[ECOLOG-L] Job: Botanical, Soils, & Rangeland Specialists

[David Inouye]

Title:

Botanical, Soils, & Rangeland Specialists



Status:

Professional, Seasonal



Job Summary:

Botanical, Soils, and Rangeland specialists are 
needed to collect rangeland survey data on 
private and government-owned lands in central and 
southeastern Oregon. The work includes navigating 
to remote survey sites and collecting several 
measurements of rangeland health including soil 
and landscape information; ecological site 
information; rangeland health indicators; 
invasive/noxious plant presence; disturbance 
indicators; conservation practices and resource 
concerns; plant species composition and patterns; 
and plant production, cover, density, and height. 
All data will be recorded in the field on a 
handheld computer. Survey teams will often be 
camping in remote locations for up to several 
days. Hamer Environmental is a long-established 
private environmental consulting firm 
headquartered in Mount Vernon, WA and Portland, 
OR. Hamer Environmental offers a wide range of 
specialty ecological services, including 
consultations on threatened and endangered 
species, ornithological-radar surveys, bat 
acoustic monitoring, seabird and marine mammal 
surveys, endangered-species consultations, bird 
and bat migration studies, and many other 
services. More information can be found at: 
www.HamerEnvironmental.com




For this project we will provide full survey 
training, work vehicles, lodgings, and all field equipment.




Job Responsibilities:
   * Locating survey sites using map, compass and GPS;
   * Conducting botanical, soils, and/or rangeland surveys;
   * Collecting and entering data accurately into a handheld computer;
   * Hiking and driving in rough terrain and inclement weather;
   * Reporting to supervisor;
   * Other related work as needed.



Desired Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Botany, Soils, or Range Management;

· Six semester hours of soils courses 
(including at least one course in Soil Morphology and in Soil Survey);


· Familiarity with central and 
southeastern Oregon rangeland plant species 
preferred.  Experience in nearby states with 
similar ecosystems will also be considered;


· Experience with remote camping, working 
in rugged terrain and inclement weather;


· Orienteering using GPS, map and aerial photo skills;

· Effective communication skills;

· Clean driving record.

· Experience collecting rangeland data 
using methods described in the 2016 Handbook of 
Instructions for Rangeland Field Study Data 
Collection (see 
http://www.nrisurvey.org/nrcs/Grazingland/2016/instructions/instruction.htm);


· Experience using Trimble GeoExplorer 
and/or Trimble Juno GPS units for navigation and/or data entry;


· Experienced ATV operator desired, but training can be provided.



Wage:

Salary at: $1,560.00 to $1,820.00

per semi-monthly period DOE



Closing Date:

March 15th, 2016, or until filled



Expected Work Duration:

April 13, 2016 to September 15, 2016 (5 months) 
or longer depending on work load, performance and 
additional projects that may become available.




Contact:

Please send resume to Matt Reed or Thomas Hamer: 
m...@hamerenvironmental.com 
and ha...@hamerenvironmental.com






Matt Reed

Environmental Scientist



Hamer Environmental

1510 S. 3rd Street, P.O. Box 2561

Mount Vernon, WA, 98273

Office: 360.899.5156 and Fax: 360.899.5146

Cell:  360-941-6315
www.HamerEnvironmental.com

[ECOLOG-L] Funding for ecology-related books

[Rachel Nuwer]

Hello, 

Does anyone have insight on grants that would support research and reporting 
for non-fiction 
books on ecology and conservation-related topics, written for a general 
audience? Any leads 
would be much appreciated. 

Thank you, 
Rachel Nuwer

Science journalist 
rachelnu...@gmail.com 
www.rachelnuwer.com

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

[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&A 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 for 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] JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Marbled Murrelet Surveyors, W. Oregon

[Daphne Swope]

Turnstone is currently hiring field surveyors and crew leaders to conduct 
surveys for the marbled murrelet, a threatened species of seabird that nests 
primarily in coastal old growth forests. These positions are considered 
full-time seasonal. Surveys will be on federal, state and private lands in 
Oregon. Marbled murrelet surveys follow an exacting protocol, and surveyors 
will be required to work independently during pre-dawn hours in backcountry 
areas. The position involves extensive travel, hiking in the dark (occasionally 
long distances), navigating forest terrain, and enduring regular periods of 
inclement weather.

