Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
I dealt with the same issue for 3 years in-between undergrad and grad school. I spent two Michigan winters mowing down invasives for the Nature Conservancy in areas not as accessible during the summer, but it was miserable work most of the time. If I was lucky they would save 4-6 weeks worth of funding from my summer job at MNFI for me to count tree rings and process samples we collected during the summer. The other times were spent waiting tables and working my high school job at a record shop. Those times were nerve wrecking as funding was only guaranteed for a few months at a time if I was lucky. In my experience, exhibiting a good skill set (field botany, sampling procedure) and an eagerness to work long days in terrible weather seemed to result in off season funding and having your name passed on to other agencies. Josh Brinks (SERC) On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 6:36 PM, Ruchira Datta wrote: > I just wanted to say how much I admire the dedication of you and the other > seasonal technicians who've responded to wildlife / conservation biology. > Thank you for keeping up the good work! > > --Ruchira > > On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 12:15 PM, Merran wrote: > > > Hi all, > > > > It's so nice to hear from other seasonal technicians! I work as a plant > > technician and as much as I love winter, it can be a problem. After > > college, I was able to find an awesome job working year-round in Western > > Washington -- it was a revegetation job and we spent our winters > > planting. Another good place to look for a year-round job is in the > > desert. I spent some time volunteering in Joshua Tree earlier this > winter > > and loved it, and I think they spend their February's pulling Sahara > > Mustard > > (a horrible weed). I've also seen that some National Parks will give you > > free board in exchange for volunteering. > > > > I began working seasonally last summer because I wanted to travel and > work > > in new plant communities (incidentally, I worked in Utah and a common > > offseason job there was ski instructing). Being unemployed can really > get > > you down, so I would recommend volunteering whenever you have a break -- > > although the temping idea is a pretty good one. Thanks Zuri! This > winter > > I've been collecting unemployment and volunteering, and it's so much > > fun. I'm currently helping out at a nonprofit that does environmental > > education -- another type of year-round work. > > > > Merran Owen > > >
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
I wouldn't recommend a Ph.D. The market is flooded with us to the effect of our 10+ years in school not paying any dividends for that investment - see studies such as a recent one on Florida associates degree holders making more on average than those with Bachelor's degrees - a Ph.D. is an even more exaggerated example of that. The years you'll invest in that (graduate tech position) and, subsequently, in postdoc after postdoc tech position are better spent gaining real world experience and seniority in your field. In doing so, you become more valuable and irreplaceable at wherever you work. And hey, in the mean time, you're working on your own career, not someone else's. Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology On 2/13/2011 6:32 PM, malcolm McCallum wrote: There are only two ways to get ahead, but neither gives instant gratification... 1) keep getting more education whether it means adding courses, degrees (in same and other disciplines) or what. I have a phd and just finished a course on using the program R. There is always more to learn. This does not guarantee you will succeed, but at least you are doing something. Sitting waiting for your next gig just keeps you falling behind in both skills and knowledge. 2) publication. If you can figure out a way to get peer reviewed pubications out of your work, it will generally lead to permanent jobs, even if those are not research posts. Malcolm On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 2:49 PM, Wayne Tyson wrote: Jason, David, and John (and Ecolog): I forgot that when I decided to give up my cushy high-paid job, I individually typed, on an old Underwood typewriter, forty applications to forty National Forest offices. I got one response, but all I needed was one job. I'm sure glad I didn't stop at 39. WT PS: "Tis friction's brisk, rough rub, that provides the vital spark!" --A. R. Martin - Original Message - From: "John Winkowski" To: Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 7:56 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season? I graduated in 2007 from St Lawrence University with my B.S. (double major in Biology and Environmental Studies) and was in the same boat. Essentially, as soon as you are hired and begin one seasonal job, the best thing to do is start applying, or at least looking, for the next. You are competing with 1,000s of people that are struggling to have continuity in employment as entry level biologists. You need to apply to many positions to keep your options open and hopefully have some options to work with. If you end up getting hired onto a project (and you hopefully like that project) keep contact with your boss upon completion of a season because this could be a great option for next year. Generally, supervisors like to hire employees back due to the fact that you are already trained with their protocol, you know the backcountry where field sites are, they know you've managed to complete a season before, and you can help train new employees. I managed to sort of cycle between 3-4 jobs throughout a 3 year period and it worked out really well. It is quite the struggle and I suggest meeting a lot of friends along the way to be prepared to couch surf. It's a period of time that you always have to be on