[ECOLOG-L] 2 postdocs in Berlin: aquatic biodiversity and biological invasions

2016-03-01 Thread Jana Petermann
We are offering 2 postdoc positions at the Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of
Advanced Biodiversity  Research  (BBIB):

http://www.bbib.org/tl_files/cebas-images/Job%20offers/BIBS-Postdok%20WP2_Aquatic%20biodiversity.pdf

http://www.bbib.org/tl_files/cebas-images/Job%20offers/BIBS-Postdok%20WP5_Novel%20communities.pdf


Cheers,
Jana Petermann


[ECOLOG-L] Research assistants needed for wild bee study - Oregon

2016-03-01 Thread Rivers, James
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (2) FOR WILD BEE‐FOREST MANAGEMENT STUDY are needed from 14
April - 16 September 2016 (start and end dates may be flexible) for a 
large‐scale study led by
Dr. Jim Rivers (http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim‐rivers/) that is 
assessing how bee
populations are affected by natural (wildfire) and anthropogenic disturbance 
(post‐fire salvage
logging) in forested landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Field work will take 
place in the rugged
Klamath Mountains of southern Oregon and will involve physically demanding work 
in
challenging conditions (heat, rain, sun, steep slopes, loose rock, hazardous 
plants), working long
days including some weekends, and navigating through difficult forest terrain 
in a team setting.
All transportation to and from field sites is covered and periodic camping is 
required. Food is
covered during camping, but crew members must supply their own camping gear. 
Primary
duties of crew members will consist of trapping wild bees, quantifying bee 
reproductive output,
conducting pollination experiments, quantifying floral resources and nesting 
habitat, and
pinning, identifying, and curating insect specimens. Crew members will also 
assist in other
project‐related duties as needed. Pay rate is $12‐15/hour based on prior 
experience.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a B.S. degree in entomology, animal 
ecology or a related
field and a minimum of 2 years of field experience (2 field positions = 2 years 
of field
experience). Preference will be given to candidates who are proficient with 
capture and
identification of wild bee species, have previous experience sampling wild 
pollinator
communities, and have experience with identification of native flora. In 
addition, successful
applicants will be self‐motivated, have a strong work ethic, be in top physical 
condition, be able
to work harmoniously in a group living situation, have a clean driving record 
and a valid driver’s
license, be able to maintain a positive disposition under challenging field 
conditions, and a
proven track record of working in a safe, efficient, and cooperative manner in 
a team setting.

To apply: Applicants should create a single PDF or MS‐Word file that contains 
(1) a cover letter
addressing the candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the specific duties 
described in the
position description; (2) a full‐length resume; and (3) the names and contact 
information
(email, telephone, and mail) of three referees who may be contacted; this 
document should be
emailed to Dr. Jim Rivers (jim.riv...@oregonstate.edu) with “Bee Research 
Assistant
Application 2016” in the subject line. Positions will be filled as qualified 
applications are
received.

Dr. Jim Rivers
Assistant Professor, Senior Research
Dept. Forest Ecosystems & Society
Oregon State University
Corvallis OR 97331-5752

Office: +1 541 737-6581
Lab website: http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim-rivers/ 




[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistants for Marbled Murrelet study - Oregon

2016-03-01 Thread Rivers, James
MARBLED MURRELET RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (7) are needed from 18 April - early/mid 
August
2016 (start and end dates may be flexible) for a large‐scale, collaborative 
investigation of
breeding ecology on the federally threatened Marbled Murrelet in Oregon being 
led by Jim
Rivers (http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim‐rivers/), Kim Nelson, Matt 
Betts, and Dan
Roby at Oregon State University. Fieldwork will take place in the rugged Coast 
Range Mountains
and will require working long days in challenging field conditions, occasional 
hiking in the dark
(sometimes over long distances), enduring inclement weather, and navigating 
through
extremely difficult forest terrain. Housing and food will be provided.
Crew members will provide support to a broad research program that includes: 
(1) monitoring
murrelets to locate nests and document space use and habitat selection; (2) 
testing new
technologies to aid in murrelet nest discovery; (3) capturing and marking of 
forest corvids that
depredate murrelet nests (e.g., Steller’s Jay and Gray Jay) to evaluate their 
space use, habitat
use, and foraging ecology; and (4) using song meters and vocalization playback 
to test the
efficacy of attracting murrelets to suitable but unoccupied habitat. Salaries 
are $12‐15/hour
based on prior experience. Crew members will be assigned to one of three teams 
based on
prior experience but all members will work in close coordination with one 
another throughout
the season.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology or a 
related field and a
minimum of 2 years of field experience (2 summer jobs = 2 years of experience). 
Preference will
be given to candidates with prior Marbled Murrelet, corvid, and song 
meter/vocalization
playback research experience. In addition, successful applicants will be 
self‐motivated, have a
strong work ethic, be in top physical condition, be able to work harmoniously 
in a group living
situation, have a clean driving record and a valid driver’s license, be able to 
maintain a positive
disposition under challenging field conditions, and a proven track record of 
working in a safe,
efficient, and cooperative manner in a team setting.

To apply: Applicants should create a single PDF or MS‐Word file that contains 
(1) a cover letter
addressing your qualifications as they relate to the specific duties and 
qualifications described
in the position description; (2) a full‐length resume; and (3) the names and 
contact information
(email, telephone, and mail) of three referees who may be contacted; this 
document should be
emailed to Kim Nelson (kim.nel...@oregonstate.edu) with “MAMU Research Assistant
Application 2016” in the subject line. Positions will be filled as qualified 
applications are
received.

Dr. Jim Rivers
Assistant Professor, Senior Research
Dept. Forest Ecosystems & Society
Oregon State University
Corvallis OR 97331-5752

Office: +1 541 737-6581
Lab website: http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim-rivers/ 




[ECOLOG-L] M.S. student position - American burying beetle, landscape change

2016-03-01 Thread Dirac Twidwell
An M.S. Research Assistantship is available to study population responses of 
the endangered American 
burying beetle as part of Dirac Twidwell’s research team at the University of 
Nebraska. Research will be 
conducted in the Loess Canyons, a complex landscape consisting of approximately 
300,000-acres of 
grassland and juniper woodland. Combinations of mechanical-removal treatments 
and high intensity 
prescribed fires have been used to restore grassland connectivity within an 
increasingly juniper-
dominated landscape. This has resulted in a spatially complex and dynamic 
landscape where some 
patches have increased in woody plant density and cover, others have remained 
the same (either in a 
grassland or juniper woodland dominated state), and yet others have decreased 
as a result of 
restoration. These spatiotemporal shifts provide a gradient of landscape 
composition, pattern and 
change that, when combined with long-term ABB monitoring data, will be used to 
determine 
population trends across multiple spatiotemporal scales. 

Qualifications:
Applicants should have a B.S. degree in entomology, wildlife science, biology, 
ecology or related field. 
The successful candidate will be highly motivated, passionate about scientific 
inquiry, possess 
excellent writing and communication skills, and a strong desire to communicate 
research in refereed 
scientific journals and to stakeholders. The student will be expected to 
conduct field sampling in 
relatively remote areas in stressful environments.

Position details:
Start date: flexible but must start by January 1, 2017.
M.S. annual stipend is $23,400
Full tuition waiver. Graduate student health benefits are provided at a reduced 
rate. 

