[ECOLOG-L] Crowdfunding freshwater research at the Experimental Lakes Area
Dear Ecologgers, The Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) is a freshwater research facility in Northwestern Ontario, Canada that has operated as a government research program for over 45 years. After the Canadian Government announced that it would no longer fund the ELA program, operations were transferred to the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in April 2014. IISD now needs additional funding to expand ELA’s vital legacy of research so that it can continue to find effective solutions to environmental problems affecting fresh water. As IISD takes over the Experimental Lakes Area, initial funding has been secured to manage the facilities and conduct a minimum amount of research, and for this we are grateful. It is our goal, however, to rebuild the program to its former status and to help it *expand *and *thrive. *We are also striving to reduce the ELA’s reliance on government support so that it may never again be shuttered because of changes in policy. With that in mind, please consider and distribute widely the current crowdfunding effort around the Experimental Lakes Area: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/world-s-leading-freshwater-research-facility-the-ela-needs-your-support Thanks for your support and for helping to get the word out. Sincerely, Dr. Michael Rennie Research Scientist, Experimental Lakes Area Adjunct Professor, University of Manitoba
[ECOLOG-L] Unpaid Internship/Field Assistant opputunity in Community Ecology - Berlin, Germany
We are searching for an excited, motivated and hard-working individual to assist with field work in the project “MetacommuniTree - Land-use effects on patterns and processes in decomposer metacommunities in tree holes”. The project is part of the Biodiversity Exploratories (http://www.biodiversity-exploratories.de/1/home/) and the project is based at Freie Universität in Berlin. We will be mapping and collecting samples from water-filled tree holes in three different regions of Germany – Schorfheide-Chorin, Hainich and Schwäbische Alb. Working conditions will require an individual who will not mind or preferably enjoy working outdoors, in possibly inclement weather. The candidate should have an interest in ecological research. This is a full-time unpaid internship position however travel for field work will be covered. Ideally work will begin on the final week of April and last approximately three months. You will gain knowledge in various sampling techniques, use of equipment and gain valuable research experience. Additionally you will have the opportunity to meet with other researchers. Preference will be given to candidates with field work/research experience in ecology or related fields. If you are enticed by working in the beautiful forests of Germany and gaining field experience please send a CV and a letter of motivation to Anastasia Roberts: arobe...@oswego.edu by April 20th - priority will be given to applications received on time. For further information please visit: http://www.bcp.fu-berlin.de/en/biologie/arbeitsgruppen/zoologie/ag_petermann.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD opportunity: woodland history and ecology
Dear all, A fully funded, four-year PhD position is available at the University of Glasgow (Scotland) through the Kelvin-Smith Scholarship Scheme. Project title: Woodland ecosystems - developing an inter-disciplinary method for characterising and mapping the environmental legacies of past human actions The project aims to make use of historic (up to 400 year old) estate maps to document changing woodland cover and management and to identify potential ancient woodland sites. Ecological ground survey will be used to assess the linkages between woodland history and ecosystem services. Further information is available here: http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/postgraduateresearch/scholarships/kelvinsmith/recruitingscholarshipprojects/#WoodlandEco Applications are welcome from international students and the scholarship covers fees (including those for international students), a stipend (ca. £14k per year) and research costs (£3.5k per year). To make an enquiry please contact: chris.dalgl...@glasgow.ac.ukmailto:chris.dalgl...@glasgow.ac.uk Best wishes, Dr G. Matt Davies Lectuer in Environmental Stewardship University of Glasgow Rutherford/McCowan Building Crichton University Campus Dumfries DG1 4ZL Tel: 0044 (0)1387 702042 E-mail: gwilym.dav...@glasgow.ac.uk Web: http://www.fireregimes.org.uk
[ECOLOG-L] MSc/PhD Opportunity in Paleoecology at the University of Victoria
MSc or PhD Opportunity in Paleoecology at the University of Victoria I am seeking graduate students (MSc or PhD) to join my paleoecology lab in the Dept of Biology at the University of Victoria (http://web.uvic.ca/biology/), starting September 2014 or January 2015. Guaranteed funding for research and salary is available. Research in my lab typically focuses on the development and dynamics of forest communities since the last glaciation and the climatic and non-climatic factors that drive vegetation dynamics on long timescales. We are beginning to combine paleoecological techniques such as fossil pollen analysis with molecular approaches i.e., paleogenetics. Other potential research topics include the past effects of volcanic ash deposition on plant communities, and the links between climate, vegetation and carbon accumulation in peatlands. Students are also encouraged to develop their own research projects. Ideal candidates will have a solid background in paleobiology, plant ecology or plant genetics, high academic standing, and excellent communication skills. Interested students are encouraged to send a CV, unofficial university transcripts, and a brief statement of research interests to tlaco...@uvic.ca. The University of Victoria is one of Canada's top comprehensive universities with about 18,000 undergraduate students and 3000 graduate students. It is located on British Columbia's south coast, approximately 100 km west of Vancouver and 100 km northwest of Seattle. Further information about graduate studies at the University of Victoria can be found at http://web.uvic.ca/gradstudies/. ~~~ Terri Lacourse, PhD Associate Professor Department of Biology University of Victoria Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2 Canada tlaco...@uvic.ca ~~~
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Expanding opportunity and innovation in science
I agree with some of these items and disagree with others, and don't
really want to argue those points in this forum.