Crews will be stationed in several coastal communities in western Oregon. A 
choice of work stations may be available to those who apply early. Surveyor 
positions begin in mid-April and run through August 5, with the possibility of 
an earlier start date and/or extension depending on project needs. Training and 
surveyor certification will be held in Northern California prior to the start 
date of surveys. Opportunities to work on other projects after the end of the 
murrelet season may be available for the excellent employee.

Salary is $1900-3000/month, depending on experience. Housing will be provided 
in some areas, depending on the project, and occasional camping will likely be 
necessary. A company-owned work vehicle will be provided; surveyors that use a 
personal vehicle for project activities will be reimbursed via a monthly 
stipend.

Applicants must have a completed B.S. degree in wildlife biology or a 
closely-related field. A minimum of one year of field experience is strongly 
preferred. Marbled murrelet experience is not required if the applicant has 
strong field skills, basic bird identification skills, and an interest in avian 
biology. A portion of the daily work is predawn, and can be physically and 
mentally demanding. An ideal candidate will possess all of the following 
characteristics:

- A consistent track record of working in a safe and efficient manner.
- Excellent field skills: orienteering, GPS, map-reading skills, hiking alone 
in backcountry terrain in the dark and/or inclement weather.
- Working knowledge of western bird identification by sight and sound.
- The ability and willingness to spend long hours in the field and work odd 
hours, including early morning.
- Integrity, quality, and accuracy in adhering to scientific protocols.
- The ability to record accurate, legible and reliable field data.
- Flexible, detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable working independently 
or as part of a team.
- A valid driver's license and the ability to navigate forest roads and operate 
a 4WD vehicle.
- Applicants must have normal vision and hearing, with required proof (hearing 
test results) to be submitted prior to the start of work.


TO APPLY: Please navigate to the employment section of our website 
(http://www.turnstoneenvironmental.com) to complete an application. EMAILED 
APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. These positions will remain open until 
filled, but application review and hiring is underway.

[ECOLOG-L] Sensor Workshop: Methods in Environmental Data Acquisition (Applications Now Open!)

[Renee F. Brown]

Dear colleagues,

Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 offering of our annual Methods 
in Environmental Data Acquisition short course, otherwise known as the Remote 
Data Acquisition (RDA) Sensor Training Workshop 
(http://sevfs.unm.edu/courses/rda/ ).

This intensive course will be held 22-29 May 2016 and is hosted by the 
University of New Mexico Sevilleta Field Station in beautiful central New 
Mexico. By using a combination of field demonstrations, lectures, hands-on 
activities, and discussions, we will cover several topics fundamental to the 
remote acquisition of environmental sensor data:

Basic electronics
Photovoltaic power for remote instrumentation
TCP/IP networking and Wi-Fi telemetry systems
Sensor theory and Campbell Scientific datalogger wiring and programming
Early bird registration will be $1000 through 31 March 2016 and will cover the 
entirety of each participants’ transportation costs (except for airfare to/from 
the ABQ airport), shared lodging at the Sevilleta Field Station, and all meals 
starting from dinner on Sunday, May 22, through breakfast on Saturday, May 
28th. After the early bird deadline, the course fee will increase to $1150 
through the application deadline of 30 April 2016.
We are also offering two optional post-course field trips on Saturday, May 28th 
for the additional cost of $150 each. These field trips positively enhance the 
overall experience of participants. Field trip costs cover participants' meals 
and lodging on Saturday.

The number of participants we will be able to accommodate is limited. While 
preference will be given to technicians, graduate students, postdoctoral 
associates, and early career faculty who demonstrate research needs in one or 
more of these areas, anyone interested in the topic of remote environmental 
sensor data acquisition is encouraged to apply. This popular course fills up 
every year, so we encourage you to apply early to ensure your spot!
Visit our website (http://sevfs.unm.edu/courses/rda 
) for more detailed information about topics 
covered, field trips, and course fees. If you have any questions, please feel 
free to email me directly.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, 
Renée

—
Renée F. Brown
Sevilleta LTER & Sevilleta Field Station
Department of Biology
University of New Mexico

[ECOLOG-L] Job Posting: Web Developer

[Patricia Butler]

We are now advertising for a Hubs/CCRC Drupal Web Developer: 
https://www.jobs.mtu.edu/postings/4108!


