[ECOLOG-L] Stanford Climate Change and Marine Systems symposium, April 10, 2009
Stanford Journal of Law, Science, Policy and Student Collaborations for Ocean Research and Education (SCORE) invite you to a special symposium Climate Change and Marine Systems: Managing for Resiliency Please join us on April 10 at the Stanford Law School for lively panel discussions among scientists, lawyers, and natural resource managers about some of our greatest challenges in ocean governance. There will also be a keynote address by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). This symposium is supported by the Center for Ocean Solutions (COS) and the Stanford Law School Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy Program (ENRLP) For schedule and registration, visit: http://sjlsp.group.stanford.edu/ Registration is free for students. -- Malin Pinsky Hopkins Marine Station Stanford University Pacific Grove, CA 93950 mpin...@stanford.edu
Re: [ECOLOG-L] analyzing ordinal phenology data
John Skillman wrote: Ecologgers... We have regularly censused populations of several different plant species throughout the growing season and categorized the observed individuals into one of 7 different phenological stages (e.g., stage 1 = initial greening, stage 4 = peak flowering, stage 6 = seed drop, etc.). These numeral IDs for the different stages are ordinal data that, by coincidence, tend to scale linearly with day of the growing season. Although using ordinal data is not permitted (and makes no sense) in regression analyses, we've done it anyway! By running regressions we are able to get slopes (change in phenological stage vs. day of year) which, in essence, quantifies the seasonal rates of development for the different species. Taking it one step further, Analyses of Covariance confirm that some species progress through these phenological stages at rates that are significantly different from that of other species. So if this tells me what I want to know, what is the problem? The problem, of course, is that this approach treats these phenological stage IDs (1-7) as quantitative values when, in fact, they are nothing more than category labels. Can anyone suggest an alternative way to use these data to quantify seasonal development rates and test for differences among species? BTW, we censused different individuals within each population haphazardly (~10 individuals per population per census date) and did NOT follow the same individuals over the season. I don't know if anyone has responded privately, but the analysis should just be an ordinal regression, e.g. Guisan, A. and Harrell, F.E. (2000) Ordinal Response Regression Models in Ecology. Journal of Vegetation Science, 11: 617-626. For R (and S-PLUS) users, there is the polr() function in the MASS package that will do this. Incidentally, regression might not be too bad: it sounds as if the data are approximately interval data. A bit of model checking to see if the assumptions of normality and (probably more importantly) linearity are reasonable might be all that is needed. Bob -- Bob O'Hara Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics P.O. Box 68 (Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2b) FIN-00014 University of Helsinki Finland Telephone: +358-9-191 51479 Mobile: +358 50 599 0540 Fax: +358-9-191 51400 WWW: http://www.RNI.Helsinki.FI/~boh/ Journal of Negative Results - EEB: http://www.jnr-eeb.org
[ECOLOG-L] 2 Post-doc positions in Wageningen, Netherlands
For more information see message below. From: Boer, Fred de Sent: dinsdag 31 maart 2009 13:28 To: Subject: Postdoc positions at the Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen Dear Colleagues, We have 2 positions for a one-year Postdoc (non-EU candidates only) within our Tembo Integrated Programme. I would appreciate if you could distribute this call to potential interested candidates. Kind regards Fred de Boer Open Positions: 2 Postdocs researchers for 1 year- Wageningen University, the Netherlands The project: Spatially explicit, multiple goal optimization is a cutting edge topic in bio-economic models, especially with regard to the sustainable utilization of natural resources, where conservation and other societal needs have to be simultaneously addressed. Spatial issues and non-linear scale-transitions are not sufficiently dealt with in current bio-economic models, where data about resources are generally aggregated over space and time. The Postdoc researchers should study the effect of different scales of measurements on the output of a bio-economic model, by investigating the impact of the extent of the resource distribution (i.e., the set spatial limits of the resource) as well as the grain size (i.e., spatial resolution) that is chosen for the analysis. The Postdocs will deepen the knowledge on spatially explicit bio-economic modelling, using data from the Tembo integrated programme focussing on a vegetation-elephant-humans system (www.reg.wur.nl/UK/Research/Temboproject/), and from projects with similar questions on marine resources, carried out by Imares, such as the North Sea benthic fisheries. Benefit sharing, co-management, and the incorporation of externalities have to be addressed in both study systems. One of the Postdoc researchers will concentrate on profit maximization, while the other focuses on the sustainability of the exploitation. Candidate profile: the position is available for non EU applicants only period: 1 September 2009- 31 August 2010 a PhD degree in Ecology or Economics experience with spatial modeling with remotely sensed data and GIS a good publication record excellent written and oral communication skills in English advanced knowledge on novel modeling approaches (e.g., multi-species, spatially-explicit bio-economic models under conflicting interests) scientific curiosity and new bright ideas Our offer: The stipend (1400 Euro/months) is for 1 year for both positions The vacancy is located at the Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands Interested? Applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae, a copy of their academic records, and a covering letter stating their motivation to fred.deb...@wur.nl before 1 May 2009. More information can be obtained through Fred de Boer (fred.deb...@wur.nl).
