[ECOLOG-L] Wetland Biogeochemistry Research Technician -- Reston VA
Looking to be part of a research team working in the Everglades, Chesapeake Bay, and sites across the Southeast? Looking for a fast-paced work environment with the opportunity to grow? Looking to hone your laboratory skills? The Hydro-Ecology of Flowing Waters Project of the USGS is hiring a full-time, non-permanent technician to be part of our team. We research the hydrologic, geomorphic, and biotic controls on biogeochemistry in wetlands and their coupled fluvial ecosystems in order to better protect and restore the nations water resources. Dr. Greg Noe of the Wetland Ecosystem Biogeochemistry Lab will be the technicians supervisor in collaboration with Drs. Jud Harvey and Laurel Larsen. Job duties are centered on supporting research to restore the Everglades and include the chemical analysis of P, N, C, and other elements in water, sediment, soil, and plant samples. Additional duties include field work for collection of samples and measurement of ecological and hydrologic data, sample processing, lab management, database management, QA/QC, and report preparation. The position is based in Reston, Virginia with extensive collaborations with hydrologists, geomorphologists, ecologists, and geochemists within the USGS and with partner organizations. Field work will require travel to south Florida for intensive field experiments. Applicants must demonstrate the desire and capability to be an independent member of a team in charge of laboratory components of our work, including operating autoanalyzers, elemental analyzers, and ICPs and conducting laboratory incubations of sediments, while also showing strong capability for tough field work. Experience working with geochemical tracers to quantify natural organic matter transport is particularly desirable. Please send your curriculum vitae to Dr. Greg Noe (g...@usgs.gov); review of applications will begin immediately and applicants should be available to begin work by September. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes benefits and paid vacation.
[ECOLOG-L] Field assistants needed for snake/squirrel behavior study
Title: Volunteer field assistant, behavior of snakes and squirrels Location: San Francisco Bay Area Dates: Mid-April through mid-July Job description: The Clark lab at San Diego State University is seeking committed, motivated individuals to assist in a behavioral ecology study on predator-prey interactions between western rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) and California ground squirrels (Speromphilus beecheyi). Assistants will help with radio telemetry of rattlesnakes, mark and recapture of ground squirrels, and behavioral observations of both rattlesnakes and ground squirrels in the field. This a great opportunity to gain experience with small mammal trapping, marking and handling of animals, radio telemetry, GPS, behavioral observation, and other basic behavior and ecology field techniques. Qualifications: No experience necessary. On-the-job training will be provided, but priority will be given to those with prior field experience. Must be able to hike long distances carrying heavy equipment, conduct patient observations from a blind for long periods of time, and live in primitive conditions while camping in a remote wilderness area with no facilities. Must be hardworking, independent, good-natured, love working in the outdoors, and able to share close living quarters with several other researchers. Food and basic field supplies will be provided. Application: To apply, please send a cover letter and resume (including contact information for three references) detailing your experience with field biology, wilderness skills, and animal behavior to Rulon Clark at: rcl...@sciences.sdsu.edu For more information, you can contact Rulon Clark at 619-594-1527 or rcl...@sciences.sdsu.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Fwd: HOLD ON JOHN HOLDREN AND JANE LUBCHENCO
If you're interested in facilitating the confirmation of ESA member (and Past President of the Society) Jane Lubchenco as NOAA Administrator, and John Holdren (AAAS past president) as White House Science Advisor, you could contact your Senators, both to express your concern about the anonymous hold(s?) on the confirmations and to ask whether your Senators are the ones who have placed the hold(s). David Inouye Dear Friends, Sad to say, internal Senate politics is delaying confirmation of the most important science appointees -- and it may not be Menendez who many of us contacted last week. See http://scienceblogs.com/authority/2009/03/science_advisor_and_noaa_admin.php. I called Harry Reid's office. He had been very helpful with the CCB's Nevada Biodiversity Initiative and I mentioned that when I talked to a staffer about Reid breaking the logjam. The staffer said she would pass the message on (I'm not holding my breath). At this point in history we badly need good scientists doing what they can to avert catastrophe. Holdren can advise Obama but cannot run the OSTP until confirmed, Lubchenco is in limbo. I hope you will all, scientists or not, will contact Reid (info at url above) and ask that he end this sad delay. PLEASE FORWARD THIS LETTER TO ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT HELP. Thanks. Best. Paul Paul R. Ehrlich Bing Professor of Population Studies President, Center for Conservation Biology Department of Biology, 371 Serra Mall Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5020 Ph 650-723-3171 Fx 650-723-5920 http://www.stanford.edu/group/CCB/Staff/Ehrlich.html
[ECOLOG-L] Summer Job - Fire History at Crater Lake National Park
