[ECOLOG-L] 2010 PAID INTERNSHIPS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION AND HORTICULTURE AT THE HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION, HIGHLANDS NORTH CAROLINA

[Anya Hinkle]

2010 INTERNSHIPS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION AND HORTICULTURE AT THE HIGHLANDS
BIOLOGICAL STATION, HIGHLANDS NORTH CAROLINA

Three paid internships are available with applications due by April 4. Visit
www.wcu.edu/hbs for application instructions. Positions are described below: 

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AT THE HIGHLANDS NATURE CENTER
Assistant Naturalists (2)
Wage: $8.50/hour, group housing, and possible college internship credit.

Hours: Full-time, temporary (40 hours per week, no overtime available, some
Saturdays and evenings required), position is from mid-May through
mid-August, but specific dates can be somewhat flexible.

Description:  Assistant Naturalists help with daily operations of the
Highlands Nature Center.  Primary duties include working with the public to
interpret the natural history of the Southern Appalachians and related
Nature Center exhibits, answering questions about local natural areas and
recreational opportunities, actively developing and teaching several
environmentally-based educational programs for both children and adults, and
serving as co-counselor for a series of Nature Day Camps for children ages 4
to 15.  Staff will also assist with the implementation of special evening
programs for the public, and with the weekly evening lecture series.  Work
also involves the feeding, cleaning, general care, and interpretation of
live animal exhibits (mainly reptiles and amphibians).  Other general duties
are also the responsibility of all Nature Center staff and include word
processing; maintaining program schedules; participant registration;
handling money; cleaning and maintaining exhibits, bathrooms, and animal
enclosures on a daily basis; empty trash and recycling bins; care of live
plants; etc.  Summer staff may also be occasionally asked to assist other
Station employees in the office, library, or Botanical Garden.  These jobs
may include heavy lifting (no more than 50 lbs.).  Assistant Naturalists
work a 40-hour week, but the schedule will require flexibility including
some weekend and evening work.

Qualifications:  Applicants should be majors (or recent graduates) in
biology, zoology, botany, environmental science, science education, outdoor
recreation, or other related fields.  Proficiency in dealing with the public
is a must.  Ideal candidates should have experience working with children,
familiarity with (or enthusiasm to learn) a variety of environmental
education activities such as Project WILD, and experience caring for
animals.  A basic knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Southern
Appalachians is also desirable.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a
valid driver’s license, and must be in good physical condition to lead
hikes.  Willingness to work a flexible schedule is a must.  Non-smokers are
preferred.

To apply:  A State of North Carolina job application (PD107) must be
completed.  Send application, cover letter, and a list of 3 references to
Patrick Brannon, Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. Sixth Street,
Highlands NC 28741.  Applications must be received by April 4.  For more
information, please call 828-526-2623.

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AT THE HIGHLANDS BOTANICAL GARDEN
Botanical Garden Assistants (1)
Wage: $8.50/hour, group housing, and possible college internship credit.

Hours: Full-time, temporary (40 hours per week, no overtime or benefits
available), position is from mid-May through mid-August, but specific dates
can be somewhat flexible.

Description:  Botanical Garden Assistants maintain gardens, trails,
boardwalks, and bridges throughout the Station property, and helps to
identify, label, and maintain native plant species.  This position may
include working with the public to interpret the natural history of local
plants and assisting with identification of native plant species. This job
may involve heavy lifting (no more than 50 lbs.) and will sometimes involve
working alone and in rainy weather.  Occasionally, the individual will be
asked to assist other Station employees in the office, library, or Nature
Center. 

The successful applicant must be able to trim, cut, and pile brush; use a
shovel, hoe, and other garden tools, as well as a wheel barrow, to do
general gardening and trail repairs; help with lawn mowing and lawn
maintenance on the campus; learn to identify wildflowers; collect and mount
plant specimens; learn to make plant labels; and possibly help researchers
with field work, as required.

Qualifications:  Applicants should be majors in biology, botany,
horticulture, or some other environmental science.  The ideal candidate
should have training and/or experience in field biology and landscaping, and
good skills in dealing with people.  Familiarity with Southern Appalachian
plant species and with horticultural practices is desirable.  Applicants
must be U.S. citizens and possess a valid driver's license.  Non-smokers are
preferred.

