[ECOLOG-L] Great Migrations Air Dates.... NAT GEO
Apologies if this was already posted to AP-Bio. Think I did see it on AP-Env Sci. Could have it backwards? Thank you. Mike Nolan This series has been touted as being spectacular. Here are the airdates for the Great Migrations series - Stunning photography and narrated by Alec Baldwin. I suggest watching it on a big screen, if it's HD, even better. Great Migrations - Born to Move - airs Nov 7th at 8pm Great Migrations - Need to Breed - airs Nov 7th at 9pm Science of Great Migrations - airs Nov 9th at 10pm (gives you a more in depth look on the science behind these migrations) Great Migrations - Feast or Famine - airs Nov 14 at 8pm Great Migrations - Race to Survive - airs Nov 14 at 9pm Great Migrations - Behind the Scenes - airs Nov 14 at 10pm (an in depth look behind the scenes) Great Migrations - Rhythm of Life - airs Nov 20 at 8pm (this is an hour long music video) Enjoy, Fran Fran Hess Earth Science/ AP - ES Teacher, Consultant, Author -- If we are on another line or away from the phone, please leave your number, best time to return your call and/or your e-mail address. After hours and weekend phone appointments are available upon request. Sincerely, J. Michael Nolan, Director Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit ** “Outstanding-Affordable Field Courses in Rainforest Marine Ecology” “Spanish/Cultural Immersion Programs: Spain, Mexico, Central and South America” Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit 161 Main St. Coopersville, MI 49404 Local/International Phone: 1.616.604.0546 Toll Free U.S. and Canada: 1.877.255.3721 Fax: 1.616.604.0546 Google Talk/MS IM/Skype: travelwithrandr AOL IM: buddythemacaw E-mail: i...@rainforestandreef.org and travelwithra...@gmail.com Note: Please send inquiries to both e-mail addresses Web: http://rainforestandreef.org **
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Biological Field Technician (12 openings)
The Lab of Landscape Ecology and Conservation Biology at Northern Arizona University is hiring Biological Field Technicians (12 positions available) for a research project on non-native plant invasions, fire risk, and wildlife habitat in the Sonoran Desert. If interested, see the announcement at: https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1GZRekYV8mIB9TAxZGDUAbr-vkv0h7OHsj6J48PW3XkM -- Ophelia Wang Postdoctoral Research Associate The Lab of Landscape Ecology and Conservation Biology Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Tel: 928-523-0664 Email: ophelia.w...@nau.edu Webpage: http://nau.academia.edu/OpheliaWang
[ECOLOG-L] Waterbird Biologist with USGS in Davis, CA
Job Title: Waterbird Biologist with USGS (pre‐announcement) The USGS Waterfowl and Waterbird Research Program in Davis, California is seeking a biologist to assist in studies on waterbird ecology, wetlands, and ecotoxicology. We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated individual that has extensive experience conducting field research on birds, and has demonstrated their research abilities in leading field studies, statistically analyzing data, and publishing results in peer‐ reviewed journals. Duties: The incumbent will coordinate several projects on waterbird ecology, including studies on nest survival in dabbling ducks, avocets, stilts, Forster?s terns, and other species; chick growth and survival; radio‐telemetry studies on waterbird movements and survival; effects of contaminants on avian reproduction; contaminant bioaccumulation; and wetland management. This position will entail a combination of field studies, lab work, data entry and management, statistical analysis, preparing reports, delivering scientific presentations, and assisting in peer‐reviewed publications. Duties also include safely operating motor boats, kayaks, ATVs, and 4‐wheel drive vehicles; processing biological samples in the lab; entering and managing large datasets; maintenance of equipment; and other administrative duties. Candidates must be comfortable on boats, in and around water bodies, and in remote settings; and must be able and willing to travel for extended periods to field locations and conduct field work. The incumbent will be required to work both independently and as a team member to execute field research. Qualifications: An advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in ecology, wildlife biology, ornithology, or a related discipline is preferred, but candidates with a M.S. and significant research experience leading studies and publishing scientific journal articles will also be considered. Familiarity and experience with avian sampling techniques is required, such as bird capturing and handling, morphological measurements, nest monitoring, radio‐telemetry attachment and tracking, necropsies, bleeding birds, and bird identification by sight and sound. Incumbent must have a strong statistical background with demonstrated ability to publish papers in peer‐reviewed scientific journals. Expertise in use of ArcGIS for analyzing bird movement data via telemetry is desirable. Experience querying and managing data from a relational database system is also desirable. A current driver's license and a good driving record are required. Applicants must be able to lift 40 lbs. We are seeking an organized, enthusiastic, and versatile person with a strong science and work ethic. Applicant must be willing to work some long hours, including early morning or evening hours and some weekends as needed. Housing is not provided. Job Details: This will be a USGS ?Term? position, and includes government benefits. Start date is expected to be in January 2011 but is flexible. Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Dr. Josh Ackerman ( jacker...@usgs.gov) and Dr. Mark Herzog (mher...@usgs.gov) as soon as possible. THIS IS A PRE‐ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE REQUIRED APPLICATION PROCESS. The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, non‐ disqualifying handicap conditions, sexual orientation, or any other non‐ merit factors. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. ** Mark Herzog, PhD Wildlife Biologist U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center Davis Field Station One Shields Avenue University of California Davis, CA 95616 phone: (530) 754-8130 cell: (530) 312-9791 fax: (530) 752-9680 email: mher...@usgs.gov http://profile.usgs.gov/mherzog **
