[ECOLOG-L] USFS Summer Temporary Botanist Positions in California

[Judy Perkins]

Helllo All,

The US Forest Service is seeking qualified field botanists and weed crews 
to work throughout California during summer 2009.  Seasonal Botanists and 
Biological Science Technicians are needed for 3-6 months, with pay ranges 
from $11.74 to $22.34 per hour (GS-3 – GS-9, depending on experience). 
Government housing may be available. 

Job descriptions and Qualifications: 
 
Botanists: Conduct field surveys for rare, threatened, and endangered 
plants. Document occurrences, and map locations. 

Weed Crew: Locate and manually remove invasive plants. Document treatments 
and map locations. 

Exact duties will vary among duty stations, and may include greenhouse 
work. Desired skills include: plant identification using taxonomic keys, 
familiarity with California flora; use of GPS, topographic maps, and 
compass; operating vehicles on rough roads; good physical fitness; and 
willingness to work under difficult field conditions. 

Qualifications:
•   Minimum 1 year college for GS-3 Biological Science Technician. 
Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, natural resources, range science, 
biology, or related area, with 24 semester hours in botany required for GS-
9 Botanist.
•   Over 18 years of age, and a U.S. Citizen 

Position Locations (Anticipated number of positions) – Contact Person:

Angeles National Forest – Arcadia, CA (1 Botany/Weeds) – Katie Van Zandt: 
626-574-5268
Eldorado National Forest - Placerville, CA (1 or 2 Botany) – Susan Durham: 
530-642-5173
Inyo National Forest – Bishop, CA (1 Botany) – Kathleen Nelson: 760-873-
2498
Klamath National Forest – Happy Camp, CA (1 botany); Fort Jones, CA (1 
Botany); Yreka, CA (1 Weeds) – Marla Knight: 530-468-1238
Lake Tahoe Basin Unit– South Lake Tahoe, CA (2 Weeds; 3 Botany) – Cecilia 
Reed: 530-543-2761, Shana Gross: 530-543-2752
Lassen National Forest – Susanville, CA (2-4 Weeds; 2 Botany) – Allison 
Sanger: 530-252-6662
Mendocino National Forest – Willows, CA (1 Botany) – Lauren Johnson: 530-
934-1153
Modoc National Forest – Alturas, CA (3 Botany) – Judy Perkins: 530-233-8827
Plumas National Forest – Oroville, CA (3-5 Botany); Quincy, CA (2 Botany) –
 Chris Christofferson: 530-532-7473, Jim Belsher-Howe: 530-283-7657
Shasta-Trinity National Forest – Weaverville, CA (3-5 Botany); Mount 
Shasta, CA (3 Weeds/Botany) – Susan Erwin: 530-623-1753, Rhonda Posey: 530-
926-9665
Sierra National Forest – North Fork, CA (2 or more Botany) – Joanna 
Clines: 559-877-2218 x 3150, Jamie Tuitele-Lewis: 559-855-5355 x 3352
Sierra Cascade Province – Quincy, CA (includes extensive travel), (4 
Botany/Ecology) – Kyle Merriam: 530-283-
AMSET – Nevada City, CA (includes extensive travel), (1-2 Botany) – Wendy 
Boes: 530-478-6886

To Apply:
Apply in the automated Forest Servicesite,AVUE:https://www.avuecentral.com/
Job Titles: Biological Science Technician (Plants); Botanist (Temp) 
Contacts listed above can provide more specific information for their 
Forest's positions.

Students: Continuing students are eligible for direct hiring under the 
Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP), and should submit 
applications directly to the Forest of interest. Contact the appropriate  
Forest personnel listed above.

[ECOLOG-L] sustainability thinker needed for editing special issue

[briancz...@juno.com]

too booked for more editing in 09 so anyone interested should contact Werner, 
who gave permission to forward the request...
-- Forwarded Message --
Dear Brian,
I trust you had a good start in 2009.