Please feel free to forward this announcement to anyone you know of who 
might be interested.

*
Short Description:*

The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science and Michigan 
Technological University have a new Drupal web developer position in 
Houghton, MI. The position will oversee the technical development of two 
climate change websites: the national website for the USDA Climate Hubs 
 and the Forest Service-led Climate 
Change Resource Center  (CCRC). More 
details can be found at https://www.jobs.mtu.edu/postings/4108. Michigan 
Tech is an EOE which includes protected veterans and individuals with 
disabilities.


*Long Description:*

The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science and Michigan 
Technological University are advertising for a Drupal web developer 
based in Houghton, MI and working in support of two climate change 
websites: the national website for the USDA Climate Hubs 
 and the Forest Service-led Climate 
Change Resource Center  (CCRC).


The web developer will work with content managers and 
multi-organizational web teams to lead the development and growth of 
both websites in Drupal.This person will be responsible for all aspects 
of website functionality including evaluating modules and templates to 
use on each site, designing web templates with a user-friendly look and 
feel, participating in content type and taxonomy development, and 
working to implement changes in a production environment using a Linux 
system and Git version control, and complying with accessibility and 
security requirements. The web developer should have demonstrated 
experience building websites in Drupal and proactively identifying and 
troubleshooting technical problems. The new position will work as a 
staff member of the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science 
(http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/niacs/).


Please see more details and apply through Michigan Tech: 
https://www.jobs.mtu.edu/postings/4108. Michigan Technological 
University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal 
Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for 
protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.


More information about the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science 
(NIACS) can be found at www.nrs.fs.fed.us/niacs/about/. NIACS staff 
members currently include employees of the U.S. Forest Service and 
Michigan Tech.


HOUGHTON, MICHIGAN
The position will be located on the campus of Michigan Technological 
University  in Houghton, Michigan. Houghton is 
located on the scenic Keweenaw Peninsula, rated by National Geographic 
Adventure Magazine as one of the top 10 outdoor adventure spots in the 
country. Proximity to Lake Superior and extensive forests, lakes, and 
rivers provides opportunities for a range of recreational activities, 
including hiking, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, and hunting. With an 
average of 200 inches of snow each year, cross‐country and downhill 
skiing, snowshoeing, and other activities keep residents active and 
outside all winter long. Houghton has been ranked as one of the 100 best 
places to live .

[ECOLOG-L] Minnesota DNR Fall Avian Technicians

[Shartell, Lindsey (DNR)]

Avian Technicians (2 positions)
Agency:  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish & Wildlife
Location:  NW Minnesota
Salary:  Approximately $16/hr
Start date:  08/15/16
End date:  11/30/16

Description:
We are seeking 2 full-time, temporary field technicians for a study examining 
sharp-tailed grouse responses to brushland management in Minnesota.  Job duties 
will include pellet surveys and vegetation surveys along transects, collecting 
and entering data in Excel, communicating with managers, organizing and 
maintaining field equipment, GPS use, and working independently as well  as 
part of a team.  Field work will require walking up to 8 miles a day through 
uneven terrain.  Hours and days will be variable, but generally will not exceed 
40 hours per week.  Lodging will be provided.

Qualifications:
Strong work ethic with a positive attitude.
Applicants should be willing to work long hours and in difficult field 
conditions.
Ability to use GPS to locate and establish transects.
Experience with Excel.
A valid driver's license and good driving record.
Physical ability to walk up to 8 miles a day, while carrying <10 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with ArcMap.
B.S. in Wildlife Ecology or related field.
Familiarity with brushland plant species identification in the upper Midwestern 
U.S.

To apply:
Submit cover letter, CV, email and phone contact information for 3 references, 
and unofficial transcripts as a single attachment to charlotte@mn.state.us 
and lindsey.shart...@mn.state.us by April 15, 2016.

