[ECOLOG-L] Spatial and Environmental Data Center Manager, Toolik Field Station

2018-07-25 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
We are seeking an enthusiastic early career scientist to lead the
Environmental Data Center (EDC) and the GIS and Remote Sensing (GIS)
departments for the Toolik Field Station (TFS), which is located in the
northern foothills of the Brooks Range, Alaska (68o 38’ N, 149o 36’W).  The
goal of the EDC is to collect and manage data on key environmental drivers
and biological responders to climate change in the Toolik area. This
baseline data is provided to the research community of Toolik for their use
as background and context for framing specific questions and hypotheses
about plant and animal adaptation to the Arctic, the structure and function
of arctic ecosystems, and responses and feedback of the arctic environment
to climate change. Please see https://toolik.alaska.edu/edc/index.php for
more information. The TFS GIS department supports the Toolik research
community through collection and analysis of spatial data and remotely
sensed imagery; please see https://toolik.alaska.edu/gis/index.php for more
information. 

The duties of the Spatial and Environmental Data Center manager include (1)
further development and production of data products for TFS researchers that
are derived from EDC and GIS data; (2) leading the analysis and publication
of trends in EDC data over the past 10 years; (3) managing and participating
in the continued collection of data on plant phenology and arrival,
departure, status and abundance of birds, and winter snow depth and density
at selected observation sites in the Toolik region; (4) summarizing and
analyzing EDC data, statistically providing quality assurance and quality
control, and providing metadata; (5) integrating the availability of all EDC
data with GIS data and working with the web-based server team to make them
available to the public via the TFS website; (6) maintaining snow cameras
and processing snow cover images; (7) developing and refining additional
measures for monitoring diversity and phenology of key plant and animal
species, including coordination with NEON; (8) ensuring that EDC and GIS
data are accessible to the public through collaboration with external
entities such as the Arctic Data Center; and (9) providing support to TFS
GIS personnel and TFS management in site selections for new research.  The
Spatial and Environmental Data Center Manager will contribute to the further
development of the combined Science Support Services offered by TFS,
including the Biodiversity/phenology program and GIS support programs, with
guidance from TFS management and the external EDC/GIS science advisory
committee, and will collaborate with UAF faculty in writing grant proposals
to enhance the science support mission of TFS.  This position will manage
core and general-use field and laboratory equipment for TFS scientists and
supervise summer seasonal staff and the GIS manager. This position requires
residence at TFS half to three-quarters time from mid-May through September
of each year; otherwise the job location is at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks.  

Desired qualifications include: knowledge of plant ecology, ecosystem
ecology, and remote sensing as applied to ecology; knowledge of QA/QC
standards and procedures for ecological and spatial data analyses; knowledge
of statistics as appropriate for ecological data; knowledge of the use of
remote sensing data, and familiarity with GIS methods; knowledge of
ecological research methods; advanced analytical skills; the ability to
effectively communicate findings to the public; proven ability to get
scientific work published in a refereed journal; the ability to work
outdoors for extended periods in Arctic conditions, and the ability to lead
and supervise a diverse staff.  At least five years of experience with
ecological research and field work is required; prior experience in the
Arctic is preferred. A Master’s Degree in plant ecology, or ecosystem
ecology, earth system science, remote sensing, or related field is required;
a Ph.D. is preferred. For more information about the position, contact Dr.
Syndonia Bret-Harte , the supervisor for this position.

This is a full-time position with benefits. To apply, use the following
link:
http://careers.alaska.edu/cw/en-us/job/509872?lApplicationSubSourceID=.  In
your application, include a cover letter, c.v. or resume, and the names,
email addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. In your
cover letter, explain how your experience, training, and professional goals
apply to this project, and anything you think will convince us you are the
right person for the job. For full consideration, please apply by August 11,
2018.  


[ECOLOG-L] Research Experience for Undergraduate Positions in Alaska

2018-03-11 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
We are seeking enthusiastic undergraduate researchers interested in summer
field research in Alaska for two Research Experience for Undergraduates
(REU) positions in the Bret-Harte and Ruess labs at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks.  Our overall research objective is to understand the consequences
of potential future changes in arctic vegetation for arctic ecosystems and
the rest of the world.  In this project, we are focusing on the mechanisms
by which increasing abundance of large deciduous shrubs in tundra ecosystems
may alter the near-surface cycling of C and N, and feedbacks to further
vegetation change. You will assist with fieldwork in arctic tundra and
laboratory work consisting of tasks such as plant sorting and data entry.
You will collaborate closely with the principal investigator, graduate
students, and technicians to develop an independent research project of your
own that will build on the ongoing research, and will present your work at
an informal symposium at the Toolik Field Station. In addition, you will
attend weekly seminars on the research at the station.  One student will be
based at the Toolik Field Station, north of the Brooks Range in arctic
Alaska (http://toolik.alaska.edu), which is the focus of research by nearly
>100 scientists who work on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecology
projects.  The other student will be based in Fairbanks, Alaska, with
frequent trips camping in the boreal forest, and some time at Toolik Field
Station.  Both positions will last approximately 10 weeks, starting in
mid-June, though there is some flexibility.  

Class background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology, statistics,
and computer science would be an advantage.  Experience in field or
laboratory, experience with data analysis, and experience working in a
remote field site is preferred.  You should have skills with plant
identification, data collecting and recording, data manipulation in Excel,
and data analysis. You must be willing to work in the field, occasionally
under adverse weather conditions.  A valid U.S. drivers’s license is
preferred.  Competent, careful, emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people
desired!  We want the work to be both fun and challenging.  You must be a
U.S. citizen or permanent resident and currently enrolled in an
undergraduate degree program, with graduation expected no sooner than fall
2017.  You must provide a copy of your social security card at the time of
employment.  Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. 

If you are interested in this position, send 1) a copy of your resume,
including the names and contact information for 3 references, 2) a list of
your coursework in biology, ecology, chemistry, and math/statistics, and 3)
a cover letter than explains why you are interested, describes your
background and research experience, and includes anything that you think
would convince us that you are the most appropriate person for this
position, to Syndonia Bret-Harte, msbretha...@alaska.edu by March 25, 2018.
 We will contact you to discuss the position. 


