previous announcement, there is no need to do so again, but if you are interested, please review the current description before applying. Contact David Olson, [EMAIL PROTECTED], with application materials and any questions you may have about either position. ***POSITION #1 JOB TITLE: FIELD ECOLOGIST FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Director of Science Stewardship, David Olson CORE FUNCTIONS: Field-oriented natural resource management position, responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing activities related to the Trust's mission to encourage the highest quality stewardship of the permanently protected Irvine Ranch wildlands. Includes species and habitat monitoring, exotic species control, habitat restoration, fire and fuels management, review of trail project design and assisting with field trips and volunteer workdays. Assists landowners with Natural Communities Conservation Plan compliance, as well as developing and implementing resource management plans. Coordinates with regional scientific teams and individuals, and plans and directs or leads preserve management teams. May recruit and supervise seasonal staff and interns, and supervise professional consultants and contractors. Serves on the Science and Resource Management team of the Trust and provide consultation and advice to other projects as appropriate. May serve as lead or participant in multi-organizational scientific teams and partnerships, and will work closely with partners. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management or similar field and 3 to 5 years related work experience in land management. Master's degree preferred. Knowledge of general ecological principles and experience with basic experimental design and field sampling. Ability to conduct and/or direct resource management field work, and evaluate habitat conditions and trends. Experience with statistical and computer analysis of a variety of environmental data on natural communities. Familiarity with the biological systems, flora, and fauna of the California South Coast ecoregion. Knowledge of the Natural Communities Conservation Planning program and biological compliance requirements. Successful experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and timelines. Experience in safe use and maintenance of field tools and equipment. Familiarity with remote sensing and geographic information systems and analysis. Knowledge of current trends in conservation and land management including urban ecology. Foreign language skills (Spanish) desirable. DECISION-MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: Design, implement and direct projects, setting deadlines and ensuring high quality outcomes. Ability to make or recommend sometimes complex scientific decisions relative to species and habitat conservation in consultation with supervisors and colleagues. Ability to compile, organize and use scientific information in decision-making. Experience developing creative approaches and strategies to conserve natural communities and their components. COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL: Good communication and presentation skills. Experience preparing clear, accurate reports and documents. Ability to manage group processes and objectives and to participate constructively on multi-disciplinary teams. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work frequently involves physical exertion, variable weather conditions, and demanding field circumstances with exposure to disagreeable elements in an open space setting. Frequent travel within immediate/local area. Willingness to work variable hours appropriate to project objectives. CONTACT: Please send letter of interest and Curriculum Vitae to David Olson ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). The Irvine Ranch Land Reserve Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer POSITION #2: CONSERVATION GIS CONSULTANT Irvine Ranch Land Reserve Trust (http://www.irlrtrust.org) Orange County, CA We are seeking a creative, motivated, team-oriented Conservation GIS Specialist. This position is responsible for coordinating and implementing GIS-related analysis and research for the 50,000-acre Irvine Ranch Wildlands. Major projects are to: 1) map