Applications:
Students interested in this position should send a statement of interest with 
research qualifications 
and career goals, GRE scores, your most recent transcript (unofficial is 
acceptable) and a CV that 
includes the contact information for three references (email is preferred). 
Review of applications will 
begin March 17 and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Please send 
applications to Dirac 
Twidwell (dirac.twidw...@unl.edu).


Re: [ECOLOG-L] Overcoming the Location Hump for Out of State Jobs/Graduate Studies

2016-03-01 Thread Asha Ajmani
Hello,

I read that a lot of interviewers will dismiss your application if they have 
other qualified applicants within a certain mile radius of the position.

One thing suggested to me was to remove my address from my resume and cover 
letter. If they don’t know where you live, they can’t dismiss your application 
based on location. This helped me - I recently moved to Maine from California 
for a job.

Hope this helps!


> On Feb 22, 2016, at 10:35 AM, Angela Trenkle  wrote:
> 
> Hello everyone,
>   I am looking into employment/graduate school out of state. I was wondering 
> if anyone had any suggestions/words of advice on how to overcome the location 
> hump (I have heard that a lot of places will dismiss you immediately upon 
> seeing that you are not a local). Is it impossible? How can it be done? 
> Thanks!
> -Angela


[ECOLOG-L] Field Research Training Program - Primate Sensory Perception

2016-03-01 Thread Ben Lybarger
Field Projects International is examining sensory perception in 
neotropical primates, in part because they have an interesting sex-
linked, color vision phenomenon. Excluding howler monkeys, male 
platyrrhines are all dichromatic, meaning they can discern only two 
wavelengths. On the other hand, about half of all the females have 
trichromatic vision. This phenomenon allows us to design experiments in 
the field that test what senses primates use to select ripe fruit. We 
would expect the dichromatic females to adopt similar foraging 
strategies as the males, but the trichromatic females should behave 
differently if variation in vision does in fact influence foraging 
efficiency. Confirming that these relationships do or do not exist in 
wild populations is just the tip of the iceberg for topics in sensory 
perception.

Research assistants will acquire much more knowledge on this interesting 
topic while learning how to carry out experiments on individually 
identifiable primate groups.  

At the end of this program, you will be able to:
 
• Record focal behavioral data
• Work with video recording equipment
• Complete basic video edits
• Understand relational databases
• Perform basic behavioral data analyses
• Recognize all 11 species of primate at our field site
• Distinguish species-specific vocalizations
• Gain a general knowledge about rainforest ecology

PROGRAM DETAILS

Start dates: Every Tuesday beginning June 7th until final start date of 
July 12, 2016

Minimum stay required: 4 weeks

Application/fee deadline: April 17, 2016

Program fee: $450/week

Program location: The Los Amigos Biological Field Station in 
Southeastern Peru 

LEARN MORE: You can get information on this as well as other research 
training programs at https://fieldprojects.org/research/sensory-
experiments/

- All applications are accepted on a rolling basis. That means that it 
is advisable to apply immediately for these programs in order to 
guarantee a spot.

- We strongly recommend that students also attend the short course in 
tropical field biology starting on May 20th, 2016 
(https://fieldprojects.org/course/tropical-biology-and-primatology-may-
2016/). This course will provide students grounding in the natural 
history of the flora and fauna at this site. *If an RA takes the course 
in May, they get a $400 reduction in course cost.

- Assistants will have the opportunity during days off to explore 
various attractions at the field site, such as climbing the canopy 
tower, assisting other research teams, looking for endangered giant 
river otters at a nearby oxbow lake, etc.

ELIGIBILITY:

We are currently recruiting participants with the following 
requirements:

- Must be at least 18 years of age by the time the training program 
begins
- Demonstrate a grounding or strong interest in physical anthropology, 
animal behavior, zoology, or psychology
- Previous field experience is not required, but previous research 
experience (either outdoors or in the laboratory) will be a plus
-  Must be able to justify why this program is important to you and what 
you hope to gain from it
-  Able to provide a letter of recommendation from a source that can 
substantiate the your competency and any skills
- Unafraid of insects, reptiles, and the jungle in general
- Must be in good physical condition, with the capability to walk 4 
miles a day while carrying field equipment
- Participants will not be discriminated against for medical conditions 
they might have if we determine that being on this project will not pose 
an immediate risk to their health.
- Willingness to adjust your schedule to primate daily activity 
patterns. This can require waking up early, sometimes by 5 am, and going 
to bed early.
- Due to the nature of the work and weather constraints, participants 
MUST be willing to be flexible about their days off. Assistants will 
typically have one-two days off per week; however we cannot guarantee a 
set schedule and breaks are normally divided into half-days.
- Participants must sign waivers of liability for this project and for 
the field station before their participation in the project is finalized


[ECOLOG-L] Seasonal wetland ecology field technician positions - Colorado, statewide

2016-03-01 Thread Lexine Long
TITLE: Wetland Ecology Field Technicians -Research Associate I/II – Open
Pool (temporary)

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:   6 in total

WORK LOCATIONS: Statewide Colorado

PAY RATE:  $2,400 – $3,200/month plus per diem. Health insurance provided.

DURATION: 3 to 8+ months (1 position March – Oct+; 5 positions May/June –
Aug)

The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) of Colorado State University
seeks experienced field technicians for summer field projects in wetland
ecology. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to enhance their
field skills working within a variety of wetlands types across the State of
Colorado. Standard duties will involve planning logistics for multi-day
field sessions; driving and hiking to field sites; identifying wetland
plants both in and out of the field; extensive collection of vegetation,
water, soil, and other environmental data; detailed completion of field
survey forms; and landowner communication. The position involves extensive
travel, camping and potential backpacking, and long field days (10+ hours).
Field schedule will usually consist of eight 10-hour days per two-week
session, although specific hours and days worked are subject to change to
accommodate land owner requests and variable weather conditions. Work
vehicles are provided, as are accommodations during field work. Per diem is
provided when camping or when remote lodging is required. All positions
require experience with field botany, field ecology, and/or soil sampling.
Experience in wetland ecology and knowledge of the Rocky Mountains is
preferred. A valid driver’s license for travel between sites is required,
as is the ability to hike and navigate to wetlands. Technicians will
provide their own hiking and camping gear and personal field equipment
(backpacks, rubber boots, waders, etc.).

Field technicians will be hired for one of two field teams. Four (4)
technicians will be hired to spend the summer sampling Colorado wetlands as
part of EPA’s National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA). Two (2)
additional technicians will be hired to split the summer between monitoring
wetlands in Great Sand Dunes National Park and sampling fen wetlands along
state highways throughout southwestern Colorado.

Full position description and application instructions available at:
http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/jobs/CNHP%20Wetland%20Ecology%20Announcement%202016.pdf

Applicants should apply through the Colorado State University HR website at:

https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/30897

First consideration of applicants will begin February 26, 2016.
Applications will continue to be accepted until all positions are filled or
until July 31, 2016, whichever comes first.

Question can be directed via email to Joanna Lemly, CNHP Wetland Ecologist:
joanna.le...@colostate.edu.