[ECOLOG-L] M.S. student opportunity at UAF

2018-01-05 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
The Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks has an
opening for an M.S. graduate student to work with Roger Ruess and Syndonia
Bret-Harte on an NSF-funded project on shrub feedbacks to C and N cycling
along a boreal-arctic transect in northern Alaska.  A widespread shift from
tundra to deciduous shrub-dominated vegetation appears to be underway in
northern Alaska, which could have profound implications for C balance and
biogeochemical cycling. Because much of the Earth’s soil C is stored in
arctic and boreal regions, changes in the C budgets of these biomes may
feedback strongly to global climate. Biogeochemical C and N cycles are
linked tightly in boreal and arctic ecosystems, and plant production is
strongly N-limited; therefore, N-fixing shrubs affect soil C through their
effects on near-surface soil N, via both SOM turnover and N inputs. The
graduate student will focus on the effects of the growth and ecophysiology
of Siberian alder on biogeochemical cycling across topo-edaphic sequences
along a latitudinal transect from the boreal forest (BNZ LTER) to arctic
tundra (ARC LTER). The student will be expected to develop their own
research questions within the overall framework of the project, and will
have the opportunity to interact with PIs and other graduate students
working on project.  Because research sites are distributed between
Fairbanks and areas north of the Toolik Field Station (see
http://toolik.alaska.edu/), the graduate student will be conducting research
and camping in very rugged/remote terrain.  The student will be supported
through a combination of research assistantships and teaching
assistantships, and expected to begin fieldwork in the summer of 2018, and
coursework in the fall of 2018.  For more information, please contact Roger
Ruess (rwru...@alaska.edu) or Syndonia Bret-Harte (msbretha...@alaska.edu).
 You must also apply for graduate study to the Department of Biology and
Wildlife at University of Alaska Fairbanks (see
https://www.bw.uaf.edu/graduates/index.php for application requirements);
the deadline for applications is January 15, 2018.


[ECOLOG-L] AGU session: B039. Impacts of Vegetation Change on Biogeochemical and Biophysical Processes in Arctic Tundra Ecosystems

2017-07-05 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to submit an abstract to our AGU session: B039 Impacts of
vegetation change on biogeochemical and biophysical processes in arctic
tundra ecosystems.  

We are broadly interested in understanding both biochemical and biophysical
feedbacks between vegetation and ecosystem function in high latitude
ecosystems, using a variety of approaches.  

Session description:

Arctic ecosystems are undergoing rapid change.  Strong positive feedbacks to
warming are possible in these ecosystems as carbon stored in permafrost
soils is mobilized and evades to the atmosphere.  However, vegetation is
also changing and could alter biogeochemical cycling and biophysical
processes in a way that offsets permafrost carbon release. Understanding how
vegetation will alter biogeochemical cycling and biophysical processes as
climate warms will allow better prediction of the future states of these
ecosystems.  Presentations are invited which use long term baseline studies,
remote sensing, and process-level experiments to illustrate trends in
vegetation and/or biogeochemical and biophysical feedbacks across different
spatial and temporal scales, in order to enable prediction of future
functional states of arctic ecosystems.  This session will provide a forum
for researchers to link tundra vegetation science via remote sensing,
phenology, population- and ecosystem- ecology to address ecological dynamics
in high-latitude ecosystems, and to promote collaboration.

https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm17/preliminaryview.cgi/Session26795

Abstracts are due August 2, 2017 (early abstracts submitted by July 26 are
eligible for a prize), and should be submitted on the AGU website:
 
http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2017/abstract_overview/abstract-submissions/

We hope that you will join us!

Sincerely,

Conveners:
Syndonia Bret-Harte, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and 
Michelle Mack, Northern Arizona University


[ECOLOG-L] two REU positions in northern Alaska

2017-03-27 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
We are seeking enthusiastic undergraduate researchers interested in summer
field research in Alaska for two REU positions in the Bret-Harte and Ruess
labs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  Our overall research objective
is to understand the ecosystem and global consequences of potential future
changes in arctic vegetation.  In this project, we are focusing on the
mechanisms by which increasing abundance of large deciduous shrubs in tundra
ecosystems may alter the near-surface cycling of C and N, and feedbacks to
further vegetation change. You will assist with fieldwork in arctic tundra
and laboratory work consisting of tasks such as plant sorting and data
entry. You will collaborate closely with the principal investigators,
graduate students, and technicians to develop an independent research
project of your own that will build on the ongoing research, and will
present your work at an informal symposium at the Toolik Field Station. In
addition, you will attend weekly seminars on the research at the station. 
You will be based at the Toolik Field Station, north of the Brooks Range in
arctic Alaska (http://toolik.alaska.edu), which is the focus of research by
nearly >100 scientists who work on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic
ecology projects.  The positions will last approximately 10 weeks, starting
in mid-June, though there is some flexibility.  

Class background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology, statistics,
and computer science would be an advantage.  Experience in field or
laboratory, experience with data analysis, and experience working in a
remote field site is preferred.  You should have skills with plant
identification, data collecting and recording, data manipulation in Excel,
and data analysis. You must be willing to work in the field, occasionally
under adverse weather conditions.  A valid U.S. drivers’s license is
preferred.  Competent, careful, emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people
desired!  We want the work to be both fun and challenging.  You must be a
U.S. citizen or permanent resident and currently enrolled in an
undergraduate degree program, with graduation expected no sooner than fall
2017.  You must provide a copy of your social security card at the time of
employment.  Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. 

If you are interested in this position, send 1) a copy of your resume,
including the names and contact information for 3 references, 2) a list of
your coursework in biology, ecology, chemistry, and math/statistics, and 3)
a cover letter than explains why you are interested, describes your
background and research experience, and includes anything that you think
would convince us that you are the most appropriate person for this
position, to Syndonia Bret-Harte, msbretha...@alaska.edu by April 10, 2017.
 We will contact you to discuss the position.


[ECOLOG-L] Seeking two graduate students to work on shrub effects on C and N cycling in arctic tundra

2016-11-17 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
The Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks has openings
for two graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D.) to work with Syndonia Bret-Harte
and Roger Ruess on a new NSF-funded project on shrub feedbacks to C and N
cycling in arctic tundra. In the Arctic, a widespread shift from tundra to
deciduous shrub-dominated vegetation appears to be underway, which could
have profound implications for regional climate, C balance, and
biogeochemical cycling. Because much of the world’s soil C is stored in
arctic and boreal regions, changes in the Arctic’s C budget may feed back
strongly to global climate. Because biogeochemical C and N cycles are linked
tightly in arctic ecosystems and plant production is strongly N-limited,
shrubs affect soil C through their effects on near-surface soil N, via both
SOM turnover and N inputs. One student (M.S. or Ph.D.) will focus on shrub
growth and impacts on N uptake and near surface N cycling, and will be
advised by Bret-Harte. One student (M.S.) will focus on characterizing shrub
impacts via nitrogen fixation associated with Siberian alder, and will be
advised by Ruess. Students will have an opportunity to develop their own
research questions within the overall framework of the project. We expect
that Bret-Harte and Ruess will serve on both students’ graduate committees,
and that we will work together in the field.  Research sites will be
accessed from the Toolik Field Station (see http://toolik.alaska.edu/). 
Students will be supported through a combination of research assistantships
and teaching assistantships.  Students will start fieldwork in the summer of
2017, and coursework in the fall of 2017.  For more information, please
contact Syndonia Bret-Harte by email at msbretha...@alaska.edu.  You must
also apply for graduate study to the Department of Biology and Wildlife at
University of Alaska Fairbanks (see
https://www.bw.uaf.edu/graduates/index.php for application requirements);
the deadline for applications is January 15, 2017.


