[ECOLOG-L] MSc/PhD Opportunity in Paleoecology at the University of Victoria

[Terri Lacourse]

MSc/PhD Opportunity in Paleoecology at the University of Victoria,  
British Columbia, Canada


Funding is available for a MSc or PhD student interested in pursuing  
graduate research in paleoecology at the University of Victoria,  
beginning September 2010 or January 2011. The assistantship is part of  
a large interdisciplinary research project focussed on improving our  
understanding of ecological dynamics of aspen parkland and oak  
savannah in Riding Mountain Nation Park (RMNP) in southwestern Manitoba.


Project description: Research and management actions aimed at  
restoring natural disturbance regimes in aspen parkland and oak  
savannah in RMNP dictate a need to understand the vegetation and fire  
history of these ecosystems as well as ecological resilience and  
thresholds associated with aspen and oak communities. When coupled  
with changes in climate and probable pre-contact land-management  
practices, paleoecological investigation is necessary to elucidate the  
long-term characteristics of ecosystem structure and function. A multi- 
proxy approach to understanding the vegetation, disturbance, and  
inferred climate history of the Park's oak and aspen ecosystems will  
involve the use of biological (pollen, charcoal, plant macrofossil,  
and phytolith analyses), and physical evidence (magnetic  
susceptibility, radiometric dating) from lake sediment cores. These  
biological and physical indicators will provide information regarding  
how ecosystems have changed since the last glaciation, as a result of  
natural and anthropogenic drivers.


There are substantial research funds and student salaries for this  
project. Applicants should be highly-motivated with a solid background  
in ecology or Quaternary science, and the ability to work both  
independently and as a part of a research team. Interested students  
are encouraged to send a CV, unofficial university transcripts, and  
the names and contact information for two references to  
tlaco...@uvic.ca. Further information about graduate studies at the  
University of Victoria can be found at http://web.uvic.ca/gradstudies/ .



~~~
Terri Lacourse
Department of Geography
University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 3R4
Canada

tlaco...@uvic.ca
~~~

[ECOLOG-L] San Bernardino and Leslie Canyon Wildlife Intern

[American Conservation Experience]

ACE is a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Organization working in close partnership 
with San Bernardino and Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuges.  To learn 
more, please visit www.usaconservation.org 

Start Date: May 14, 2010
End Date: August 7, 2010

Position Description:  
San Bernardino and Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuges in Southern 
Arizona are hosting 12-week Wildlife Biology Internship positions through 
American Conservation Experience.  

Interns will be engaged in a variety of biological monitoring survey 
projects involving native fish, wildlife, and plant species.  The 
internships will provide excellent opportunities to explore the field of 
Wildlife Management and to gain an overview of monitoring processes within 
a unique desert ecosystem.  Positions are intended for young adults, aged 
18 – 35, with educational backgrounds in the Natural Resources and with 
interest in utilizing their experiences as a stepping stone to eventual 
careers in Resource Management.  University students are welcome to apply.

Project Description:   
The San Bernardino NWR Complex annually conducts many surveys to monitor 
native herpetological, avian, vegetation and fish populations.   Interns 
will assist professional biologists, conducting wildlife and vegetation 
surveys to include, but not limited to; Chiricahua leopard frog 
monitoring, burrowing owl monitoring, herpetological inventory, yellow-
billed cuckoo monitoring, and MAPS banding.   Interns will be responsible 
for collecting data and specimens using provided protocols and entering 
information gathered into a database.  

Project Location: 
The San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex is composed of 
San Bernardino and Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuges.  San 
Bernardino NWR, located 15 miles south of the town of Douglas, Arizona, 
comprises several habitat types interspersed across 2,364 acres.   
Prevalent habitat includes Chihuahuan desert scrub, cottonwood-willow 
riparian gallery, desert grasslands, and wetlands.Leslie Canyon NWR is 
roughly 2,800 acres and is made up of desert grasslands, Chihuahuan desert 
scrub, and a unique Ash-Walnut riparian gallery. The San Bernardino NWR 
Complex provides valuable habitat to many wildlife species, but the 
recovery and protection the native fish of the Río Yaqui and their habitat 
are the main objectives of the refuges. The Río Yaqui fish are federally 
listed species due mainly to loss of habitat from agricultural use within 
the San Bernardino Valley. 

Qualifications:   
Interns must be physically fit and capable of hiking long distances across 
remote, rocky desert terrain in extreme summer heat.   The positions are 
intended for Interns capable of working in a team in a respectful and 
professional manner, yet able to work independently without direct 
supervision.  Training is provided, but applicants should be fast 
learners, able to quickly learn to identify native species by sight and 
call.   Interns will be required to prepare reports to document their 
findings and therefore must be able to express themselves clearly and 
professionally in writing.   Basic computer skills, including the ability 
to use Word and Excel, are required.  Interns must have a valid driver’s 
license and be willing to undergo a required criminal history background 
check.  Preference will be given to applicants with an educational 
background or field experience in Wildlife Biology, Biology, Botany, 
Forestry, Environmental Science, or other natural resource fields.  ACE is 
appropriate for hard working, positive minded people who want to improve 
their career opportunities through diligent hard work.