***

Lexine Long, Wetland Ecologist

Colorado Natural Heritage Program

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO 80523-1475

Phone: (970) 491-0814

email: lexine.l...@colostate.edu

website: www.cnhp.colostate.edu


[ECOLOG-L] New 2016 Funding Opportunity: Scientific Synthesis Connecting Environmental, Social, and/or Health Data (LOI deadline Apr. 27)

2016-03-01 Thread NAS Gulf Research Program
Dear Colleagues,

The Gulf Research Program is accepting applications 
for a new Award Year 2016 Synthesis Grants funding opportunity: Scientific 
Synthesis Connecting Environmental, Social, and/or Health 
Data. These grants 
will support projects that will generate novel insights, address critical 
questions, or lead to new approaches to interpreting and using existing 
observations or monitoring data by bringing together concepts, methods, and/or 
data from different disciplines and sectors.

Proposed projects should use environmental data in combination with 
individual-level or population-level socio-cultural, economic, and/or health 
data to address one of the following two themes (abbreviated below and 
described in detail in the full RFA):

*Coastal communities: Advancing understanding of the short-term and 
long-term impacts of offshore oil and gas operations on human communities in 
coastal regions adjacent to the U.S. outer continental shelf, or

*Human exposure: Advancing study design, tools, models and technologies 
for assessing human exposure to environmental contaminants, including acute or 
chronic exposures related to oil spills and other sudden and large-scale 
environmental disasters, and related impacts on individuals and populations.

Application details, including eligibility requirements and review criteria, 
are posted at http://www.nas.edu/gulf/grants/synthesisgrants.

Important dates:

*Letters of intent (required) deadline:  5pm ET, 
April 27, 2016

*Full proposal submission deadline:5pm ET, 
June 22, 2016

To be notified about upcoming deadlines and future funding opportunities, sign 
up to receive Gulf Research Program email 
updates.

Please forward this message to anyone who might be interested in this 
opportunity.

Sincerely,
The Gulf Research Program



[ECOLOG-L] River Ecology Postdoc

2016-03-01 Thread Ken Forshay
River Ecology Postdoc
EPA-supported NRC post-doc opportunity now open for application. 

The Ecosystem Effects of River Floodplain Restoration and Infrastructure 
A Postdoctoral Research Opportunity (22.03.05.B8222) is available to 
investigate the effects of restoration on river floodplain biogeochemistry, 
water quality, and ecosystem function.
 
This competitive fellowship is administered by the National Academies 
Research Associate Program.

Proposals should focus on floodplain ecosystem ecology, nutrient (N, C, and 
or P) biogeochemistry in water and/or soil using modern ecological 
techniques. The research approach may include lab experiments, field 
studies, and literature review to produce peer reviewed publications. 
Expertise desired includes knowledge of (1) river floodplain ecology and 
biogeochemistry; (2) dissolved nutrients especially C, N, and P; and (3) 
ecosystem ecology. Experience with stable isotopes, water chemistry data, 
statistics, geographic information systems, and experimental design will be 
beneficial. This applicant is encouraged to develop novel research 
questions based on the research interests of the postdoctoral scientist 
with the adviser to produce peer reviewed publications.

The Associate will work with Principal Investigator Dr. Ken Forshay of US 
EPA, Office of Research and Development, Ground Water and Ecosystem 
Restoration Division, at the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center 
in Ada, OK. This position in EPA's Office of Research and Development 
includes opportunities for interaction with EPA scientists and scientists 
at various institutions. Field research may take place at established and 
TBD locations across the country with travel to field locations.
Our group has ongoing projects that include restoration, levee setback, and 
indirect discharge, as well as sites that represent the likely scenario of 
water and floodwater management across the nation. We have a full 
analytical laboratory and support for analyses. This opportunity allows 
flexibility in the scientific research and questions. The Associate will 
support production of policy relevant peer reviewed publications to include 
(1) an evaluation of indirect discharge of effluent in floodplains on 
nutrient dynamics and (2) a management guide based on ecosystem ecology 
principles for river and floodplain management.

Research areas can include the effects of levee setback, effluent 
discharge, or restoration on water quality. The proposals should include 
the generation of new field data and use of existing literature to provide 
insight on nutrients, temperature, or changes to the biogeochemical 
processing (e.g., denitrification, nitrification, primary production, and 
respiration) in floodplain systems. The applicants are encouraged to 
contact Ken Forshay (forshay@epa.gov) to discuss possible research 
proposal topics well before the proposal deadline of May 1.

(url below should be one continuous line)
http://nrc58.nas.edu/RAPLab10/Opportunity/Opportunity.aspx?
LabCode=22=220305=B8222


Ken Forshay
forshay@epa.gov
580-436-8912


[ECOLOG-L] Full-time Research Tech - Grassland Ecology

2016-03-01 Thread Jennifer Belovsky
Job Title: Research Technician

Application Deadline: March 15, 2016.

Start Date: April 11, 2016

Pay:  $22,921-29,000, with benefits



*GENERAL:*  Crew Leader, full-time position, will provide field and
laboratory support for an ongoing grasshopper ecology project in the lab of
Dr. Gary Belovsky.  This project is funded by NSF-LTREB (National Science
Foundation-Long Term Research in Environmental Biology).  The field work
portion on grasshoppers in western Montana at the National Bison Range
entails approximately five months of the year.  The remainder of the year
at the University of Notre Dame is spent analyzing samples, processing
data, data management and other research duties.



The ideal candidate will be able to prioritize tasks, work independently,
and solicit feedback.  This position will require organizational,
logistical, and time management skills.  Enthusiastic, highly motivated
individual with previous experience working in grasslands with grasshoppers
is preferable.  This person will also need to show a willingness to learn
from and work under the direction of the PI and supervisor.



Applicants must demonstrate the willingness and ability to live in shared
housing with others working on the project, communicate well in a variety
of situations, and be comfortable living and working in a rural area of
western Montana.  Enthusiasm for the natural world and a positive attitude
are expected.



*JOB DESCRIPTION:*

FIELD – early-May through Sept 30:  Position involves up to 80-90% of the
time in the field sampling vegetation and soils, catching grasshoppers and
running grasshopper experiments.  Position also involves approx. 10-20%
time indoors sorting grasshoppers, weighing plant samples and entering
data, preparing spring and fall resin bags, and downloading data from
radiometer and temperature sensors.



– Set up experiments (e.g., build cages, and catch large numbers of
grasshoppers)

– Identification of grasshoppers and prairie plants to species

– Monitor experiments (maintain experimental cages, conduct regular
censuses) and maintain accurate record-keeping of data, including data
entry into Excel spreadsheets

– Take down experiments (involves catching and censusing grasshoppers in
the experiments)

– Sample grasshoppers, vegetation and soils, using various types of field
equipment, including Cropscan radiometer, soil corer, soil moisture
sensors, and backpack insect vacuum

– Capable of sustained physical work under unpredictable weather and field
conditions. Some heavy lifting and carrying (~50lb), and fence building

– Work with PI and supervisor to train crew, organize work schedules,
maintain morale with crew



LAB – October through early-May:

– Prepare plants samples, including weighing, grinding to appropriate
specifications

– Analyze plant samples for nitrogen and carbon using Elemental Analyzer or
similar machine

– Analyze soil and resin samples for NH4 and NO3 by extraction in 2M KCl
and prepare extractions for processing on Lachat autoanalyzer

– Analyze plant samples for palatability by acid-pepsin digestibility method

– Supervise undergraduates in the lab helping with above analyses

– Dissect grasshoppers to examine reproductive tracts and to assess degree
of parasitism

– Maintain and manage data using Excel spreadsheets and Access database



QUALIFICATIONS:

– B.S. or B.A. in environmental sciences or equivalent degree

– Ability to work and solve problems independently (required)

– Previous monitoring and/or field research experience, especially in
grasslands

– Plant and insect identification experience and willingness to learn local
flora and fauna, with particular experience identifying Acridinae
grasshoppers and grasses and forbs of western Montana intermountain prairie
preferred

– Experience training, supervising and coordinating small field and lab
crews preferred.