[ECOLOG-L] Reminder - AGU session on Biota and Biogeochemical Cycling in the Arctic

2016-08-01 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
Dear colleagues,

We want to call your attention to and encourage abstract submissions to the
following session on Biota and Biogeochemical Cycling in Terrestrial and
Aquatic Ecosystems in the Arctic at the 2016 American Geophysical Union Fall
Meeting in San Francisco, California this December. Abstracts are due on
August 3, which is coming right up.  We look forward to seeing you there!

B020:
Biota and Biogeochemical Feedbacks in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems in
Arctic Alaska

Session ID#: 13732
Session Description:
Arctic ecosystems are undergoing rapid change as climate warms and
disturbance regimes are altered.  Strong positive feedbacks to warming are
possible in these ecosystems as carbon stored in permafrost soils is
mobilized and evades to the atmosphere. Changing seasonality may disrupt
linkages among existing biotic and abiotic components and induce further
change.  Understanding how feedbacks between biota and biogeochemical
cycling rates are likely to alter as climate warms and disturbance regimes
change will allow better prediction of the future states of these
ecosystems.  Presentations are invited which use long term baseline studies
and process-level experiments on multiple spatial and temporal scales to
illustrate current state and trends in biota and/or biogeochemical cycling
rates, in order to enable prediction of future functional states of arctic
ecosystems.  This session will enable synergies and future collaborations by
highlighting research that addresses dependencies among terrestrial and
aquatic systems of the Alaskan Arctic.

Primary Convener:  Marion Syndonia Bret-Harte, University of Alaska
Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
Convener:  Sally MacIntyre, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, CA, United States


[ECOLOG-L] AGU Session on Biota and Biogeochemical Feedbacks in Arctic Ecosystems

2016-07-11 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
Hi All,

We welcome contributed abstracts to to our session at this year’s Fall AGU
Meeting in San Francisco:

B020:Biota and Biogeochemical Feedbacks in Terrestrial and Aquatic
Ecosystems in Arctic Alaska
Session ID: 13732

Session Description:
Arctic ecosystems are undergoing rapid change as climate warms and
disturbance regimes are altered.  Strong positive feedbacks to warming are
possible in these ecosystems as carbon stored in permafrost soils is
mobilized and evades to the atmosphere. Changing seasonality may disrupt
linkages among existing biotic and abiotic components and induce further
change.  Understanding how feedbacks between biota and biogeochemical
cycling rates are likely to alter as climate warms and disturbance regimes
change will allow better prediction of the future states of these
ecosystems.  Presentations are invited which use long term baseline studies
and process-level experiments on multiple spatial and temporal scales to
illustrate current state and trends in biota and/or biogeochemical cycling
rates, in order to enable prediction of future functional states of arctic
ecosystems.  This session will enable synergies and future collaborations by
highlighting research that addresses dependencies among terrestrial and
aquatic systems of the Alaskan Arctic.

Primary Convener:  Marion Syndonia Bret-Harte, University of Alaska
Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
Convener:  Sally MacIntyre, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, CA, United States 

We look forward to receiving your abstracts and to a successful meeting!


[ECOLOG-L] AGU session: Terrestrial and Aquatic Responses to Changing Climate and Disturbance Regimes in Arctic and Sub-Arctic Regions

2015-07-24 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
Dear Colleagues,

We'd like to invite you to submit abstracts and participate in our upcoming
AGU session:

Session ID: 8597
Session Title: Terrestrial and Aquatic Responses to Changing Climate and
Disturbance Regimes in Arctic and Sub-Arctic Regions

High latitude ecosystems are undergoing rapid change as climate warms and
alters disturbance regimes, particularly wildfire, permafrost thaw and
insect outbreaks. Our understanding of ecosystem responses to these changes
is complicated by strong feedbacks between biota and biogeochemical cycling.
Remote sensing, change detection, and chronosequence studies are used to
study ecosystem function under current and historical disturbance regimes.
These approaches often vary between upland, wetland, and lake systems. 
Across all systems, patterns of interannual and seasonal variation are key
knowledge gaps.  This is particularly challenging for identifying
trajectories of change across the landscape. Presentations are invited using
remote sensing, long-term studies, or process-level experiments to improve
our understanding of changes in ecosystem structure and function, for
example variations in carbon and nutrient cycling, in the north.  This
session will enable synergies and future collaborations of researchers
working across terrestrial and aquatic arctic systems at multiple spatial
and temporal scales.

Invited Presenters:
Rob Striegl
Sally MacIntyre
Ruth Varner
Miriam Jones

Conveners:
Tom Douglas
Syndonia Bret-Harte
Merritt Turetsky
Jeff White

Visit the 2015 AGU Fall Meeting website for the most up-to-date information
about the Fall Meeting. Registration and housing will open in August and
registration rates are now posted. The deadline for all abstract submissions
is Wednesday, 5 August 23:59 EDT/03:59 +1 GMT. 

We look forward to your participation in this interesting session! OR if you
know of colleagues who's work might fit well in the session, please spread
the word.

Syndonia Bret-Harte

Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte
Associate Professor of Biology and Wildlife
Associate Science Director, Toolik Field Station
Institute of Arctic Biology
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
PO Box 757000
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000


Re: [ECOLOG-L] advice for label maker for field and lab applications

2015-07-22 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte

Hi Donald,

We also use Avery address labels, mostly for plant parts and soil 
samples that are headed for the drying oven.  If your containers are 
large enough to use standard address labels, you can print them using 
Microsoft Excel and the mail merge function in Microsoft Word, as an 
alternative to Access.  These labels work really well for our use, and 
since they are standard in business, they are unlikely to go away in the 
near future.