[ECOLOG-L] Summer Courses in Field Biology at the Highlands Biological Station
2009 SUMMER COURSES, WORKSHOPS, AND TEACHER EDUCATION WORKSHOPS AT THE HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION The Highlands Biological Station, in Highlands, North Carolina, is offering its 2009 series of summer courses and workshops that can be taken for credit toward your academic program. HBS is an inter-institutional research center of the University of North Carolina. Highlands, North Carolina, is located in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, at an average elevation about 3,800 feet, and situated near the Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee Indian Reservation, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous other national reserves. For more information and to apply, visit www.wcu.edu/hbs, email h...@email.wcu.edu or call 828-526-2602. 2009 SUMMER COURSE SCHEDULE (4 CREDIT HOURS): -Conservation Biology of Amphibians May 18 May 30 with Raymond D. Semlitsch (University of Missouri, Columbia) -Taxonomy and Natural History of Southern Appalachian Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies June 1 June 13 with John C. Morse (Clemson University) -Ecology of Rock Outcrop Communities June 15 June 27 with Keith Clay (Indiana University) -Conservation Biology Principles for Conservation Illustrated by the Diverse and Dynamic Landscape of the Southern Appalachians June 29 July 11 with Peter S. White (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) -Forest Ecosystems of the Southern Appalachian Mountains July 13 July 25 with Thomas R. Wentworth (North Carolina State University), Stephanie Jeffries (North Carolina State University), and Peter S. White (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) -Vascular Plants of the Southern Appalachians July 27 August 8 with Paul S. Manos (Duke University) Cost and Credit Information: Comprehensive course fee: $400 per 2-week course Course credit: all summer courses can be taken for 4 semester hours credit Registration fee: if a student wishes to receive credit through either UNC-Chapel Hill or Western Carolina University, a charge of $80 per course will apply Housing fee: $50-$100 per week depending on accommodations 2009 Summer Course Applications are available at http://www.wcu.edu/hbs/currentyrcourses.htm 2009 SUMMER WORKSHOPS: -Bryophyte Identification: Liverworts, Hornworts, and Mosses May 1116 with Paul G. Davison (University of North Alabama) -Scientific Illustration May 1116 with Nancy Lowe (Emory University) Comprehensive workshop fee: $300 per workshop, including housing. The workshop fee is $200 for those not requiring housing. Course credit: workshops can be taken for 2 semester hours credit Registration fee: if a student wishes to receive credit through either UNC-Chapel Hill or Western Carolina University, a charge of $80 per workshop will apply 2009 Summer Workshop Registration Forms are available at http://www.wcu.edu/hbs/currentyrcourses.htm 2009 TEACHER EDUCATION COURSES: The Teacher Education Courses are co-sponsored by the Center for Mathematics and Science Education at Western Carolina University and Highlands Biological Station: -Mountain Biodiversity June 15-19 with Karen Kandl (Western Carolina University) -Entomology for Educators June 22-26 with Robert W. Matthews (University of Georgia) Course credit: Courses can each be taken for 2 graduate credits or 3 CEUs. Registration fee: The registration fee for each course is $30, with an additional $80 fee per course if taken for credit. Housing fee: $50-$100 depending on accommodations Please visit http://www.wcu.edu/hbs/currentyrcourses.htm for detailed course descriptions and application forms.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] reptile mutualisms
I need your help finding some obscure references to reptile mutualisms. I am a graduate student working on an independent research project involving reptile mutualisms. Here I have defined a reptile mutualism as any interaction involving a turtle, crocodilian, lizard, snake, or Sphenodon that benefits another organism, whether it be a plant or an animal. With this in mind I grouped my findings so far into 4 categories including pollination, seed dispersal, cleaning, gut symbionts, and “other.” A pollination mutualism would include any reptile that is involved in transport of pollen from one plant to another while it gains a food source, and at the same time increases the plant’s ability to reproduce. One example of this is the lizard, teiradugesii (Lacertidae) drinking nectar in Musschiaaurea (Campanulaceae) (Elvers, 1977). A similar type of mutualism, involving