To apply:  A State of North Carolina job application (PD107) must be
completed.  Send application, cover letter,

[ECOLOG-L] Research technician - Everglades Fish Ecology

[Jennifer Rehage]

We seek a FULL-TIME TECHNICIAN to join our Everglades fish ecology lab. 
Research in our lab examines the interaction and effects of hydrologic 
disturbance and invasive species on Everglades fishes communities.



Duties

Fish sampling via trapping, electrofishing, and passive fish tagging in 
freshwater marshes and mangrove zone, boat handling, experimental fish work in 
aquaria and mesocosms, sample processing, equipment maintenance, data entry & 
management (Excel/Access).



Requirements

The key criteria are enthusiasm for research, a strong work ethic, and a 
background in aquatic ecology (bachelor's degree). Previous experience in fish 
field ecology is preferred. Boating experience and ability to operate small 
outboard motor boats (< 20 ft) are needed. Ability and desire to work long 
field hours (including while backcountry camping) under adverse South Florida 
conditions are a necessity. The qualified applicant should be able to follow 
protocol, collect accurate scientific data, and work independently as well as 
in a team. Experience with computer applications and data management are 
expected. Florida driver's license is needed.



Compensation

The position is full-time for a minimum of 1 year, and it pays $12.00/hour.



Application

Please email a complete application (preferably as a single attachment) to Dr. 
Jennifer Rehage, reha...@fiu.edu , including:

a) a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications,

b) a copy of your resume/CV including GPA achieved in degree,

c) names and contact information (email and phone) for 2 references.



Priority consideration will be given to applications received by March 25, 2010.

-

Jennifer S. Rehage, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Earth & Environment Department
Southeast Environmental Research Center
Florida International University
ECS 337
11200 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-3804
(305) 348-6137 Fax
reha...@fiu.edu
http://www.fiu.edu/~rehagej
http://serc.fiu.edu/
http://casgroup.fiu.edu/earthenvironment/

[ECOLOG-L] SUMMER COURSES AT HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION

[Anya Hinkle]

2010 SUMMER COURSES AND WORKSHOPS AT THE HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION

The Highlands Biological Station, an inter-institutional research center of
the University of North Carolina is offering its 2010 series of summer
courses and workshops that can be taken for credit toward your academic
program.  The following list of field-based courses and workshops are
focused on the diversity of organisms in the region with special emphasis on
identification and collection techniques as well as principles of evolution,
ecology and conservation.  Scholarships, Grants-in-aid of research for
graduate students, and summer internships also available.
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, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.  For more
information and to apply, visit www.wcu.edu/hbs, email h...@email.wcu.edu or
call 828-526-2602.


2010 Course Schedule:

TAXONOMY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MAYFLIES, STONEFLIES,
AND CADDISFLIES with John C. Morse (May 3 – May 15)
 
BIOLOGY OF PLETHODONTID SALAMANDERS with Stephen G. Tilley (May 17 –  May 29)
 
MAMMALS OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS with R. Wayne Van Devender (May 31 –
June 12)

BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION OF BIRDS with Rob Bierregaard (June 14 – June 26) 
 
INSECT BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY with James T. Costa and Lynn E. Fletcher (June 28
 – July 10) 

SPIDERS OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS with Kefyn M. Catley (July 12 – July 24)

FLESHY FUNGI OF THE HIGHLANDS PLATEAU with Andrew S. Methven (July 26 –
August 7)
 
LAND SNAIL IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP with Amy and Wayne Van Devender (May 10–14)

IDENTIFICATION OF SEDGES WORKSHOP with Dwayne Estes (May 24–29)
 
FERN IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP with Dwayne Estes (August 9–14)
 
MOUNTAIN BIODIVERSITY WORKSHOP—FOR TEACHERS with Karen Kandl (June 21-25)

OBSERVING NATURE’S DETAILS—SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND
WORKSHOP with Nancy Lowe and John Pickering (April 24-25)