A publisher out of Basel, Switzerland is launching a new journal 
called Sustainability. It will be open access, as all the other ones 
they already have.

I am involved in the editorial board and was asked to see if there is 
interest in having a special issue dedicated to "Sustainable wildlife 
management and conservation". The title could be changed, but 
wildlife should be the focus.

We are looking for a professional who would be willing to be guest 
editor for this special issue. It occurred to me to start by asking 
you, as your focus is basically on just this.

It is my understanding that in this first round there are no charges 
to authors (which is usually the case for OA journals).

If someone is interested, please let me have their name, affiliation 
and contacts which I would forward. The institution of affiliation 
should be in a developed country.

With my best regards,

Werner
http://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability


Werner Flueck, PhD
National Council for Scientific Research, Argentina
Institute of Natural Resources Analysis
Universidad Atlantida Argentina
C.C. 176, 8400 Bariloche, Argentina

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Position in Stream Biogeochemistry

[Sujay Kaushal]

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES),
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, seeks a PhD level postdoctoral Assistant
Research Scientist to participate in an NSF-funded project; this project
investigates the effects of land-use change and climate on organic
transformations of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in streams and
implications for Chesapeake Bay. The postdoctoral researcher will work
closely with Dr. Sujay Kaushal and collaborate with Dr. Peter Groffman (Cary
Institute of Ecosystem Studies), Dr. Stuart Findlay (Cary Institute of
Ecosystem Studies), and Dr. Mark Walbridge (U.S. Department of Agriculture).

Preference will be given to candidates with strong analytical skills in any
of the following: stable isotope biogeochemistry, organic matter
characterization, stream tracer studies, and/or ecosystem modeling. For
further information, please see: Kaushal Laboratory
(http://www.kaushallab.cbl.umces.edu/), UMCES Chesapeake Biological
Laboratory (www.cbl.umces.edu), Baltimore Ecosystem Study Long-term
Ecological Research Site (www.beslter.org), and Cary Institute of Ecosystem
Studies (http://www.ecostudies.org/).

In order to apply, please send a CV, statement of research interests,
representative publications, and names and contact information of 3
references to Ms. Janis King (jk...@cbl.umces.edu) and reference SSK. Review
of applications will begin immediately and will continue until February 25,
2009 or until the position is filled. Information about UMCES can be found
at www.umces.edu; UMCES is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

[ECOLOG-L] International Congress on Sustainability Science and Engineering

[Matt Hopton]

First International Congress on Sustainability Science and Engineering:
Where science and engineered technologies meet the needs of society

August 9 to 12, 2009, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Visit www.aiche.org/IFS/Conferences/index.aspx for details.

CALL FOR PAPERS IS NOW OPEN

Abstract submission will be accepted until February 15, 2009. Submit an 
abstract and view the program at 
http://aiche.confex.com/aiche/icosse09/cfp.cgi.

The purpose of the Congress is to provide a common platform to 
practitioners of various physical and ecological sciences, engineering 
fields, economics, and social sciences for exchanging emerging ideas about 
ways and means of protecting the environment and its resource depletion so 
that humans can achieve sustained economic growth and societal benefits 
through generations. Products, processes, and systems for sustainability 
are among the major focus of this conference.

Areas of Focus will include:
Perspectives of industrial sustainability outcomes
Sustainability as a scientific paradigm for solutions
Measuring sustainability
Value chain sustainability
Solutions for fossil and non-fossil power
Solutions for sustainable transportation
Sustainable design and architecture
Sustainable material/product designs
Sustainable processes from an LCA viewpoint
Modeling for sustainability
Standards and science-based guidance for sustainability

[ECOLOG-L] CALL FOR POSTERS on HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT

[Fiona Brady]

EXPLORING THE DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The Milstein Science Symposium
Presented by the American Museum of Natural History's 
Center for Biodiversity and Conservation and Sackler Institute for Comparative 
Genomics
New York City, New York, USA
April 2 and 3, 2009
http://cbc.amnh.org/health/

Health and the environment are deeply intertwined for populations, species, and 
ecosystems, as 
well as for human lives and livelihoods. Human endeavors in agriculture, energy 
and food 
production, transportation, and infrastructure development can have 
far-reaching and significant 
impact on the health of all species. Understanding these relationships is 
increasingly critical in the 
context of our changing world and the accelerating loss of biodiversity. 