[ECOLOG-L] PhD opportunity in forest carbon
We are seeking a PhD student to examine the effects of different management actions on forest carbon dynamics. This is a field and modeling-based study. The RA includes three years of stipend, tuition, and research support. Qualifications include a BS (MS preferred) in ecology, environmental science, forestry, or mathematics. Other fields that included a substantial quantitative component will be considered. Applicants should have a strong interest in modeling and coursework in statistics. Application information for the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Arizona University is located at http://www.cefns.nau.edu/Academic/Biology/. For additional information please contact matthew.hurt...@nau.edu.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Student Opportunities
MS and PhD positions are available in the Department of Biology at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana for students interested in aquatic biogeochemistry. Students would join collaborative research projects studying either emerging contaminants or diurnal nitrogen and sulfur cycling in conjunction with research in the laboratory of Dr. Melody Bernot (http://mjbernot.iweb.bsu.edu/index.htm). Graduate research assistantships are available beginning May 2011. Interested students should contact Melody Bernot (mjber...@bsu.edu) for additional details. Students should apply to Ball State University by February 1, 2011. Details on the application process can be found at http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/GradSchool.aspx.
[ECOLOG-L] STREON Scientist - NEON job opportunity - Boulder, CO
Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.) is a nonprofit science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales. The Observatory will also operate a long-term experiment - STREON: a chronic nutrient enrichment and predator exclusion experiment that will be operated at ten of the NEON Aquatic sites. Summary: The STREON Scientist will be part of an Aquatic/STREON Team that is responsible for developing a national program to assess physical, chemical, and biological changes in streams and lakes over 30 years. The Team will define measurements, document field and lab methods, train personnel, and perform QA/QC in order to produce high quality data products for the research, education, and decision making community. Specifically, the STREON Scientist is responsible for development, documentation and implementation of detailed sampling designs and analytical protocols of the STREON experiment. This position will require collaboration with the NEON Engineering Team for development and engineering-level documentation of the experiment components (nutrient addition station, in-situ baskets, recirculation chambers, flumes, predator-exclusion system). The position will co-develop and documents sampling designs and audit procedures for aquatic flora and fauna and freshwater chemistry, in conjunction with the Aquatic Team. As STREON is the first Observatory experiment, the STREON Scientist will play a key role in communications with the STREON Technical Working Group and the larger stream community. The STREON Scientist will work with an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, engineers, and other scientists to design, develop, test, and implement statistically valid protocols to produce data products that will enable researchers to investigate the impact of climate change, land-use change, invasive species, and unsustainable water use on freshwater ecosystems of North America. The STREON Scientist is expected to produce reports and publications of NEON procedures and protocols and is encouraged to collaborate with the research community to investigate continental scale ecology. This position requires a broad experience base in freshwater ecology, including experience and knowledge of biogeochemical cycles of streams, isotopic chemistry, biodiversity, foodweb response to nutrient enrichment, the role of microbes in detrital-based foodwebs, and regime and state shift theory in aquatic systems. The ideal candidate will have at least ten years of research and leadership experience beyond the PhD. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Develop and document experiment components of the STREON experiment • Develop a data collection and audit program for the STREON experiment, including experiment sampling protocols for algae, macrophytes, invertebrates, and fish. • Development and implementation of data QA/QC plan. • Develop training program for field crews. • Document the scientific rationale for STREON-related measurements and methods. • Co-develop detailed sampling designs for microbial communities and stream morphology. • Co-coordinate activities of the STREON Technical Working Group. • Collaborate with NEON engineers and scientists to define audit sampling procedures. • Participate in the larger NEON science community, including participating in independent research and collaborations and attending meetings/conferences. Education: • PhD in stream ecology or related field. Specialization in stream food-web structure and function, stream community ecology, or related ecology with emphasis on biological-chemical-physical linkages of stream ecosystems. • 10+ years experience beyond post-doctoral level in stream ecology or closely related field. Required Experience: • 15+ years research experience in freshwater stream ecology, with emphasis in the role of food-web structure and function, biogeochemistry, and microbial ecology. • Significant field experience working in streams of North America. • Significant experience communicating to