Cheers,
Syndonia

On 7/22/15 8:33 AM, Mickey Jarvi wrote:

Donald,

Our lab uses Avery brand Easy Peel Address Labels 18160. There are 30 
labels per sheet.  I use Microsoft Excel to prepare my labels which 
usually include site name, plot number, replication number, sample 
type, and date.  However, there is always plenty of room for more 
lines.  I then import my Excel sheet into Microsoft Access and use the 
label wizard in that program to print my labels with Avery template 
5160. I know this is not a label maker per se but is a fairly cheap 
way of creating labels that stick well to plastic and glass 
containers.  Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Mickey Jarvi

On Wed, Jul 22, 2015 at 11:38 AM, Donald Yee donald@usm.edu 
mailto:donald@usm.edu wrote:


We typically use white lab tape and a black sharpie to write treatment
information on lab and field containers for experiments but for a
number of
reasons this is impractical. Thus, I'm interested in any advice on
label
makers that can be used to produce small legible labels that could be
affixed to plastic containers. The funds I have to allocate to
this are
about to expire so the sooner the better. I want something that
will be
durable and for which tape is available for the foreseeable future.
Thanks.
Don


Donald A. Yee
Associate Professor
Yee Lab of Aquatic Insect Ecology
Department of Biological Sciences
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive # 5018 Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001





--
***
Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte
Associate Professor of Biology and Wildlife
Associate Science Director, Toolik Field Station
Institute of Arctic Biology
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
PO Box 757000
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000
907-474-5434

http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~syndonia_bret-harte/CV.html and 
http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~syndonia_bret-harte/
email address: msbretha...@alaska.edu



[ECOLOG-L] Toolik Field Station Environmental Data Center Manager

2013-02-01 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to manage the
Environmental Data Center (EDC) for the Toolik Field Station (TFS). The goal
of the EDC is to collect and manage data on key environmental drivers and
biological responders to climate change in the local Toolik environs. This
baseline data is provided to the science community of Toolik for their use
as background and context for framing specific questions and hypotheses
about plant and animal adaptation to the Arctic, the structure and function
of arctic ecosystems, and responses and feedback of the arctic environment
to climate change. Please see http://toolik.alaska.edu/edc/ for more
information. Duties include: (1) Manage the collection of data on plant
phenology and arrival, departure, status and abundance of birds in the
Toolik region, (2) summarize these data, develop protocols, provide quality
assurance and quality control (QA/QC), and provide metadata, (3) integrate
availability of all EDC data (including climate data collected and QA/QC’d
by our meteorological group) with GIS and web-based server team and make
them available to the public via the EDC website, (4) assist in the further
development of the Biodiversity/phenology program with guidance from TFS
management and the external EDC science advisory committee, (6) manage core
and general-use field and laboratory equipment for TFS scientists and (5)
supervise summer seasonal staff. This position requires residence at TFS
half to three-quarters time from mid-May through September of each year;
otherwise the job location is at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The
desired candidate will possess: (1) Familiarity with biological monitoring
protocols developed in other arctic settings, and knowledge of arctic birds
and vegetation, (2) strong written and oral communication and quantitative
skills, (3) self-motivation, independence and the ability to work with
minimal supervision, as well as ability and willingness to work with site
investigators, (4) excellent organizational and documentation skills, and
(5) prior supervisory experience. Desired qualifications include M.S. in the
Biological Sciences with a background in plant ecology, population biology
of plants or animals, and/or significant experience. For more information
about the position, contact Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte
msbretha...@alaska.edu, the supervisor for this position. 

This is a full-time position with benefits. To apply, use the following
link: www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=79939.  In your
application, include a cover letter, c.v. or resume, and the names, email
addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. In your cover
letter, explain how your experience, training, and professional goals apply
to this project, and anything you think will convince us you are the right
person for the job. For full consideration, you must apply by February 15,
2013. 

Person(s) hired by the University of Alaska Fairbanks must comply with the
provisions of the Federal Immigration Reporting and control Act of 1986 and
must possess a valid social security card. All Nonresident Aliens must
provide proof of eligibility to work. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is
an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational
institution. Your application for employment with the University of Alaska
is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. Women
and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants needing reasonable
accommodation to participate in the application and screening process should
contact the Assistant Director at 474-6259. 

UAF is an EO/AA Employer and Educational Institution.


[ECOLOG-L] Environmental Data Center Technician position in Alaska

2010-07-19 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to operate, 
develop, and maintain a meteorological station and to provide data 
management and quality assurance of meteorological data collected by the 
Environmental Data Center (EDC) for the Toolik Field Station (TFS). The 
goal of the EDC is to collect and manage data on key environmental 
drivers and biological responders to climate change in the local Toolik 
environs. This baseline data is provided to the science community of 
Toolik for their use as background and context for framing specific 
questions and hypotheses about plant and animal adaptation to the 
Arctic, the structure and function of arctic ecosystems, and responses 
and feedback of the arctic environment to climate change. Please see 
http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/ and http://toolik.alaska.edu/edc/ for more 
information. Duties include: (1) develop, operate, and maintain weather 
stations in an arctic field location, (2) program, deploy, maintain and 
calibrate meteorological sensors, Campbell Scientific and other 
dataloggers, time-lapse cameras and other instrumentation, (3) provide 
quality assurance and quality control of climate data to meet NSF 
Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) data standards, (4) integrate data 
availability with LTER, GIS and web-based data server teams, and develop 
real-time availability of meteorological data on our web site, (5) 
upgrade sensors on the climate station as funds become available, and 
(6) contribute to the further development of the climate data collection 
component of the EDC. This position requires residence at TFS half to 
three-quarters time from mid-May through September of each year; 
otherwise the job location is at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The 
desired candidate will possess: (1) demonstrated experience with 
Campbell Scientific dataloggers, datalogger programming (PC208W and 
PC900), data collection software, communication peripherals, and 
sensors, (2) strong personal communication and quantitative skills, (3) 
self-motivation, independence and the ability to work with minimal 
supervision, as well as ability and willingness to work with site 
investigators, and (4) excellent organizational and documentation 
skills. Desired qualifications include Bachelor's degree in Meteorology 
or related fields, and/or significant experience with meteorological 
instrumentation. For more information about the position, contact Dr. 
Syndonia Bret-Harte msbretha...@alaska.edu, the supervisor for this 
position.


This is a full-time position with benefits. To apply, use the following 
link: www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=70388. In your 
application, include a cover letter, c.v. or resume, and the names, 
email addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. In 
your cover letter, explain how your experience, training, and 
professional goals apply to this project, and anything you think will 
convince us you are the right person for the job. For full 
consideration, you must apply by July 31, 2010.