Lindsey M. Shartell, Ph.D.
Forest Habitat Biologist
Wildlife Habitat Program
MN DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife
1201 East Highway 2
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: (218) 328-8870
lindsey.shart...@state.mn.us

Charlotte Roy, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Forest Wildlife Populations and Research Group
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
1201 E Highway 2
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 218-328-8876
charlotte@state.mn.us

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Student Opportunities

[Chris Brooks]

I am looking to recruit two graduate students (Ph.D. or M.S.) interested in 
invasive species and host-
consumer-microbe interactions to start in the summer or fall of 2016. I would 
like to identify potential 
students ASAP. Projects will focus on native and/or invasive cactus moths 
(e.g., Cactoblastis cactorum) 
and microbial communities associated with both host plants and the 
caterpillars. Fieldwork may occur in 
the southern USA (Texas to South Carolina), or in one of several international 
sites. If interested, please 
send a CV, GRE and any examples of your writing that you can provide to Dr. 
Christopher Brooks 
(cpbrooks at biology dot misstate dot edu) by March 21, 2016 (at the latest).

Mississippi State University is a very high research activity university 
located in east-central Mississippi. 
The Department of Biological Sciences occupies a newly-renovated, 
state-of-the-art building, and has a 
number of young, active research faculty who have funding from each of the 
major federal granting 
agencies, as well as a number of other sources.

[ECOLOG-L] MS Assistantship

[Christopher Rota]

Position: MS Assistantship - Population Ecology of Eastern Wild Turkey

Description:  The school of Natural Resources at West Virginia University is 
searching for a MS student to study demography of eastern wild turkeys 
(Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in northeastern South Dakota.  The project 
will primarily focus on obtaining survival and reproductive success data, with 
the potential to address additional research questions that would be developed 
jointly by the advisor and the student.  The project is a collaborative effort 
with South Dakota Game Fish and Parks and the research will inform estimates of 
population growth and management of turkeys.  The student will pursue an M.S. 
degree in the Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program at West Virginia 
University (http://wildlife.wvu.edu).

Qualifications:  B.S. in wildlife science, ecology, zoology, or closely related 
field.  Applicants must have a minimum 1100 combined GRE score (V+Q) on the 
previous scale or 300 on the current scale, and a minimum 3.25 GPA.  Applicants 
should have a strong interest in population ecology and quantitative ecology.  
Previous experience with capturing and handling birds, radio telemetry, nest 
monitoring, hiking, and Geographic Information Systems is highly desired.  
Competitive applicants will also have experience working and communicating with 
other biologists, landowners, and the public.

Stipend/Salary:  $16,536/year plus health insurance and university tuition 
waiver.

Application Deadline:  We will begin reviewing applications the week of March 
21 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

To Apply:  The student will be advised by Dr. Christopher Rota, in close 
collaboration with Dr. Chad Lehman of South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.  
Interested individuals should send a letter of interest, CV, a 500-word 
statement of purpose (why do you want to work on this project, your research 
interests, and long-term career goals), unofficial copy of transcripts and GRE 
scores, and contact information for 3 references to 
christopher.r...@mail.wvu.edu.

Christopher Rota
Assistant Professor
West Virginia University
School of Natural Resources
Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program
PO Box 6125
Morgantown, WV 26506
Office: 312-B Percival Hall
Phone: (304) 293-3196

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc in statistical ecology in Sweden

[Jonas Knape]

A 2-year postdoc position in statistical ecology is available at the Department 
of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala.

For more information, go here:

http://www.slu.se/sv/om-slu/fristaende-sidor/aktuellt/lediga-tjanster/las-mer/?eng=1&Pid=2276

The application deadline is April 13.

[ECOLOG-L] ESA meeting: Student travel awards

[Peter Adler]