[ECOLOG-L] Data Products Team Lead - NEON Job Opportunity - Boulder, CO
Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.), a nonprofit science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, has an immediate opening for a Data Products Team Lead. We are currently designing the NEON project – an observatory comprising more than 60 atmospheric, environmental and biological monitoring sites distributed throughout twenty domains across the United States, Hawaii, Alaska the Caribbean, monitored and controlled in real-time from our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado. The primary outputs of the NEON Observatory are ecological Data Products, including the measurements taken by NEON’s sensor infrastructure and the results of NEON biological samples, and higher-level integrated Data Products based upon the measurements and resulting from complex algorithms. The high level Data Products will translate NEON in situ and remote observations into continental-scale estimates and forecasts using simulation and statistical approaches. The Data Products Team Lead will lead a critical effort within NEON and should be an international leader in environmental science and modeling, and have broad knowledge of ecological modeling and data analysis. Location This position will be based in Boulder CO. Summary The DP Team Lead will be responsible for leading the development and publishing the NEON Observatory High Level Data Product algorithms, including defining, documenting and implementing the algorithms used to convert NEON’s environmental data into information that can be used by the scientific community and the general public. We are looking for a leading quantitative ecologist interested in playing a major role in the future of the field designing computational intensive, tera-scale data analyses within the NEON context. NEON High Level Data Products include biophysical, biogeochemical, geospatial, population/community and genomic/metagenomic variables. NEON data products will be developed by collaborative teams, including extensive interaction with the scientific community. This is an autonomous role, requiring an experienced highly-motivated individual who is flexible and enthusiastic. The person will be responsible for direct management, including technical leadership and supervision, of a group of scientists, and will regularly report to project management and stakeholders, and organize and participate in internal and external reviews. The Data Products Team Lead will report directly to the NEON Project Manager. A Data Products Oversight Committee (chaired by the NEON Director) will provide strategic and implementation advice to the Data Products Team Lead. The person will be encouraged to play a leading role in studies and related publications of new Observatory measurements and Data Products, in support of our mission. We are looking a problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges, and get the job done on-time and within-budget in a high-pressure environment. NEON data cover an extremely broad range of topics including microbial genomes, traditional organism based field measurements, instrumental measurements of atmospheric and aquatic physical and chemical environments, airborne remote sensing and satellite and census based geographic products. Therefore, we seek a scientist with a very broad experience in quantitative environmental science with a profound knowledge of at least one of the major NEON subject areas: modeling/analysis of biodiversity, biogeochemistry, invasive species, infectious disease, ecohydrology, climate and land use. The incumbent will represent NEON nationally and internationally in ecological and eco-informatics, and should be an effective speaker and writer. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Intellectual and operational leadership of the Data Products activity within NEON, and interacting with the broad scientific community regarding the state, improvement, extension and enhancement of the Data Products activity. • Selecting and developing talent to deliver NEON Observatory Data Products, organizing and managing data product team to develop data product algorithms. • Define requirements for, design and implementation of the algorithms supporting the conversion of NEON Observatory measurements into Data Products for the ecological community. • Plan and manage workflow components in support of the NEON project. • Support NEON Observatory operations, and participate in RD projects to prepare for future programs and projects and Data Products. • Understand and where necessary define administrative and project management processes essential to the Data Products Team, including planning, tracking and reporting to assess project performance. • Interface with NEON science product teams and
[ECOLOG-L] Statement of Need: Assessment and monitoring of biological diversity: Method development
http://www.serdp-estcp.org/Funding-Opportunities/SERDP-Solicitations/FY12-Core-SONs SON Number: RCSON-12−01 October 28, 2010 Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) FY 2012 STATEMENT OF NEED Resource Conservation and Climate Change (RC) Program Area ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: METHOD DEVELOPMENT 1. Objective of Proposed Work The objective of this Statement of Need (SON) is to improve our fundamental and applied understanding of how to assess the status of and monitor trends in native species biological diversity (biodiversity1) on lands and in waters that are of relevance to Department of Defense (DoD) resource managers. Research proposals are sought that both: (1) build on theoretical models of estimating the number of species across spatial scales, taxonomic group, and environmental context and (2) provide practical assessment and monitoring David W. Inouye Program Director Population and Community Ecology Cluster Division of Environmental Biology National Science Foundation 4201 Wilson Blvd, Suite 635 Arlington, VA 22230 Phone: 703.292.8570 Fax: 703.292.9064 E-mail: dino...@nsf.gov
