[ECOLOG-L] Job: Aquatic and riparian technician out of Flagstaff, AZ
***I am posting for a colleague. Please do not reply to me. Use the link below for more information. Thank you. *** Research Specialist This position will serve as a research specialist, working in collaboration with the Southern Colorado Plateau Inventory and Monitoring Network (SCPN) of the National Park Service (NPS). The position will provide technical expertise in support of monitoring and research relating to hydrology, aquatic ecology, riparian ecology, and fluvial geomorphology. This is a field-based position requiring frequent and/or extended travel to the parks within the SCPN. Many of the streams and springs associated with these parks are located in remote and rugged terrain. Fieldwork will require strenuous hiking and camping in remote locations, carrying backpack loads (up to 50 lbs), and may involve exposure to inclement weather, biting insects, poisonous snakes and other field-related hazards. Minimum Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrology, biology, ecology, or environmental sciences AND two year related research or experience; OR - Six years research or work experience in geology, hydrology, biology, ecology, or environmental sciences; OR, - Any equivalent combination of experience, training, and/or education approved by the Human Resources Department. Desired Qualifications - Two years of specialized experience as a Field Technician, in duties related to this position. - Two years related research or ecological experience or master’s degree in geology, hydrology, biology, ecology, or environmental sciences. - Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access software. - Field experience working in remote backcountry settings and harsh field conditions. For more information, see: http://nau.edu/CEFNS/Forestry/CPCESU/Bulletin-Board/Jobs/
[ECOLOG-L] JASM 2014 Integrated Session 008: Groundwater Wetlands
The Groundwater Wetlands Study Group is hosting Integrated Session 008 at the Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA in May 2014. In addition to the speakers listed below, the session can accommodate one additional presentation. If you are planning to attend the meeting and have a topic that treats with groundwater wetlands or bogs on a global or continental scope, please contact Tom Baugh at (springmounta...@att.net). JASM early registration ends on *March 7th*. LaBaugh, J. Status and trends in groundwater-dependent wetlands and groundwater depletion: A global perspective. Springer, A.E. et al. The global distribution of springs ecosystems. Stevens, L. et al. Biodiversity of groundwater-dependent species with a focus on springs: A global perspective. Sparks, K.D, et al. A multivariate analysis of the influence of geomorphologic diversity on flora species richness around springs. Tufford, D. The occurrence and variability of seepage wetlands: A global perspective. Aldous, A. et al. A groundwater balancing act: Using the groundwater requirements of fens and swales to set limits to groundwater alteration: Possible global applications. Wieder, R. K., et al. Boreal peatlands: DOC and DON in peatland waters: A global perspective. ...
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Growth and Laissez-faire
I am a bit late to the conversation and am continuing down the birth control tangent, but Conservation Magazine just published a story on the role of television in reducing birth rates. Worldwide, the average woman now births 2.5 children, which is much lower than I would have guessed. http://conservationmagazine.org/2013/09/tv-as-birth-control/
Re: [ECOLOG-L] plot sampling for density
Any well-designed long-term monitoring program should include definitions of what is "in" and "out" in a plot. For a good discussion of density, see Chapter 8 Section F in Elzinga et al's Measuring and Monitoring Plant Populations, particularly Figure 8.3 for discussions of boundaries. http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/pdf/MeasAndMon.pdf The protocol you are using is definitely unusual in counting stems that are rooted out of the plot. If this program is just starting out, by all means improve the protocol with definitions of stems and how to treat boundaries. However, it sounded to me like there is already a reasonably long history of data collection. If that is the case, I would attempt to analyze the data as is and keep the methods the same, as the value of a long-term dataset may outweigh an improved technique that would be unable to incorporate previous data. If the previous data are unusable because of the slop, then it is worth attempting to correct the problem. If you can use the old data but still want to improve the methods, one way to transition is to do both methods side-by-side for several years to get a "correction factor" that can be applied to previous years of data. As examples, the U.S. National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring program has many long-term monitoring protocols available that could be useful. https://irma.nps.gov/App/ProtocolTracking Try searching under Biological Integrity/Forest/Woodland Communities for examples.