Cost and Credit Information
Course fee: $525 per 2-week course (**$425 for students from HBS member
institutions**)
Workshop fee: $275 per 1-week workshop (**$225 for students from HBS member
institutions**)
[Mountain Biodiversity can be taken for 2 graduate credits or 3 CEUs. 
Registration fee is $30] 
Course credit: Summer courses can be taken for 4 semester hours credit,
workshops can be taken for 2 hours credit, through either UNC-Chapel Hill or
Western Carolina University for an additional $85
Housing: $75/week
Check website for course applications, detailed descriptions, and
prerequisite requirements:  http://www.wcu.edu/hbs/currentyrcourses.htm

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: Salt Marsh Carbon and Water Fluxes

[David Inouye]

Postdoctoral Scientist, Salt Marsh Carbon and Water Fluxes

Position Summary:
A postdoctoral position examining carbon and water fluxes in New 
England salt marsh is available at the Marine Biological Laboratory 
in Woods Hole.

Additional Information:
The MBL has a long-term ecological research (LTER) site located in 
the watersheds and marshes surrounding Plum Island Sound. We are 
interested in understanding the carbon dynamics of salt marsh 
ecosystems, especially how carbon and water fluxes change with season 
and with variation in sea level. This position is focused on 
observing and modeling landscape level CO2 and water fluxes using an 
eddy covariance tower and in-situ sensors in tidal creeks.


The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively 
with other investigators in the LTER who are examining C dynamics at 
the plot and leaf level. The position will be based in Woods Hole at 
the Marine Biological Laboratory but we expect that a considerable 
amount of time will be spent at our field station up at Plum Island, 
where housing is provided.


Review of applications will begin April 2 and continue until the 
position is filled. Funding support is available for 2 years. We 
would like to have the successful candidate in place by early summer.

Basic Qualifications:
A Ph.D. with a focus on carbon cycling and experience quantifying 
mass and energy transfer across a land-atmosphere boundary. The 
successful candidate should be capable of setting up and operating an 
eddy covariance system in the field, possess excellent computational 
skills, and have a background in the analysis of eddy covariance 
data. The candidate should have excellent communication skills (oral 
and written) and the ability to conduct high-quality research.

Preferred Qualifications:
A thorough understanding of carbon cycling in wetlands, while not 
required would be beneficial.

Required Applicant Documents:
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
References
Research Goals


APPLY ON LINE AT:  https://mbl.simplehire.com

An Equal Opportunity Employer


Ann Woolford
Human Resources Office
Marine Biological Laboratory
7 MBL Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
human...@mbl.edu

[ECOLOG-L] summer RA job: Arctic grayling

[David Inouye]

Summer Research Assistant:  Arctic Grayling:

Position Summary:
The Ecosystems Center at Marine Biological Laboratories in Woods 
Hole, Massachusetts is seeking applicants for a summer research 
position based in Alaska. Research will focus on Arctic grayling 
migration timing, growth, and survival as part of a larger project to 
determine how the shifting seasonality of arctic river hydrology 
alters key biotic linkages within arctic tundra lake and stream ecosystems.


 Additional Information:
The successful candidate will participate in ecological research on 
fish in arctic tundra stream and lake ecosystems at Toolik Field 
Station in northern Alaska. Field activities include PIT tagging 
fish, installing and maintaining PIT tag antennas, measuring 
condition of fish, collecting diet samples from fish, and collection 
of water and benthic invertebrate samples.


Applicants should be available to live at the Toolik Field Station 
from May 10 to September 30, 2010. Travel to Toolik Field Station 
will be paid as well as the cost of room and board at the station.


Basic Qualifications:
We are seeking enthusiastic candidates with a Bachelor of Science, a 
strong interest in freshwater ecology, and previous field experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
A background in fish ecology and/or aquatic ecology is preferred. 
Wilderness or outdoor recreation experience is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements
Applicants should be in good health, capable of rigorous physical 
activity (e.g., working long hours in potentially adverse 
environmental conditions, carrying >40 pound pack across uneven 
terrain) and be prepared to live and work with fellow researchers in 
an isolated camp.


Required Applicant Documents:
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
References


APPLY ON LINE AT:  https://mbl.simplehire.com

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Ann Woolford
Human Resources Office
Marine Biological Laboratory
7 MBL Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
human...@mbl.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Registration now open! Ecology education webinar April 27 & May 4

[Nicole Beetle]

Now accepting applicants!
Ecology education webinar
April 27 and May 4
Scaling science to the continent
"The role of species-environmental matching models in conservation."