This two-day conference will present a diversity of viewpoints and experiences 
spanning the 
natural, medical, and social sciences, as well as policy planning. Presenters 
will discuss 
knowledge/data gaps and the limitations of current approaches, and examine 
innovative methods 
that move beyond speculation to a grounded understanding of impacts and 
realistic solutions. 
Particular emphasis will be placed on consideration of multiple and interacting 
stressors and 
decision making for maximizing benefits to both health and the environment. 

CALL FOR POSTERS
A limited number of posters will be accepted for presentation during the 
Symposium. 
Posters that address any aspect of the relationship between health and the 
environment will be 
considered. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Links between the health of plants, wildlife, domestic animals, and/or humans
- Anthropogenic drivers of disease emergence
- Environmental change and disease ecology
- Environmental change and pathogen evolution
- Pathogen discovery in natural reservoirs
- Ecology of host-pathogen interactions
- Climate change and health
- Health-related ecosystem functions and services
- Environmental sustainability and health
- Health and biodiversity conservation
- Capacity building in environment and health

Poster Abstract Submission DEADLINE: January 30
Members of a Poster Selection Committee will determine which abstracts are to 
be accepted based 
on their relevance and general level of interest. Please Note: The American 
Museum is unable to 
provide financial support to poster presenters for travel or accommodation. 

Details available at: http://cbc.amnh.org/health/ (including a list of 
confirmed speakers)
Or send an email to: cbcsympos...@amnh.org

Special Student Pricing and Early-Registration Discounts Through February 13
Students $30
AMNH Members $120
General Admission $130

"Exploring the Dynamic Relationship Between Health and the Environment" is 
proudly sponsored 
by the Paul and Irma Milstein Family, by a grant from the Defense Advanced 
Research Projects 
Agency of the United States Department of Defense (DARPA), and by the Mack 
Lipkin Man and 
Nature Series.

[ECOLOG-L] Field Research Intern

[LuAnn Marotte]

The Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (formerly Cedar Creek Natural
History Area) of the University of Minnesota has opportunities for students
to work as Research Interns in three types of positions; 1) Plant community
ecology, 2) Wildlife biology, and 3) Environmental education. Most 
positions run from June through August, but some interns are needed as 
early as March and some are needed through December. Your educational 
institution may be able to approve this internship, with an appropriate 
independent project, for any field biology requirement of your major. 
Typical work days are eight hours Monday through Friday, however some 
projects require weekend and evening work. If you are an undergraduate or 
a newly graduated student with a background or interest in biology, 
ecology,environmental science, botany, environmental education, wildlife 
biology, or related field we encourage you to apply. Below are brief 
descriptions of the three types of positions available: 1. Plant community 
ecology. We have two large scale projects that require most of our intern 
resources throughout the summer. BioCON is one of the large scale 
experiments where we explore the ways in which plant communities respond 
to environmental changes such as increased nitrogen deposition, increased
atmospheric CO2, decreased biodiversity, and altered precipitation 
patterns. The other large scale project is the Big Biodiversity experiment 
that studies how plant diversity affects the rates, dynamics, and 
stability of ecological processes at the population, community, and 
ecosystem levels. There are multiple experiments nested within the Big 
Biodiversity experiment as well, looking at factors such as irrigation and 
increased temperatures. Throughout the summer we maintain and sample these 
experiments. 2. Wildlife biology. The starting date will be mid-April to 
mid-May. The research will be looking at how harvesting resorted prairies 
for biofuel affects wildlife. The work will include wildlife surveys
encompassing birds, small mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Bird 
survey duties will include identifying birds by sight and sound. Small 
mammal survey duties include operating Sherman live traps
and species identification. Insect survey duties will include methods such 
as sweep netting and pitfall traps. Additional surveys will require plant 
identification skills. Duties may go beyond what is listed. The applicant 
must have a flexible schedule and be willing to work odd hours including 
weekends and holidays. The position will entail extensive travel 
throughout the western Minnesota prairie region and requires a valid 
driver's license. 3. Environmental education. We are looking for an out-
going, selfmotivated individual to serve as an intern for our growing 
environmental education and outreach programs, including formal K-12 
science education programs and informal environmental programs for general
audiences. This is a seasonal full-time position, starting mid-May and
running through October, 2009. To apply for any of the above intern 
positions please visit our website, http://cedarcreek.umn.edu/interns/. 
The deadline for application submission is March 9th, 2009.