Training: 
Interns will be provided with protocols that outline each of the required 
Inventory and Monitoring surveys.  Identification guides for local 
herpetological species and other wildlife of interest will also be 
provided.  Interns will be trained in the use of a GPS unit and basic map 
use; basic plant identification; and borderland safety. 

Compensation:   
Interns are provided with a stipend of $110 per week.  Upon successful 
completion, interns will receive letters of recommendation from both ACE 
and US Fish and Wildlife Staff documenting their achievements.

Housing and Transportation:   
Free housing in the form of shared accommodations in mobile homes is 
provided at Refuge Headquarters, approximately 12 miles from Douglas, 
AZ.Work vehicles will be provided by the Refuge, but interns must 
provide their own personal transportation for travel to and from town on 
off days. 

To Apply:   
Please email a resume and cover letter with three professional references 
to Chris Baker at cba...@usaconservation.org  with “San Bernardino and 
Leslie Canyon Wildlife Intern - ECOLOG referred” in the subject heading of 
your email.

Application Deadline:  April 30, 2010.

[ECOLOG-L] Status of Great Barrier Reef finning proposal

[Wendee Holtcamp]

About a year or two ago, I heard that the Australian government had proposed
to open parts of the marine park to shark finning. Naturally this didn't go
over too well. 

However, I can't seem to find the status of this proposal online easily, and
was wondering if any of you work with sharks, with the GBR ecosystem, or
know what happened with this? I'm asking because I possibly want to write an
article on it, depending on what's happening with it.

Wendee
~~
 Wendee Holtcamp, M.S. Wildlife Ecology ~ @bohemianone
Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian
  http://www.wendeeholtcamp.com  
 http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com