your toes and most likely live out of your car. Between short seasons, layoffs, etc you need to keep your options open and always be on the hunt for new positions if you really want to have work throughout the year (it is possible!). Although frustrating and challenging at times, the process is necessary and I thought very enjoyable. Once you begin to build on your post-graduation experience you will notice interviews will become more common and job offerings as well. I found that my experiences took me to places I never would have gone before and I was able to see the most beautiful parts of this country while being paid. I saw the time I spent working seasonally more as an incredible experience than anything. I wouldn't trade those times for anything. In fact, I kind of wish I was applying for jobs and thinking about where I would be this summer instead of sitting at my desk analyzing data now! Trade-offs! Hope this helped a bit, John Winkowski MSc Candidate Memorial University of Newfoundland On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 1:36 AM, David Moldoff wrote: Let me start off by saying that I am in the same boat and hope we both get some worthwhile answers here. I recently graduated and have an internship from April till July but after that I'm completely lost as to what would help my employment chances. I have a few friends with wildlife degrees and the way they have been handling "off season" is by finding a job that pays the bills and then volunteering for wildlife organizations. I know this isn't a great alternative but hopefully other people post some better ideas. David Moldoff On Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 4:29 PM, Jason Hernandez< jason.hernande...@yahoo.com> wrote: I see that the
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
There are only two ways to get ahead, but neither gives instant gratification... 1) keep getting more education whether it means adding courses, degrees (in same and other disciplines) or what. I have a phd and just finished a course on using the program R. There is always more to learn. This does not guarantee you will succeed, but at least you are doing something. Sitting waiting for your next gig just keeps you falling behind in both skills and knowledge. 2) publication. If you can figure out a way to get peer reviewed pubications out of your work, it will generally lead to permanent jobs, even if those are not research posts. Malcolm On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 2:49 PM, Wayne Tyson wrote: > Jason, David, and John (and Ecolog): > > I forgot that when I decided to give up my cushy high-paid job, I > individually typed, on an old Underwood typewriter, forty applications to > forty National Forest offices. I got one response, but all I needed was one > job. I'm sure glad I didn't stop at 39. > > WT > > PS: "Tis friction's brisk, rough rub, that provides the vital spark!" --A. > R. Martin > > > - Original Message - From: "John Winkowski" > > To: > Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 7:56 AM > Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season? > > >> I graduated in 2007 from St Lawrence University with my B.S. (double major >> in Biology and Environmental Studies) and was in the same boat. >> Essentially, >> as soon as you are hired and begin one seasonal job, the best thing to do >> is >> start applying, or at least looking, for the next. You are competing with >> 1,000s of people that are struggling to have continuity in employment as >> entry level biologists. You need to apply to many positions to keep your >> options open and hopefully have some options to work with. If you end up >> getting hired onto a project (and you hopefully like that project) keep >> contact with your boss upon completion of a season because this could be a >> great option for next year. Generally, supervisors like to hire employees >> back due to the fact that you are already trained with their protocol, you >> know the backcountry where field sites are, they know you've managed to >> complete a season before, and you can help train new employees. I managed >> to >> sort of cycle between 3-4 jobs throughout a 3 year period and it worked >> out >> really well. >> >> It is quite the struggle and I suggest meeting a lot of friends along the >> way to be prepared to couch surf. It's a period of time that you always >> have >> to be on your toes and most likely live out of your car. Between short >> seasons, layoffs, etc you need to keep your options open and always be on >> the hunt for new positions if you really want to have work throughout the >> year (it is possible!). >> >> Although frustrating and challenging at times, the process is necessary >> and >> I thought very enjoyable. Once you begin to build on your post-graduation >> experience you will notice interviews will become more common and job >> offerings as well. I found that my experiences took me to places I never >> would have gone before and I was able to see the most beautiful parts of >> this country while being paid. I saw the time I spent working seasonally >> more as an incredible experience than anything. I wouldn't trade those >> times >> for anything. In fact, I kind of wish I was applying for jobs and thinking >> about where I would be this summer instead of sitting at my desk analyzing >> data now! Trade-offs! >> >> Hope this helped a bit, >> >> John Winkowski >> MSc Candidate >> Memorial University of Newfoundland >> >> >> On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 1:36 AM, David Moldoff wrote: >> >>> Let me start off by saying that I am in the same boat and hope we both >>> get >>> some worthwhile answers here. I recently graduated and have an internship >>> from April till July but after that I'm completely lost as to what would >>> help my employment chances. I have a few friends with wildlife degrees >>> and >>> the way they have been handling "off season" is by finding a job that >>> pays >>> the bills and then volunteering for wildlife organizations. I know this >>> isn't a great alternative but hopefully other people post some better >>> ideas. >>> >>> David Moldoff >>> >>> On Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 4:29 PM, Jason Hernandez < >>> jason.hernande...