The Ecological Society of America is pleased to offer the first of two 
professional development opportunities for undergraduate faculty in preparation 
for the future availability of NEON data.  Two two-part webinars will be 
offered introduce participants to both the research context of continental 
scale ecological data and its potential for use as a teaching tool. Join us for 
the first webinar, led by Dr. Tom Stohlgren, to learn how you can actively 
engage your students with real data by modeling species distributions. This 
webinar series is part of a partnership between ESA, the Science and 
Engineering Alliance (SEA), and NEON Inc. with support from the National 
Science Foundation.

About the webinar
Join Dr. Tom Stohlgren, Ph.D., a research ecologist with the Fort Collins 
Science Center of the US Geological Survey and Colorado State University 
faculty member, for this two-session webinar focused on engaging students in 
modeling species distributions. Species-environmental matching (niche) models 
integrate field data, remote sensing, and mathematics to make science exciting 
and accessible to a wide range of audiences. The models are easy to run and 
provide a great teaching tool in conservation biology. As data from the 
National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) become available over the next 
five years, students will have access to real-time ecological and environmental 
data from across the U.S. This webinar will provide both a foundation for 
teaching students about species distributions and niche requirements as well as 
an introduction to using a modeling tool. A full description is available on 
the project 
website.

Webinar dates and times
Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 1 - 2:00 pm Eastern.  An overview of the topic 
will be presented.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 1 - 2:30 pm Eastern.  Learn and discuss how 
species-environmental matching models can be used in your classroom.

To participate all you will need is your computer, a reliable internet 
connection, and a phone line. We'll provide the rest!

Attendance at both sessions is necessary for participation in this event.

How to register
Registration is free and offered on a first come, first serve basis starting 
today. Registration will be limited to 25 people and we expect the space to 
fill quickly!

To register, complete this online registration 
form.

For more information, please contact:

Nicole Beetle
Education Intern
Ecological Society of America
educationint...@esa.org
202-833-8773 x 239

[ECOLOG-L] EcoTone: Scientists and filmmakers are making "Waves" together

[Katie Kline]

Even though most of my face was covered by neoprene, acrylic glass and rubber, 
I could still feel the whiskers of the harbor seal rub against my skin as he 
repeatedly kissed my face. Believe it or not, the harbor seal wasn't the only 
marine organism that was showing me the love during a morning of scientific 
diving in a marine reserve off the coast of Catalina Island, California.

Sheephead wrasses, garibaldi, and other temperate reef fishes had been swarming 
me all morning, frequently coming right up to my mask and looking me in the 
eyes. It was as if the kelp forest had officially accepted me into its family. 
I tried to focus on the task at hand: data collection for a pilot study on 
Southern California marine protected areas but could not believe what was 
happening all around me. I couldn't help but keep telling myself, "Wow, people 
have to see this for themselves." The next day I brought underwater video 
equipment with me and began filming. Sixth months later a documentary was born. 
Even since then, communicating science through film has played a major part of 
my role as a marine researcher.

Read and comment at 
http://www.esa.org/esablog/science-journalism/scientists-and-filmmakers-are-making-%E2%80%9Cwaves%E2%80%9D-together/.
 

[ECOLOG-L]

[Bomar, Charles]

University of Wisconsin-Stout is seeking a candidate for a 0.5 time
Academic Staff position in Environmental Science effective August 2010.

 

The Department of Biology at UW-Stout invites applications for a
renewable term academic staff position beginning Fall 2010.  Hiring will
be at the Instructor (M.S.) level for a 9-month (Fall-Spring)
appointment.

 

Student-focused department requires a candidate with a commitment to and
excellence in teaching.  The successful applicant will serve as
instructor in the Environmental Sciences.  Participation in pedagogical
and content development with other faculty members; student advising;
departmental and university service is expected.

 

Qualifications:  M.S. in environmental science or closely related field
required.  Preference will be given to individuals with experience
teaching a large undergraduate environmental science course with
substantial service-learning component.  Applicant must show evidence of
excellent teaching and communication skills, including familiarity with
classroom and instructional technologies.  UW-Stout is a laptop campus
and willingness to use technology in the classroom is required.