My bigger concern is that if this list is meant to come from a group
of scientists, it should include scientific data, rather than opinion
and hostility. Are there data that tenure promotes exploitation and
laziness? I wouldn't be surprised if there were, but expressing this
point as personal experience, rather than a statistical trend, is no
different than saying that global warming is a farce because it is
cold where I am today. I am less sure that there are data to support
spousal hires as deplorable, without merit (surely there is SOME
merit, or nobody would do it), and reducing innovation and
productivity in science. In my experience, I have seen such hires
work out incredibly well for departments and for the field of science,
but again, that is just my experience and may or may not reflect a
broader trend.
Although there are some good points to be made here, expressing them
in such a way is unlikely to convince scientifically-minded people (I
wish this meant everybody).
---
Casey terHorst
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8303
Office Phone: (818) 677-3352
casey.terho...@csun.edu
On Tue, Apr 15, 2014 at 7:54 AM, Aaron T. Dossey bugoc...@gmail.com wrote:
I am interested in feedback on this:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/national-postdoc-union/ideas-for-expanding-opportunity-and-innovation-in-science-careers-version-2-revi/454721067976787
Ideas for expanding opportunity and innovation in science careers - Version
2 (REVISED) August 18, 2013 (3:00 PM EST)
August 18, 2013 at 3:07pm
Ideas for expanding opportunity and innovation in science careers - Version
2 (REVISED)
August 18, 2013 (3:00 PM EST)
1) Elevating the White House Office of Science and Technology to
cabinet-level.
2) Expand the number and size of common core facilities for various research
needs (analytical chemistry cores, sequencing cores, animal facility cores,
etc.) and the number of stable career staff scientists positions
('permanent' with benefits) - but have them report not to an individual PI
or faculty boss, but to the department as an institutional resource (not the
property of an individual PI).
3) Remove “trainee” (student and postdoc) salaries/stipends from research
grants and make them all competitive fellowships, or (but this second one
has some problems) give the money to institutions to pay student stipends
with so that individual professors do not do the hiring or control the
trainee’s employment/salary/benefits directly.
4) Mandate that all institutions eligible for federal funding allow postdocs
(and possibly graduate students) to be sole Principle Investigators on
grants which they write if they choose.
5) Invest in/create/fund a much wider variety of permanent/stable staff
scientist career track positions at institutions geared toward Ph.D.'s -
particularly for core research service facilities (which should be expanded
greatly).
6) Fund “Innovation Incubators” for postdocs (but with independent
researcher titles) to work in common labspace, no offices, and using core
facilities to pursue our research without a faculty boss. These researchers
could do a lot with such limited resources, as long as we have independence.
We could pursue our own funding and even stay in those positions if we don’t
feel the need to seek higher titles – just remain productive in that job
indefinitely. Those of us who want a larger lab of our own can use the
position to create preliminary data and apply for grants to do it – either
to “earn” more lab space at the same institution or apply for positions at
other institutions.
7) Limit the number of employees that an individual faculty scientists (or
“permanent” scientists in federal agencies and national labs) lab can have –
limit on grad students, postdocs, and technicians. Possibly only limit
trainees (grad students and postdocs). This will allow faculty scientists to
actually focus more on science and less on administration of large
laboratory empires. Often the lab bosses are disconnected from much of the
research going on in the largest labs. This causes an ackward situation
whereby the indepdent scientist (postdoc, etc.) who conceived and conducted
the research must add the boss to a senior position on the grant or
publication artificially, thus making it impossible to distinguish whose
ideas they were and who did the work, further exacerbating the difficulty
for the employee to get their own independent position and lab. This
situation has a severely negative impact on the innovation per dollar of
federal funding.