@yahoo.com> wrote: >>> >>> > I see that the surge of recruiting announcements for the seasonal >>> > technician jobs is underway. It looks like a lot of important and >>> exciting >>> > projects, as I would expect. But it is impossible not to notice the > >>> > time >>> > frame: usually just spring and summer, some only spring or summer. >>> > >>> > I cannot really complain; I am fortunate in that my current job began > >>> > in >>> > January, instead of having to wait for April or May. Still, it does > >>> > end >>> in >>> > July, about the time so many other jobs are also ending. This means I
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
I just wanted to say how much I admire the dedication of you and the other seasonal technicians who've responded to wildlife / conservation biology. Thank you for keeping up the good work! --Ruchira On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 12:15 PM, Merran wrote: > Hi all, > > It's so nice to hear from other seasonal technicians! I work as a plant > technician and as much as I love winter, it can be a problem. After > college, I was able to find an awesome job working year-round in Western > Washington -- it was a revegetation job and we spent our winters > planting. Another good place to look for a year-round job is in the > desert. I spent some time volunteering in Joshua Tree earlier this winter > and loved it, and I think they spend their February's pulling Sahara > Mustard > (a horrible weed). I've also seen that some National Parks will give you > free board in exchange for volunteering. > > I began working seasonally last summer because I wanted to travel and work > in new plant communities (incidentally, I worked in Utah and a common > offseason job there was ski instructing). Being unemployed can really get > you down, so I would recommend volunteering whenever you have a break -- > although the temping idea is a pretty good one. Thanks Zuri! This winter > I've been collecting unemployment and volunteering, and it's so much > fun. I'm currently helping out at a nonprofit that does environmental > education -- another type of year-round work. > > Merran Owen >
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
Hi Jason, Aren't you the one who asked the Conservation vs. Gardening question? You've got a knack for asking good questions. I've been wondering exactly the same thing, given the difficulty of getting any sort of job academic or otherwise post-phD, (Google the number of articles that have come out recently discussing grim prospects). We seem to need a small army of highly skilled nomadic labor on a temporary basis but what, exactly, is everyone supposed to do the rest of the time? Not exactly sustainable. -Shermin -- Shermin de Silva, Ph.D Director Uda Walawe Elephant Research Project email: sher...@elephantresearch.net http://elephantresearch.net/fieldnotes http://www.sas.upenn.edu/~sdesilva On Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 7:29 PM, Jason Hernandez < jason.hernande...@yahoo.com> wrote: > I see that the surge of recruiting announcements for the seasonal > technician jobs is underway. It looks like a lot of important and exciting > projects, as I would expect. But it is impossible not to notice the time > frame: usually just spring and summer, some only spring or summer. > > I cannot really complain; I am fortunate in that my current job began in > January, instead of having to wait for April or May. Still, it does end in > July, about the time so many other jobs are also ending. This means I will > have to compete with all those other temporary and seasonal technicians for > my next job. > > Which brings me to my question: what does someone like me do in fall and > winter? Granted, based on my current qualifications, someone I work with > predicts I could have a permanent position "within two years." But I must > still make a living DURING those two years. What should I be looking at now > to maximize my chance of being employed come this fall and next winter? > > Jason Hernandez > Biological Science Technician, USDA Forest Service > > > > > >
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
Jason, David, and John (and Ecolog): I forgot that when I decided to give up my cushy high-paid job, I individually typed, on an old Underwood typewriter, forty applications to forty National Forest offices. I got one response, but all I needed was one job. I'm sure glad I didn't stop at 39. WT PS: "Tis friction's brisk, rough rub, that provides the vital spark!" --A. R. Martin - Original Message - From: "John Winkowski" To: Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 7:56 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season? I graduated in 2007 from St Lawrence University with my B.S. (double major in Biology and Environmental Studies) and was in the same boat. Essentially, as soon as you are hired and begin one seasonal job, the best thing to do is start applying, or at least looking, for the next. You are competing with 1,000s of people that are struggling to have continuity in employment as entry level biologists. You need to apply to many positions to keep your options open and hopefully have some options to work with. If you end up getting hired onto a project (and you hopefully like that project) keep contact with your boss upon completion of a season because this could be a great option for next year. Generally, supervisors like to hire employees back due to the fact that you are already trained