The Rangeland Ecology section will offer one or more awards each year to
support the travel of outstanding graduate and advanced undergraduate
students to the ESA annual meeting. We particularly encourage applications
from SEEDS chapter members. Awards are $400 and the number of awards given
per year depends upon available resources. The award is open to
currently-enrolled students within or outside the U.S. The student must be
the presenting author on an oral paper or poster that has been accepted for
presentation at the annual meeting. The paper/poster should be applicable to
the past, present, and/or future of rangeland systems and could address
rangelands from a number of perspectives, including exploration of
relationships between organisms, biogeochemical cycles, and people.
Rangeland is a broad category of land use including areas classified as
grasslands, savannas, wetlands, shrublands, and woodlands. Rangelands 1) are
managed as natural ecosystems to balance provision of diverse ecosystem
services, 2) are often used historically and/or currently for livestock
production, and 3) are tightly coupled human natural ecosystems, often
involving diverse interests in land conditions. The subjects of rangeland
ecological studies are broad and include, for example, carbon sequestration,
wildlife populations, invasive species, or attitudes of landowners. 
Applications are due by May 31, 2016 (via email) and should include: 
• A sheet containing the applicant’s name, professional address, email and
phone number, paper/poster title joined to a copy of the accepted abstract,
including the paper/poster number and date/session/time of presentation. 
• A recommendation letter from the student’s advisor. A second letter from
another member of the student’s committee, a work supervisor, or mentor can
be included if desired. 
• A cover letter (no longer than 1 page) written by the student that
describes the scientific and applied significance of the presented work for
rangeland ecology and the student’s interest in attending the ESA meeting. 
Applications should be sent to Section Chair, Peter Adler
(peter.ad...@usu.edu) with the subject line “Travel Award." Applications
will be evaluated by a volunteer group of section members and notification
will be given by July 1, 2015. Awardees are expected to attend the Rangeland
Ecology Section business meeting at the Annual Meeting.

[ECOLOG-L] Course Introduction to Ecological Data Analysis, Oct. 3-7, Barcelona.

[Soledad De Esteban Trivigno]

Dear colleague,

New edition of the course "Introduction to Ecological Data Analysis - 2nd
Edition", October 3rd-7th, 2016.

Instructor: Dr. Øyvind Hammer (University of Oslo, Norway).

This course is aimed at postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers and
established academics.

In this course we will cover the most important subjects in univariate and
multivariate statistics from a very practical perspective, with real data sets
and realistic problem solving. We will give a practical introduction to
multivariate community analysis, spatial and time series analysis as applied to
ecological, environmental and geological data.
Participants will learn to address questions such as geographical distribution
of communities, interactions between communities and their physical environment,
ecological change through time in response to sudden or gradual environmental
change (pollution, climate), and patterns of diversity.
We will use the free and friendly Past [http://folk.uio.no/ohammer/past/]
software (written by the lecturer), but the methods are equally relevant for
users of other programs.


Course webpage:
http://www.transmittingscience.org/courses/stats/ecological-data-analysis/

Place: Facilities of the CRIP at Els Hostalets de Pierola, Barcelona (Spain).

Organized by: Transmitting Science, the Centre de Restauració i Interpretació
Paleontologica and the Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont.

Please feel free to distribute this information between your colleagues if you
consider it appropriate.

With best regards

Soledad De Esteban-Trivigno, PhD.
Scientific Director
Transmitting Science
www.transmittingscience.org

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Wetland Plant Ecology

[Brian Roberts]

The Roberts Lab of Ecosystem Ecology and Biogeochemistry 
(http://robertsresearchlab.weebly.com/) at the Louisiana Universities 
Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking a postdoctoral research associate 
in wetland plant ecology to help organize and lead a series field 
studies and manipulative experiments studying the effects of the Macondo 
Oil Spill on coastal marsh ecosystems. The postdoc will join a large, 
multi-institution team of researchers on the Coastal Waters Consortium 
(CWC) project (http://cwc.lumcon.edu/) funded by the Gulf of Mexico 
Research Initiative to study the impacts of the oil spill and future 
spills on marshes and coastal environments. Specifically, they will be 
collaborating with the wetland biogeochemistry and microbial ecology 
group led by Drs. Brian Roberts (LUMCON), Anne Giblin (Marine Biological 
Laboratory), and Anne Bernhard (Connecticut College) and including 
biogeochemistry post-doc Ariella Chelsky (LUMCON), former plant ecology 
post-doc Troy Hill (US EPA), and several graduate students, research 
assistants / technicians, and undergraduate interns.  Our group’s 
overall objectives since beginning this project in 2012 have been to 1) 
improve understanding of temporal and spatial patterns in marsh 
biogeochemical process rates, associated plant and microbial communities 
and factors regulating these communities and rates; and 2) evaluate the 
impact of oil exposure on and recovery of marsh biogeochemical processes 
and associated plant and microbial communities. The postdoc will have 
the opportunity to build on extensive data sets with the goal of 
examining continued impacts as well as the recovery of marsh plant 
dynamics, biogeochemistry, and microbial communities impacted by the 
spill. These data sets include multiple years of sampling on wetland 
plant above and below ground biomass, production and decomposition, 
biogeochemistry (greenhouse gas fluxes, nitrification, 
denitrification/DNRA/anammox, phosphorus sorption, iron reduction), and 
associated microbial communities (ammonia oxidizers, denitrifiers, 
methane oxidizers).  Over the next three years, we intend to expand our 
work in several areas including examining: impacts of oil exposure on 
carbon sinks; how plant stress responses link to biogeochemical fluxes; 
how spatial variability between marsh subhabitats in process rates and 
communities and their susceptibility to oiling influence our ability to 
scale up to the whole ecosystem; and how vegetation and salinity 
alterations might influence impacts expected as result of future spills. 
This research will include a combination of field/lab studies and 
manipulative experiments at multiple scales including the use of a large 
scale marsh mesocosm facility being built as part of CWC. The post-doc 
will be based at the LUMCON but may be expected to travel periodically 
to work with collaborators. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate 
with top scientists from around the United States in a large, 
interdisciplinary research project of great importance to the US Gulf 
Coast and other ecosystems impacted by oil-related activities.