plant reproduction includes seed dispersal. This involves a reptile consuming a fruit, traveling some distance and defecating seeds, still intact and viable. One example of this can be seen in the Florida Box turtle and the fruits of Thrinaxmorrissii, Serenoarepens, and Byrsonimalucida (Hong, 2003). It was found that the seeds of these plants were dispersed several hundred meters from where they were ingested and grew successfully. A well known cleaning mutualism is that of the Green Sea turtle Cheloniamaydas and Thalassomaduperrey, the Hawaiian saddleback wrasse (Zamzow, n.d). The Green Sea turtle’s carapace and plastron are cleaned by the wrasse that gets a meal by ingesting the algae and other small invertebrates living on the turtle. This is an eclectic field, and many examples are likely to be buried in gray literature or otherwise hard to find. I am asking for your help finding all the obscure examples. If you know any mutualisms of reptiles that may fall into these categories or more importantly, if you have any “out of the ordinary” mutualisms, I would very much appreciate to hear about it so I can include it in my research publication. I would like as much information as possible regarding the specific interaction to include in my publication. If you can provide me with where you have seen it recorded or cited that is great, but if not, I would still like to hear about it. Send me anything you’ve got! Thank you in advance for your help Kayleigh Erazmus mterrapinl...@gmail.com References Elvers, I. (1977).Flower-visiting lizards on Madeira. Notulae Botanicae. 130 231 – 234; Hong, L., Platt, S., Borg, C. (2003). Seed Dispersal by the Florida Box Turtle (Terrapene carolinabauri) in Pine Rockland Forests of the Lower Florida Keys, United States. Plant Animal Interactions. 539-546. Zamzow, J. (n.d). Cleaning Symbioses Between Hawaiian Reef Fishes and Green Sea Turtles, Cheloniamydas. Proceedings ofthe 18th International Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation
Re: [ECOLOG-L] analyzing ordinal phenology data
John, Don made a very good suggestion in his reply: you can calculate the mean number of days for a species to reach a particular phenological stage, thereby making day the response variable. My point is that it sometimes makes sense to treat ordinal data the same way you treat continuous data (although a lot of the time it does not) and I would not rule it out without at least considering it. The trick is to determine the spacing between categories. Is a class 2 one unit greater than a class 1 and a class 4 three units greater? If you take this approach, you need to make your rationale clear when you're reporting your results. Cheers, Peter
[ECOLOG-L] Ecopath 25 Years *Extension abstract deadline*
Ecopath 25 Years *Extension abstract deadline* In Vancouver, Canada from August 26th to September 3rd Presently, we are receiving many requests for an extension of the deadlines for the abstract submission. Therefore we have decided to postpone the deadline for submitting abstract to *** APRIL 15 2009 *** A kind reminder to read abstract submission guidelines carefully and to adhere to the abstract template (both provided at http://conference.ecopath.org/) when submitting your abstract. Than you for your cooperation! Lyne Morissette on behalf of Ecopath 25 Organizing Committee
[ECOLOG-L] ESA SEEDS 2009 Field Trip Opportunity for Undergraduate
The Ecological Society of America’s SEEDS (Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity, and Sustainability) program is pleased to announce the upcoming Fall 2009 Field Trip. Student Field Trips meet the SEEDS mission by providing exciting opportunities for underrepresented undergraduate students to explore their interest in ecology. Field trips allow students to spend four to seven days at an ecologically significant site, such as a field station, research laboratory, or national park, learning about the science of ecology, exploring career options, and seeing the practical applications of ecology. The 2009 SEEDS Fall Field Trip will take place from September 17-20 at the Mountain Lake Biological Station in Virginia. All expenses are covered by SEEDS. This field trip provides a unique opportunity for students to learn from, and perhaps contribute to, scientific research programs taking place at the research station. For more information about SEEDS field trips and to apply for the Fall 2009 field trip, please visit us online at http://www.esa.org/seeds/fieldtrips/. All applications for this field trip must be received by midnight on May 1, 2009. Please contact Erin Vinson at e...@esa.org or 202-833-8773 with any questions.