– Experience with handheld data recorders, radiometers, radios, GPS, other
field equipment, driving a truck over rough, steep roads, and small-town
living

– The field portion of this position is 90% + field work. Must be capable
of sustained physical work under conditions of hot dry weather, rough
terrain, unpredictable weather, biting insects, and other environmental
conditions.  Must be able to maintain cheerful attitude with humor and
patience

– Chemistry lab experience, or equivalent, preferred.

– Strong quantitative skills; experience with Excel is required; experience
with Access preferred

– Valid U.S. driver's license



*DURATION:* require 2 year commitment; up to 4 years (funding period of
current grant)

*LOCATION:* University of Notre Dame, Indiana and field site in Moiese,
Montana

*APPLICATION:* Please apply online: https://jobs.nd.edu/postings/4755



Please include cover letter, resume and contact information for 3
references.  For questions, please contact Jennifer Slade Belovsky at
belovsk...@nd.edu.  For more information, see Belovsky website:

[ECOLOG-L] Call for Applications: Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics 2016, a NIMBioS Tutorial

2016-03-01 Thread Catherine Crawley


The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis 
(NIMBioS) is now accepting applications for its Tutorial, "Evolutionary 
Quantitative Genetics 2016," to be held August 8-12, 2016, at NIMBioS.


*Objectives: *This tutorial will review the basics of theory in the 
field of evolutionary quantitative genetics and its connections to 
evolution observed at various time scales. Quantitative genetics deals 
with the inheritance of measurements of traits that are affected by many 
genes. Quantitative genetic theory for natural populations was developed 
considerably in the period from 1970 to 1990 and up to the present, and 
it has been applied to a wide range of phenomena including the evolution 
of differences between the sexes, sexual preferences, life history 
traits, plasticity of traits, as well as the evolution of body size and 
other morphological measurements. Textbooks have not kept pace with 
these developments, and currently few universities offer courses in this 
subject aimed at evolutionary biologists. There is a need for 
evolutionary biologists to understand this field because of the ability 
to collect large amounts of data by computer, the development of 
statistical methods for changes of traits on evolutionary trees and for 
changes in a single species through time, and the realization that 
quantitative characters will not soon be fully explained by genomics. 
This tutorial aims to fill this need by reviewing basic aspects of 
theory and illustrating how that theory can be tested with data, both 
from single species and with multiple-species phylogenies. Participants 
will learn to use R, an open-source statistical programming language, to 
build and test evolutionary models. The intended participants for this 
tutorial are graduate students, postdocs, and junior faculty members in 
evolutionary biology.


The content of this tutorial will be similar to the tutorial held at 
NIMBioS in 2015. For more information about that tutorial, visit 
http://www.nimbios.org/tutorials/TT_eqg2015


For more information about the 2016 tutorial and a link to the online 
application form, go to http://www.nimbios.org/tutorials/TT_eqg2016


*Location: *NIMBioS at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

*Co-Organizers: *Stevan J. Arnold, Integrative Biology, Oregon State 
Univ. and Joe Felsenstein, Genome Sciences, Univ. of Washington, Seattle


*Instructors: *Stevan J. Arnold, Integrative Biology, Oregon State 
Univ.; Patrick Carter, Evolutionary Physiology, Washington State Univ., 
Pullman; Joe Felsenstein, Genome Sciences, Univ. of Washington, Seattle; 
Adam Jones, Biology, Texas A Univ.; Emilia Martins, Biology, Indiana 
Univ., Bloomington; Brian O'Meara, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Univ. 
of Tennessee; and Josef Uyeda, Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, 
Univ. of Idaho, Moscow. Others TBA.


*Co-Sponsor:* The American Society of Naturalists

There are no fees associated with this tutorial. Tutorial participation 
in the tutorial is by application only. Individuals with a strong 
interest in the topic, including post-docs and graduate students, are 
encouraged to apply, and successful applicants will be notified within 
two weeks of the application deadline.


*Food and Lodging: *Breakfast and lunch will be provided at NIMBioS each 
day of the tutorial, as well as coffee and mid-morning and mid-afternoon 
snacks. NIMBioS is not covering dinner, travel, or lodging expenses for 
participants. A block of rooms at a group rate will be reserved at the 
Four Points by Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House Hotel. More 
information will be available here soon about room rates and how 
participants can make reservations.


*Application deadline:* May 1, 2016

The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis 
(NIMBioS) (http://www.nimbios.org) brings together researchers from 
around the world to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries to 
investigate solutions to basic and applied problems in the life 
sciences. NIMBioS is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, with 
additional support from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.


*
Catherine Crawley, Ph.D.
Communications Manager
National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)
University of Tennessee
1122 Volunteer Blvd, Ste. 106
Knoxville, TN 37996
e ccraw...@nimbios.org 
t +1 865 974 9350 
f +1 865 974 9461 
http://www.nimbios.org
http://www.facebook.com/nimbios
http://twitter.com/nimbios
To receive email notifications of blog updates, click here 

To subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter, click here 
 



[ECOLOG-L] Employment Opportunity: Lake Tahoe Raptor Survey Field Crew, NV

2016-03-01 Thread Amy Gladding
*LEAD*

https://www.thegreatbasininstitute.org/job/lake-tahoe-raptor-survey-field-lead/

In cooperation with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the Great
Basin Institute is recruiting a Raptor Survey Field Lead (Field Lead) to
assist with surveys of two sensitive raptor species, Northern Goshawk
(Accipiter gentilis) and California Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis
occidentalis), in the east Lake Tahoe Basin, NV and adjacent areas of the
Carson Range. The goal of this project will be to detect nesting
territories and monitor nest success, and the Field Lead and a Raptor
Survey Field Technician will coordinate with NDOW on surveys and associated
work. The majority of the survey effort will focus on the Northern Goshawk,
with some Spotted Owl work interspersed throughout the field season.

Work will include:
• Broadcast surveys for Northern Goshawk and Spotted Owl
• Stand searches for Northern Goshawk and Spotted Owl
• Nest monitoring for Northern Goshawk and Spotted Owl
• Habitat evaluation and vegetation data collection
• Data organization and report write-up
• Aspen stand inventory and mapping (as time allows)
• Assisting with other NDOW wildlife work (as time allows)

The Field Lead must be able to work in difficult terrain that may include
steep, rocky slopes, areas of dense trees, and exposure to adverse
weather.  This work is physically demanding and requires long hours of
off-trail hiking while conducting surveys.  Goshawk surveys will be
conducted at all hours of day, and Spotted Owl surveys will be conducted at
all hours of night.  Overnight camping may be required in some cases.

Travel to survey sites may require driving on narrow, winding, dirt roads
for distances up to 20 miles.  While driving to and from survey sites,
frequent encounters with vehicles, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback
riders should be expected on backcountry roads.  Radio communication will
be necessary for emergencies and for communication with the Project Manager.