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantship - Aquatic Ecology - Auburn Univ
A graduate research assistantship (MS or PhD) in aquatic ecology is available in Alan Wilsons lab at Auburn University (http://www.wilsonlab.com). Two current lab research projects include (1) an NSF-funded project where we are using limnocorral and whole pond experiments to understand the ecological mechanisms controlling or promoting harmful cyanobacterial blooms and (2) a CDC-funded project linking water quality to human health. Also, a new NSF-funded, undergraduate training grant will provide the new member of our lab unique opportunities for mentoring experience. Students in my lab are welcome to participate on existing projects but are strongly encouraged to develop their own research projects in addition to applying for external grants and fellowships. The ideal candidate will be hard-working, honest, and excited about studying freshwater plankton communities using lab and field-based approaches. Prior ecological course work and experiences are highly desirable. Preference will be given to a student available by August 2011. Also, given my joint appointment, students can matriculate into one of two AU departments Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures (http://www.ag.auburn.edu/fish/) or Biological Sciences (http://www.auburn.edu/academic/cosam/departments/biology/index.htm) pending their interests and professional aspirations. Interested students are encouraged to email a letter describing why my lab is a good fit for you, contact information for three references (two professional and one personal), and a brief resume (including GRE scores and grades in relevant courses) to Alan Wilson at wil...@auburn.edu by 1 January 2011 for full consideration. --- Alan Wilson - Assistant Professor Auburn University - Fisheries Biological Sciences www.wilsonlab.com - wil...@auburn.edu www.cyanopros.com - 334.246.1120
Re: [ECOLOG-L] ECOLOGY Fundamentals Principles Laws Other
Martin and Ecolog: I have often suggested this (everything changes) as a law too (but not necessarily or primarily restricted to over time), but in perhaps less polite terms (I call it the s__t happens law). It may difficult to get either version widely accepted, but I think you are quite right that we suggest the obvious, especially when it appears that it is truly being ignored. I tend to agree with the rest of your suggestions too, except I would like to hear a bit more elaboration on the tropic efficiency one. And while I do not disagree with species evolve over time I have a little (or a lot) of trouble with it if it means that time is the primary driver of species evolution. WT - Original Message - From: Martin Meiss mme...@gmail.com To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2010 9:18 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] ECOLOGY Fundamentals Principles Laws Other Here are some ecological laws to consider: The main one is Everything changes over time. This can probably be derived from thermodynamic principles: entropy, and all that. Here are some corollaries of this law: The physical environment changes over time. Species diversity changes over time. Gene frequencies change over time. Species evolve over time. Maybe we can even assign direction to some changing factors: Trophic efficiency INCREASES over time. Resource availability DECREASES over time. The total number of species that has ever existed INCREASES over time. Maybe some of our common observations could be formulated as laws: The tropics have higher species diversity then polar regions. Island populations reflect the populations of nearby continents. There will always be diseases. There will always be parasites. There will always be predators and prey. There will always be primary producers. Is this what you were getting at? Martin M. Meiss 2010/11/4 Bill Silvert cien...@silvert.org discipline ? Ecology suffers from too much concern with philosophy and not enough science. Consider Gauss' Competitive Exclusion Principle. It is very useful, provides a guide to identifying the niche of an organism, but it has been identified as tautological by the late Rob Peters so we aren't supposed to use it. Lawrence Slobodkin used to complain about theorists invoking principles like conservation of energy as if that were optional for living creatures. Basically the answer to Wayne's question is that if ecologists come up with something useful that might serve as a law or principle, then it would be drowned out by claims that it was not rigorous enough. We worry too much about being scientific and not enough about learning how things work. Bill Silvert -Original Message- From: Wayne Tyson Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2010 2:39 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] ECOLOGY Fundamentals Principles Laws Other Ecolog: In recent years the debate about Laws of Ecology has been re-heated.* If the study of the interactions of living organisms with environments is to have discipline, it seems to me that it should have produced some observations about how things work or function that, when applied, never fail to prove valid. Can such observations, rendered as statements or equations, be termed laws or principles, or? WT *For example, see http://philosophy.unc.edu/people/faculty/marc-lange/Oikosfile.pdf No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3237 - Release Date: 11/04/10 08:42:00