Person(s) hired by the University of Alaska Fairbanks must comply with 
the provisions of the Federal Immigration Reporting and control Act of 
1986 and must possess a valid social security card. All Nonresident 
Aliens must provide proof of eligibility to work. The University of 
Alaska Fairbanks is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action 
employer and educational institution. Your application for employment 
with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the 
Alaska Public Records Act. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. 
Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the 
application and screening process should contact the Assistant Director 
at 474-6259.


UAF is an EO/AA Employer and Educational Institution.

--
***
Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte
Associate Professor of Biology and Wildlife
Associate Science Director, Toolik Field Station
Institute of Arctic Biology
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
PO Box 757000
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000
907-474-5434

http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~syndonia_bret-harte/CV.html and 
http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~syndonia_bret-harte/
email address:msbretha...@alaska.edu


[ECOLOG-L] eddy covariance technician position in Alaska

2010-06-08 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte

Eddy Covariance Position Available in Alaska

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to help 
to manage an ecosystem ecology laboratory and assist research personnel 
in measurements of ecosystem-atmosphere exchange of carbon, water, and 
energy fluxes based on eddy covariance methods. This position will be 
key to an International Polar Year -- Arctic Observatory Network 
project funded by the National Science Foundation with goals of 
detecting climate change in the Arctic and its effects on global 
systems. This position will also be key to a project funded by the U.S. 
Geological Survey to understand the impacts of climate change in the 
Yukon River Basin of boreal Alaska. Duties will include: (1) assist with 
the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of 
micrometeorological instruments, (2) perform data downloads, apply data 
corrections (U-star, Burba) and gap-filling routines, perform 
preliminary analysis, and quality checks, (3) interact with site 
investigators, and (4) assist with data summary and analysis. Field work 
will include several 2-3 week trips per year, plus additional trips to 
maintain the continuous measurements at the field sites. Fieldwork will 
be based primarily at the Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska and at 
the Bonanza Creek Long Term Ecological Research site near Fairbanks, 
with some travel to and work at the North East Science Station in 
Cherskii, Russia. The desired candidate will possess: (1) demonstrated 
experience with Campbell Scientific dataloggers, datalogger 
programming), data collection software, communication peripherals, and 
sensors, (2) strong personal communication and quantitative skills, (3) 
self-motivation, independence and the ability to work with minimal 
supervision, as well as ability and willingness to work with site 
investigators, and (4) excellent organizational and documentation 
skills. Required qualifications include a Master's or Bachelor's degree 
in biogeochemistry, Earth system science, atmospheric science, 
biometeorology, micrometeorology, or related fields, and/or significant 
experience with eddy flux systems and biogeochemical processes. The 
candidate will also need to possess a valid U.S. driver's license. The 
successful candidate will be based at the Institute of Arctic Biology, 
University of Alaska Fairbanks but she/he will also interact with 
scientists at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA. For more 
information about the position, please contact Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte 
msbretha...@alaska.edu mailto:msbretha...@alaska.edu, who is the 
supervisor for this position or Dr. Eugenie Euskirchen 
seeuskirc...@alaska.edu mailto:seuskirc...@alaska.edu, who will also 
work closely with the successful applicant.


This is a full-time fixed term position with benefits, with initial 
appointment for one year and potential for repeated renewal upon 
satisfactory performance. To apply, use the following link: 
www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=70385 
http://www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=70385. You must 
apply on-line, as we cannot accept your application any other way. For 
your application, you will need to include a letter of application, a 
c.v. or resume, transcripts, and the names, email addresses, and phone 
numbers of three professional references. In your letter of application, 
please explain how your experience, training, and professional goals 
will apply to this project, and include anything that you think will 
convince us you are the right person for the job. Letters of 
recommendation may be sent to:


Margo Griffith

Employment Coordinator

Institute of Arctic Biology

University of Alaska Fairbanks

P. O. Box 757000

Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7000

For full consideration, you must complete the application process by 
June 21, 2010.


Person(s) hired by the University of Alaska Fairbanks must comply with 
the provisions of the Federal Immigration Reporting and control Act of 
1986 and must possess a valid social security card. All Nonresident 
Aliens must provide proof of eligibility to work. The University of 
Alaska Fairbanks is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action 
employer and educational institution. Your application for employment 
with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the 
Alaska Public Records Act. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. 
Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the 
application and screening process should contact the Assistant Director 
at 474-6259.


UAF is an EO/AA Employer and Educational Institution.

--
***
Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte
Associate Professor of Biology and Wildlife
Associate Science Director, Toolik Field Station
Institute of Arctic Biology
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
PO Box 757000
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000
907-474-5434

http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~syndonia_bret-harte/CV.html

[ECOLOG-L] Full-time Environmental Data Center Manager position in Alaska

2010-05-30 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to manage the 
Environmental Data Center (EDC) for the Toolik Field Station (TFS). The 
goal of the EDC is to collect and manage data on key environmental 
drivers and biological responders to climate change in the local Toolik 
environs. This baseline data is provided to the science community of 
Toolik for their use as background and context for framing specific 
questions and hypotheses about plant and animal adaptation to the 
Arctic, the structure and function of arctic ecosystems, and responses 
and feedback of the arctic environment to climate change. Please see 
http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/ and http://toolik.alaska.edu/edc/ for more 
information. Duties include: (1) Manage the collection of data on plant 
phenology and arrival, departure, status and abundance of birds in the 
Toolik region, (2) summarize these data, develop protocols, provide 
quality assurance and quality control, and provide metadata, (3) 
integrate availability of all EDC data (including climate data) with GIS 
and web-based server team and make them available to the public via the 
EDC website, (4) assist in the further development of the 
Biodiversity/phenology program with guidance from TFS management and the 
external EDC science advisory committee, (6) manage core and general-use 
field and laboratory equipment for TFS scientists and (5) serve as lead 
to the TFS EDC climate technician and summer seasonal staff. This 
position requires residence at TFS half to three-quarters time from 
mid-May through September of each year; otherwise the job location is at 
the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The desired candidate will possess: 
(1) Familiarity with biological monitoring protocols developed in other 
arctic settings, and knowledge of arctic birds, vegetation, and small 
mammals and their life history stages, (2) strong written and oral 
communication and quantitative skills, (3) self-motivation, independence 
and the ability to work with minimal supervision, as well as ability and 
willingness to work with site investigators, (4) excellent 
organizational and documentation skills, and (5) prior supervisory 
experience. Desired qualifications include M.S., B.S. or B.A. in the 
Biological Sciences with a background in plant ecology, population 
biology of plants or animals, and/or significant experience. For more 
information about the position, contact Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte 
msbretha...@alaska.edu, the supervisor for this position.