8) End the system of tenure for faculty, it's an out-dated system which
severely hampers innovation, reduced career opportunities in science and
incentivizes exploitation and laziness.
9) Make the
[ECOLOG-L] Volunteer Plant Ecology Research Assistant Wanted
Description: Seeking one full-time, volunteer field technician to assist with ecological research in conifer-invaded meadows of the Cascade Range in Oregon. This project is part of an OSU Masters student’s research examining the functional traits of meadow herbs and grasses and how these traits mediate responses to conifer encroachment. Field studies will be conducted in high elevation meadows at Bunchgrass Ridge (http://depts.washington.edu/bgridge/) and in the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest, a Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) Site (http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/). Primary duties will include plant identification, plant excavations to characterize root systems, and taking detailed field notes on plant morphological and flowering traits. Applicants should expect to work long days, sometimes under challenging conditions. Must have a positive attitude, previous outdoor recreation experience, and be able to walk up to 3 miles per day over rough terrain. Qualifications: Ideal candidates will have previous field research experience, be detail oriented, and self-motivated. Enthusiastic candidates with no previous field experience will happily be considered. Candidates must be willing and able to work as part of a team. Familiarity with the flora of the Pacific Northwest and an interest in plant ecology is a plus. The position will run from the beginning of July to the end of August (approximately 8 weeks). This is an unpaid position. Housing will be provided at the field station of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA) (http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/lter/about/facility.cfm?topnav=210). Transportation to the research sites will also be provided. A stipend of $125/week will be provided to cover food costs. Situated along the McKenzie River drainage (~50 miles from Eugene), HJA offers easy access to a diversity of recreational opportunities in the Cascade Mountains and the ability to engage with researchers from a variety of fields and backgrounds including pollination ecology, forest ecology, ornithology, geology, hydrology, and the arts. This is a wonderful atmosphere for an aspiring researcher. Please send a cover letter as an email with a resume attached to Jessica Celis (jessica.celi...@gmail.com). Applications due by May 25th 2014
[ECOLOG-L] Recruiting Botany Program Manager - Montana Natural Heritage Program
The Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) serves as the state's principal source of information on species, habitats and landscapes of conservation concern. The Program Botanist develops information and partnerships that support effective management of Montana's plant species of concern and their habitats. S/He works with botanists in partner agencies and institutions to identify and accurately rank species of concern, and to assemble information on their distribution, status, ecology and management. The Program Botanist provides technical and scientific leadership in the development, analysis, dissemination and application of botanical information for the Natural Heritage Program. Primary duties include designing, conducting and securing support for inventory and applied research, coordinating the collection, management and analysis of botanical information, project administration, preparing reports and other information products, developing spatial, tabular and image databases, building collaboration among agencies, ecologists and others, strategic planning and program development, and providing consultation and expertise on species' status, management, research and conservation. May supervise part-time, seasonal employees or contractors as needed. For full consideration, submit application materials online by May 15, 2014. Applications received after 5/15 may be considered. Apply on-line at: http://umjobs.silkroad.com
[ECOLOG-L] Two field vegetation survey positions Cape Cod National Seashore
Subject: Two field vegetation survey positions Cape Cod National Seashore We are looking to hire a field researcher and a field assistant to set up a long-term experiment. The research is designed to understand the role of management in mitigating climate change, and is a collaboration between the University of Central Florida, the National Park Service, and the Marine Biological Laboratories. The field research position will entail identifying plant species, setting up long term plots, and carrying out the experimental treatments. This will involve long hours in the field and occasional physically strenuous work, sometimes during inclement weather. Both positions are from June 1 October 17, are 29 hours per week, and NPS housing will be provided. Field researcher: Salary = $14/hour. Required qualifications: plant identification and previous involvement in field research, ability to perform strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions, lift and carry moderately heavy items, valid drivers license, and personal vehicle. Desired qualifications: Optimally, we would like to employ someone who has previous vegetation survey, GPS, and plot establishment skills. Field assistant: Salary: $10-12/hour. Required qualifications: Ability to perform strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions, lift and carry moderately heavy items, valid drivers license and personal vehicle. Desired qualifications: plant ID skills and previous research experience. Please send a letter of interest describing research and plant identification experience, a resume, and a list of 3 references (including email addresses and phone numbers) to Dr. Betsy Von Holle (mailto:vonho...@ucf.eduvonho...@ucf.edu) by April 22nd, 2014. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Position in Ecology
A postdoctoral position is available to work on how plant species invasion and altered precipitation will impact C cycling in southern U.S. grassland systems. The objectives of the project are to assess how productivity above and belowground, microbial composition and functioning, nutrient mineralization, decomposition, mycorrhizal colonization, and soil C are impacted by conversion of native to exotic-dominated grasslands and altered precipitation. The responsibilities of the fellow will be to oversee the collection of data with team members, statistically analyze data sets, and to write and submit manuscripts and reports. The fellow will work jointly in the labs of Brian Wilsey and Kirsten Hofmockel at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Ames has been voted as one of the nicest small cities in which to live in the U.S. Required qualifications are a Ph.D. in ecology or a related field, and interest in the objectives of the project and the ability/desire to learn new techniques. To apply, please submit a CV, a cover letter expressing interest, and a pdf of at least one published manuscript to either Brian Wilsey (bwil...@iastate.edu) or Kirsten Hofmockel (k...@iastate.edu) by May 31, 2014. ISU is an EO/AA employer.