~~ 6-wk Online Writing Course Starts May 15 or Jun 19 ~~
 ~~~
I'm Animal Planet's news blogger - http://blogs.discovery.com/animal_news 

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Camera Help Needed

[Tyler Ritchie]

Miranda,

I've been tempted to see about setting up something similar to document the
removal of the Glines Canyon Dam and Elwha Dam on the Elwha River [1] and
the subsequent restoration efforts and hopefully capture long-term
succession.

I was thinking of using Canon powershot cameras with support from the
open-source Canon firmware CHDK [2] and lantern batteries with a simple
charging circuit. The whole thing could be placed in a waterproof box.

It's all very DIY but allows for a much higher quality picture at a lower
price point.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elwha_Ecosystem_Restoration
[2] http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK

-Tyler

On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 12:03 PM, Miranda Redmond
wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I am looking to set up field cameras at different wetland sites to get an
> idea of what bird species are present.  I would like the camera to be able
> to:
>   -stay out in the field for 4 months without needing to be checked on
>   -have a timer setting where it could take a few photos every morning
> (on a timer, ie one at 7 am and one at 8am)
>   -be protected and safe from the elements
>   -be fairly inexpensive
>
> I was thinking I could hook up the camera to a car battery or solar
> panels, and hopefully get a camera with an intervalometer built in.  Does
> anyone have any recommendations?  I know trail camera's have the power
> supply set up and will last in the field for a few months, but they are
> only used for taking motion detection photos.
>
> Let me know if you have any ideas and recommendations!
>
> Thank you!
> Miranda Redmond
> mirandaredm...@gmail.com
> (415) 300-6901
>

Re: [ECOLOG-L] tree seedling pots - a source in Europe?

[Wayne Tyson]

I have made containers out of materials like rolled roofing and corrugated 
cardboard (waxed, triangular cross-section) to almost any length. Discarded 
cartons of various kinds also can be used. Jigs can be made for long 
production runs.


WT

- Original Message - 
From: "Bettina Engelbrecht" 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 4:22 AM
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] tree seedling pots - a source in Europe?


Dear ecologgers,

I am at the point to grow tree seedlings for experiments in greenhouses in
Germany. I have now encountered an unexpected problem: I cannot find the
kind of long, narrow pots (e.g. deepots, treepots) that are sold in the US
for growing tree seedlings, in Germany.

I was wondering if anyone knows a source for similar pots in Europe (long
and narrow, I will need relatively large ones, e.g. about 40 cm long, the
exact ones are not sold in Europe).

To give you a better idea of what I am thinking about, I’ll attach two
links below.

Any hints will help!

Thanks a lot,

Bettina Engelbrecht
University of Bayreuth
Germany

http://www.stuewe.com/products/deepots.html
http://www.stuewe.com/products/treepots.html






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Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
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12:45:00

[ECOLOG-L] Petition to set science-based caps for greenhouse gases

[Shaye Wolf]

The Environmental Protection Agency is being called on to scientifically
establish national safe limits for CO2 and other greenhouse gas pollutants
using its existing authority under the Clean Air Act. In December 2009 the
Center for Biological Diversity and 350.org formally petitioned the EPA to
designate greenhouse gases as "criteria" air pollutants and cap atmospheric
CO2 350 parts per million, the level that leading climate scientists have
found is necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

More than 100 organizations and many prominent scientists have signed on in
support of the petition, including climate scientist James Hansen,
ecologists Thomas Lovejoy and John Terborgh, and paleontologist Niles
Eldredge. Now we are asking individuals to sign onto the petition with the
goal of gathering 500,000 supporters. 

By setting science-based national greenhouse gas caps, the Obama
administration will take an important step towards implementing rapid and
deep cuts in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions using the proven
pollution-reduction programs of the Clean Air Act.

Please sign the petition calling on the EPA to set national pollution caps
as required by science, law, and common sense to protect our climate and
clean air.  The petition can be found at 
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=2773

[ECOLOG-L]

[David Inouye]

The Desert Laboratory at Tucson, Arizona has postdoc funding for an 
individual interested in working with us on the landmark Tumamoc 
long-term data sets on desert plants.  These studies were begun in 
the first decade of the 20th century, mapping saguaros and other 
desert perennial plants.  The person hired will have principle 
responsibility for archiving these unique 100+ year demographic data 
sequences and publishing them in Ecological Archives.  The person 
will also be encouraged to take advantage of these data sets for 
other publications on how plant communities respond to multidecadal 
fluctuations in weather.  We also anticipate fieldwork to extend the 
sequence.   The people who collected the early data played a 
fundamental role in the early development of plant ecology in the US 
and, among other things, were heavily involved in founding the 
Ecological Society of America in 1915.  This position provides an 
opportunity to continue participate in this heritage.


Are looking for someone with a PhD in population or community 
ecology, familiar with database management, ACCESS, Arcview, 
population dynamics and the analysis of long-term vegetation change.


This is a nice opportunity for someone who may be interested in 
integrating long-term population and community dynamics with climate dynamics.


Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of 
Arizona is a strong department of 25 professors with a very active 