with their protocol, you know the backcountry where field sites are, they know you've managed to complete a season before, and you can help train new employees. I managed to sort of cycle between 3-4 jobs throughout a 3 year period and it worked out really well. It is quite the struggle and I suggest meeting a lot of friends along the way to be prepared to couch surf. It's a period of time that you always have to be on your toes and most likely live out of your car. Between short seasons, layoffs, etc you need to keep your options open and always be on the hunt for new positions if you really want to have work throughout the year (it is possible!). Although frustrating and challenging at times, the process is necessary and I thought very enjoyable. Once you begin to build on your post-graduation experience you will notice interviews will become more common and job offerings as well. I found that my experiences took me to places I never would have gone before and I was able to see the most beautiful parts of this country while being paid. I saw the time I spent working seasonally more as an incredible experience than anything. I wouldn't trade those times for anything. In fact, I kind of wish I was applying for jobs and thinking about where I would be this summer instead of sitting at my desk analyzing data now! Trade-offs! Hope this helped a bit, John Winkowski MSc Candidate Memorial University of Newfoundland On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 1:36 AM, David Moldoff wrote: Let me start off by saying that I am in the same boat and hope we both get some worthwhile answers here. I recently graduated and have an internship from April till July but after that I'm completely lost as to what would help my employment chances. I have a few friends with wildlife degrees and the way they have been handling "off season" is by finding a job that pays the bills and then volunteering for wildlife organizations. I know this isn't a great alternative but hopefully other people post some better ideas. David Moldoff On Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 4:29 PM, Jason Hernandez < jason.hernande...@yahoo.com> wrote: > I see that the surge of recruiting announcements for the seasonal > technician jobs is underway. It looks like a lot of important and exciting > projects, as I would expect. But it is impossible not to notice the > time > frame: usually just spring and summer, some only spring or summer. > > I cannot really complain; I am fortunate in that my current job began > in > January, instead of having to wait for April or May. Still, it does > end in > July, about the time so many other jobs are also ending. This means I will > have to compete with all those other temporary and seasonal technicians for > my next job. > > Which brings me to my question: what does someone like me do in fall > and > winter? Granted, based on my current qualifications, someone I work > with > predicts I could have a permanent position "within two years." But I must > still make a living DURING those two years. What should I be looking > at now > to maximize my chance of being employed come this fall and next winter? > > Jason Hernandez > Biological Science Technician, USDA Forest Service > > -- "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything in the universe." - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3440 - Release Date: 02/12/11
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
Hi all, It's so nice to hear from other seasonal technicians! I work as a plant technician and as much as I love winter, it can be a problem. After college, I was able to find an awesome job working year-round in Western Washington -- it was a revegetation job and we spent our winters planting. Another good place to look for a year-round job is in the desert. I spent some time volunteering in Joshua Tree earlier this winter and loved it, and I think they spend their February's pulling Sahara Mustard (a horrible weed). I've also seen that some National Parks will give you free board in exchange for volunteering. I began working seasonally last summer because I wanted to travel and work in new plant communities (incidentally, I worked in Utah and a common offseason job there was ski instructing). Being unemployed can really get you down, so I would recommend volunteering whenever you have a break -- although the temping idea is a pretty good one. Thanks Zuri! This winter I've been collecting unemployment and volunteering, and it's so much fun. I'm currently helping out at a nonprofit that does environmental education -- another type of year-round work. Merran Owen
[ECOLOG-L] MS opportunity: Biogeochemistry University of Alabama
University of Alabama: M.S. opportunity in benthic nitrogen cycling for Summer 2011. We have a position available in the Biogeochemistry Lab (http://bama.ua.edu/~bmortazavi) that currently has active projects in nearshore coastal waters. The work is focused on effects eutrophication and oil spill on biogeochemical processes. The successful applicant will work on elucidating spatial and temporal patterns in nitrogen cycling in coastal waters located within the vicinity of Dauphin Island, a barrier island in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The initial work will focus on using membrane inlet mass spectrometry to detect rates of denitrification. Future work may involve tracing sources and utilization of nitrogen in coastal waters. The assistantship will include (1) a tuition waiver, (2) an annual stipend and (3) health insurance. For additional information, contact Dr. Behzad Mortazavi, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa AL 35487, email: bmortaz...@ua.edu, ph: 251-861-2141 Ext 2189. Application information and forms are available at http://bsc.ua.edu/site/gradapply.htm. Funding is primarily in the form of research assistantships.