[ECOLOG-L] Post-Doc Position at LSU

[Bret Elderd]

Postdoctoral Position, Starting Fall 2009
Department of Biological Sciences
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA

A postdoctoral position in Disease Ecology is available starting Fall 2009
to work in my lab at Louisiana State University (LSU), Department of
Biological Sciences.

The ideal candidate for this postdoctoral position would have experience in
both empirical and theoretical ecology.  The individual hired, however, may
either focus on field or theoretical modeling approaches to disease
transmission.  The field component of my research examines disease
transmission dynamics of insect species specific pathogens
(nucleopolyhedrosis virus or NPVs). I am particularly interested in trophic
interactions between disease transmission of NPVs, the NPV's host, and the
host's food source.  The modeling portion of my research focuses on NPV
disease transmission and human epidemics.  This work involves using existing
data sets to create Bayesian and mathematical models of spatial and temporal
outbreak dynamics.

Individuals need to have a Ph.D. in ecology or relevant field in order to apply.

The position is available for one-year with the possibility of extension. 
Interested individuals should send me, Bret Elderd (elderd [at] lsu.edu),
the following in a single PDF: CV, letter of interest, a brief research
statement, and contact information for three references. Review of
applications will begin on Feb 25th and will continue until the  position is
filled. 

For more information on the department and Baton Rouge, LA, please see the
department website: .

[ECOLOG-L] Camera trapping

[Li An]

Dear Ecologgers,

I am considering if/how digital cameras (usually with infrared sensors 
to detect movements and automatically take photos without human 
presence) can be used to monitor some type of human activities, such as 
fuelwood collection, illegal mining, and ecotourism? Technically, it 
should work based on my experience. But how do we protect privacy, and 
convince IRB committee?


I appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thanks.

[One of my thoughts: Would mounting cameras at very low positions (near 
trails with camouflage such as bushes or trees) be OK? Only passers' 
legs or feet (below knees; no heads) will be taken and shown on photos, 
and nobody can identify who is who. My research only concerns the 
density and frequency of such human activities, not caring the identities.]


Happy New Year,

Li

--
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Li An, Assistant Professor
Department of Geography
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-4493
Office: Storm Hall 315
Phone: (619) 594-5932; Fax: (619) 594-4938
http://geography.sdsu.edu/People/Faculty/an.html
http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~lian/index.htm

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. Assistantship: Wolf survival and landscape effects in Wisconsin

[Forrester, Jodi]

Ph.D. Assistantship; Wolf survival and landscape effects in Wisconsin

Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin Madison

Available for Fall semester 2009

 

A half-time research assistantship is offered to study the linkages between
habitat quality for wolves in Wisconsin and wolf survival during 30 years of
wolf recolonization.  This study will involve GIS-based spatial analysis,
survival modeling in program MARK and construction of simulation models to
evaluate the viability of Wisconsin' wolf population under proposed
management scenarios following delisting of the wolf as an endangered
species.

The ideal candidate will have experience using GIS to address natural
resource problems, experience using program MARK to analyze radio-telemetry
data, strong academic qualifications including strong math and statistical
skills, and an affinity for working with agency specialists on wolf
conservation.