Qualifications:  The candidate must have a Ph.D. in ecology, wetland 
science, plant ecology, biogeochemistry or a related field. The 
preferred candidate will have experience making ground-based 
measurements of spectral reflectance to determine plant physiological 
status and detect stress and have experience making integrated plant-
soil greenhouse gas flux measurements. The candidate will also be 
expected to participate in field work that may require physical effort 
to transport equipment in field sites throughout Louisiana that are 
accessible only by small boats.  The ability to work in a group setting 
is essential, as these researchers will work collaboratively with the 
PIs, other post docs, graduate and undergraduate students, and research 
associates/technicians on this project as well as personnel on the 
larger CWC effort.  High organizational and communication skills, 
creativity in methodological development, and understanding of basic 
experimental design and statistical analyses are required for this 
position   

Duration and Start Date:  Initial appointments are for 1 year, and may 
be renewed for a total of 2 years depending on satisfactory performance.  
The desired start date is spring 2016, but is negotiable.

Location:  The position will be based at the Louisiana Universities 
Marine Consortium (LUMCON) Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA (visit 
http:///www.lumcon.edu for information on the facility). The field sites 
are located along the Louisiana coast between LUMCON and the Mississippi 
River. 

To Apply:  Send 1) a letter of interest that describes your interest in 
the position, your career goals, and details your work and educational 
experience most relevant to the position, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) up to 
3 relevant reprints, and 4) contact information for 3 references to Dr. 
Brian Roberts (

[ECOLOG-L] Opening: DUE 3/14/16: NSF REU Longleaf pine plant community dynamics - South Carolina

[Quinn Sorenson]

Position Opening: DUE 3/14/16: National Science Foundation Research
Experience for Undergraduate Position (REU): Connectivity effects beyond
the patch: Does plant diversity spillover respond dynamically? Duration:
5/17-8/26 (15 weeks)


We seek to hire a continuing undergraduate student to work within a
landscape fragmentation experiment to understand the long-term impacts of
habitat connectivity on plant community assembly and diversity. Our field
site is at the Savannah River Site (SRS) near Aiken, South Carolina. The
REU student will be involved in a part of the research project that asks:
How dynamic is plant diversity spillover in a connected vs fragmented
landscape? The REU student will take the lead in this area and work with
Dr. Damschen and her Ph.D student to formulate methods and analysis. As a
part of this project the student will work with the Ph.D student to help
collect plant community data and canopy cover. Additionally, the REU
student will support the main experiment by performing vegetation sampling,
collecting plant functional traits, and biomass collection. The student
will work in the lab of Ellen Damschen (University of Wisconsin-Madison)and
be directly mentored and supervised by her graduate student. While in South
Carolina, the student will work and interact with the project PIs, graduate
students, technicians, and local US Forest Service resource managers. The
position gives a stipend of $400 per week and provides funds for project
materials.