program of Ph.D. students, postdocs, seminars and many other ecology 
related units and facilities to interact with on campus.


 Please contact us at Larry Venable (vena...@email.arizona.edu (520) 
621-5956) for further details.

[ECOLOG-L] Student Conference on Conservation Science at AMNH (NY)

[David Inouye]

Please share this announcement with students and colleagues.

2010 STUDENT CONFERENCE ON CONSERVATION SCIENCE (SCCS-NY)
American Museum of Natural History
New York City
3-5 November 2010
http://symposia.cbc.amnh.org/sccsny/ 



If you are pursuing or considering a career in conservation science, 
the American Museum of Natural History invites you to take part in 
the 2010 Student Conference on Conservation Science-New York 
(SCCS-NY). This conference is a unique opportunity for those of you 
in the rising generation of conservation professionals to present 
your research and exchange ideas with established leaders in 
conservation science, policy, and management during three days of 
presentations, workshops, and networking events.


Who Should Apply:
Those wishing to participate in SCCS-NY should have completed, or be 
conducting a research project in any conservation-related course of 
study within the natural sciences, social sciences, or humanities. 
Selection for participation will be based on the quality of one's 
application as well as its relevance to conservation. Applications 
are encouraged from the following:

Graduate Students
Recent Post-Doctoral Fellows
Early-Career Professionals
Undergraduates (research project must be of thesis-level quality)

Applications will be accepted through Monday, 10 May 2010. To apply, 
please go to 
http://symposia.cbc.amnh.org/sccsny/.


All the best,

Fiona

Fiona Brady
Outreach Program Coordinator
Center for Biodiversity and Conservation
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024
br...@amnh.org
http://cbc.amnh.org/
To learn more about our Student Conference on Conservation Science 
(Nov. 3-5), visit 
http://symposia.cbc.amnh.org/sccsny/

[ECOLOG-L] Camera Help Needed

[Miranda Redmond]

Hi,

I am looking to set up field cameras at different wetland sites to get an 
idea of what bird species are present.  I would like the camera to be able 
to:
   -stay out in the field for 4 months without needing to be checked on
   -have a timer setting where it could take a few photos every morning 
(on a timer, ie one at 7 am and one at 8am)
   -be protected and safe from the elements
   -be fairly inexpensive

I was thinking I could hook up the camera to a car battery or solar 
panels, and hopefully get a camera with an intervalometer built in.  Does 
anyone have any recommendations?  I know trail camera's have the power 
supply set up and will last in the field for a few months, but they are 
only used for taking motion detection photos.  

Let me know if you have any ideas and recommendations!

Thank you!
Miranda Redmond
mirandaredm...@gmail.com
(415) 300-6901

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Comparing a subset of models based on delta AICc

[Sherry Martin]

Hi Helen,

If I understand your situation correctly, it makes sense that the deltas do 
not change but the weights do. The minimum AIC will always be the minimum, 
regardless of how you change the delta threshold. In comparison, the 
weights are calculated off of the models compared. So, if you have 100 
models, but you only compare 10, the weight refers only to the 10 involved 
in the comparison.


Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Sherry

{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}
{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}
{}:{}
{}:{}  Sherry L. Martin
{}:{}  Michigan State University
{}:{}  Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
{}:{}  Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior
{}:{}  13 Natural Resources
{}:{}  East Lansing, MI 48824
{}:{}  marti686@ msu.edu
{}:{}  (517) 432-8048
{}:{}
{}:{}  http://michiganstate.academia.edu/SherryMartin
{}:{}
{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}
{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}:{}

At 09:00 PM 4/20/2010 -0400, Helen Bothwell wrote:

In working with AICc model averaging and selection, I am not sure what the
precedence is for choosing a subset of models to compare.  We are
investigating genetic loci under supposed adaptive selection pressure from
environmental variables.  We have no prior expectations of which specific
variables may be influencing certain loci and can not a priori reduce
models for comparison.  Our data set includes a large number of plausible
explanatory environmental variables.  We initially compared a subset of
models with delta AIC values ranging from 0-10.  I have found information
saying that delta AIC values from 0-2 indicate that a given model should
be considered within the range of plausible models for the set under
investigation.  Coding in R for a given locus, when I change the input
call for the subset of deltas to compare (I've tried 10, 5, and 3) the
Deviance, AICc, and Delta of the various models do not change, however the
weights given to the various models do change as do the values of Relative
Variable Importance.  For example, with input delta <10, the best model
weight is 0.03, whereas it is 0.074 with input delta <3.  Is there a
precedence for how many models to compare, a subset Delta AICc cut-off
line for model comparison?  Any feedback is much appreciated!

Sincerely,
Helen Bothwell

[ECOLOG-L] Job: Executive Director, Society for Conservation Biology

[David Inouye]

Job Announcement: Executive Director, Society for Conservation Biology

The Society for Conservation Biology, an international professional 
organization, is seeking an Executive Director.   The position serves 
the global membership of the Society, oversees the operations of its 
publications (Conservation Biology, Conservation magazine, and 
Conservation Letters), ensures the successful organization of the 
biennial global meeting of the membership, supports SCB programs, and 
represents the mission of SCB to diverse audiences.


The Executive Director reports to the Executive Committee of the 
elected Board of Governors, supports the activities of the committees 
of the Board, and manages the SCB Executive office in Washington, 