 

Candidates are asked to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, names
and contact information for three references, copies all transcripts
(unofficial are acceptable until time of hire), and statement of
teaching philosophy.  Salary shall be commensurate with experience.
Applications must be postmarked by March 26, 2010.  For further
information, contact Dr. Charles Bomar, Search Committee Chair, at
bom...@uwstout.edu 

 

UW-Stout is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/equal access
employer, and especially encourages applications from minorities, women
and persons with disabilities.  Employment is contingent upon passing a
criminal background check.

 

Application materials should be forwarded to:  Ms. Tammy Wolf,
Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin-Stout, 430 RSSLC,
Menomonie, WI  54751 or wo...@uwstout.edu

 

 

 

**

Charles R. Bomar PhD

Applied Science Program Director

Executive Director, Orthopterists' Society

Professor of Biology

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI 54751

bom...@uwstout.edu

office 715-232-2562

fax715-232-2192

 

 

[ECOLOG-L] Open letter abut IPCC process

[Nadine Lymn]

Dear Colleagues:

We have written an open letter (below) about the IPCC process, media attention, 
errors, and suggestions for improvement, which we are circulating to both IPCC 
authors and other scientists in the US. If you would like to be a co-signer of 
the letter, please send your name and institutional affiliation to Gary Yohe at 
gy...@wesleyan.edu by close of business, Friday March 12.

We plan to send the letter to the State Department, EPA, NOAA, the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy, the Council on the Environment and other 
relevant US agencies and organizations.

Because it won't be possible to coordinate multiple versions, we do not plan to 
edit this letter further at this juncture. However, if you do have comments, 
please feel free to include them in your email response.

Please circulate the open letter to your colleagues if you would like. We 
apologize for any cross-listings in advance.

Best,
Gary Yohe
Steve Schneider
Cynthia Rosenzweig
Bill Easterling



An Open Letter from Scientists in the United States on the Intergovernmental 
Panel on Climate Change and Errors Contained in the Fourth Assessment Report: 
Climate Change 2007


Many in the popular press and other media, as well as some in the halls 
of Congress, are seizing on a few errors that have been found in the Fourth 
Assessment Report (AR4) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 
in an attempt to discredit the entire report.  None of the handful of 
mis-statements (out of hundreds and hundreds of unchallenged statements), 
remotely undermines the conclusion that the planet is warming unequivocally and 
that most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the 
mid-twentieth century is very likely due to observed increase in anthropogenic 
greenhouse gas concentrations. Despite its excellent performance for accurately 
reporting the state-of-the-science, we certainly acknowledge that the IPCC 
should become even better, more forthcoming in openly acknowledging errors in a 
timely fashion, and continuing to improve its assessment procedures to further 
lower the already very low rate of error.

It is our intention in offering this open letter to bring the focus 
back to credible science, rather than invented hyperbole, so that it can bear 
on the policy debate in the United States and throughout the world.  We first 
discuss some of the key messages from climate science and then elaborate on 
IPCC procedures, with particular attention on the quality-control mechanisms of 
the IPCC.  Finally we offer some suggestions about what might be done next to 
improve IPCC practices and restore full trust in climate science.

The Climate Challenge

Our understanding of human contributions to climate change and the 
associated urgency for humans to respond has improved dramatically over the 
past two decades.  Many of the major components of the climate system are now 
well understood, though there are still some sources of significant uncertainty 
(like the processes that produce the observed rapid ice-sheet melting and/or 
collapse in the polar regions).  It is now well established, for example, that 
atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases from human sources have 
increased rapidly since the Industrial Revolution.  Increasing concentrations 
of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere change the heat going into and out of the 
climate system, i.e., the radiation balance of the earth - and so first 
principles of physics tell us to expect, with a very high likelihood, that 
higher temperatures should have been observed.

Indeed, measurements of global average temperatures show an increase of 
about 0.6 degrees C over the past century and about 0.8 degrees C warming since 
mid-19th century.  The pattern of increase has not been smooth or monotonic.  
There have been several 10- or 15-year periods of stable or declining 
temperatures over the past 150 years, but 1998 was the warmest (or slightly in 
second place) year in this period and 11 of the warmest years have been 
experienced in the 12 years between 1995-2006.  Since 1970, observational 
evidence from all continents and most oceans shows that many natural systems 
are already being affected by these temperature increases.