Applicants should be an undergraduate and plan to enroll for full time in
Fall 2015. Successful candidates should have experience with plant
identification and be able to endure hot and humid conditions and long
hours in the field. Previous field research experience, strong
organizational skills, perseverance, and the desire to quickly learn the
longleaf pine forest understory flora are mandatory. Because the Savannah
River Site is a highly secure area run by the U.S. Department of Energy,
non-United States citizens may have difficulty gaining clearance to work
there. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. The
University of Wisconsin is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.


Review of applicants will begin on March 14, 2016 and continue until the
position is filled. To apply, please email Quinn Sorenson (
qsoren...@wisc.edu)a CV and a cover letter describing past experience, why
this opportunity interests you, and why you are a strong candidate for this
position. Additionally, please supply dates of availability, and contact
information (email addresses and phone numbers) for three references.

[ECOLOG-L] Symposium Announcement: Using Tinbergen's Four Questions to Understand Emerging Conservation Concerns in Behavioral Toxicology

[Peterson, Elizabeth]

We are excited to announce a symposium in behavioral toxicology to be held at 
the annual Animal Behavior Society Conference on July 30 to August 3, 2016 at 
the University of Missouri-Columbia (Columbia MO). Behavioral toxicology (also 
known as behavioral teratology) is the study of how anthropogenic pollutants 
alter behavior, and is an emerging field of global importance to both 
conservation and public health. This symposium will use the framework of 
Tinbergen's four questions (causation and mechanisms, development and ontogeny, 
function and fitness, evolutionary history and phylogenetic patterns) to 
address issues in behavioral toxicology to understand how pollutants affect 
behavior. Although great strides have been made in the field of toxicology to 
understand how single pollutants affect individual phenotypes, a comprehensive, 
interdisciplinary approach that includes animal behavior is essential to 
address how anthropogenic compounds are risk factors for species and population 
survival in an increasingly polluted world.

The goals of the symposium are to: 1) address the issue that behavioral 
toxicology is relevant and important when assessing the conservation and 
preservation of populations, 2) provide a framework for the study of the 
evolution of behaviors, and 3) identify areas of behavioral toxicology that 
require further attention to facilitate the future of behavioral toxicology as 
a discipline within both the behavior and toxicology fields.

Confirmed speakers include:
Dr. David Buchwalter
Dr. Francis Champagne
Dr. Tyrone Hayes
Dr. Jacob Kerby
Dr. Claire Ramos
Dr. John Swaddle

The symposium will conclude with a question and answer period with all of the 
symposium speakers and brain-storming with attendees. Attending the symposium 
is free of charge with attendance at the conference.

The annual meeting is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, 
postdocs, and faculty members who are interested in animal behavior research. 
Abstracts to present at this conference are due on March 31. Registration for 
attendance to this conference is due May 1 (late registration possible after 
May 1). For more information, abstract submission and registration, see the 
conference website: http://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/2016/index.php

Questions? Contact one of the symposium organizers for more information: Dr. 
John Swaddle (jps...@wm.edu) or Elizabeth Peterson 
(epeter...@albany.edu).

[ECOLOG-L] PhD opportunities in microbial ecology of arctic soils

[Edwards Keith Raymond doc. Dr.]

The laboratory of genetics in microbial ecology (GEM Lab), headed by Dr. 
Jiri Barta, is looking for highly motivated, creative and enthusiastic PhD 
students to join a team of international researchers.

The focus of the lab is to characterize the role of soil microorganisms in 
the changing climate of the Arctic region. The Artic is changing rapidly 
(e.g. temperature, moisture, vegetation cover) and we want to know how 
soil microorganisms will respond to these changing conditions, and how 
they will influence the emissions of CO2, CH4 and N2O to the atmosphere. 
The majority of soil organisms in the Arctic live in permanently frozen 
soil (permafrost), which thaws to a deeper depth every year thus 
stimulating soil microbial activity. There are also very specific 
cryogenic processes (i.e. cryoturbations) which influence the diversity 
and functioning of soil microorganisms. Cryoturbations lead to the burial 
of soil organic matter deeper into the permafrost where it is persistent 
to rapid biological decomposition. However recent climate changes in the 
Arctic are making the cryoturbated organic matter available for soil 
microbes and their metabolism. There are very few studies focusing on 
microbial communities in arctic cryoturbated organic matter. It is still 
not clear which microbes are active in cryoturbations nor which microbial 
guilds respond to increasing temperature. It is totally unknown how the 
cryoturbated microbial community will respond if it will again be in 
contact with arctic vegetation and its root system, and how it will 
influence the emissions of CO2, CH4 and N2O into the atmosphere. 