D.C. and staff located elsewhere.


We seek outstanding candidates who understand the role of science in 
conservation, have strong managerial and administrative experience, a 
track record in fundraising and program development, and the ability 
to respond to the needs of a diverse and global membership.


Applicants should submit electronically a cover letter along with a 
curriculum vitae and names and addresses of three references, addressed to:
John G. Robinson, Chair, SCB Executive Director Search Committee to: 
edsea...@conbio.org.


For a full job description, visit us at 
www.conbio.org.  Applications should be 
received by April 30, 2010.

[ECOLOG-L] EcoTone: The sharp shooters of marine life

[Katie Kline]

The archerfish's long distance spitting can fire a bug off of a branch and send 
it down to the water's surface, and the nearly-blind pistol shrimp uses its 
gigantic claw to stun its prey with a bubble nearly as hot as the Sun. However, 
if the archerfish didn't have keen eyes enabling it to detect an insect against 
a vegetative background, and if the pistol shrimp lacked its  protective eye 
covers, called orbital hoods, these animals might never have developed the 
ballistic mechanisms that characterize them.

Read more, comment and share at 
http://www.esa.org/esablog/research/the-sharp-shooters-of-marine-life/.

[ECOLOG-L] POSTDOC POSITION: Ecology and Biogeochemistry of Biofuel Production

[Kristina Anderson-Teixeira]

POSTDOC POSITION:  Ecology and Biogeochemistry of Biofuel Production: The
University of Illinois and Global Change Solutions, LLC seek a creative and
energetic postdoctoral associate with strong background in ecosystem ecology
and solid mathematical skills to participate in ongoing research to
understand how the widespread deployment of biofuel crops will affect the
biogeochemistry of carbon, nitrogen and water, and to further develop
metrics for estimating the greenhouse gas value of ecosystems. Facility with
modeling, theoretical or synthesis approaches is desirable. This is a
collaborative project between Evan DeLucia, Stephen Long and Kristina
Anderson-Teixeira at the University of Illinois and William Parton at
Colorado State University. The associate will be located at the University
of Illinois. Funding is available for two years beginning August 2010.
Questions about this position should be addressed to Kristina
Anderson-Teixeira (katei...@uiuc.edu). Interested parties should send a
letter of application, CV and the names of three referees via email to
Melinda Laborg (lab...@uiuc.edu). Applications will be reviewed starting 31
May 2010. 

[ECOLOG-L] ecologist position with the Montana Natural Heritage Program

[Karen Newlon]

POSITION TITLE: ECOLOGIST
JOB LENGTH: Full time annual appointment, renewable based on continued funding.
COMPENSATION: $28,000-$30,000 per year, depending on experience
JOB LOCATION: Helena, MT

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) serves as the state's principle
source of information on species, habitats, and landscapes of conservation
concern. The Ecologist works closely with other staff ecologists, the
botanist, database specialists, and public and private partners to document
the distribution, dynamics, and management of Montana’s ecological
diversity. The Ecologist is a regular, full-time position supervised by the
Ecologist/Projects Manager or Senior Ecologist, and may lead work teams or
supervise interns, student employees, or volunteers as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Principle duties include: 1) interpreting and classifying ecological systems
in the field and through remotely-sensed imagery; 2) integrating data into
spatial and tabular databases, and map layers; 3) conducting vegetation
surveys in wetland, 4) carrying out QA/QC and hydrogeomorphic classification
procedures on wetland maps; 5) producing assessments, reports, information
summaries and maps for presentations, publications, and the internet; and 6)
effectively representing MTNHP to partners, information users, and landowners.


KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, wildlife biology, or range science;
master’s preferred. Experience in at least two of the following areas:
wetland ecology, waterfowl ecology, hydrology, aquatic ecology, conservation
biology, plant physiology, plant taxonomy, or community ecology. Minimum of
two field seasons conducting field surveys and assessments.

• Knowledge of the vegetation and flora of the Rocky Mountains and Western
Great Plains with an emphasis on wetland vegetation; demonstrated
proficiency in vegetation survey methods.

• Expertise in the identification of wetland communities.

• Experience delineating wetland habitats. Demonstrated understanding of
wetland classification systems, including the Cowardin (USFWS) system and
the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) system. Experience using dichotomous keys to
identify vegetation. Knowledge of wetland and riparian function, and the
ability to crosswalk between classification systems to assign functions to
specific wetland habitat types. Familiarity with quality assurance and
quality control processes as they apply to photointerpretation and image
analysis.

• Proficiency in working with databases and analyzing tabular and spatial
data using statistical and GIS software. Demonstrated experience with ESRI
GIS software, including ArcMap and Spatial Analyst. Experience with
landscape assessment, aquatic classification, or the production of synoptic
maps using digital elevation models, hydrology datasets, aerial photographs,
LiDAR, remote sensing imagery, soils and geologic maps, and field data.
Demonstrated experience using GPS in the field and importing and analyzing
coordinates and other data. Familiarity with ERDAS/LEICA Imagine or
E-cognition preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to implement and successfully complete projects on
time and within budget, and in report or map production and presentation;
ability to set and reach goals, and problem-solve effectively. Strong
organizational skills, thoroughness, and attention to detail; initiative and
ability to work independently and to lead project teams.

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and an ability to
build effective partnerships and collaboration with government agencies,