Because the long-term warming trends demonstrate extraordinarily high 
statistical significance, the current decadal period of stable global mean 
temperature does nothing to alter a fundamental conclusion from the AR4: 
warming has unequivocally been observed and documented.  Moreover, 
well-understood lags in the responsiveness of the climate system to 
disturbances like greenhouse gas increases mean that the current temperature 
plateau will very likely not persist much longer. Global climate model 
projections show that present-day greenhouse gas concentrations have already 
committed the planet to more than another 1 degree C in warming over the coming 
decades.

Incr

[ECOLOG-L] Position Announcement: International Conservation Program Officer, American Bird Conservancy

[George Wallace]

Please circulate.

Position Summary: 

Title: International Conservation Program Officer
Supervisor: International Program Director 
Location: Greater Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area
Application Deadline: March 31, 2010

Introduction:

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is looking for a high-energy individual who is 
able to work effectively in partnership to develop and direct bird conservation 
programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.  

The International Conservation Program Officer develops and coordinates a 
portion of ABC's international field conservation projects focused on 
threatened species, priority Neotropical migrants, and Alliance for Zero 
Extinction sites across Latin America and the Caribbean.  The Officer works 
closely with other International program staff, the Chief Conservation Officer, 
and is supervised by ABC's International Program Director to establish 
conservation plans, develop partnerships across the region, and develop 
conservation projects. The International Conservation Program Officer works 
with a network of ABC in-country partners to carry out ambitious, effective and 
integrated conservation projects. The position requires excellent conservation 
and project management experience, organizational and writing skills, and a 
broad knowledge of ABC's mission, objectives, and programs.  

Primary Duties: 

*  Develop and implement in-country conservation projects: Work with ABC staff, 
NGO partners, and other leaders to identify, develop, and implement priority 
international bird conservation projects to protect wild birds and their 
habitats in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Develop strategies, partnerships, 
and agency liaisons to address these issues.

*  Ensure sound project management and timely results: Provide project and 
program management expertise to ensure meaningful and lasting results are 
accomplished on a timely basis. Undertake field visits to assess and evaluate 
ongoing conservation projects and partner effectiveness. 


*  Foster strong in-country partnerships: Work with, mentor and assist 
in-country partners, and work to ensure the long-term viability of in-country 
partners, partnerships, and conservation reserves. 

*  Contribute to the international conservation strategy and advance new 
approaches to conservation: Work with the ABC team and in-country partners to 
develop annual and project work plans to preserve and protect birds and  
healthy natural ecosystems. Advance innovative conservation programs (e.g. 
carbon credits, ecosystem services payments, promoting shade coffee, ecotourism 
and silviculture, and reserve sustainability) to promote bird conservation, 
human well-being and the sustainability of the planet.

*  Fundraising and Financial Management: Assist ABC's Development Department to 
obtain funding for bird conservation projects in the Latin American or 
Caribbean;  work with ABC's Financial and Development Departments to ensure the 
effective use, management and reporting of all international finances.

*  Networking and Coalition Building: Represent ABC's conservation work with 
other institutions, multi-lateral organizations, governments, and domestic and 
international conservation organizations to advance conservation projects.  

*  Maintain excellent communication with ABC staff about international 
programs, produce articles for publicity and website.

Position Requirements: 

*  Bachelor's degree or higher in conservation or environmental sciences, 
non-profit management, wildlife management, or a related field with knowledge 
of conservation, ornithology, and management needs of birds in the Americas.  
Creativity and demonstrated leadership skills required.

*  At least three years experience of conservation experience in Latin America 
or the Caribbean, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

*  Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results. 
Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take responsibility.

*  Proven ability to meet deadlines. Ability to find solutions and demonstrate 
tenacity for difficult or long-term projects.

*  Previous experience working in partnership with other organizations, and 
working effectively in cross-cultural situations.

*  An outgoing, positive, persuasive manner and predisposition for 
collaboration, but with ability to work both independently and as part of teams.

*  Knowledge of Neotropical migrant and Latin American birds preferred.

*  Excellent writing, presentation, and organizational skills.

*  Willing and able to travel internationally frequently.

*  Fluency in English and Spanish required. Fluency in Portuguese is desirable.


The position will be based in the Greater Washington, DC/Northern Virginia 
area. 