This project will be advised by Drs. Timothy Van Deelen and David Mladenoff
(Forest and Wildlife Ecology, UW-Madison) in collaboration with Adrian
Wydeven (Endangered Resources, Wisconsin DNR).  Funding is for 3 years
contingent on funding.

The Research Assistantship includes a monthly stipend, health benefits, and
tuition remission.

To apply, send cover letter, CV, transcripts (official or unofficial), and
the names of 3 references to:

Timothy R. Van Deelen

Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology

University of Wisconsin-Madison
120 Russell Labs 
1630 Linden Drive 
Madison, WI 53706 USA

Email: trvandee...@wismail.wisc.edu

 

[ECOLOG-L] Seasonal Biological Science Technicians

[=?iso-8859-1?Q?Kate_Miller?=]

Job Title: Biological Science Technician
Job Type: full-time seasonal position
Organization: National Park Service
Location: Bar Harbor, ME (Duty Station first 9 weeks), and Fredericksburg, 
VA (Duty Station second 9 weeks)
Open Period: 1/7/09-1/28/09
Vacancies: 4 crew members
Duration: 18 weeks mid May to September (exact dates TBD)
Grade: GS-5 
Pay: $14.74-15.94/hour

Job Description:
The National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Program is 
recruiting up to 4 seasonal Biological Science Technician to be a part of 
a 2-3 person field crew that will be collecting forest health data in 16 
parks throughout the Eastern US.  Incumbents will establish permanent 
forest monitoring plots and collect data on forest health, structure and 
composition, regeneration, understory vegetation, coarse woody debris, and 
soil characteristics. 

The crew will work in park sites from Virginia to Maine.  The first 5 
weeks of the season will be spent in training at Acadia NP (1 week) and 
sampling National Historic Parks in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut 
(4 weeks).  The crew will then spend approximately 5 weeks sampling in 
Acadia National Park, and 8 weeks working in Mid-Atlantic parks located in 
Virginia and Pennsylvania.  The crew will stay in park housing where 
available, and lodging may include hotels, historic buildings and cabins.  
Other duties may include pressing unknown plant specimens, equipment 
maintenance and repair, preparing soil samples for processing, and data 
entry. 

This is largely a field based position, and incumbents will be required to 
carry heavy field equipment (40+lbs), hike though rough terrain, and work 
in all weather conditions.  Park housing will be available at the duty 
stations (Bar Harbor, ME and Fredericksburg, VA).  When away from duty 
station (approx. 50% of the time), the National Park Service will pay 
lodging and per diem costs.  

For more information and to apply, please view the announcement (vacancy 
announcement # SH-NETN DEU 90-8T ) on the USAJOBS website 
(www.usajobs.opm.gov).  

[ECOLOG-L] JOB: Summer/fall field assistant, carbon cycling in AK

[Sue Natali]

A full-time research assistant position is available for summer/fall
fieldwork in Alaska.  

The focus of our research program is to understand the effects of climate
change on carbon cycling in tundra ecosystems.  The position will be based
in Alaska at a field site adjacent to Denali National Park. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Fieldwork will include maintenance of experimental plots and measurements of
ecosystem-level respiration, photosynthesis, isotopes and plant biomass. The
research assistant will also have the opportunity to develop her/his own
individual research in the context of the larger project.

This position will begin mid-May and continue through the fall, with the
beginning and ending dates somewhat flexible.  Applicants who could work
through the fall are strongly preferred, but summer-only applicants will
also be considered.

Please look at the following link for more information about ongoing AK
research in Dr. Ted Schuur’s ecosystem dynamics lab at the University of
Florida: http://ecology.botany.ufl.edu/ecosystemdynamics/schuur/

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  
* Course background in biology, ecology, botany or soil science 
* Prior field research experience
* A desire to work out-of-doors in an incredible location and willingness to
work long hours in the field (occasionally under adverse weather conditions)
* Ability to work and live with other researchers in a collaborative
research environment
Competent, careful, emotionally mature and enthusiastic applicants desired!  