academia and the non-profit sector.

• Willingness and ability to travel, especially during the field season, and
to conduct long days of strenuous fieldwork, often alone and/or under
adverse conditions or in remote areas. Ability to hike long distances (5-8
miles per day) over rough terrain carrying equipment and personal gear.
Current driver's license and clean driving record required.

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:

• Resolves complex issues independently within program area. Experiments to
find creative solutions.

• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices
and guidelines.

• Implements multiple projects.

• Acts as a resource to others to solve problems.

• Works within decentralized team environment.

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:

• Opportunity to act independently.

• Makes sound decisions based on analysis of information, experience and
judgment.

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT –FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY:

• Assist in the development of funding proposals for agency partners and
outside sources.

• Identify time and effort necessary to complete proposed tasks, and ensure
that work is completed on time and on budget.

• Gains cooperation from individuals or groups over whom there is no direct
authority in order to accomplish program goals.

• Identify opportunities for research funding, and pursue grants and
contracts. May act as 

[ECOLOG-L] Post Doctoral Research in Microbial Ecology

[Rima Upchurch]

A postdoctoral research position is available immediately to study the
molecular mechanisms and metabolic processes controlling the fungal decay of
plant detritus and the formation of soil organic matter.  

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in microbial ecology, soil microbiology,
biogeochemistry or closely related field.  Experience with molecular
approaches to investigate gene expression and community composition is
required, and familiarity with soil C and N dynamics is desired.  The
initial appointment period will be for 1 year with the potential of renewal
for an additional two years.  

Applicants should email a cover letter describing research experience and
goals, a curriculum vitae, reprints, and the names and addresses of three
references to Dr. Donald R. Zak, School of Natural Resources & Environment,
University of Michigan, 430 E. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1115. 
E-mail address: dr...@umich.edu.  The University of Michigan is a
non-discriminatory, affirmative action employer.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Comparing a subset of models based on delta AICc

[Rebecca Stirnemann]

Hi,
 I found the book Mixed effects models and Extensions in Ecology With
R by Zuure et al. Was useful.
They have a good example of model comparison.
Rebecca

On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 2:00 AM, Helen Bothwell  wrote:
> In working with AICc model averaging and selection, I am not sure what the
> precedence is for choosing a subset of models to compare.  We are
> investigating genetic loci under supposed adaptive selection pressure from
> environmental variables.  We have no prior expectations of which specific
> variables may be influencing certain loci and can not a priori reduce
> models for comparison.  Our data set includes a large number of plausible
> explanatory environmental variables.  We initially compared a subset of
> models with delta AIC values ranging from 0-10.  I have found information
> saying that delta AIC values from 0-2 indicate that a given model should
> be considered within the range of plausible models for the set under
> investigation.  Coding in R for a given locus, when I change the input
> call for the subset of deltas to compare (I've tried 10, 5, and 3) the
> Deviance, AICc, and Delta of the various models do not change, however the
> weights given to the various models do change as do the values of Relative
> Variable Importance.  For example, with input delta <10, the best model
> weight is 0.03, whereas it is 0.074 with input delta <3.  Is there a
> precedence for how many models to compare, a subset Delta AICc cut-off
> line for model comparison?  Any feedback is much appreciated!
>
> Sincerely,
> Helen Bothwell
>

[ECOLOG-L] tree seedling pots - a source in Europe?

[Bettina Engelbrecht]

Dear ecologgers, 

I am at the point to grow tree seedlings for experiments in greenhouses in 
Germany. I have now encountered an unexpected problem: I cannot find the 
kind of long, narrow pots (e.g. deepots, treepots) that are sold in the US 
for growing tree seedlings, in Germany.

I was wondering if anyone knows a source for similar pots in Europe (long 
and narrow, I will need relatively large ones, e.g. about 40 cm long, the 
exact ones are not sold in Europe).

To give you a better idea of what I am thinking about, I’ll attach two 
links below.

Any hints will help!

Thanks a lot, 

Bettina Engelbrecht
University of Bayreuth
Germany

http://www.stuewe.com/products/deepots.html
http://www.stuewe.com/products/treepots.html

[ECOLOG-L] Comparing a subset of models based on delta AICc

[Helen Bothwell]

In working with AICc model averaging and selection, I am not sure what the 
precedence is for choosing a subset of models to compare.  We are 
investigating genetic loci under supposed adaptive selection pressure from 
environmental variables.  We have no prior expectations of which specific 
variables may be influencing certain loci and can not a priori reduce 
models for comparison.  Our data set includes a large number of plausible 
explanatory environmental variables.  We initially compared a subset of 
models with delta AIC values ranging from 0-10.  I have found information 
saying that delta AIC values from 0-2 indicate that a given model should 
be considered within the range of plausible models for the set under 
investigation.  Coding in R for a given locus, when I change the input 
call for the subset of deltas to compare (I've tried 10, 5, and 3) the 
Deviance, AICc, and Delta of the various models do not change, however the 
weights given to the various models do change as do the values of Relative 
Variable Importance.  For example, with input delta <10, the best model 