Application Instructions: 

Please send a cover letter and resume to 

Merrie Morrison 
Vice President of Operations 
P.O. Box 249 
The Plains, VA 20198 or by email to h...@abcbirds.org by March 31. 2010

[ECOLOG-L] Poster Abstract Deadline: Great Basin/Mojave Desert Climate Change Workshop

[Sean Finn]

CALL FOR POSTER ABSTRACTS: http://www.wr.usgs.gov/workshops/poster.html
Great Basin / Mojave Desert Climate Change Workshop
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the 
National Park Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency, in 
collaboration with several other agencies and organizations, are 
sponsoring a workshop focusing on natural resource research, adaptation, 
and mitigation needs related to climate change in the Great Basin and 
Mojave Desert. The workshop, will be held April 20-22, 2010 at the 
University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and will examine how climate change is 
affecting natural resources in deserts of the western U.S., as well as the 
land, water, and species management and research needs that are essential 
to address in the coming decade. 

Workshop objectives include: 
o   Increase understanding of climate change processes and their 
effects on the physical systems and biota of the Great Basin and Mojave 
Desert 
o   Provide the "best available" scientific information for adapting 
to change 
o   Examine research and management needs 
o   Evaluate management constraints and determine potential solutions 
o   Develop effective research and management collaborations for 
addressing climate change into the future

The workshop offers a valuable opportunity for scientists and natural 
resource managers to gather for a discussion of their information needs 
and opportunities.  The poster session will be a highlight of the 
workshop.  Please consider presenting your research results and project 
information in this forum. 
REGISTER AT: http://www.wr.usgs.gov/workshops/registration.html

For more information, please visit http://www.wr.usgs.gov/workshops/

[ECOLOG-L] TWS Releases New Press Release on Border Security and Wildlife

[Jenna Jadin]

For immediate release: March 8, 2010
TWS Contact: Jenna Jadin (301) 897-9770 x 309; je...@wildlife.org


TWS Publishes New Position Statement

Impacts of Border Fences on Wildlife

Statement recommends support of and research into alternatives to 
impenetrable barriers.

The Wildlife Society (TWS) recently published a new position statement on 
the impact of international border security measures on wildlife.  The TWS 
statement addresses how impenetrable border security measures such as fences 
pose significant risk to the wildlife that migrate or roam across 
international borders, and notes that alternatives to such measures need to 
be investigated and implemented.

The Secure Fence Act of 2006 mandates the U.S. Department of Homeland 
Security to construct
steel fences three to four meters high along large sections of the U.S.-
Mexico border. Such fences, while restricting human movement, can also 
significantly limit demographic and genetic interchange among wildlife 
populations and prevent species from shifting ranges during normal seasonal 
movement or in response to local weather conditions or a changing climate. 

The Real ID Act of 2005 allows for the exemption of all border roads and 
fences from environmental laws, including the Endangered Species Act and 
National Environmental Policy Act. As a result, there is no opportunity to 
assess impacts to wildlife and habitats, or to design or adopt mitigation 
measures that could protect both the border and wildlife. 

Impenetrable fences could cause significant disruptions to migration habits 
and gene flow between many wildlife populations . The U.S.-Mexico border 
forms a boundary area for at least 14 designated conservation areas, and the 
U.S.-Canada border crosses at least 25 designated conservation areas.  At 
least 20 different mammal species—including jaguarundi, Sonoran pronghorn, 
and desert tortoise—cross the habitats divided by these international 
borders.  

Paul Beier, a wildlife expert at Northern Arizona University, notes that 
gene flow between natural populations is critically important to species 
survival. “Recent restoration of gene flow to isolated populations of 
bighorn sheep, wolves, and Florida panthers has shown the dramatic 
importance of gene flow in wild populations,” he says, “eliminating heart 
defects and male sterility in Florida panthers, and tripling the survival 
rate of newborn panthers to breeding age.”
In its new position statement, TWS articulates several recommendations, 
including: 1) repealing the Real ID Act; 2) supporting legislation requiring 
the study of wildlife impacts of border security measures;  3) supporting 
the implementation of the measures outlined here within appropriate federal 
agencies; 4) issuing a moratorium on the construction of additional border 
fences until wildlife impacts can be studied; and  5) supporting funding for 
and research into the impacts of security measures and  possible 
alternatives to purportedly “impenetrable” fences that may have more affect 
on wildlife than on human border crossings.   