SUPPORT:  
Shared cabin housing in Alaska, round-trip airfare to the field site and a
monthly stipend will be provided. 

APPLICATION:  
To apply, send a letter of application, a brief resume, transcripts
(unofficial copy or a list of relevant coursework including grades is fine),
and names and addresses of three references.  In your cover letter, describe
your relevant research experience and explain why you are interested in this
position and how it fits into your long-term education and career goals. 
Please include the dates you would be able to work—-if you are able to work
through the fall please mention this in your application.

We will review applications beginning March 2, 2009 until filled.

Application material should be sent to:  
Sue Natali at nat...@ufl.edu 
-or –
Sue Natali
Dept. of Botany and Zoology
220 Bartram Hall
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611

[ECOLOG-L] PhD-Position Ecological Modelling

[Hauke Reuter]

PhD-Position for Ecological Modelling at the ZMT, Bremen, Germany
http://www.zmt-bremen.de/files/main.php?language=en&a=inst&b=InJobs

The Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) in Bremen has been recently
elected member of the prestigious Leibniz Association, which is
supported by the German Federal and State Governments. Through its
research, ZMT contributes to developing science-based strategies for
sustainable use of tropical coastal systems.
To strengthen its research on the analysis of coastal tropical
environments the ZMT is seeking a PhD-Student in ecological modelling.
Focus will be on the spatial representation of different aspects of
coastal ecological systems under various environmental constraints. This
may include topics related to mangrove systems, coral-algae interaction,
life history analysis of key species and functional relationships,
however is not limited to this issues.
Start date is negotiable in March or April 2009 for a 3 year period.
Salary will be according to the German TV-L for a half-time position.

Requirements:
Applicants should have a Master's or Diploma degree in Ecology or
related fields and experience in ecological modelling. We take for
granted that the successful candidate has a strong interest in spatial
explicit modelling methods such as cellular automata and
individual/agent-based modelling. Knowledge of an object oriented
programming language, preferable Java, is an asset. Good skills in
English are essential. The successful candidate should have the ability
to work in a team and have the willingness to work in an
interdisciplinary research environment.

Application:
To apply, please send a cover letter including a short outline of your
research interests, a complete CV and names with email addresses and
phone numbers of two referees by email in a single pdf-file to the
address below. Review will start on 5th February 2009 and will continue
until the position is filled. Place of work is Bremen, however,
travelling abroad will be part of the position.
The ZMT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons with
comparable qualification receive preferential status.

-- 
PD Dr. Hauke Reuter  email: hauke.reu...@zmt.uni-bremen.de
Dept. Ecological Modelling
Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) www.zmt-bremen.de
Fahrenheitstrasse 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Tel: XX49 421-23800-58,  www.abm-ecology.org

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Experiences as an SCA intern?

[=?iso-8859-1?Q?Mike_Kirkpatrick?=]

I couldn't rate my SCA experience any better. I led a Seeds of Success crew
in southern UT in 2003 and later worked on a condor recovery team in CA.
They were both invaluable positions, as well as very different, and I know
they helped me not only develop skills but also break into the "real" job
market afterward. After those two gigs I starting working for the USFS and
NPS and haven't looked back. Lots of people in leadership positions have
also gone through the ranks of SCA. There's no better organization out there.

I would recommend talking extensively with whoever you would go to work for
- whatever staff member you'd report to on a daily basis, and ideally a
potential co-worker or current intern. You'll get a much more specific idea
of what you're in for that way. Not everyone had experiences as great as
mine (and mine weren't always great, except in balance), so it is worth
doing some homework. But once you try it chances are you'll be hooked. You
meet great people, live the life, and develop field-based insights into
whether the work is right for you. And you'll probably get enough
inspiration to propel you into the field for years to come. 

Good luck!

Mike Kirkpatrick