weight is 0.03, whereas it is 0.074 with input delta <3.  Is there a 
precedence for how many models to compare, a subset Delta AICc cut-off 
line for model comparison?  Any feedback is much appreciated!

Sincerely,
Helen Bothwell

[ECOLOG-L] applications invited (Apia Samoa)

[Chris Buddenhagen]

Terrestrial Ecosystems Management Officer (TEMO)

Applications are invited for the above position with SPREP at Apia, Samoa.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to work with a team of
professionals in providing technical
advice and support to Pacific Island members on terrestrial ecosystem
conservation and ecosystem
management strategies.

Key functions include:
1. Support on terrestrial ecosystem conservation
2. Technical advice and assistance on ecosystem management strategies,
implementation plans and
funding framework
3. Training programmes and capacity building
4. Technical advice and support on key conventions including UN Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD),
UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and others;
5. Working with key partners on species conservation issues
6. Education and Public Awareness
7. Programme Workplan and Implementation

ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA:
1. Masters degree in biodiversity‐related environmental science,
environmental management, resource
management or related natural science discipline; OR Bachelor degree in
lieu, with applied relevant
work experience in excess of the minimum required relevant work experience
2. At least 10 years relevant work experience in conservation planning and
management, natural resource
management or related area.
3. Proven strategic, coordination, analytical, communication and
facilitation skills
4. Proven knowledge of conservation related conventions, agreements and
policies; particularly those
relevant to the Pacific region and conservation issues in PICTs.
5. Proven project and programme management experience, including budget
preparation and financial
management.
6. Proven ability to work as a part of an inter‐disciplinary and/or
multi‐cultural team.
Basic salary ranges from SDR29,015 to SDR39,754 (including COLDA). This is
currently equivalent to
SAT$114,729 to SAT $157,192 (including COLDA) per annum depending on
qualifications and experience.
Other attractive staff entitlements such as housing & education allowances,
medical benefits, life & personal
accident insurance, etc. will be available to the successful candidate.
Full details of the TEMO’s responsibilities, requirements, remuneration
package and lodging an application
can be obtained from the Employment section of our website: www.sprep.org or
by contacting the Personnel
Officer on telephone: 21929 Ext. 230, Fax: 20231, or direct Email:
lua...@sprep.org

Applications should include:
1. A detailed curriculum vitae containing full personal details;
2. A statement to address how each Essential Selection Criteria is met;
3. Names and contact detailss for at least three professional referees who
are prepared to provide
testimonials – prefer the most recent employers and/or supervisors; and,
4. Indication of possible starting date if successful.
All applications to be clearly marked “Application for Terrestrial
Ecosystems Management Officer (TEMO)”
and addressed to: The Director, SPREP, P O Box 240, Apia, Samoa or
alternatively to email address: sp...@sprep.org
.
Closing date: Friday, 28 May 2010. Late applications will not be considered.

Chris Buddenhagen

[ECOLOG-L] ISC2010 - deadline extended

[Schöne , Bernd R .]

Dear all,


The deadline for registration and abstract submission for the 2nd International 
Sclerochronology Conference has been extended until Thursday 29th April 2010 
(midnight, Central European Time). A number of potential delegates had 
difficulties submitting their forms on time due to transportation issues 
related to the volcanic ash cloud over Europe.

We also wish to inform delegates that the hotel rooms blocked for the 
conference are only available until the end of April. A number of alternative 
hotels are posted on the conference website.


For your reference, I am once again attaching the Call for Papers below.

See you at Mainz in July!

Greetings


Bernd


Call for papers:
2nd International Sclerochronology Conference, ISC2010
Mainz, Germany, 24 - 28 July 2010


Dear all,

Registration and abstract submission for ISC2010 is open until 20th April 2010.

http://www.scleroconferences.dehttp://www.scleroconferences.de/>


Who should attend?
Anyone working on or interested in the formation and interpretation of growth 
increments in accretionary hard parts of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms 
as well as corraline red algae, their geochemistry and crystal fabrics or the 
underlying processes of biomineralization, should attend this conference. Come 
to Mainz, share your thoughts and help to bring this fast-developing field 
forward!

Please note: We also highly welcome contributions from people working with tree 
rings, speleothems and related bio- and geoarchives.


Details on the 2nd International Sclerochronology Conference are available from 
the conference website at  
http://www.scleroconferences.dehttp://www.scleroconferences.de/>
 .


The conference organizers hope to welcome you at the University of Mainz for 
exciting presentations and discussions in this fast developing field. Please 
check the website for further information.



Program committee:
- Bernd R. Schöne (conference chair), Geosciences, University of Mainz, Germany
- Andrew L.A. Johnson, Geographical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, 
University of Derby, UK
- Claire E. Lazareth, LOCEAN, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, France
- David P. Gillikin, Earth Science and Geography, Vassar College, USA
- Kazushige Tanabe, Earth and Planetary Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Meghan Burchell, Anthropology, McMaster University, Canada
- Thomas Tütken, Steinmann Institute, University of Bonn, Germany



Sclerochronology is the study of physical and chemical variations in the 
accretionary hard tissues of organisms, and the temporal context in which they 
formed. Sclerochronology focuses primarily upon growth patterns reflecting 