This is a full-time position with benefits. To apply, use the following 
link: www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=70387. In your 
application, include a cover letter, c.v. or resume, and the names, 
email addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. In 
your cover letter, explain how your experience, training, and 
professional goals apply to this project, and anything you think will 
convince us you are the right person for the job. For full 
consideration, you must apply by June 9, 2010.


Person(s) hired by the University of Alaska Fairbanks must comply with 
the provisions of the Federal Immigration Reporting and control Act of 
1986 and must possess a valid social security card. All Nonresident 
Aliens must provide proof of eligibility to work. The University of 
Alaska Fairbanks is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action 
employer and educational institution. Your application for employment 
with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the 
Alaska Public Records Act. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. 
Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the 
application and screening process should contact the Assistant Director 
at 474-6259.


UAF is an EO/AA Employer and Educational Institution.

--
***
Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte
Associate Professor of Biology and Wildlife
Associate Science Director, Toolik Field Station
Institute of Arctic Biology
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
PO Box 757000
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000
907-474-5434

http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~syndonia_bret-harte/CV.html and 
http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~syndonia_bret-harte/
email address:msbretha...@alaska.edu


[ECOLOG-L] Full-time environmental data center technician position in Alaska

2010-05-30 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to operate, 
develop, and maintain a meteorological station and to provide data 
management and quality assurance of meteorological data collected by the 
Environmental Data Center (EDC) for the Toolik Field Station (TFS). The 
goal of the EDC is to collect and manage data on key environmental 
drivers and biological responders to climate change in the local Toolik 
environs. This baseline data is provided to the science community of 
Toolik for their use as background and context for framing specific 
questions and hypotheses about plant and animal adaptation to the 
Arctic, the structure and function of arctic ecosystems, and responses 
and feedback of the arctic environment to climate change. Please see 
http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/ and http://toolik.alaska.edu/edc/ for more 
information. Duties include: (1) develop, operate, and maintain weather 
stations in an arctic field location, (2) program, deploy, maintain and 
calibrate meteorological sensors, Campbell Scientific and other 
dataloggers, time-lapse cameras and other instrumentation, (3) provide 
quality assurance and quality control of climate data to meet NSF 
Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) data standards, (4) integrate data 
availability with LTER, GIS and web-based data server teams, and develop 
real-time availability of meteorological data on our web site, (5) 
upgrade sensors on the climate station as funds become available, and 
(6) contribute to the further development of the climate data collection 
component of the EDC. This position requires residence at TFS half to 
three-quarters time from mid-May through September of each year; 
otherwise the job location is at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The 
desired candidate will possess: (1) demonstrated experience with 
Campbell Scientific dataloggers, datalogger programming (PC208W and 
PC900), data collection software, communication peripherals, and 
sensors, (2) strong personal communication and quantitative skills, (3) 
self-motivation, independence and the ability to work with minimal 
supervision, as well as ability and willingness to work with site 
investigators, and (4) excellent organizational and documentation 
skills. Desired qualifications include Bachelor's degree in Meteorology 
or related fields, and/or significant experience with meteorological 
instrumentation. For more information about the position, contact Dr. 
Syndonia Bret-Harte msbretha...@alaska.edu, the supervisor for this 
position.


This is a full-time position with benefits. To apply, use the following 
link: www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=70388. In your 
application, include a cover letter, c.v. or resume, and the names, 
email addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. In 
your cover letter, explain how your experience, training, and 
professional goals apply to this project, and anything you think will 
convince us you are the right person for the job. For full 
consideration, you must apply by June 8, 2010.


Person(s) hired by the University of Alaska Fairbanks must comply with 
the provisions of the Federal Immigration Reporting and control Act of 
1986 and must possess a valid social security card. All Nonresident 
Aliens must provide proof of eligibility to work. The University of 
Alaska Fairbanks is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action 
employer and educational institution. Your application for employment 
with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the 
Alaska Public Records Act. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. 
Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the 
application and screening process should contact the Assistant Director 
at 474-6259.


UAF is an EO/AA Employer and Educational Institution.

--
***
Dr. M. Syndonia Bret-Harte
Associate Professor of Biology and Wildlife
Associate Science Director, Toolik Field Station
Institute of Arctic Biology
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
PO Box 757000
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000
907-474-5434

http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~syndonia_bret-harte/CV.html and 
http://users.iab.uaf.edu/~syndonia_bret-harte/
email address:msbretha...@alaska.edu


[ECOLOG-L] Eddy Covariance Technician position available in Alaska

2009-06-29 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
Technician Position Available
Eddy Covariance Technician
Institute of Arctic Biology
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska

Position is open until filled.

For further information, please search for posting number 0057514 at:
https://www.uakjobs.com

Or contact:
Syndonia Bret-Harte
Email: ff...@uaf.edu

Eugenie Euskirchen
Email: ff...@uaf.edu


The Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
seeks an enthusiastic and experienced individual for the position of
Eddy Covariance Technician. The successful candidate will help manage an
ecosystem ecology laboratory and assist research personnel in
measurements of ecosystem-atmosphere exchange of carbon, water, and
energy fluxes based on the eddy covariance methods. The position will
remain open until it is filled.

This position will be key to an International Polar Year Arctic
Observatory Network project funded by the National Science Foundation,
with goals of detecting climate change in the Arctic and its effects on
global systems. Duties will include:
1. Assisting with the design, construction, installation, and
maintenance of micrometeorological instruments,
2. Performing data downloads, preliminary analysis, and quality checks,
3. Interacting with site investigators, and
4. Assisting with data summary and analysis.

Fieldwork will include several 2-3 week trips per year, plus some
additional trips to maintain the continuous measurements at the field
sites. Fieldwork will be based primarily at the Toolik Field Station in
northern Alaska, with some travel to and work at the North East Science
Station in Cherskii, Russia. The successful candidate will be based at
the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks,
but she/he will also interact with scientists at the Marine Biological
Laboratory, in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Required qualifications include a Master's or Bachelor's degree in
biogeochemistry, Earth system science, atmospheric science,
biometeorology, micrometeorology, plant ecology, ecosystem ecology, or
related fields, and/or significant experience with eddy flux systems and
biogeochemical processes. The candidate will also need to possess a
valid U.S. driver's license.