Successful candidates will be involved in a new research project called 
MiCryoFun (Microbes in Cryoturbations and their Functioning), under the 
direct supervision of Dr. Jiri Barta. Working in the team of Dr. Barta 
will offer the candidate the opportunity to acquire and/or deepen his/hers 
experience in molecular biology and genetics of microorganisms, microbial 
isolation and identification, analyses of microbial communities and their 
interactions and state-of-the-art tools including: quantitative PCR, 
metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, soil enzyme activities, fluorescent 
labeling, and bioinformatics. Four years is the typical length of PhD 
studies although this may vary.  

We offer a dynamic working environment, stimulating scientific surrounding 
in a young, enthusiastic, motivated team and the opportunity to work on a 
high-impact project.
If you are interested in more information about arctic cryoturbations, 
please visit the webpages of our previous project CryoCARB 
(http://www.univie.ac.at/cryocarb/ ).


Profile

- Applicants should hold a Master degree in microbiology, soil 
microbiology, molecular biology or related discipline.
- Motivated students of all nationalities with strong commitment to soil 
microbiology are invited to apply.
- Any experience in bioinformatics and microbial genetics, etc. is an 
advantage
- The candidate should have well-developed social skills and be able to 
work in a team.
- Applicants should have good communication skills in spoken and written 
English

How to apply?
Applications for this PhD position should be submitted to 
jiri.ba...@prf.jcu.cz

Your application file should contain a motivation letter, CV and 
publication list (if applicable), a summary of your previous research 
experience, your marks and degrees during your Master studies and a 
reference letter from the promoter of your master thesis.

University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice
Faculty of Science
Department of Ecosystem Biology
Laboratory of Genetics in Microbial Ecology (GEM Lab)
Branisovska 1760
37005 Ceske Budejovice
Czech Republic


--
Open WebMail Project (http://openwebmail.org)
WebMail PRF JCU

[ECOLOG-L] pitfall trap sampling of arthropods to detect size effect

[Bracha Schindler]

We are conducting an experiment with different sized plots (0.25, 1, 4, and
16 square meters) and would like to determine if plot size has an effect on
arthropod diversity using pitfall traps. It wouldn't be feasible to have
the number of traps proportional to plot size, as that would mean 64 traps
in the largest plots. We are looking for suggestions for a sampling design
that will capture the plot effect size with a smaller number of traps per
plot.
Thanks,
Bracha Schindler

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc in microbial saprobe community structure (GWU)

[Amy Zanne]

A postdoctoral position is available in the Zanne lab at George Washington
University with a flexible start date. The postdoctoral scientist will work
on collaborative projects related to the microbial colonization of wood.
These projects include: 1. Analyzing multi-year microbial community data
from an NSF-funded project in St. Louis, MO, USA, and 2. Measuring plant
anatomical, morphological and chemical wood traits and characterizing fungal
community composition using DNA-based and functional approaches for an
Australian Research Council-funded experiment in Sydney, Australia, in
collaboration with Will Cornwell (University of New South Wales) and Jeff
Powell (Western Sydney University). Possibilities also exist to work on
projects examining the relative roles of microbes and termites in breaking
down wood in tropical Australia. The position is one year but has the
potential to be extended. The postdoc would be based at GWU located in the
heart of Washington, DC, USA with easy access to numerous science-,
conservation-, and policy-based institutions. However, the postdoc would
spend at least 1-2 months based in Sydney and Richmond, NSW, Australia
working in the Cornwell and Powell labs. Motivated applicants with skills in
microbial community analyses are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants
should have a PhD in a relevant field and strong writing and quantitative
skills. Applications will be reviewed as received and the position will
remain open until filled. Applications should include a research statement,
including relevant skills for the project and future goals (max: 1-2 pages),
curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references (including
emails and phone numbers). Materials should be sent to Amy Zanne:
aeza...@gmail.com.