Timeline:
o 2 May - 26 August 2016 (17 weeks)
o 40 hours per week

Compensation:
o $15.00/hour
o $15 field per diem (for up to 10 nights camping)
o Housing stipend



Location: Field work will be conducted in backcountry regions of the east
Tahoe Basin, NV and adjacent areas of the Carson Range. Many recreational
opportunities are available in the region, which is considered by many as
among the most scenic in the country. Base of operations: Reno, NV.

Qualifications:
Technical requirements:
o Bachelor’s degree in biology (wildlife or conservation), ecology or
related field;
o Experience in conducting surveys for Northern Goshawks, including nest
monitoring and knowledge of vocalizations, signs, and behavior (required);
o Previous field experience that included:
– adhering to field data collection protocols, and
– accurately collecting, recording and managing field data;
o Experience in habitat evaluation and collection of vegetation data
preferred;
o Ability to use:
 standard methods and equipment for habitat characterization,
 a GPS unit for navigation and data collection, and
 GIS technology for mapping and other uses;
o Familiarity with raptor species of the Sierra Nevada and their habitat
preferred; and
o Familiarity with and/or interest in forest ecology and avian ecology and
conservation biology.

Additional requirements:
o Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;
o Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unpaved roads that can be steep
and rutted;
o Experience in supporting field assistants during training and field work;
o Ability to work productively, consistently and cooperatively as part of a
team to accomplish mutual goals;
o Possess strong organizational skills;
o Ability to work in variable weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain,
carry upwards of 20 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good
physical condition;
o Willingness and ability to camp in remote areas;
o Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles preferred; and
o Pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal
background checks.

How to Apply:
Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their
résumé, and a list of three professional references to RA Recruitment, at
rarecruitm...@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please indicate “Tahoe Raptor
Lead” in your email subject line. Please include where you found this
position posted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Great Basin Institute conforms to all the laws, statutes, and
regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative
action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with
disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an
equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,
gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age,
disability status, Genetic 

[ECOLOG-L] Summer Forest Inventory Research Technician in Hoosier National Forest

2016-03-01 Thread Shannon Stanis
Job Title:  Forest Inventory Research Technician



Application Deadline:  April 15th, 2016 or until position is filled



Location:  Throughout the Hoosier National Forest, Southern Indiana



Pay Rate: $10.35/hr,  Housing provided



Dates: Monday, May 16-August 19, 2016 (dates flexible)



Job Description:



Research technician will aid in conducting basic forest inventory (DBH,
tree ID, etc), timber grading, and stumpage volume and value estimation in
the beautiful Hoosier National Forest.  The scope of this project is to
estimate tree volume and value loss from prescribed fire.  Skills related
basic forest inventory are necessary while timber grading and stumpage
estimation can be learned in the field.  Experience in these areas is a
bonus.  Work will not exceed 40 hours/week, 5 days/ week.  Conditions will
be weather dependent, but expect full work days in summer heat in the
forest.  Undergraduates are encouraged to apply.


Interest applicants should contact Shannon Stanis at ssta...@purdue.edu with
a short statement of interest (no more than two paragraphs), summer
availability, and resume.


[ECOLOG-L] Study on Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

2016-03-01 Thread La MICA Biological Station
Hello, everyone,
I wanted to bring to your attention a great study on Rocky Mountain Spotted 
Fever being conducted by Eric Green and Dana Green. I met Eric and Dana when 
they were undergraduates visiting La MICA Biological Station in Panama and I am 
so proud to see them doing such great work as graduate students.I know there 
are many great projects that deserve funding, but I definitely can endorse for 
these students; they are doing great work!
For more information or to donate (they have to reach their goal or they get 
nothing so EVERY dollar really goes help!): 
https://experiment.com/projects/are-coyotes-contributing-to-the-spread-rocky-mountain-spotted-fever-in-arizona
More information about the project:Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a 
tick-borne bacterial infection that can cause permanent disability or death in 
humans. In 2003, RMSF moved into Arizona and has become increasingly common 
since then. The vector and reservoir for RMSF has been narrowed down to the 
brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Domesticated dogs are considered 
sentinels of RMSF and the brown dog tick’s primary host. Large numbers of 
free-roaming dogs have been implicated in the spread of RMSF on American Indian 
reservations, where most of the infections occur, but evidence is absent to 
explain long-range dispersal of this tick species. Coyotes are genetically 
similar to dogs and have larger home ranges, so we hypothesize that coyotes are 
contributing to the long-range dispersal of infected ticks.
 Dr. Julie M. RayFounder and AdministratorLa MICA Biological StationEl Cope-La 
Pintada. Provincia de Cocle. Republica de Panamawww.lamicapanama.weebly.com

[ECOLOG-L] Second call: Survey about The Impact of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on Wildlife Conservation

2016-03-01 Thread Eda Reed
Conservation scientists and practitioners please take a moment to respond to 
this survey 
"The Impact of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on Wildlife Conservation" 

https://colby.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_23m9Av8XEAse3t3

A growing number of studies suggest wildlife are being exposed to 
endocrine-disrupting 
chemicals (EDCs), such as those from plastics and pesticides, but how EDCs 
affect wildlife 
health and wildlife conservation is less well-understood. This survey is part 
of an honors 
thesis project at Colby College (Waterville, Maine, USA) to assess how 
conservation 
scientists and practitioners view the relative importance of EDCs for wildlife 
conservation. 
The survey should take only about 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you for 
taking the 
time to share your expertise.


[ECOLOG-L] National Park Service centennial event

2016-03-01 Thread Scott Abella
Sponsored by the Friends of Nevada Wilderness and REI in collaboration with
the University of Nevada Las Vegas and Natural Resource Conservation LLC,
there will be a free one-hour book talk on the NPS Centennial book titled
"Conserving America's National Parks" on March 3, 2016, at the REI at Boca
Park, Las Vegas, Nevada.  The event is free and open to the public.  The
link to the event is under the News heading on:
https://sites.google.com/site/conservingnationalparks/


[ECOLOG-L] SCA Internships at Grand Canyon National Park

2016-03-01 Thread Zachary Huang
Open immediately for application!
Come work for the National Park Service at Grand Canyon National Park!

SCA internships include

- Endangered species recovery (Veg) PO-00696136
- Habitat restoration (Veg) PO-00696134
- Native plant nursery (Veg) PO-00696138
- Invasive Plant (Veg) PO-00696142
- Riparian restoration (Veg) PO-00696267

Duration is 51 weeks long. Housing provided with a living stipend and 
Americorp award eligible.
Start date 4/05/16 

Apply now! Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis!

To apply visit 
http://www.thesca.org/ 
and search PO numbers listed above.

For questions or statements of interest feel free to reach out at
zachary_hu...@partner.nps.gov

Sincerely,
Zachary Huang


[ECOLOG-L] Webinar: Research Computing Skills for Scientists: Lessons, Challenges and Opportunities from Software Carpentry

2016-03-01 Thread Amber E Budden
Dear ECOLOG

Please be reminded of our upcoming March DataONE Webinar Series event (
www.dataone.org/webinars).

*Research Computing Skills for Scientists: Lessons, Challenges, and
Opportunities from Software Carpentry*

Greg Wilson (Software Carpentry)

Tuesday *March 8th at 9:00am Pacific / 12:00 noon Eastern*.

The webinar abstract is available below.  There is no cost
to registration however you must pre-register at: www.dataone.org/upcoming-
webinar.