The desired candidate will show:
1. Demonstrated experience with Campbell Scientific dataloggers,
datalogger programming (PC208W and PC900, etc.), data collection
software, communication peripherals, sensors, remote power systems, and
data analysis and statistics;
2. Strong personal communication and quantitative skills;
3. Self-motivation, independence, and the ability to work with minimal
supervision, as well as an ability and willingness to work with site
investigators; and
4. Excellent organizational and documentation skills.

This is a full-time fixed term position with benefits, with initial
appointment for one year and potential for repeated renewal upon
satisfactory performance. Applications must be completed online.
Applicants will need to include a letter of application, a CV or resume,
transcripts, and the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three
professional references. In the letter of application, candidates should
explain how their experience, training, and professional goals will
apply to this project. To apply, please use the advanced search function
to find posting number 0057514 at: https://www.uakjobs.com.

Person(s) hired by the University of Alaska Fairbanks must comply with
the provisions of the Federal Immigration Reporting and control Act of
1986 and must possess a valid social security card. All Nonresident
Aliens must provide proof of eligibility to work. The University of
Alaska Fairbanks is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action
employer and educational institution. Applications for employment with
the University of Alaska are subject to public disclosure under the
Alaska Public Records Act. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the
application and screening process should contact the Assistant Director
at 474-6259. UAF is an EO/AA Employer and Educational Institution.

For further information, please search for posting number 0057514 at:
https://www.uakjobs.com

Or contact:
Syndonia Bret-Harte
Email: ff...@uaf.edu

Eugenie Euskirchen
Email: ff...@uaf.edu


[ECOLOG-L] Field Course in Arctic Science summer 2009

2009-04-16 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
The Arctic is experiencing an unprecedented change in climate.  How will
arctic ecosystems respond to the changes that are occurring, and what are
the potential feedbacks to global climate?  Find out, and experience these
ecosystems first-hand through the intensive “Field Course in Arctic
Science,” offered through Summer Sessions at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks, and as a component of the University of the Arctic Thematic
Network on Global Change in the Arctic. This 4-week, 4-credit course will be
taught at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Toolik Field Station in
northern Alaska from August 3 to 28, 2009. 

Students in the course will learn about the ecology of arctic and boreal
ecosystems through daily lectures delivered by a variety of scientists and
guest faculty, active participation in field sampling, and evening
discussions of the relevant science literature. The field course will span a
broad range of disciplines, including local geomorphology and natural
history, fire ecology, plant ecology, invertebrate and mammal biology,
carbon budgets, and the implications of a warming climate. The students will
gain a firm background in the structure and function of the ecosystems in
northern Alaska and become familiar with the tools and techniques used to
measure the ecological impacts of climate change.

The course is limited to ten finishing undergraduate or starting graduate
students. The cost of food, lodging and travel between the field sites will
be covered. Students are expected to pay for their round trip travel to
Fairbanks, Alaska, tuition at the University of Alaska (summer tuition is at
the in-state rate) and their food when based in Fairbanks. Students will
need to bring all-weather clothing including winter jackets and rubber
boots, a warm sleeping bag, and preferably a tent.

Interested students should submit a current curriculum vitae and a cover
letter stating their experience and how the course would benefit them to Dr.
Syndonia Bret-Harte (ff...@uaf.edu) by April 30, 2009.


[ECOLOG-L] Summer Research Opportunity in Alaska

2008-03-27 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
We are seeking enthusiastic undergraduates and recent college graduates who
are interested in summer field research in Alaska.  The overall objective of
our research program is to understand the ecosystem and global consequences
of potential future changes in arctic vegetation.  Successful applicants
will assist with fieldwork in our tussock tundra site and laboratory work
consisting of tasks such as plant sorting and data entry.  In addition,
successful applicants will attend weekly seminars on the research at the
station, will develop their own individual research projects on a topic
related to the program and their own interests, and will present their work
at an informal symposium at Toolik Field Station. 

The focus of this experiment is to understand the mechanisms by which winter
processes affect the summer growth of vegetation, and the consequences of
shrub expansion under a warming climate for biogeochemical cycling of C and
N. We have set up snowfences in tussock tundra, low shrub tundra, and taller
shrub tundra, in order to assess how increased winter snow affects
mineralization of N overwinter and growth and recovery from snow-loading of
shrubs and other vegetation in the following summer. We labeled plots on
both sides of these snowfences with 15N in summer 2006 to see whether
additional snow promotes overwinter mineralization of N, and if so, whether
shrubs preferentially take up this N. We harvested plant biomass and soils
from this experiment in 2007, and will harvest again this coming summer. In
addition, we will continue measurements of shrub response to, and recovery
from, mechanical loading by snow. This project will improve our
understanding of land surface changes currently occurring in the Arctic, and
their potential impacts on climate. Successful applicants will be based at
Toolik Field Station, north of the Brooks Range in arctic Alaska
(http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/), which is the focus of research by nearly 100
scientists who work on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecology projects.

For more information, contact Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte ([EMAIL PROTECTED]).

There are 2 positions, each of which pays a stipend of $440 per week (before
taxes).  These positions are open only to US citizens who are currently
undergraduates or have graduated after December 2007.  Both positions will
begin in June and end in late August of 2008.

Class background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology, statistics,
and computer science would be an advantage.  Experience in field or
laboratory, experience with data analysis, and experience working in a
remote field site is preferred.  You should have skills with plant
identification, data collecting and recording, data manipulation in Excel,
and data analysis.  Applicants must be willing to work in the field,
occasionally under adverse weather conditions.  Competent, careful,
emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people desired!  We want the work to be
both fun and challenging.  We encourage applications from women and
minorities.  A valid U.S. Driver’s license is required, and successful
applicants must provide a copy of their social security cards at the time of
employment.  

You must apply for these jobs on-line.  To apply, please go to
https://www.uakjobs.com and click on “Create Application” link to select a
User Name and Password and to create your application.  Then, go to
http://www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=62449.  You need to
submit a cover letter that explains why you are interested in the program
and how it fits into your long-term education and career goals.  Also,
describe your background and include anything that you think would convince
us that you are the most appropriate person for this position.  You must
also submit a C.V. or Resume and the names, telephone numbers, and email
addresses of three professional references. If need assistance, please
contact UAF Human Resources at 907-474-7700 or stop by 3295 College Road,
Room 108, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7860 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m., Monday through Friday (closed noon -1 p.m.).   Applications will be
reviewed beginning April 4, 2008.

UAF is an AA/EO Employer and Educational Institution.


