[ECOLOG-L] R Workshop - Eastern PA - July 23
Join us for a R Workshop at Lacawac Sanctuary and Field Station in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. Lacawac is an independent field station and is in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania within 2.5 hours of Philadelphia and NYC. R Workshop: First Steps July 23, 2015 This one day workshop, led by Rachel Pilla of Miami University (Oxford, OH), is designed to help you take your first steps in R. For information and to register: http://www.lacawac-outreach.org/r-workshop.html Contact Lesley Knoll with any questions: lesley.kn...@lacawac.org
[ECOLOG-L] Plant sample (seeds) storage for DNA barcoding?
Hi all, I am collaborating on a project that likely requires the use of DNA barcoding to identify seed species (Rubus spp). We are collecting samples from seed rain traps (passively catching bird poop) and then going through samples under a dissecting scope to separate seeds from other organic matter. The seeds can be in the traps for up to 2 weeks prior to collecting, then another 1-3 weeks before they are separated from the other organic matter found in the traps. My questions are below: 1) How should we store the seeds prior to genetic work (from 1 to 12 months)? 2) Can anyone suggest a good paper that explores different methods for storing *plant* material prior to genetic analyses? Many thanks in advance for your thoughts. Eli
[ECOLOG-L] Question about Ecology M.S. Programs Germany
Hi all, As some of you may know, Germany offers free, or relatively inexpensive, degrees to it's citizens as well as foreigners. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with German Ecology master's programs or can offer information about them, especially ones with an emphasis in marine ecology. I am also interested in the application process and evaluation as well as how the degree would be viewed by American universities if I decided after to apply to PhD programs. Any other general information (including recommendations) would also be great. Thanks! TM
[ECOLOG-L] Question about Ecology M.S. Programs Germany
Hi all, As some of you may know, Germany offers free, or relatively inexpensive, degrees to it's citizens as well as foreigners. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with German Ecology master's programs or can offer information about them, especially ones with an emphasis in marine ecology. I also interested in the application process and evaluation as well as how the degree would be viewed by American universities if I decided after to apply to PhD programs. Additionally, any general information (including recommendations) would be great. Thanks!
[ECOLOG-L] Best methods for camera-trap data management?
Hi all, I will soon be retrieving cameras from the field and will be faced with the task of data management. I'm hoping for input on organization (and eventual analysis) of camera photos. Has anyone used the procedures described by Sanderson and Harris (2012)? Thank you for your time. -Brent
[ECOLOG-L] Audubon Alaska Marine Ecology & GIS Jobs
Audubon Alaska is hiring two new positions: Arctic Spatial Ecologist and Arctic GIS Analyst. These are two-year grant-funded positions, beginning in July or August of this year. Apply no later than June 25. The details can be found here: Arctic Spatial Ecologist https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/2544/arctic-spatial-ecologist/job?mode=view&mobile=false&width=900&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-540&jun1offset=-480 Arctic GIS Analyst https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/2543/arctic-gis-analyst/job?mode=view Melanie A. Smith Director of Conservation Science Audubon Alaska 431 West 7th Ave, Suite 101 Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 276-7034
[ECOLOG-L] Do you pay out-of-pocket for science? Scispends survey extended
Dear scientists, A couple months ago, we posted an invitation to contribute to our #Scispends survey, in which we are investigating whether scientists pay out-of-pocket to conduct scientific research. We have had excellent and thoughtful responses, and have decided to keep the survey open until June 30, 2015. If you have not already responded, we would greatly appreciate if you would take our survey. Whether or not you have spent a lot of personal money on research, your experiences will be valuable to the project. We hope that by collecting data on this topic, we will start a conversation on this important issue. Our objective is to analyze and present these results within a scientific publication. The survey link, as well as information on informed consent, is here: http://goo.gl/forms/ZAtzAqGRMw We appreciate all participants, and encourage you to circulate this survey within your professional networks. All data will be completely anonymous, and we do not ask any questions that will enable your responses to be personally identifiable. If you have any questions for us, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Edward Hind or Dr. Brett Favaro at scispe...@gmail.com Best regards Dr. Edward Hind Dr. Brett Favaro
[ECOLOG-L] Employment Opportunity: Biologist, Tucson, AZ
Staff Biologist WestLand Resources Inc. is actively seeking an experienced staff biologist to support our environmental consulting practice. WestLand’s environmental consulting practice specializes in the technical and procedural requirements necessary for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Our biological resources practice includes: development of natural resources management plans; conducting ecological investigations and baseline studies; and mitigation planning, design and implementation. The successful candidate for the position of Staff Biologist may be in the field 15% or more of the time, depending on client needs. Responsibilities: The Staff Biologist will be expected to contribute to project planning, manage and train field crew on sampling and survey techniques, lead biological field studies, manage, analyze and interpret data and statistical analysis, and to provide assistance for the development of conservation and mitigation measures for potential adverse impacts to biological resources. The Staff Biologist is expected to write reports in an efficient and effective manner while working closely with the Senior Biological/Natural Resources Lead, project managers, and other team members. Required, Education, Skills and Experience: • B.S. or higher degree in biology/ecology or related fields • Expertise in one or more discipline such as vertebrate zoology, botany, or aquatic biology, etc. through coursework or experience • Excellent writing and oral communication ability • 5+ years experience and demonstrated ability working in biological resource surveys, inventories and analyses • Experience in the southwestern United States preferred WestLand is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. WestLand is an at-will employer as allowed by applicable state law. WestLand provides growth potential, professional development opportunities and competitive compensation, including a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees. Salary DOE. Send cover letter & resume to: WestLand Resources, Inc., 4001 E. Paradise Falls Dr. Tucson, AZ 85712. Attn: SWR. Or via email to: sree...@westlandresources.com