A copy of the position statement “The Impact of Border Security Measures on 
Wildlife” is available at 
http://joomla.wildlife.org/documents/positionstatements/Border_Security.pdf.
 

###

Founded in 1937, The Wildlife Society (TWS) is an international non-profit 
association made up of more than 9,000 professionals dedicated to excellence 
in wildlife stewardship through science and education.  The mission of TWS 
is to represent and serve the professional community of scientists, 
managers, educators, technicians, planners, and others who work to study, 
manage, and conserve wildlife and their habitats worldwide.  

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Multidimensional scaling

[Adolf Ceska]

Picking up "dimensions" is like reading the fortune from the leaves left on
the bottom of your tea pot. Pick what you think are two most important
underlying ecological factors (e.g., moisture vs. nutrient status) and label
your axes accordingly. I am sure the reviewer will be satisfied.

Adolf Ceska, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ecolo...@listserv.umd.edu] On Behalf Of Hilit Finkler
Sent: March-08-10 4:58 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Multidimensional scaling

Do you have any suggestions as to how i can explain to him/her that i can't
explain exactly what are the dimensions, but that i still think the analysis
is approapriate?
Hope you can help.
Thanks,
Hilit


-- 
Hilit Finkler
PhD student
Zoology department
The George S. Wise Life sciences faculty
Tel Aviv University
Israel

[ECOLOG-L] Thoughts on insect growth chamber purchase

[Jeff Garnas]

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy some growth chambers for rearing insects (mostly
defoliating and woodboring beetles, parasitic wasps, maybe some moths, etc.
etc.) at different temperatures.  I am wondering about the following
specifications:

1.  How important is the type of lighting?  I have seen florescent, LED and
incandescent lighting as various chamber options, but wonder if there is a
best choice for simulating seasonal changes (e.g., by altering day-night
cycles) and otherwise stimulating insect (and perhaps host-plant) growth.

2.  I have no immediate plans to manipulate relative humidity as part of any
experimental design, but wonder if it the long term RH control will be worth
the extra expense.

3.  Apparently, phenolic-coated cooling elements are key when working with
Drosophila (since their frass is acidic and corrosive).  Is this a common
phenomenon for insects feeding on foliage as well?

4.  Anything else that is fundamental to insect rearing that I'm not
thinking of at the moment?  Info on particular brands/models is welcome, but
I'm in South Africa and not all brands are available.  So far I've been
looking at Sanyo, Thermo Scientific Forma, plus some local brands (no
Percival here, unfortunately).

Any help is greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

Jeff

P.S. I will summarize all input and recommendations after a few days. 
Please feel free to contact me on or off list.

[ECOLOG-L] Multidimensional scaling

[Hilit Finkler]

Dear list users,

I just got back a review of my manuscript and i wanted your advice regarding
one of the issues raised by the reviewer.
In my study i had to pick four high SES (socioeconomic status)
neighbourhoods and four low SES neighbourhoods of the 60 or so
neighbourhoods in the city.
To show that i didn't just "pick" the eight i wanted, i chose five
socioeconomic variables from the statistical bureau's publications and
according to them performed a multidimensional scaling. This resulted in a
two dimensional matrix of neighbourhoods, that clearly shows the low SES
neighbourhoods on the left and high SES on the right (relative to the x
axis). So, naturally, i can say that the dimension of the x axis is the SES
of the neighbourhood. But if this is the case, what is the second dimension?
When we sent the manuscript, we only presented the matrix, without stating
our interpretation of the dimensions, simply because it has no importance
other than to choose neighbourhoods. However, the reviewer was not
satisfied, and asked to know what the dimensions represent. He also said
that i could omit the matrix and the analysis if i just give the scores of
the neighbourhoods on the five SES variables. But, i don't want to omit it
because it would then seem that my choosing of neighbourhoods can be
deliberate and not "random".
Do you have any suggestions as to how i can explain to him/her that i can't
explain exactly what are the dimensions, but that i still think the analysis
is approapriate?
Hope you can help.
Thanks,
Hilit


-- 
Hilit Finkler
PhD student
Zoology department
The George S. Wise Life sciences faculty
Tel Aviv University
Israel