[ECOLOG-L] parthenogenesis sex
I am trying to answer a question about parthenogenesis that is confusing my mind. does anyone out there study (automictic) parthenogenetic organisms like bees or mites etc that might be able to answer a couple questions? Please email me at bohemian _AT_ wendeeholtcamp.com (change that email up, you know the routine). Basically I'm writing an article on shark virgin birth and its implications for global shark decline/conservation, but going into the evolution of sex in general. It appears that sex is a puzzle because it does not necessarily provide adaptive advantage for the individual (though it does increase genetic diversity in a population). Would it somehow benefit individual genes, though, supporting Dawkins' selfish gene theory? It appears there is considerable literature on the possibility of sex evolving to eliminate selfish genetic elements, which unfortunately I don't have time to read all before my deadline. I just wondered if anyone on this list studies these things and might contact me? Thanks for any discussion or insight! Wendee ~~ Wendee Holtcamp, M.S. Wildlife Ecology Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian http://www.wendeeholtcamp.com http://www.wendeeholtcamp.com/ http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com/ ~~6-wk Online Writing Course Start Apr 11 Jun 6, 2009~~ ~~~ 'Better to light a candle than curse the darkness'
[ECOLOG-L] Faculty Opening: Quantitative Disease Ecologist, UC-Davis, Plant Pathology
Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis. The successful candidate will be expected to develop effective teaching and research programs, and to participate in outreach activities that contribute to the success of the University. The applicant should have a Ph.D. degree in Plant Pathology, Plant Biology, Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Ecology, and Genetics, Biostatistics or other closely related field. Postdoctoral experience is desirable. A strong commitment to teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels is expected. The appointee is expected to develop an extramurally funded research program emphasizing modern approaches to the quantitative ecology of plant-associated microbes and the epidemiology of plant diseases in agricultural and/or natural ecosystems. The successful candidate should have the interest and ability to develop and utilize sophisticated computational methodologies to model the behavior of complex systems. The candidate would be expected to employ an integrated approach that takes advantage, perhaps through collaborations, of advanced methodologies for acquisition and processing of data on environmental parameters and/or genome level studies to investigate ecological relationships between pathogens and their hosts Teaching will be at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the area of the candidates expertise, and will include contributions to a new curriculum in agricultural sustainability. Supervision of graduate students, student advising, participation in outreach programs, curricular development, and performance of University service are expected. Research, teaching and outreach efforts are expected to contribute to the mission of Plant Pathology in the Agricultural Experiment Station. This will be a nine-month tenure-track position. Fiscal year (11 months) term employment to be offered and continued based on academic personnel review. The position is available on or about October 1, 2009. This position will be located in the Plant Pathology Department. Applicants should submit curriculum vitae including publication list, a statement of research and a separate statement describing teaching interests and background, a summary or abstract of the Ph.D. dissertation, and the names, addresses including e-mail, and telephone numbers of four references on-line at http://plantpathology.ucdavis.edu. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. David Rizzo, Search Committee Chair, Dept. of Plant Pathology, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, telephone (530) 754-9255, email: dmri...@ucdavis.edu. Open until filled, but to ensure consideration, applications should be received by April 15, 2009. A more detailed job description can be obtained at http://plantpathology.ucdavis.edu UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
[ECOLOG-L] Help in using allometric biomass equations
I'm applying allometric biomass equations to stands of trees and I'm looking to determine the error caused by the uncertainty of the biomass equations. While most of the equations provide a RMSE I'm uncertain of how to change this to an error estimate of stand due to the equations, which could then be combined with the sampling error. Any help would be greatly appriciated, Thanks
[ECOLOG-L] Student opportunity for CYBERINFRASTRUCTURE SUMMER TRAINEESHIPS 2009...
*** Please disseminate widely to students at your institution ***
CYBERINFRASTRUCTURE SUMMER TRAINEESHIPS 2009
VIRTUAL DATA CENTER FOR BIODIVERSITY, EARTH, ECOLOGICAL, AND EVOLUTIONARY
SCIENCE DATA
http://hackathon.nescent.org/Cyberinfrastructure_Summer_Traineeships_2009
Summer traineeships are available for up to four students and postdocs
interested in informatics as applied to scientific data ranging from the
fields of biodiversity, ecology, and evolutionary biology. The program
provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate, masters, and PhD students
as well as postdocs to obtain hands-on experience writing and extending
open-source software as part of a distributed collaborative software
development team building a Virtual Data Center (VDC) that includes major
data and metadata repositories in those fields.
Trainees accepted into the program will receive a stipend ($4,500), and with
the exception of attending one meeting near the beginning and one near the
end of the 3-month program period may work from their home, or home
institution. Travel costs incurred in connection with the meetings will be
reimbursed. Each student will have at least one dedicated mentor to show
them the ropes and help them complete their project.
Initial project ideas are listed on the website. These range from validation
of metadata and identifier resolution, to supporting LSID and semantic-web
compliant PURLs for digital data objects, to implementing modern web-service
APIs, to cataloging the diversity of metadata schemas. The project ideas are
flexible and can be adjusted in scope to match the skills of the student. We
also welcome novel project ideas that dovetail with student interests.