[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity: Director of Conservation - NYC Parks
JOB OPPORTUNITY Civil Service Title: Administrative Horticulturist Office Title: Director of Conservation Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 Apply by May 9, 2014 BACKGROUND The Forestry, Horticulture, and Natural Resources division is responsible for citywide urban forestry, ecological and horticulture initiatives, policy standards and performance measures including street tree planting, Greenstreets, Green Infrastructure, natural areas restoration and horticultural training and education. The division also oversees and coordinates the activities of two nurseries, scientific work through the Urban Field Station and the MillionTreesNYC campaign. MillionTreesNYC, a public-private program to plant and care for one million trees across the City's five boroughs by 2015, recruits over 5,000 volunteers annually. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES * Under the direction of a Deputy Chief of Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources, with wide latitude for independent judgment and decision-making, oversee the division's conservation, natural area protection and adaptive management programs. * Work with other senior staff and division ecologists to manage and contribute to the development of thorough and timely environmental review of proposals, designs and impact statements with the potential of impacting Parks' 10,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. * Monitor active projects constructed by other divisions, agencies and private entities impacting natural areas. * Manage a team of ecologists, wildlife biologists, planners and other scientists. * Coordinate monitoring programs for ecological restoration sites and other natural areas. * Work with other senior staff to oversee the implementation of an adaptive management program. * Work closely with the Urban Field Station directors to leverage additional research benefitting natural resource management. * Spearhead efforts to advance the effectiveness of Forever Wild designation through partnerships with Management and Operations, Concessions, Stewardship and other divisions. * Work with the Natural Areas Conservancy, to coordinate conservation research, policy and communication. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with major study in horticulture, arboriculture or landscape architecture and four years of full-time, paid experience in horticultural work of which two (2) years must have been in a supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial or executive capacity; or 2. A satisfactory equivalent. However, all candidates must have at least a high school diploma or evidence of having passed an examination for a high school equivalency diploma and one year of supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial or executive experience as described above. Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency required for all other candidates. PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS 1. Excellent writing, administrative and interpersonal skills. Strong leadership skills and capacity to reconcile input from multiple stakeholders while meeting overall organizational objectives. 2. Master's degree in an ecological field, e.g. ecosystem ecology, wildlife biology, botany, wetlands ecology, restoration ecology. 3. Ten years of field experience in monitoring, restoration or interpretation of urban natural habitats, preferably in New York City. At least 5 years experience managing staff with diverse technical expertise. 4. Experience reading construction plans and environmental impact statements. 5. Full understanding of NYC ecology including plant and animal life as well as hydrological systems. 6. Collaborative work style. 7. Valid New York State driver License. TO APPLY: 1) Go to www.nyc.gov/careers/search 2) Search for Job ID# 149030
[ECOLOG-L] Job: ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER (NATURAL SCIENCES), Oakland, CA
CALTRANS TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF Title: ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER (NATURAL SCIENCES) Salary: $4,619.00 - $5,784.00 Posted: 04/09/2014 Job Description: Multiple vacancies exist; please reference PARF 04-4-0407, 0541, 0549 amp; 0591 on application. All applications will be screened, and the most qualified candidates will be interviewed. For recruitment purposes, we will also consider Environmental Planner (NS) and Associate Environmental Planner. Under the general supervision of a Senior Environmental Planner, the Environmental/Associate Environmental Planner (Natural Sciences) performs the more difficult and complex natural science studies. The incumbent will research and develop reports to inventory, identify, and analyze vegetation and wildlife and assist in the design, development, and recommendation of mitigation measures to avoid, reduce, or compensate for impacts to biotic resources. Incumbent may also conduct or oversee construction monitoring activities, assist in the design, development and recommendation of mitigation measures to avoid, reduce or compensate for impacts to biotic resources, assist in the preparation of permits or amendments. The Associate may act as lead over special projects or provide guidance to lesser experienced