Summer Job -- Fire History at Crater Lake National Park I'm hiring a field assistant for the summer to work on fire history at Crater Lake National Park. Please email me if you're interested. Details are below and on the web at http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/stephens-lab/students.htm . Alison Forrestel Moritz & Stephens Labs - Wildland Fire Science Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management The University of California at Berkeley aforr...@nature.berkeley.edu ** Project Description: This project is focused on reconstructing fire history in the subalpine forests of Crater Lake National Park using stand- reconstruction and fire scar dendrochronology approaches. Job Description: One field technician is needed to assist with forest demography and fire scar sampling field work. The position will involve typical forest inventory measurements, tree coring (by hand and using a chain saw), fire scar sampling (using a chain saw), arduous hiking and possible backcountry camping as well as processing samples in the lab. Field work will be conducted in subalpine forests in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon and lab work will be based out of Berkeley, CA. The position will be from June through August and start dates and end dates are flexible. Work schedule will vary, but the field work portion of the position will involve eight 10-hour days with an early morning start, followed by 6 days off. Applicants must be able to provide their own housing in or around Berkeley. Additional Qualifications: Coursework or experience in forestry, natural resources management, forest ecology, or related field is desired but not required. Applicants with strong botany interest and proficiency in identifying plants using keys are strongly preferred. Knowledge and ability to safely operate chainsaws. Use of spreadsheet applications; ability to use or learn to use handheld data recorders, radios, GPS, and other field equipment This position is physically demanding and will require the ability to hike off trail and work on steep slopes in hot sun for long periods. Applicants must also be willing to work in dense brush and in buggy conditions. Exposure to ticks, bees, rattlesnakes and other “surprises” are possible. Technicians must be comfortable living in a bunkhouse or other shared living facility during the work week. TO APPLY: Please send a resume, cover letter, and 3 reference contacts to the above project manager. Feel free to email the project manager with any questions! Kabir G. Peay, Ph.D Postdoctoral Research Scientist Plant & Microbial Biology, UC Berkeley 321 Koshland Hall Berkeley, CA 94720 Email: kp...@nature.berkeley.edu Web: nature.berkeley.edu/~kpeay
[ECOLOG-L] Circuitscape 3.1 connectivity software
We've just released Circuitscape 3.1 connectivity analysis software. Circuitscape uses circuit theory to predict connectivity for gene flow, animal movement, and conservation planning. We now have executable versions for Windows and Mac, and Python source files for Linux, all freely available. You can download these and read about applications of circuit theory in ecology, evolution, and conservation at www.circuitscape.org. -- -- Brad McRae The Nature Conservancy 1917 1st Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/~mcrae/
[ECOLOG-L] Project Biologist - Position Announcement
Project Biologist Southeast Flagship Initiative This position held by the Northern Prairies Land Trust in conjunction with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Salary: Starting at $33,892/year plus benefits Earliest Starting Date: April 15th; This is a new permanent position that has secure funding for 3 years with strong potential for extension. Employer: This position is with Northern Prairies Land Trust (www.northernprairies.org) and jointly supervised by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (www.outdoornebraska.org). Application Deadline: Open until filled Location: Prairie Partnership Office - Southeast Community College - Beatrice, Nebraska. Description: This position will be a full-time (40 hrs/wk) employee of Northern Prairies Land Trust (NPLT) under joint supervision with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC). The position will implement actions identified in the Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan (NNLP) (www.ngpc.state.ne.us/wildlife/programs/legacy/) through the Southeast Flagship Initiative (www.prairienebraska.org). The employee will design, coordinate, and implement ecologically sustainable habitat conservation projects with landowners for the benefit of rare species and economic sustainability. Habitat projects will be implemented using Nebraska Environmental Trust funds, NGPC's Wild Nebraska Program, USDA's Farm Bill programs, and others. This is a grant funded position and NPLT and NGPC have a proven record for fundraising and extending similar positions. Salary begins at $2,824/month plus benefits. Northern Prairies Land Trust is a private non-profit general service land trust operating in all of Nebraska and South Dakota. The mission of the trust is to assist conservation-minded private landowners who are interested in better managing and protecting their property for future generations. Responsibilities: A)Design, implement and maintain enhancement and restoration projects on tallgrass prairie, eastern deciduous woodland, and associated at-risk species habitats. Projects will include the development and implementation of prescribed burns, burn-driven grazing management systems, high-diversity prairie restoration, tree and shrub clearing, and invasive plant control. B)Design, implement, and maintain conservation easements on private lands to protect rare species habitats and landscapes. C)Aid cooperating landowners in monitoring project success. D)Provide secondary support for outreach, education, and research efforts through the Southeast Flagship Initiative and its’ supporting partner organizations. E)Work closely with NGPC federal aid coordinators to ensure record keeping, permitting, and grant objective compliance. F)Attend local and regional meetings associated with the NGPC, NPLT, and the NNLP. Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: A)Sound working knowledge of grassland and woodland ecology and species identification in the Midwest. B)Sound working knowledge of prescribed fire and grazing as management tools. C)Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with rural landowners and other conservation partners. D)Possess sound working knowledge of private lands conservation programs, provisions of the Endangered Species Act, and State Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies. E)Excellent writing and presentation skills. F)Ability to work independently without immediate supervision and as part of a team. G)Working knowledge of GIS tools and Microsoft Office software. Required Education and Experience: A bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, plant ecology, range management, or closely related natural resources field is required (M.S. preferred). Prior experience with private lands conservation, land management, or easement development is required. Training and experience with prescribed fire planning and implementation, ArcGIS 9 software, and grant writing is preferred. To Apply: Email a resume and cover letter to Jarren Kuipers (jarren.kuip...@nebraska.gov). Position is open until filled. For more information call or email Jarren Kuipers (402-228-0276).