[ECOLOG-L] backpacking with an infant
>From a practical standpoint: For a three-month old, I recommend a Belle carrier. They are lightweight, packable and a front carrier, allowing you to carry additional gear in a backpack on your back. They have an infant insert if your child is still having difficulty holding up his/her head, but at three months your baby is likely to be able to just use the carrier without the insert. Although more expensive than some other options, the Belle is by far the most comfortable carrier we have used for longer hikes (up to 8 miles). We used one with our first son until he was about 9-10 months old, and we are using it now with our 3 month old. Once s/he is older (able to sit up well), you will want a good backpack carrier. I would recommend the Deuter kid carriers. The Kid Comfort II and III are very comfortable to wear for both the child and parent, and they have under-carrier storage capacity. If you need more storage capacity, the III has more, but it is a bit heavier and taller than the II. Osprey is also coming into the kid carrier market with the Poco. I have not tried this carrier, but it is getting good reviews, and in general I love Osprey packs. I have not gone backpacking with either of my sons, just car camping and day hiking. In those situations, disposable diapers are the easiest option. If you will be out for several days of backpacking, I think cloth diapers will be the best option. I'm guessing you would need about twelve depending on how quickly you can expect them to dry in between washings, and I would recommend trifolds with probably 3-4 good covers (I like Thirsties). Then you can rinse and hang them in the sun to dry and get several uses out of them before they need a really good washing. The trifolds will dry more quickly than if you go with pocket diapers or all-in-ones, and we have found that they leak less. You may want to get a beefier insert for night time - but they will take longer to dry in between uses. A good website for shopping/comparing cloth diapers is Jillian's Drawers. You will also want to invest in some good synthetic or wool clothing for your little one. Patagonia and Smartwool make infant clothing that I can recommend. Expensive, but no way do you want your baby out there in cotton onesies. Check ebay for some good deals (we are lucky to have a hand-me-down source for these). Flaphappy hats are great sun protection. Pick a good sunscreen, too. The skindeep database rates sunscreens for babies and adults based on their lack of toxic ingredients and allergens. Good luck! I certainly think this is doable as long as you don't push things too hard. Feel free to email me personally if you have additional questions, although I am by no means an expert. There are also fabulous blogs of adventurous parents. Check out this post, for one: http://www.adventuretykes.com/hiking-2/guest-post-3-years-2-kids-550-miles-of-wilderness/ Rebecca
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Emergency hire: short-term veg work based out of Moab, UT
Thanks to all who expressed interest in this position. I was overwhelmed by the response. I am in the process of filling the position and am no longer taking applications.
[ECOLOG-L] Emergency hire: short-term veg work based out of Moab, UT
I work for a long-term vegetation monitoring program with the National Park Service. One of our technicians is leaving early this season, and I am looking to backfill his position from August 31 - October 8. Work trips begin and end in Moab, UT, but the sampling would occur at Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, Curecanti NRA and Zion NP in sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, mountain scrub, and aspen ecosystems. Technicians revisit and establish long-term monitoring plots and record vegetation and soils measures. Applicants should be physically fit, able to camp for extended periods, and have an active interest in plants. The applicant would be hired at the GS-4 level ($13.13/hr) and receive $20/day for camping. Work schedule: 8/31 - 9/7 - Black Canyon/Curecanti 9/14 - 9/21 - Zion 10/1 - 10/8 - Zion Because of the emergency nature of this hire, the applicant would need to have a previously completed federal background check through the Dept. of the Interior. If interested, please submit a resume, date of background check, social security number, and three references to rebecca_weissin...@nps.gov. Applications will be evaluated as they are submitted. Thanks! Rebecca
Re: [ECOLOG-L] What do technicians do in the "off" season?
You have already gotten some good answers, but here's my perspective as someone who spent her time in the seasonal trenches and now does a lot of seasonal hiring. * Hiring officials understand that biology work is thin on the ground during the off-season. Working as a waiter or ski patroller will not hurt your chances of getting next year's seasonal gig. * Volunteering can be a fun and affordable way to make it through the off season. Look into the Student Conservation Association's internship programs. * Consider traveling abroad in cheap countries. Once you pay for the plane ticket, your living expenses can actually be less than if you are paying rent and buying groceries in the US. (This was my favorite option when I was a seasonal). There are many international volunteer experiences available also, and if you are interested in a particular place or program, you can usually contact them and set up something individually if you are available for several months. Mexico, Central America, and much of Asia are particularly thrifty spots for traveling. * You usually qualify for unemployment to help defray costs if you worked in your seasonal position for 6 months. * Once you get your first seasonal gig, it's a lot easier to get the second one. * Live modestly both during the season and in the off-season. Now is not the time to buy a house (I've seen people try it!) or spend every night out on the town. * If you don't WANT to be a seasonal but are only doing it as a stopgap until you get year-round work, then focus your off season on your job search. The skills you gain and people you meet during your season could help you find what you really want. I think most folks who have done it will tell you that the seasonal years, while sometimes financially difficult, are some of the most enjoyable times of their careers. Best of luck and have a great season! Rebecca Weissinger
[ECOLOG-L] Jobs:Vegetation Monitoring Crew
Biological Science Technician (plants) GS-4/5/6 seasonal National Park Service – Northern Colorado Plateau Network Moab, UT with travel throughout Utah and western Colorado April - October Job description The incumbent serves as a seasonal Biological Science Technician for upland (vegetation and soils), riparian (vegetation and geomorphology), and exotic plant (early detection) monitoring in 16 national park units on the Northern Colorado Plateau. The incumbent reports to two field crew leaders and works as part of a 2-6 member crew. Major Duties include: 1. Collecting plant, soil, and geomorphology data using established network monitoring protocols. 2. Accurately identifying Northern Colorado Plateau vegetation to the species level in the field or in the office using standard floras. 3. Conducting fieldwork in remote backcountry settings and under difficult conditions in a safe and efficient manner. This position works eight 10-hour days followed by 6 days off and requires constant travel to parks within Utah and western Colorado. Crew members will be required to hike off trail with heavy packs, sometimes in extremely hot weather and through thick vegetation. Field crews camp in remote backcountry locations. To apply, view the full job description at: www.usajobs.gov under Job Announcement Numbers IMDE-11-28 and IMDE-11-29. Applications due by January 14. For more information on the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, see http://www1.nature.nps.gov/im/units/ncpn/index.cfm For more information about these positions or the federal hiring process, contact Rebecca Weissinger at 435-719-2356.