[ECOLOG-L] Japanese translation of 'Beginner's guide to R'
Apologies for cross-posting Japanese readers of this mailing list may be interested to know that the Japanese translation of "A Beginner's Guide to R' is now available from: http://www.springer.jp/978-4-431-10220-5 Kind regards, Alain Zuur
[ECOLOG-L] faculty position: water sustainability
Tenure Track Faculty Position in Water Sustainability Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine invites applications for a tenure track faculty position in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the Assistant or Associate level, with rank determined by experience and accomplishments. Senior candidates would be those with a track record of research and teaching and demonstrated expertise with developing a globally recognized, externally funded research program. The successful candidate will expand the department’s role in research and teaching in global environmental health with a focus on water resources. Applicants should demonstrate strong interest or experience in cross- disciplinary research and teaching with respect to water resources in urban and developing areas. This includes sustainability of water resources, human influences on water resources, hazard identification, quantifying exposure, evaluating risk and risk management options. Multi- dimensional issues of climate variability, population growth and emerging pollutants on water quality and public health are also of interest, particularly as addressed on a global scale. Teaching duties in the undergraduate and graduate programs will address global environmental health topics such as sustainable resource management, proficiency in water and wastewater treatment, hazardous chemicals management, and remediation technologies. In addition to individual research and teaching requirements, the candidate is expected to collaborate in research and teaching within the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and other departments in the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and Tulane University. Preference will be given to candidates with interests that complement existing strengths and can offer opportunities for collaborative research and teaching with other faculty in the school and the university. Applicants must possess a doctorate in Environmental health or related fields, demonstrated excellence in research and teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, research plan, and contact information for five references to: A.J. Englande, Jr., Ph.D., P.E., DEE , Search committee chair Department of Environmental Health Sciences Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2133 New Orleans, LA 70112-2704 Tel: 504-988-2765 Tulane is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
Jason and all others in a similar "predicament": In 1960 I quit a job paying $1,000 a month and took a seasonal GS-4 job paying $4,440 per year doing white-pine delineation (survey) work. I was soon promoted to GS-5. It was the best job I ever had, and I still use what I learned on it every day. I drew unemployment one winter (I worked from thaw-up until the snow got too deep), worked in the hardware department of a "discount" store for a couple of bucks an hour another winter, and stuck with it until the draft was breathing down my neck and joined the Air Force, which shipped me off to Turkey, where I spent my time off traveling around its super-degraded landscapes and flying all over Europe for free when I had enough leave. After getting out I went to school again and split 18 units with another $2 an hour job, working well over 40 hours a week. Then I went back to the woods and dug cesspools and other odd jobs while squatting in an abandoned line-shack. Those were good times too, eating what I could forage. It all depends on what you're willing to do. Every job, every way of making do, has dignity. The best of life to you, WT - Original Message - From: "Jason Hernandez" To: Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 4:29 PM Subject: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season? I see that the surge of recruiting announcements for the seasonal technician jobs is underway. It looks like a lot of important and exciting projects, as I would expect. But it is impossible not to notice the time frame: usually just spring and summer, some only spring or summer. I cannot really complain; I am fortunate in that my current job began in January, instead of having to wait for April or May. Still, it does end in July, about the time so many other jobs are also ending. This means I will have to compete with all those other temporary and seasonal technicians for my next job. Which brings me to my question: what does someone like me do in fall and winter? Granted, based on my current qualifications, someone I work with predicts I could have a permanent position "within two years." But I must still make a living DURING those two years. What should I be looking at now to maximize my chance of being employed come this fall and next winter? Jason Hernandez Biological Science Technician, USDA Forest Service - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3440 - Release Date: 02/12/11