We welcome you to join us for this and future webinars in the series.
Webinars are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 12 noon Eastern
Time.  They will be recorded and made available for viewing latter the same
day. A Q forum will also be available to attendees and later viewers
alike.

More information on the DataONE Webinar Series can be found at:
www.dataone.org/webinars and we welcome suggestions for speakers and topics.

Best
Amber



Webinar Abstract:
Since 1998, Software Carpentry has evolved from a week-long training course
at the US national laboratories into a worldwide volunteer effort to
improve researchers' computing skills. In this webinar, Software
Carpentry's co-founder will explore what's been learned along the away
about what scientists, engineers, and other researchers actually need to
know about programming in order to make their work more shareable, more
reproducible, more likely to be correct, and more efficient. He will also
discuss practices that the DataONE community and similar groups may be able
to use to help researchers deal with large or messy data in a broad range
of disciplines.


-- 
Amber E Budden, PhD
Director, Community Engagement and Outreach
DataONE
University of New Mexico
1312 Basehart SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106

Tel: 505-814-1112
Cell: 505-205-7675
Fax: 505-246-6007


[ECOLOG-L] Vegetation Monitoring Internship - SF Bay Area National Parks

2016-03-01 Thread Eric Wrubel
POSITION:   VEGETATION MONITORING INTERN
ORGANIZATION:National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring Program
LOCATION:   Sausalito, CA.
POSTING DATE:   March 1, 2016.
OPEN UNTIL FILLED

OVERVIEW
The National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program (I) collects, 
organizes, analyzes, and synthesizes natural resource data and information 
in the San Francisco Bay Area Network of National Parks. This internship 
will support the I vegetation ecology program. For more information 
about the San Francisco Inventory and Monitoring Program and the natural 
resources it monitors, please visit: 
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/index.cfm and http://www.sfnps.org/.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The San Francisco Bay Area Network of National Parks is seeking two 
interns to join our team in implementation of the Plant Community Change 
and Invasive Plant Early Detection monitoring protocols. The interns will 
work primarily in Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes 
National Seashore, but may also make visits to Pinnacles National Park, 
and John Muir National Historic Site.  

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES 
Plant Community Monitoring Program: utilizing point intercept techniques 
to read vegetation plots; recording data; navigating using GPS; installing 
permanent plot markers; photography; entering field data in a Microsoft 
Access database and performing quality-control checks; assisting with 
production of plot location manuals, using GIS, Google Earth, and MS Word.
Invasive Plant Early Detection Program: assisting in surveys for invasive 
plants; collecting data using GPS units and/or tablets; 
uploading/downloading field data on a web-based and/or GIS database and 
performing quality-control; Creating survey tracklogs and other map 
products in GIS and Google Earth.
Herbarium Work: Collecting, photographing, processing, scanning and 
pressing plant specimens for digital and physical herbarium accession.

BENEFITS 
Gain experience identifying plants of the Bay Area, one of the most 
diverse regions in the California Floristic Province. Learn vegetation 
sampling techniques that are industry standards in land management and 
research.  Become proficient in using GPS units to record field data. Gain 
experience with photography, plant scanning and image management. Enjoy 
the scenery, wildlife, and cultural resources of spectacular National 
ParkS while engaging park stewards. Professional development and training 
days are available to pursue interests in other departments within the 
Park Service and Parks Conservancy. Dormitory housing provided at Fort 
Cronkhite, Rodeo Beach, Sausalito. Thirty Dollar ($30.00) per day stipend.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of one or more of the following college courses or equivalent 
experience: Botany, Plant Taxonomy, Plant Ecology, Field Methods in 
Ecology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Biostatistics. Basic 
computer literacy, Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with database 
operations, ArcGIS, R, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign a plus. A valid 
driver’s license and clean driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is a mixed position with field and office time each week. Must enjoy 
working in an office setting and outside in various weather conditions and 
terrains while maintaining a good attitude. Occasionally, field work can 
include up to 8 miles of hiking/day, most often, 1-2 miles/day. Must be 
able to lift, carry and position objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Field 
work is both on and off-trail, and frequently involves bushwhacking 
through tall vegetation. Interns will frequently encounter poison oak, 
ticks, spiders, mosquitoes, and other wildlife. While we have a 
comprehensive safety program, and provide protective equipment, please do 
not apply if you have any hesitation about the physical requirements and 
work environment.

TERMS
Desired Start Date:  April 4, 2016.
Six month term, April through September, 2016. 
Work week is Monday – Friday.

To Apply: Email your resume, a cover letter, and three references to Eric 
Wrubel at eric_wru...@nps.gov


[ECOLOG-L] Fish Migration Symposium - submissions welcome

2016-03-01 Thread Benjamin Walther
A symposium entitled "Fish Migration Ecology: Patterns, Mechanisms & 
Consequences" will be held at the 12th International Congress on the 
Biology of Fish in San Marcos, Texas.  This Congress will take place 
June 12-16 on the campus of Texas State University. 

The Fish Migration symposium description is as follows:

"Little is known about migratory patterns, the mechanistic drivers, or 
the ecological consequences of migration for most species of fish. 
Physiological adaptations that underlie migratory behaviors, novel 
methods used to unravel migratory histories, and consequences of 
migration for population dynamics and ecological processes will be 
covered. Presenters that use a variety of methods, alone or combination, 
including molecular and genetic assays, otolith chemistry and tissue 
stable isotopes, satellite and acoustic telemetry, and beyond are 
encouraged to participate."

Abstract submission and registration is now open, with abstracts due by 
MARCH 31st 2016.  Further details about the Congress and abstract 
submission can be found at:
http://www.txstate.edu/continuinged/Events/ICBF.html


[ECOLOG-L] Seasonal Wetlands Technician- Soils and Water- Salt Lake City

2016-03-01 Thread Diane Menuz
Title:  Seasonal Wetlands Technician- 
Soils and Water
Work Location:  Utah Geological Survey, Salt Lake City, 
UT
Pay Rate:   $14.11/hour, plus per diem and reimbursement for camping 
equipment use
Closing Date:   March 14, 2016
Employment Period   late May to end of September with possible 
extension (dates can be flexible depending on availability)

Position Description:  The Utah Geological Survey seeks to hire a 
seasonal Wetland Technician to participate in wetland condition 
research. The incumbent will help collect data used to inform local and 
state land managers about wetland resources and advance knowledge about 
wetlands in the state. Surveys will generally be conducted in teams of 
two and will involve evaluating hydrologic, physical, and biotic 
components of wetland health during rapid (~ 3-4 hour) site assessments. 
The Wetlands Technician will be trained on identifying hydric soil and 
wetland hydrology indicators and on collecting water quality data with 
handheld meters and will then conduct this work independently with 
limited supervision. Sampling will be conducted in both front country 
and remote settings in the Utah Lake and Jordan River watersheds. Work 
days will typically consist of four 10+ hour days per week, but other 
schedules may sometimes be required, including some overnight stays. 
When not in the field, the incumbent will assist with tasks such as data 
entry, making site maps in ArcGIS, contacting land owners for site 
access, and processing and identifying plant specimens. The position is 
based out of Salt Lake City and housing is not provided when not 
conducting field work. This position is a great opportunity to visit 
seldom-seen parts of Utah and to develop expertise in a variety of 
wetland types across the state.