[ECOLOG-L] NSF REU in Ecosystem Ecology at Loyola University New Orleans
A NSF-funded summer research experience for undergraduates (REU) position is available to a qualified student interested in conducting research in ecosystem ecology. The student will be based at Loyola University New Orleans and will conduct independent research in support of a collaborative research project between investigators from Loyola, the University of Arizona, New Mexico State University and the University of Kentucky examining interactive effects of solar UV and soil erosion on litter decomposition and biogeochemistry in desert shrublands. Qualifications: Undergraduate majoring in Biology, Botany, Rangeland Ecology or related field. Prior coursework in ecology is required and familiarity with computers, statistics and data processing is essential. Requirements: Individuals will be expected to, 1) conduct independent research that supports the overall research project; 2) work with other students and researchers in a collaborative research situation, and 3) prepare and submit a final written report of their research. Support: 3 months (May 15 – August 15, 2009; dates negotiable) of summer support ($1920/month), plus additional funds to cover living expenses in New Orleans and travel to the Arizona field site. Application: Interested students should submit a letter of application, a brief resume, copies of transcripts, and names and addresses of two references to: Dr. Paul W. Barnes, Department of Biological Sciences, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70118; Phone: 504.865.2008; Email: pwbar...@loyno.edu. Deadline for application is April 10, 2009.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] "Natural" systems
The EU Water Quality Directive takes a similar approach and refers to "pristine conditions" as the standard. Not all scientists agree that pristine conditions are ideal - for example, is it really bad to make a highly oligotrophic water body more productive? Natural conditions do not arise from any goal-seeking behavour but can come about by accident. What about deserts of basaltic rocks left by volcanoes? And speaking of deserts, how far back should we look to define naural conditions? It has been suggested that the Sahara was lush and green before humans overgrazed it. The fires that destroyed the forests of northern Newfoundland may have been caused by humans or by lightning, we have no way of determining which. And what about the depradations of our ancestors, early hominoids who hunted many animals to extinction. If we could bring back the wooly mammoth, would that enhance or destroy natural conditions? Aside from issues of ambiguity, I think that referring to any change from natural conditions as adverse is unrealistic. The idea that we should return the wheatfields that feed human populations to savannah may be philosophically intriguing, but it won't happen and we should instead try to find ways of making the real world function optimally. What the optimum is poses a difficult set of questions, but natural conditions are not the answer. Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: "Geoffrey Patton" To: Sent: Sunday, March 08, 2009 3:09 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] "Natural" systems It is with deep regret that I am unable to cite the specific reference for what I am about to write. I have frequently attributed it to John Clark's Ecosystem Management while knowing that's inaccurate. However, the quote I've constucted is "Any alteration of the natural situation is, by default, an adverse effect or change." Paraphrased, Nature took millenia to achieve the current dynamic balance of plants and animals, predators and prey, entropy and enthalpy. Any alteration at Man's hand away from the natural order of things conflicts with the balance and is adverse. Thus, we should try to our last breath to make things as conducive to nature's way as possible.
[ECOLOG-L] Job: 2 research tech positions in disease ecology
Two full-time research technician positions are available in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK Title: Assessing the stability of parasite communities through perturbation experiments Two full-time research technician posts are available to join a project studying the parasite communities of small mammals (wood mice) in the wild. This is part of a NERC-funded grant led by Amy Pedersen, Owen Petchey (University of Sheffield) and Andy Fenton (University of Liverpool), involving both fieldwork (small-mammal trapping) and laboratory assays. Both posts are based within the Division of Population and Evolutionary Biology in the School of Biological Sciences, Liverpool, and will be responsible for conducting the small-mammal trapping at our field sites on the Wirral, Merseyside. We are looking for a Senior technician (Grade 6; £25,623 - £27,183) that has extensive experience with small-mammal trapping. The Graduate technician (Grade 5; £22,126 pa) will receive training in small-mammal trapping and techniques in parasitology. Opportunities will be available for both technicians to develop their research interests within this host-parasite system. The Senior technician should have relevant experience and ideally hold a Home Office personal licence for handling small mammals. Both technicians will be required to undertake the majority of the intensive trapping on the project, and so should be familiar with organising and conducting fieldwork. Both technicians should hold valid UK driving licences. The posts are available for 3 years, starting in May 2009. Closing date for receipt of applications is 20 March 2009. For the Grade 6 Senior technician (Ref: S-569346/WWW) application and specific job description, please go to: http://www.liv.ac.uk/working/job_vacancies/technical/S-569346.htm For the Grade 5 Graduate technician (Ref: S-569345/WWW) application and specific job description, please go to: http://www.liv.ac.uk/working/job_vacancies/technical/S-569345.htm For specific information about the project, please email Amy Pedersen (a.peder...@sheffield.ac.uk) and/or Andy Fenton (a.fen...@liverpool.ac.uk).