staff. These positions involve extensive travel. To learn how to become a civil service employee, visit the State Personnel Board’s website: www.spb.ca.gov All methods of appointment will be considered (e.g. list appointment, transfer, re-instatement, surplus, SROA, re-employment, Training Development assignment, etc.). All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the classification in order to be eligible for appointment to the position. Your application must clearly demonstrate how your experience meets those qualifications. A link to the class specification has been provided and the minimum qualifications are highlighted. To view the Class Specification: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/jobs/Duty_Statements/aep(ns)_aep_ep(ns).pdf To view the ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER (Natural Sciences) Duty Statement: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/jobs/Duty_Statements/ep_904_138_enviro_040914.pdf To view the Associate Environmental Planner (NS) Duty Statement: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/jobs/Duty_Statements/aep(ns)_904_138_permits_040914.pdf To view the ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER (Natural Sciences) Duty Statement: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/jobs/Duty_Statements/ep(ns)_904_138_environ_040914.pdf Cert 10010173 Cert 10010172 Cert 10009935 Additional Information: Working Title: None Specified Position Number:904 - 138 - 4680 - xxx Will also consider hiring a(n): ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER (NATURAL SCIENCES) $3,106.00 - $4,810.00 ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER $4,619.00 - $5,784.00 Location : OAKLAND - Multiple Vacancies County: ALAMEDA Timebase: Full Time Tenure: Permanent month(s) Final FilingDate: Until Filled Department Link:http://www.dot.ca.gov Contact Unit/Address: OFFICE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES PERMITS 111 GRAND AVENUE OAKLAND, CA 94612 Contact Name/Phone: SAMIRA ABUBEKR 510-286-6313 samira.abub...@dot.ca.gov
[ECOLOG-L] ForestSAT 2014 - Abstract submission deadline 30 April 2014
ForestSAT 2014 - Third call for papers Abstract submission deadline 30 April 2014 4-7 November 2014 Riva del Garda (Trento), Italy www.forestsat2014.com ForestSAT 2014 is the 6th in a series of international conferences promoting scientifically based understanding of how spatial analysis technologies can help describe and monitor forested systems. ForestSAT 2014 will be held in the conference center located in the picturesque town of Riva del Garda on the north shore of Lake Garda, in the north east of Italy. Previous conferences were held in USA (2012), Spain (2010), France (2007), Sweden (2005), and Scotland (2002). Delegates typically represent research organizations, universities, agencies, and the private sector. ForestSAT 2014 is aimed at promoting the integration of earth observation with other geo-spatial applications and traditional forest sciences. The conference covers all possible scientifically-based developments and applications of remote sensing and GIS tools for monitoring, mapping or modeling forest systems. Aiding a better understanding of their functioning, and supporting their inventory and sustainable management. Deadline for the submission of abstracts for oral or poster presentations is 30 April 2014. Authors will be informed of acceptance by 30 June 2014. Online submission details can be found at the website: www.forestsat2014.com Email: i...@forestsat2014.com
[ECOLOG-L] Volunteer Salamander Field Technician
Title Volunteer Salamander Field Technician Salary Volunteer Agency John Carroll University Location Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York Description This project will survey Eastern Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) populations on islands throughout the Great Lakes. A field tech is needed to help survey 30-50 island and mainland sites from Wisconsin to New York. This will entail kayaking or boating across up to 2 miles of open water out to the islands to survey. Mainland sites may require hiking into the sites. During the field season, living conditions will be rustic and require tent camping every night, likely at a different location each day. Field work will start in late May and should finish around mid-July. Field conditions will likely be beautiful (proposed field sites in 2 national parks, island sites in each of the Great Lakes, etc.), but also challenging (hot, cold, buggy, rainy, etc.). Potential applicants will need to have their own camping and field gear, although kayaks/small motor boat will be provided. Transportation between sites will also be provided, but will consist of riding in a car for up to 6 hours at a time. Due to limited budget and camping conditions, food costs will not be covered and meals will most likely be together, with food costs split. Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the deadline. Qualifications Canoe/kayaking skills Ability to hike up to 8 miles a day with a 30lb pack Ability to lift 50+ lbs Navigate with GPS and map/ compass Experience tent camping on multi-day trips Ability to identify salamanders of the northern Midwest Start Date 5-20-14 Application Deadline 4-20-14 To Apply Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to cedd...@jcu.edu.