Duties:
1.  Prepare for field surveys by attending trainings, preparing site 
information, and organizing and maintaining field gear. 
2.  Use GPS and provided maps, to drive to and from field sites and 
navigate to survey sites via roads, trails, and off-road through dense 
vegetation while maintaining crew safety
3.  Aid in the collection of wetland condition data. Evaluate sites 
for the presence of stressors. Use landscape and local site data to 
evaluate hydrologic, physical, and biotic components of wetland health 
following set protocols with attention to detail
4.  Dig and describe soil profiles (texture, color, presence of 
redox feature, etc.) and record indicators of hydric soils and wetland 
hydrology.
5.  Collect water quality data using a handheld meter.
6.  Use ArcGIS to evaluate sites in the office, create survey maps, 
and gather preliminary data before site surveys.
7.  Other duties as needed.
Qualifications:
1.  Completion of at least three years of education towards a 
bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, wetland science, botany, wildlife 
biology, or other related field and at least one season of field 
experience
2.  Knowledge of data collection procedures and ability to collect 
data with attention to detail
3.  Ability to work independently with guidance
4.  Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules 
(including overnights), travel extensively, drive a State of Utah 
vehicle, hike moderate distances through occasionally rough terrain, and 
tolerate exposure to extreme heat, rain, biting insects, and other field 
nuisances.
5.  Experience with map making in ArcGIS, or willingness to learn
6.  Preference given to applicants with field experience or 
coursework in any of the following: experience describing soil profiles; 
experience identifying hydric soil indicators; experience collecting 
water quality data; experience with wetland systems


To apply, submit resume, cover letter, three references (with phone 
numbers), and a writing sample to Diane Menuz, State Wetland 
Coordinator, at the Utah Geological Survey, dme...@utah.gov.  Please 
indicate your available start date and the title of the position you are 
applying for. You may direct all questions to this email. Applications 
will be accepted through March 14.


[ECOLOG-L] Lead Wetland Botanist- Salt Lake City

2016-03-01 Thread Diane Menuz
Title:  Lead Wetland Botanist
Work Location:  Utah Geological Survey, Salt Lake City, 
UT
Pay Rate:   $18-20/hour, plus per diem and reimbursement for camping 
equipment use
Closing Date:   March 14, 2016
Employment Period:  This temporary position will begin in mid-May 
and last for approximately eight months

Position Description:  The Utah Geological Survey seeks to hire a lead 
botanist to participate in wetland condition research. The incumbent 
will work on two projects, assessing wetland health across the state of 
Utah as part of the National Wetland Condition Assessment and assessing 
wetland health within the Jordan River and Utah Lake watersheds. The 
incumbent will participate in national protocol training in Fort Collins 
in mid-May and then spend most of June through September conducting 
field work in both front country and remote settings. The incumbent will 
serve as the lead field botanist, responsible for identifying plant 
specimen in the field and office and overseeing identifications made by 
other crew members. The incumbent will also work with a team member to 
evaluate hydrologic, physical, and other components of wetland health 
with a series of qualitative metrics. The incumbent will be trained on 
characterizing soil profiles and collecting water quality data and may 
sometimes be responsible for these measurements in the field. The 
employee will be expected to take a leadership role in the field and 
help facilitate decision-making and planning. Work days will typically 
consist of four 10+ hour days/week and will include frequent overnight 
stays in the field. During the rest of the year, the incumbent will work 
on a variety of tasks including contacting landowners about site access 
and evaluating sites in ArcGIS, but will primarily be responsible for 
identifying plant collections in the office or at an herbarium.  The 
position is based out of Salt Lake City and housing is not provided when 
not conducting field work. This position is a great opportunity to visit 
seldom-seen parts of Utah and to develop expertise in a variety of 
wetland types across the state.
Duties:
1.  Take a leadership position on projects and in the office, 
including responsibility for data accuracy and completeness and 
supervising plant identification by other staff. 
2.  Reliably identify plants (both in field and with a microscope) 
and plant communities within Utah wetlands. Collect and prepare unknown 
plant specimens for later identification and storage.
3.  Aid in the collection of wetland condition data. Evaluate sites 
for the presence of stressors. Use landscape and local site data to 
evaluate hydrologic, physical, and biotic components of wetland health 
following set protocols with attention to detail. 
4.  Prepare for field surveys by attending trainings, preparing site 
information, organizing field gear, and planning field travel. 
5.  Use GPS and provided maps, to drive to and from field sites and 
navigate to survey sites via roads, trails, and off-road through dense 
vegetation while maintaining crew safety
6.  Other duties as needed.

Qualifications:
1.  Completion of a bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, biology, 
wetland science, or other related field.
2.  Three or more seasons of field experience in positions requiring 
identification of plant species; one season can be substituted by plant 
taxonomy coursework.
3.  Ability to use dichotomous keys to identify species including 
species in difficult groups such as Cyperaceae and Poaceae.  Knowledge 
of Utah or western US flora and of wetland flora preferred. 
4.  Ability to work independently, serve in a leadership role, and 
be responsible for data and project organization 
5.  Knowledge of data collection procedures and ability to collect 
data with attention to detail.
6.  Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules 
(including overnights), travel extensively, drive a State of Utah 
vehicle, hike moderate distances through occasionally rough terrain, and 
tolerate exposure to extreme heat, rain, biting insects, and other field 
nuisances.
7.  Experience with map making in ArcGIS, or willingness to learn
8.  Preference given to candidates with experience working in 
wetland or riparian systems.

To apply, submit resume, cover letter, and three references (with phone 
numbers) to Diane Menuz, State Wetland Coordinator, at the Utah 
Geological Survey, dme...@utah.gov.  Please indicate the title of the 
position you are applying for and whether you have any constraints on 
your availability. You may direct all questions to this email. 
Applications will be accepted through March 14.


[ECOLOG-L] Seasonal Botanist / Crew Leader (2 positions)- Salt Lake City

2016-03-01 Thread Diane Menuz
Title:  Seasonal Botanist / Crew Leader 
(2 positions)
Work Location:  Utah Geological Survey, Salt Lake City, 
Utah
Pay Rate:   $14.50-16/hour, plus per diem and reimbursement for 
camping equipment use
Closing Date:   March 14, 2016
Employment Period   late May to end of September with possible 
extension (dates can be flexible depending on availability) 

Position Description:  The Utah Geological Survey seeks to hire a 
botanist to participate in wetland condition research. The incumbent 
will work on two projects, assessing wetland health across the state of 
Utah as part of the National Wetland Condition Assessment and assessing 
wetland health within the Jordan River and Utah Lake watersheds. For the 
National project, the incumbent will work with the Lead Botanist to 
identify plants at sites. For the Jordan/Utah Lake project, the 
incumbent will typically be the sole individual responsible for plant 
identification at sites and serve as the Crew Leader, expected to take a 
leadership role in the field and to help facilitate decision-making and 
planning. The incumbent will work with team members to evaluate 
hydrologic, physical, and other components of wetland health with a 
series of qualitative metrics. The incumbent will also be trained on 
characterizing soil profiles and collecting water quality data. Work 
days will typically consist of four 10+ hour days in the field per week 
and will include some overnight stays in the field. When not in the 
field, the incumbent will assist with tasks such as data entry, making 
site maps in ArcGIS, contacting land owners for site access, and 
processing and identifying plant specimens. The position is based out of 
Salt Lake City and housing is not provided when not conducting field 
work. This position is a great opportunity to visit seldom-seen parts of 
Utah and to develop expertise in a variety of wetland types across the 
state.