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
I graduated in 2007 from St Lawrence University with my B.S. (double major in Biology and Environmental Studies) and was in the same boat. Essentially, as soon as you are hired and begin one seasonal job, the best thing to do is start applying, or at least looking, for the next. You are competing with 1,000s of people that are struggling to have continuity in employment as entry level biologists. You need to apply to many positions to keep your options open and hopefully have some options to work with. If you end up getting hired onto a project (and you hopefully like that project) keep contact with your boss upon completion of a season because this could be a great option for next year. Generally, supervisors like to hire employees back due to the fact that you are already trained with their protocol, you know the backcountry where field sites are, they know you've managed to complete a season before, and you can help train new employees. I managed to sort of cycle between 3-4 jobs throughout a 3 year period and it worked out really well. It is quite the struggle and I suggest meeting a lot of friends along the way to be prepared to couch surf. It's a period of time that you always have to be on your toes and most likely live out of your car. Between short seasons, layoffs, etc you need to keep your options open and always be on the hunt for new positions if you really want to have work throughout the year (it is possible!). Although frustrating and challenging at times, the process is necessary and I thought very enjoyable. Once you begin to build on your post-graduation experience you will notice interviews will become more common and job offerings as well. I found that my experiences took me to places I never would have gone before and I was able to see the most beautiful parts of this country while being paid. I saw the time I spent working seasonally more as an incredible experience than anything. I wouldn't trade those times for anything. In fact, I kind of wish I was applying for jobs and thinking about where I would be this summer instead of sitting at my desk analyzing data now! Trade-offs! Hope this helped a bit, John Winkowski MSc Candidate Memorial University of Newfoundland On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 1:36 AM, David Moldoff wrote: > Let me start off by saying that I am in the same boat and hope we both get > some worthwhile answers here. I recently graduated and have an internship > from April till July but after that I'm completely lost as to what would > help my employment chances. I have a few friends with wildlife degrees and > the way they have been handling "off season" is by finding a job that pays > the bills and then volunteering for wildlife organizations. I know this > isn't a great alternative but hopefully other people post some better > ideas. > > David Moldoff > > On Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 4:29 PM, Jason Hernandez < > jason.hernande...@yahoo.com> wrote: > > > I see that the surge of recruiting announcements for the seasonal > > technician jobs is underway. It looks like a lot of important and > exciting > > projects, as I would expect. But it is impossible not to notice the time > > frame: usually just spring and summer, some only spring or summer. > > > > I cannot really complain; I am fortunate in that my current job began in > > January, instead of having to wait for April or May. Still, it does end > in > > July, about the time so many other jobs are also ending. This means I > will > > have to compete with all those other temporary and seasonal technicians > for > > my next job. > > > > Which brings me to my question: what does someone like me do in fall and > > winter? Granted, based on my current qualifications, someone I work with > > predicts I could have a permanent position "within two years." But I > must > > still make a living DURING those two years. What should I be looking at > now > > to maximize my chance of being employed come this fall and next winter? > > > > Jason Hernandez > > Biological Science Technician, USDA Forest Service > > > > > -- "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything in the universe."