annual, monthly, fortnightly, tidal, daily, and sub-daily increments of time 
entrained by a host of environmental and astronomical pacemakers. Familiar 
examples include yearly banding in reef coral skeletons and otoliths or daily 
and annual growth patterns in mollusk shells.  Sclerochronology is analogous to 
dendrochronology, the study of annual rings in trees, and equally seeks to 
deduce organismal life history traits as well as to reconstruct records of 
environmental and climatic change through time and space.


-
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernd R. SCHÖNE
Department of Applied and Analytical Paleontology
and INCREMENTS Research Group
Institute of Geosciences
University of Mainz
Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 21
55128 Mainz, GERMANY

voice: +49 6131 39 24757
fax: +49 6131 39 24768
mobile: +49 152 098 96 165
Skype.com-Internet-Telephony: b.r.schoene
Email: schoe...@uni-mainz.de
www.increments.de
www.paleontology.uni-mainz.de

[cid:652301810@21042010-0D13]
www.scleroconferences.de

<>

[ECOLOG-L] Last Call: RIO Program & Free Stay Drawing

[Julie Ray, La MICA Biological Station]

Last call for applications for our summer RIO Program at La MICA Biological 
Station! See information below and contact us today!
 
Also, less than 48 hours left to donate for a chance to win a free stay at La 
MICA Biological Station. Perfect for potential visitors! Visit 
http://www.lamica.org/Culture.html for complete details and to help the 
project. Just $10 earns you an entry!
 
RIO Program
La MICA Biological Station, located in El Copé, Coclé province, Republic of 
Panama, announces its RIO (Research and Inventory Opportunities) Program!
 
The RIO program is geared towards undergraduates and recent graduates looking 
to gain research and practical experience in the tropical forest as an 
internship or otherwise. Each participant visits La MICA Biological Station to 
conduct a project at the Station, in a local community, or in Omar Torrijos 
National Park. Participants are encouraged to assist at the Station and 
interact with the local people. Projects are not restricted to biology, but 
also may focus on local culture or history, geography, traditional medicine, 
immersion Spanish, art, etc.
 
RIO Program participants cover their own airfare and pay a minimal charge each 
week for this amazing experience. We are excited to work with university 
internship programs to ensure that students can receive credit as desired. 
 
Positions are available year round. We currently are accepting applications. 
Please email us at la.m...@yahoo.com (with a subject line "RIO Program") for an 
information packet and application. We look forward to your visit!


Julie M. Ray, MSc, PhD
Director
La MICA Biological Station
La Montaña para Investigación y Conservación Ambiental

El Cope-La Pintada. Provincia de Cocle. Republica de Panama
Amigos Support La MICA. c/o Julie Ray, 12458 132nd Street, Chippewa Fall,s WI 
54729
Fundación Centro de Investigación Biológica El Copé, S.A. (Panama)
telephone: 011-507-6746-3942
www.lamica.org
la.m...@yahoo.com
Amigos Support La MICA is a project of International Humanities Center, a 501c3 
nonprofit organization.

[ECOLOG-L] Macroinvertebrate Ecology and Identification, July 26-30, 2010

[Alan Temple]

Macroinvertebrate Ecology and Identification FIS2221

Course Dates: July 26-30, 2010
Course Location: National Conservation Training Center
College Credit: 2 semester hours
Course Length: 5 days/36 hours
Instructors:  Dr. J. Reese Voshell, Jr. (author of A Guide to Common
Freshwater Invertebrates of North America) & Mr. Stephen Hiner, M.S.

Course Description:  Macroinvertebrates are important in the structure and
function of freshwater ecosystems.  As such, they often are studied in
programs involving natural resources, such as pollution biomonitoring and
fisheries management.  In this course, participants will learn about the
ecology and identification of freshwater macroinvertebrates through a
combination of presentations and hands-on field and laboratory
investigations.  The emphasis will be on aquatic insects, but other major
groups of invertebrates will be covered in less detail, including
flatworms, worms, leeches, snails, mussels, crustaceans, and water mites.
The goal is to develop participant knowledge of macroinvertebrate ecology
and equip participants with skills in identification and sampling
techniques.  Each day, ecological features of organisms will be discussed
in the morning followed by afternoon collecting exercises in local streams
and ponds. Collected specimens will be brought back to the lab and
identified to family level (some to genus level).  Each participant will
form an individual reference collection for her or his continued use after
course completion.

Course Objectives:

   ·   Describe common life history strategies of macroinvertebrate taxa;
   ·   Describe the diverse habits and trophic relationships of
 macroinvertebrates;
   ·   Relate the distribution of macroinvertebrates to the physical and
 chemical features of their habitats;
   ·   Use proper collecting, labeling, and preservation techniques; and
   ·   Correctly identify unknown specimens by following methods
 demonstrated in the course.

Who Should Attend:  Federal, state, county and municipal agencies, private
consulting firms, citizen volunteers, neighborhood associations,
environmental organizations, and teachers, performing rapid stream and
watershed assessments or monitoring programs; with a desire to improve
their taxonomy skills.

Cost: There is no tuition fee for FWS personnel.  Tuition is $950 for
Non-FWS participants.

How to apply: To register, visit our website at http://training.fws.gov/
click Course Catalog, then select*Log In to DOI LEARN - for DOI
employees, contractors and volunteers with previously established accounts
or * Search DOI LEARN as a guest – for Non-DOI applicants. You will have
the opportunity to submit your application once you locate the class you
want to take. If you have questions, the Registrar may be contacted at
(304) 876-7692.

Questions:  Please contact Gary L. Schetrompf, gary_schetro...@fws.gov ,
NCTC Conservation Science and Policy  Branch, at 304/876-7255 or SoLan
Ching, so_lan_ch...@fws.gov , NCTC Conservation Science and Policy  Branch,
at 304/876-7771.