The traineeships are supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant
to a consortium of major repositories for biodiversity, earth and
environmental, ecological, and evolutionary science. The consortium
includes the LTER Network Office, the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA and Oak
Ridge National Laboratory, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility
(GBIF), the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center(NESCent), and the
National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS). It aims to
develop the cyberinfrastructure and technologies necessary to build a
Virtual Data Center (VDC) based on a network of existing and new physical
repositories (nodes) that interoperate using open standards and protocols.
The network will enable discovery of as well as open, stable, and
secure access to data in any of its member nodes.
TO APPLY: Students apply online. Instructions for applying are at the
website (see When you apply), along with program rules and eligibility
requirements. The 15-day application period for students opens on Monday
March 30th and runs through Monday, April 13th, 2009.
INQUIRIES: vdc-twg {at} ecoinformatics {dot} org. We strongly encourage all
interested students to get in touch with us with their ideas as early as
possible.
Cyberinfrastructure Traineeships Website:
http://hackathon.nescent.org/Cyberinfrastructure_Summer_Traineeships_2009
2009 NESCent Phyloinformatics Summer of Code (NESCent's participation in the
Google Summer of Code; managed separately; postdocs not eligible; ***student
application period ends April 3rd***)
http://hackathon.nescent.net/Phyloinformatics_Summer_of_Code_2009
To sign up for quarterly NESCent newsletters:
http://www.nescent.org/about/contact.php
[ECOLOG-L] Jobs for student contractors - USEPA Gulf Ecology Division
The Gulf Ecology Division (Gulf Breeze, FL) of the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, of the Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is seeking either recent graduates with a B.S. or equivalent degree in biology, chemistry, ecology, environmental science, or related field of study or students with a minimum of 2 or more years of college in those same field of studies to provide services under a contractual agreement. The contractor(s) shall assist in understanding the physical, chemical, and biological dynamics of coastal wetlands and estuaries, determining ecological condition, evaluating rates and causes of declining systems, and/or predicting future conditions under various alternative water quality scenarios. For more detailed information regarding the G ulf Ecology Division, visit its home page at http://www.epa.gov/ged/. The following contract specialties are available: A. Database Development B. EcoServices C. EcoServices Database Support The primary work location is 1 Sabine Island Drive, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561. Work shall be primarily performed in an office, but some laboratory and field work may be required. Necessary instruction, training, and oversight shall be provided by EPA scientists who shall serve as mentors to the student contractors. Please see http://www.epa.gov/oamrtpnc/q0900107/index.htm for details regarding these positions and instructions on how to apply. Opportunity for Summer Employment The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Gulf Ecology Division in Gulf Breeze, Florida is looking for energetic and highly motivated students for summer employment. Numerous opportunities are available within EPA for students to gain valuable work experience while contributing to the mission of protecting human health and safeguarding the environment. The assignments include, but are not limited to: • General laboratory support such as, microbiological media preparations, glassware preparation and sterilization techniques, as well as assistance with analytical methods, sample handling and analysis, and data analysis; • Field assistance such as, periodic work on small research vessels where the student will participate in deployment of sensors and sampling gear, acquisition of samples, analysis of samples and data analysis; or • Administrative and facility support may include a variety of administrative or facilities activities in support of science research. These positions are temporary not-to-exceed September 30, 2009, and full- time (40 hours per week) is preferred. No relocation expenses will be paid. Applications will be accepted until April 24, 2009 from students who are eligible under the Student Temporary Employment Program. Basic Eligibility Qualifications: • You must be a student. A student is an individual who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited high school, college, university, or technical or vocational school. • Students must be in good academic standing with at least a GPA of “C” or its equivalent. • You must be a U.S. Citizen. • You must be age 16 at time of employment. • A work permit is required for students age 16. How And Where To Apply: To apply, submit a resume and cover letter indicating your interest in the position and a transcript of your college courses (unofficial copy is acceptable): email to baynor.ta...@epa.gov ; fax to 919-541-0160; or mail to USEPA, HRMD (C639-02), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, Attention: Tammy Baynor – NHEERL Summer Employment. It is very important that when you send your documentation you indicate NHEERL Summer Employment. Please specify your job preference in your cover letter. For more information visit the EPA Careers Web Site on or after April 6, 2009: www.epa.gov/careers