[ECOLOG-L] post-doc position for macroecologist/landscape ecologist at Cornell Lab of Ornithology
The Information Science Program at the Lab of Ornithology is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to work on macro ecological questions related to spatiotemporal determinants of bird species' distributions at a continental scale within North America. The exact research questions will be determined by the post-doctoral appointee in consultation with research staff of the Lab of Ornithology, and can be as varied as basic research into birds' distributions, applied studies relevant for conservation and management, or development and refinement of analytical methods. Duties and Responsibilities: - Apply advanced spatiotemporal modeling and estimation techniques (statistical and machine learning techniques including nonparametric and semi parametric regression, Bayesian hierarchical models, etc) to answer biological questions, using data that integrate broad-scale citizen science observational data with remote sensing data that describe environmental characteristics. - Some of the analytical challenges and goals that we are interested in having addressed as part of the work include the development of efficient strategies to explore and quantify complex spatiotemporal patterns as well as methods to identify and mitigate biases inherent in citizen science data. - The project offering this position is led by Steve Kelling in the Information Science unit of the Lab of Ornithology, and involves collaboration with Daniel Fink and an interdisciplinary team of researchers in statistics, machine learning, ecology, and conservation at Cornell University and at other research institutions. Qualifications: - PhD and proven research abilities and experience in large-scale environmental modeling. - We particularly seek applicants with backgrounds in both ecological sciences (macro or landscape ecology) and quantitative sciences (statistics, machine learning, etc.) - Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong ability to apply quantitative methods to real-world problems; such ability should be highlighted in applications for the position. - Additional desirable experience and expertise in time series analysis, spatial statistics, and High Performance Computing applications are a plus. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Send a letter of application, complete resume, list of references and academic transcripts to: Susan Taggart, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, 283A Johnson Center for Birds & Biodiversity, Ithaca, NY 14850. Inquiries about position specifics can be directed to Steve Kelling, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY 14850. Phone: 607-254-2478; Email s...@cornell.edu. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Wesley M. Hochachka (w...@cornell.edu)
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
Let me start off by saying that I am in the same boat and hope we both get some worthwhile answers here. I recently graduated and have an internship from April till July but after that I'm completely lost as to what would help my employment chances. I have a few friends with wildlife degrees and the way they have been handling "off season" is by finding a job that pays the bills and then volunteering for wildlife organizations. I know this isn't a great alternative but hopefully other people post some better ideas. David Moldoff On Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 4:29 PM, Jason Hernandez < jason.hernande...@yahoo.com> wrote: > I see that the surge of recruiting announcements for the seasonal > technician jobs is underway. It looks like a lot of important and exciting > projects, as I would expect. But it is impossible not to notice the time > frame: usually just spring and summer, some only spring or summer. > > I cannot really complain; I am fortunate in that my current job began in > January, instead of having to wait for April or May. Still, it does end in > July, about the time so many other jobs are also ending. This means I will > have to compete with all those other temporary and seasonal technicians for > my next job. > > Which brings me to my question: what does someone like me do in fall and > winter? Granted, based on my current qualifications, someone I work with > predicts I could have a permanent position "within two years." But I must > still make a living DURING those two years. What should I be looking at now > to maximize my chance of being employed come this fall and next winter? > > Jason Hernandez > Biological Science Technician, USDA Forest Service > >
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
Jason, I share your same predicament. I completed a technician job this past September and who knows how many jobs I've applied to. For me though one of the things I've done to make it through the time (partly because student loans required that I do something) was to go to a temp agency. After that temp job, completely unrelated to my schooling, I started volunteering at a wildlife rehab center and with the humane society. Partly, for my sanity and also to demonstrate that I'm active in the wildlife field and quite serious about a career. Through volunteering I was offered a part time job whose boss works with me so that I can still volunteer (since she is a rehabber with the lady I volunteer for) and it helps pay the gas. One of the biggest things I've been able to do is network. For me Twitter has served as a platform that I can be exposed to a vast array of current events in conservation via blogs and news media essentially making contact with professionals/organizations I wouldn't have otherwise. I'm also taking Wendee Holtcamp's nature writing course to further skills in writing for my own blog, and burgeoning freelance writing career. Lastly, it has served as a great time to work on improving my KSA, resume, and cover letters with every application sent out. I'm not an established professional and I look forward to hearing what others recommend but seek out ways to increase your skills by considering the area you want to improve the most. Continue to apply to jobs as they pop up and don't disqualify yourself unless you are absolutely certain you don't qualify. Consider applying to unrelated career jobs the closer it comes to the end of your job term just so that job can serve as a cushion until you get an offer. Zuri Kelley Clemson University Alumni 2009 -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Jason Hernandez Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2011 7:30 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season? I see that the surge of recruiting announcements for the seasonal technician jobs is underway. It looks like a lot of important and exciting projects, as I would expect. But it is impossible not to notice the time frame: usually just spring and summer, some only spring or summer. I cannot really complain; I am fortunate in that my current job began in January, instead of having to wait for April or May. Still, it does end in July, about the time so many other jobs are also ending. This means I will have to compete with all those other temporary and seasonal technicians for my next job. Which brings me to my question: what does someone like me do in fall and winter? Granted, based on my current qualifications, someone I work with predicts I could have a permanent position "within two years." But I must still make a living DURING those two years. What should I be looking at now to maximize my chance of being employed come this fall and next winter? Jason Hernandez Biological Science Technician, USDA Forest Service