Duties:
1.  Prepare for field surveys by attending trainings, preparing site 
information, and organizing and maintaining field gear. 
2.  Use GPS and provided maps, to drive to and from field sites and 
navigate to survey sites via roads, trails, and off-road through dense 
vegetation while maintaining crew safety
3.  Set up field plots and collect field data on the presence and 
cover of plant species
4.  Reliably identify all plant species encountered in the field and 
collect unknown plant specimens for later identification and storage
5.  Aid in the collection of wetland condition data. Evaluate sites 
for the presence of stressors. Use landscape and local site data to 
evaluate hydrologic, physical, and biotic components of wetland health 
following set protocols with attention to detail.
6.  Use ArcGIS to evaluate sites in the office, create survey maps, 
and gather preliminary data before site surveys.
7.  Other duties as needed.
Qualifications:
1.  Completion of at least three years of education towards a 
bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, wetland science, botany, wildlife 
biology, or other related field and one of the following: 1) two or more 
seasons of field experience in positions requiring identification of 
plant species; 2) one field season requiring identification of plant 
species and one plant identification course. 
2.  Ability to use dichotomous keys to identify species including 
species in difficult groups such as Cyperaceae and Poaceae.  Knowledge 
of Utah or western US flora and of wetland flora preferred. 
3.  Knowledge of data collection procedures and ability to collect 
data with attention to detail.
4.  Ability to work independently, serve in a leadership role, and 
be responsible for data and project organization 
5.  Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules 
(including overnights), travel extensively, drive a State of Utah 
vehicle, hike moderate distances through occasionally rough terrain, and 
tolerate exposure to extreme heat, rain, biting insects, and other field 
nuisances.
6.  Experience with map making in ArcGIS, or willingness to learn
7.  Preference given to candidates with experience working in 
wetland or riparian systems.


To apply, submit resume, cover letter, and three references (with phone 
numbers) to Diane Menuz, State Wetland Coordinator, at the Utah 
Geological Survey, dme...@utah.gov.  Please indicate the title of the 
position you are applying for and whether you have any constraints on 
your availability. You may direct all questions to this email. 
Applications will be accepted through March 14.


[ECOLOG-L] Need trailcam recommendation

2016-03-01 Thread CLEM, Shawn
We have a network of trail cameras in South Florida (hot, humid, rainy 
summers, mind winters) to monitor mammals and have been using primarily 
Moultrie M880s but they have really been failing us lately (even new 
replacements) - not to mention, customer service has been less than stellar.

I'm looking for recommendations on a relatively cheap ($100-$130) trail 
camera that you've been happy with- please message me off-list 
(sc...@audubon.org) and let me know what make/model you like and why.

Thanks in advance!
Shawn


[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship Announcement: “Vegetation change in northern Alaska”

2016-03-01 Thread David Inouye

Graduate Research Assistantship Announcement

"Vegetation change in northern Alaska"


A graduate research assistantship at the Masters level is available with

Dr. Robert Hollister in the Department of Biology, Grand Valley State 
University (GVSU)


(http://faculty.gvsu.edu/hollistr/Projects.html) 





The project is working to document and understand vegetation change 
in northern Alaska associated with climate change.  The current 
funding for the research is from NSF as part of the Arctic 
Observatory Network and the GVSU component contributes to a larger 
project that links findings from automated sensor platforms that 
measure a suite of vegetation surface properties at the sub-meter 
scale (led by Steve Oberbauer at Florida International University) 
with medium-scale aerial imagery, using Kite Aerial Photography 
acquired throughout the growing season and satellite imagery (led by 
Craig Tweedie at the University of Texas in El Paso) to scale 
observed changes to the regional level.  The research incorporates a 
warming experiment to forecast vegetation change due to climate 
change at study sites established in the mid 90's as part of the 
International Tundra Experiment (ITEX) network (ITEX is a network or 
collaborating researchers that use a common protocol so that 
observations from across the tundra can be analyzed together and 
result in high impact synthesis papers).  The project now includes 
over 20 years of observations and there are a wide array of options 
for study.




The duties of this position will include field sampling of tundra 
vegetation in Barrow and Atqasuk, Alaska, leading the field crew in 
Alaska, coordinating logistics, organization and analyses of data 
collected previously and by the candidate, and the completion of a 
thesis and peer-reviewed publications, as well as the successful 
completion of the requirements of the degree.  Competitive candidates 
for this position will have a strong work ethic, proficiency in 
written and oral communication, strong GRE scores, and evidence of 
scholastic success.  Preference will be given to applicants who are 
self-motivated and enthusiastic about conducting field-based 
research.  The position will be based in Grand Rapids, MI, with field 
work in Alaska.  The position is available to begin in May or August 2016.




The successful candidate will receive tuition support and a 
competitive stipend.


To apply, please submit the following as an attached pdf to Robert 
Hollister holli...@gvsu.edu


1)personal statement of career goals

2)resume or curriculum vitae

3)transcripts

4)GRE scores

5)contact information for three references



Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a 
candidate is selected.


[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral (5) Openings Australia

2016-03-01 Thread Delong, Michael D
Latrobe University has openings for postdoctoral openings in multiple areas of 
biology.  For details, please see 
http://careers.pageuppeople.com/533/caw/en/job/550812/postdoctoral-research-officer-x-5


Michael D. Delong, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Biology
Director, Large River Studies Center
Biology Department
Winona State University
Winona, MN 55987
507-457-5484; fax 457-5681
International Society for River Science (ISRS)
Promoting River Research, Conservation, and Management
http://www.riversociety.org



[ECOLOG-L] REMINDER: Call for Student Applications: National Water Center Summer Institute!

2016-03-01 Thread Elizabeth Tran
Now accepting student applications for the
National Water Center Innovators Program:
Summer Institute of 2016
June 6 - July 20, 2016
at the NOAA National Water Center and the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, 
AL



Incoming and current graduate students and post-docs (within three years of 
receiving their PhD) affiliated with US universities are invited to apply to 
participate in the National Water Center Innovators Program - Summer Institute 
of 2016.

Accepted applicants will have the opportunity to collaborate intensively for 
seven weeks on projects designed to contribute to the NWC goals of enhancing 
water-related products and decision-support services across the country. The 
Summer Institute will be led by faculty theme leaders and daily oversight will 
be provided by post-doctoral fellow course coordinators.  Following the Summer 
Institute, students will be invited to attend the CUAHSI Biennial Meeting July 
25-27, 2016 to present their work during a special session. Complete student 
applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, March 
15th. Additional program information, including application instructions, can 
be found at https://www.cuahsi.org/summerinstitute

A series of informational webinars will be hosted over the next few weeks to 
provide additional information on the Summer Institute, examples of Summer 
Institute projects, and an overview of the tools and resources available to 
participants during the Summer Institute.

Please join us at 2:00 pm ET on Tuesday, March 1st for a lightning talk webinar 
on last year's Summer Institute student projects and experiences led by Summer 
Institute Course Coordinators Adnan Rajib (Purdue University) and Peirong Lin 
(University of Texas at Austin).

To connect to the webinar:

1. Point your browser to http://cuahsi.adobeconnect.com/summerinstitute/
2. Log in as a guest
3. You will be prompted with audio connection information

Webinars are free and open to the public. Webinars will be recorded and posted 
to the CUAHSI website for later viewing.


Questions? Please contact com...@cuahsi.org