[ECOLOG-L] Two Summer Internships at Grand Canyon National Park: Vegetation and Wildlife
Apologies for cross-postings. Please do not reply to me -- send inquiries to Leona Begishie, (lbegis...@grandcanyon.org). Internship Announcement: -- The Gene Polk Science Internship Program -- Vegetation Summer 2009 Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) Division of Science and Resource Management: Vegetation Program The Grand Canyon Association (GCA) is currently accepting applications for an exciting internship program in support of the National Park Service (NPS) at Grand Canyon National Park. Projects will be supervised by resource managers from a variety of disciplines within the Division of Science and Resource Management. Successful applicants will have an opportunity to gain professional experience, develop working relationships with NPS resource managers, and contribute to the preservation and protection of the Grand Canyon, one of America’s iconic national treasures. Funds supporting this program were contributed to honor Gene Polk, a long time supporter of conservation. Overview This internship will support Grand Canyon National Park’s Vegetation Program on the North Rim. The vegetation program coordinates a wide range of activities including exotic plant management, native habitat restoration, seed collection, monitoring and surveying, and others. The intern will live and work in the North Rim Developed Area. Most work will be focused in the village area, as well as at established viewpoints, such as Cape Royal and Point Imperial, and along trails. The intern will perform site maintenance, including watering, at restoration sites that were planted in 2008 within the developed zone. They will also work on surveying and removing high priority invasive species throughout the developed areas. The intern will have the opportunity to hike and explore more of the North Rim while collecting seed and cuttings for future restoration projects. The intern will work very independently as the primary representative for the Vegetation Program on the North Rim. The primary objectives of this internship will include: 1) implementing established restoration plans; 2) monitoring restoration project success; 3) inventorying, surveying and mapping native, exotic and rare plant species; 4) removing priority exotic plant species; 5) using GPS units, compasses, digital cameras and multiple data forms to document exotic plant management and site restoration activities; and, 6) coordinating, educating and supervising volunteer groups to complete the above-listed work. Knowledge and Skills Required • Skilled in use of GPS units, digital cameras, Access Database and GIS. • Ability to read a topographic map and use a compass; skilled in hiking and orienteering. • Ability to work independently with little or no supervision and as part of a team for extended periods of time. • Basic knowledge of restoration ecology and invasive species management. • Knowledge of Colorado Plateau flora. • Background in biological sciences with botanical identification skills. • The intern must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle. A government vehicle will be available for work related tasks. • There will be a large amount of field work associated with this project – the intern should have extensive field experience in variable conditions, extensive camping / backcountry experience, and possess a willingness to work long hours. Timing, Housing, and Compensation • The internship duration will be June 17 through September 4, 2009. • The intern will be based on the North Rim and shared housing will be provided. • The intern will be compensated $500 per week during the term of their internship. Internship Announcement - Wildlife Summer 2009 Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) Division of Science and Resource Management: Wildlife Program The Grand Canyon Association (GCA) is currently accepting applications for an exciting internship program in support of the National Park Service (NPS) at Grand Canyon National Park. Projects will be supervised by resource managers from a variety of disciplines within the Division of Science and Resource Management. Successful applicants will have an opportunity to gain professional experience, develop working relationships with NPS resource managers, and contribute to the preservation and protection of the Grand Canyon, one of America’s iconic national treasures. Overview This internship will support Grand Canyon National Park’s Wildlife Program on the South Rim and inner canyon area. The wildlife program consists of a wide range of activities including controlling adverse wildlife/human interactions, integrated pest management, and monitoring selected wildlife populations. Several research studies are on-going including determining impacts of air tour operations on Mexican spotted owls, delineating mountain lion movements on the south rim, locating bighorn sheep special use areas, comparing avifauna assemblages on the Colorado River,
[ECOLOG-L] AMPHIBIAN CREW LEADER JOB OPENING!! URGENT!!!