[ECOLOG-L] Biological Science Aid, GG-0404-03
UNITED STATES ~ DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ~ GEOLOGICAL SURVEY TEMPORARY RECRUITMENT BULLETIN VACANCY NO: CRS 15-03 POSITION: Biological Science Aid, GG-0404-03 DATE OPENED:6/12/2015 SALARY: $12.19 DATE CLOSED:6/19/2015 TYPE OF APPT: Temporary, Not-to-exceed 180 working days TOUR OF DUTY: Full-Time, with possible periods of part-time and intermittent work AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All U.S. Citizens LOCATION: USGS Canyonlands Research Station, Moab, Utah The Canyonlands Research Station in Moab, Utah is recruiting for a seasonal biological science aid (GG-0404-03). This is a seasonal, 6- month, full-time position with the US Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center. The ideal start date is early July 2015. Description of Duties: Incumbent will perform laboratory and field work. This position is in the Canyonlands Research Station, Moab, Utah. Work is performed over a wide geographic area requiring overnight trips and possibility of work in remote areas. Incumbent participates in a research program focusing on the ecology and physiology of plants and biological soil crusts, soil ecology, biogeochemistry, physical soil science, plant-soil interactions, and invasive plants. Course work in botany, plant physiology, chemistry, and soil science is optimal. Incumbent will perform routine laboratory and field work. Duties include long days of collecting field data under extreme conditions, processing vegetation and soil samples for chemical analysis or archiving, use of complicated scientific instrumentation, and use of excel and/or access for data entry and summary. There are up to 4 positions to be hired from this announcement. Open dates are 6/12/2015 through 6/19/2015. All applications must be received by 5:00 PM MST on 6/19/2015. THESE ARE TEMPORARY EXCEPTED SERVICES POSITIONS for which all qualified applicants, with or without Federal status, may apply and be considered. Appointment to these positions, however, will not convey permanent status in the Federal service. Appointment will only be for the duration of the position, normally 3-6 months. Temporary employees are covered by the Social Security Retirement System and annual and sick leave will be accrued except in intermittent status. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION: Conducts field sampling of biological soil crusts, vegetation, and soils of the Colorado Plateau with accuracy and precision specialized techniques at pre-selected study sites under supervision of field crew leader. Prepares samples and performs laboratory analysis of crust, plant, and soil samples to determine specific chemical, physical, and/or biological characteristics under supervision of a project lead. Enters data on a Windows-based computer using spreadsheets. Knowledge of processes, methods & procedures of biological science; knowledge of routine field data collection procedures; skill in operation, maintenance, and servicing of biological recording and measuring instruments; knowledge of procedures utilized in a biological lab. Work is physically demanding and may involve moderate or sometimes extreme exposure to discomforts of rain, cold/hot weather, etc. A pre- employment physical is required. QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for a GG-3 you need three (3) months of field party experience OR one (1) year of sub-professional experience OR six (6) months of college with courses related to the field of employment. Six months of college is equivalent to 15 semester hours. Sub- professional experience consists of working as a technician or aid in a laboratory or similar environment. BASIS OF EVALUATION: All applicants will be evaluated on the basis of education and experience (including unpaid or volunteer experience). Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. First preference in referral will be given to eligible applicants entitled to 10-point veteran’s preference who have a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more. All other qualified applicants entitled to veteran’s preference will be given preference over qualified applicants not entitled to veteran’s preference. ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE UNITED STATES CITIZENS: Under regulations in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, employment in this position is limited to those persons who are authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of appointment. As a condition of employment, all new employees reporting for duty with the Department of the Interior will be paid through direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice. Applicants selected for Federal employment will be required to complete a Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to determine their suitabi
[ECOLOG-L] Looking for mice from Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania
I’m looking for tissues samples of house mice (Mus musculus) from throughout the mid-Atlantic. Because I am hoping to sample populations from across a wide geographic area, I am looking for people who are currently trapping house mice (a very common pest species in homes and barns), who might be able to contribute to my study. If you are interested in helping out with this study, please email me at achu...@elon.edu and I'd be happy to provide more details about this study. Cheers! Amanda Dr. Amanda J. Chunco Assistant Professor Dept. of Environmental Studies Elon University 2015 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244 (336) 278-6275