2009 SUMMER JOBS IN THE SIERRA NEVADA! AMPHIBIAN CREW LEADER NEEDED (Last minute position opening!) Employer: USDA Forest Service, Region 5 (Pacific Southwest) Location: Field work is throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of California. Job location is Sonora, California. Employment Duration: Most are approximately 3 months (June-August); Several positions may be of longer duration. Titles: Biological Technician (Fisheries, Wildlife) Grade Levels: GS-06 (Temporary 1039) Closing Date: 04/13/2009 *** Please apply a.s.a.p.*** Eligibility: US citizens at least 18 years of age. Background and Job Description: The U.S. Forest Service is hiring seasonal biological technicians for a long-term amphibian monitoring program focusing on the mountain yellow- legged frog (Rana muscosa) and the Yosemite toad (Bufo canorus). These jobs will predominantly consist of field work in the Sierra Nevada at elevations of 5,000-12,000 feet. These positions supervise a 2-person crew whose primary duties include locating and traveling to selected sample sites; surveying lakes, ponds, meadows, and streams for amphibians; and collecting habitat data. Many of the sites will be remote, requiring backpacking trips of up to 8-days duration. Some office work including data entry and checking is required during the season. Some preparatory office work may be available in early season and data entry or cleanup at the end of the season. Crew leaders also help with the general organization of work during the season. We are looking for applicants with a background and/or high level of interest in herpetology and/or aquatic biology who are in good physical condition and willing to endure high altitude, temperature extremes, rough terrain, and the occasional mosquito (ok, maybe thousands). Backpacking and backcountry experience, and experience in amphibian surveys and identification are desired. Ability to get along with crew members for prolonged periods in the backcountry is a must. Hiring Process: Students - send me your resume and transcripts (copies are fine) NonStudents - The application is an on-line process. To apply go to: http://www.avuedigitalservices.com/usfs/applicant.html You may also view these announcements in USAJOBS under: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ (From this website you can type in the job announcement numbers (i.e.: TEMP-OCR-0404-6-FISH) under “SEARCH JOBS” and be able to view them). Make sure to attach your resume and transcripts in your AVUE application. These jobs are competitive. Because amphibian expertise comes from multiple disciplines, two separate jobs are posted for this grade (FISHERIES and WILDLIFE). Apply to the one you think you qualify for based on your background. You are encouraged to apply to both. NOTE: Be sure you get a confirmation that your application was received. If you do not receive confirmation by email shortly after you apply, try again. IMPORTANT (within AVUE): For these jobs, select Sonora, California as a location. You must do this to show up on my list. By applying here, you also will be eligible for many Biological Technician jobs nationwide. The Job announcements numbers are: TEMP-OCR-404-6-WLDLF Biological Science Technician (Wildlife), GS-0404-06 Nationwide: Multiple Locations TEMP-OCR-404-6-FISH Biological Science Technician (Fisheries) GS-0404-06 Nationwide: Multiple Locations IN ADDITION - THIS IS ALSO IMPORTANT Please send your resume (email or paper copy resumes are fine), transcripts (electronic copies are fine) and contact information for three references to: Kathryn (Katie) Kiehl Amphibian Monitoring Crew Supervisor U.S. Forest Service 19777 Greenley Road Sonora, CA95370 kki...@fs.fed.us If you have questions, please email me. Please, no phone calls. This is a great employment opportunity in an incredibly beautiful location. We are looking forward to a very busy and exceptionally fun field season. Join us!
[ECOLOG-L] REU Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates - Tucson, AZ
REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) is a National Science Foundation-sponsored program wherein undergraduates receive a stipend (up to $5,760 or $480 per week for 10 to 12 weeks) to conduct independent research projects under faculty guidance and mentorship. The School of Natural Resources at the University of Arizona (UA) has two openings for REU scholars for the summer of 2009. One position is for a collaborative study with Dr. Steve Archer (UA) and Dr. Susan Schwinning (Texas State University) investigating why some shrubs are more successful than others in invading and establishing in grasslands. Another position is for a collaborative study with Dr. Steve Archer and Dr. Dave Breshears at UA and collaborators at New Mexico State, Loyola University and the University of Kentucky examining how plant litter decomposition in deserts is influenced by interactions between radiant energy and wind and water redistribution of soil. In addition to their own investigations, REU scholars will participate in controlled environment studies on the UA campus; and in field studies at the Santa Rita Experimental Range just south of Tucson. For more details on the two projects and application procedures, see http://ag.arizona.edu/research/archer/ . Application Deadline: April 30, 2009; or until suitable candidate is hired. Steve Archer 325 Biological Sciences East Bldg. #43 1311 E. 4th Street PO Box 210043 School of Natural Resources University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 85721-0043 Phone: (520) 626-8791 Mobile: (520) 400-1019 FAX: (520) 621-8801 Email: sarc...@ag.arizona.edu http://ag.arizona.edu/research/archer/
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship: Decomposition-Soil erosion-UV interactions
We invite applications for a graduate research assistantship (GRA; Ph. D. level preferred; 3 years funding) from students interested in decomposition processes in desert ecosystems. Most of what is known about decomposition is from studies in high rainfall areas, but this knowledge does not translate well to dryland ecosystems. Recent studies suggest solar ultra-violet radiation is a major driver of decomposition in drylands; however, other studies indicate the level of mixing of wind/water-transported soils with litter is a key factor. This project seeks to resolve these competing explanations via a series of laboratory studies and field experiments in Arizona designed to measure light energy-soil movement- decomposition interactions. These linkages will be assessed in the context of woody plant encroachment into grasslands, a globally extensive vegetation change in drylands. The graduate research assistant will be based at the University of Arizona with Steve Archer and Dave Breshears. The GRA will participate in an interdisciplinary investigation seeking new insights into processes affecting desert soil fertility and carbon storage by combining the disciplines of plant community ecology, ecosystem science and earth science in a novel framework. The GRA’s project will be field-oriented and will quantify spatial patterns of litter input and its translocation by wind and water and litter mass loss in contrasting plant community configurations. The GRA will work closely with collaborators at New Mexico State University (Heather Throop; litter chemistry), the University of Kentucky (Rebecca McCulley; microbial communities) and Loyola University (Paul Barnes, photobiology). For additional details on the project see http://www.snr.arizona.edu/project/decomposition. Starting date negotiable, but Summer 2009 is preferred. The assistantship includes an annual salary of $14,677 (MS) or $15,990 (PhD); waiver of out-of-state tuition; full remission of in-state tuition; and health insurance. Applications will be accepted until 31 May 2009 or until suitable candidate is found, and should include 1) a statement of interests and goals, 2) a CV with copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and 3) names and contact information for 3-5 references. For general admission requirements see http://www.snr.arizona.edu/academic/grad . Applications and information requests should be directed (preferably via email) to Steve Archer (sarc...@ag.arizona.edu), 325 Bio Sciences East, School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0043; 520 626-8791). Steve Archer 325 Biological Sciences East Bldg. #43 1311 E. 4th Street PO Box 210043 School of Natural Resources University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 85721-0043 Phone: (520) 626-8791 Mobile: (520) 400-1019 FAX: (520) 621-8801 Email: sarc...@ag.arizona.edu http://ag.arizona.edu/research/archer/
[ECOLOG-L] Open Access or Denial? Re: [ECOLOG-L] Reference for % of scientists that think climate change is caused by humans?
Re: . . . the best article, in my opinion, is the Oreskes 2004 Science article (http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/306/5702/1686.pdf -- you'll need access to Science Mag to see this). AAAS certainly has the right to restrict access to its members, but does it serve the organization's goals? WT - Original Message - From: Jonathan Greenberg greenb...@ucdavis.edu To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 12:17 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Reference for % of scientists that think climate change is caused by humans? Its funny you should mention this -- I've been in a heated facebook argument with a former classmate over this (aren't social networking sites great?) The wikipedia entry is good (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_opinion_on_climate_change#Surveys_of_scientists_and_scientific_literature), but the best article, in my opinion, is the Oreskes 2004 Science article (http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/306/5702/1686.pdf -- you'll need access to Science Mag to see this). --j Jeremy Claisse wrote: Turns out there a several good references listed on wikipedia under global warming controversy. Thank you to those who already responded. -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news on behalf of Jeremy Claisse Sent: Mon 2/16/2009 7:53 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Reference for % of scientists that think climate change is caused by humans? My brother (who works in marketing) recently sent me the e-mail below. I don't intend this to turn into a discussion of the general public's understanding of uncertainty in science, I am just wondering if anyone is aware of a study that looked at the percentage of scientists that think climate change is caused primarily by anthropogenic factors vs. entirely a natural cycle. Thanks. -- Jonathan A. Greenberg, PhD Postdoctoral Scholar Center for Spatial Technologies and Remote Sensing (CSTARS) University of California, Davis One Shields Avenue The Barn, Room 250N Davis, CA 95616 Cell: 415-794-5043 AIM: jgrn307, MSN: jgrn...@hotmail.com, Gchat: jgrn307 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.10.25/1955 - Release Date: 02/16/09 06:55:00
[ECOLOG-L] Undergraduate Summer Internships
I have several bright undergraduate students looking for summer internships. If anyone is in need of interns, please post your information so that I can pass it along to my students. Thanks!
[ECOLOG-L] seed stratification techniques
Hi all, I'm trying to germinate seeds of Osmorhiza claytonii and Phlox divaricata for a greenhouse experiment, and some of the reading I've done suggests they might benefit from periods of warm-moist stratification and cold-moist stratification. I've been successful with cold-moist stratification with many species, but whenever I've attempted warm-moist stratification in the past, my seeds end up molding. Does anyone have any tips for successful warm-moist seed stratification and/or other suggestions for germinating these two species? Thanks! Laura Phillips-Mao PhD Candidate Conservation Biology Program University of Minnesota 100 Ecology Bldg. 1987 Upper Buford Circle Saint Paul, MN 55108 email: phil0...@umn.edu cell: 651-324-7199