Eddy Covariance Technician position available in Alaska

2007-05-25 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to help to manage
an ecosystem ecology laboratory and assist research personnel in
measurements of ecosystem-atmosphere exchange of carbon, water, and energy
fluxes based on eddy covariance methods. This position will be key to a new
International Polar Year -- Arctic Observatory Network project funded by
the National Science Foundation with goals of detecting climate change in
the Arctic and its effects on global systems. Duties will include: (1)
assist with the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of
micrometeorological instruments, (2) perform data downloads, preliminary
analysis, and quality checks, (3) interact with site investigators, and (4)
assist with data summary and analysis. Field work will include several 2-3
week trips per year, plus some additional trips to maintain continuous
measurements at the field sites. Field work will be based primarily at the
Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska, with some travel to, and work at,
the North East Science Station in Cherskii, Russia. 

The desired candidate will possess: (1) demonstrated experience with
Campbell Scientific dataloggers, datalogger programming (PC208W and PC900),
data collection software, communication peripherals, and sensors, (2) strong
personal communication and quantitative skills, (3) self-motivation,
independence and the ability to work with minimal supervision, as well as
ability and willingness to work with site investigators, and (4) excellent
organizational and documentation skills. Required qualifications include a
Master's or Bachelor's degree in biogeochemistry, Earth system science,
atmospheric science, biometeorology, micrometeorology, or related fields,
and/or significant experience with eddy flux systems and biogeochemical
processes. The candidate will also need to possess a valid U.S. driver's
license. The successful candidate will be based at the Institute of Arctic
Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks but she/he will also interact with
scientists at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA.  For more
information about the position, please contact Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte
[EMAIL PROTECTED], who is the supervisor for this position or Dr. Eugenie
Euskirchen [EMAIL PROTECTED], who will also work closely with the successful
applicant.

This is a full-time fixed term position with benefits, with initial
appointment for one year and potential for repeated renewal upon
satisfactory performance. To apply, use the following link:
http://www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=59313.  You must apply
on-line, as we cannot accept your application any other way.  For your
application, you will need to include a letter of application, a c.v. or
resume, transcripts, and the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of
three professional references. In your letter of application, please explain
how your experience, training, and professional goals will apply to this
project, and include anything that you think will convince us you are the
right person for the job.  Letters of recommendation may be sent to:

Chandra Clack   
Employment Coordinator
Institute of Arctic Biology
University of Alaska Fairbanks
P. O. Box 757000
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7000

For full consideration, you must complete the application process by June
11, 2007. 

Person(s) hired by the University of Alaska Fairbanks must comply with the
provisions of the Federal Immigration Reporting and control Act of 1986 and
must possess a valid social security card. All Nonresident Aliens must
provide proof of eligibility to work. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is
an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational
institution. Your application for employment with the University of Alaska
is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. Women
and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants needing reasonable
accommodation to participate in the application and screening process should
contact the Assistant Director at 474-6259.

UAF is an EO/AA Employer and Educational Institution.


Summer Research Opportunity in Alaska

2006-03-10 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
SUMMER RESEARCH POSITIONS IN ALASKA FOR UNDERGRADUATES AND RECENT COLLEGE
GRADUATES

 We are seeking enthusiastic undergraduates and recent college graduates who
are interested in summer field research in Alaska.  The overall objective of
our research program is to understand the ecosystem and global consequences
of potential future changes in arctic vegetation.  Successful applicants
will be expected to assist with fieldwork in our tussock tundra site and
laboratory work consisting of tasks such as plant sorting and data entry. 
In addition, successful applicants will attend weekly seminars on the
research at the station, will develop their own small, individual research
projects on a topic related to the program and their own interests, and will
present their work at an informal symposium at Toolik Field Station. 

The focus of this experiment is to understand the mechanisms by which winter
processes affect the summer growth of vegetation, and the consequences of
shrub expansion under a warming climate for biogeochemical cycling of C and
N. We have set up snowfences in tussock tundra, low shrub tundra, and taller
shrub tundra, in order to assess how increased winter snow affects
mineralization of N overwinter and growth and recovery from snow-loading of
shrubs and other vegetation in the following summer.  We will measure
vegetation characteristics, decomposition, and mineralization behind the
fences, and will apply a 15N tracer at the end of the summer. We will also
assess shrub growth and biogeochemical cycling of C and N in areas where
natural shrub expansion has occurred over the last 50 years.  This project
should improve our understanding of land surface changes currently occurring
in the Arctic, and their potential impacts on climate.  Successful
applicants will be based at Toolik Field Station, north of the Brooks Range
in arctic Alaska (http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/), which is a focus site for
research by nearly 100 scientists who work on a variety of terrestrial and
aquatic ecology projects.

For more information, contact Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), who
is the supervisor for these positions.

There are 2 positions, each of which pays a stipend of $387 per week (before
taxes).  These positions are open only to US citizens who are undergraduates
or who have graduated since Dec. 2005.  One position will start in late May,
and end in mid-August.  The other position will begin in late June and end
in mid-September.

Travel from your university to and from the field site will be covered. 
Class background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology, statistics,
and computer science would be an advantage.  Experience in field or
laboratory, experience with data analysis, and experience working in a
remote field site is preferred.  You should have skills with plant
identification, data collecting and recording, data manipulation in Excel,
and data analysis.  Applicants must be willing to work long hours in the
field, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.  Competent, careful,
emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people desired!  We want the work to be
both fun and challenging.  We encourage applications from women and
minorities.  A valid U.S. Driver’s license is required, and successful
applicants must provide a copy of their social security cards at the time of
employment.  

 You must apply for these jobs on-line.  To apply, go to
https://www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=54299.  A complete job
description can be downloaded from the web site at http://www.uakjobs.com. 
You will need to submit a cover letter that explains why you are interested
in the program and how it fits into your long-term education and career
goals.  Also, describe your background and include anything that you think
would convince us that you are the most appropriate person for this
position.  You must also submit a C.V. or Resume and the names, telephone
numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. If you need
assistance, please contact UAF Human Resources at 907-474-7700.  
Applications will be reviewed beginning March 17, 2006.  


Research Technician at Toolik Field Station, Alaska

2006-01-30 Thread Syndonia Bret-Harte
We are seeking enthusiastic persons with a baccalaureate or master’s degree
in biology or ecology to serve as science support technician for the Toolik
Field Station (TFS), a 10-100 person remote scientific research field
station located at mile 284.5 Dalton Highway, in the northern foothills of
the Brooks Range, arctic Alaska http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/.  This position
will provide science support for on-site scientists, students, and
professional staff from approximately 50 US and international universities
and agencies.  Toolik Lake is the site of the Arctic LTER program, and has
been a focus of research on terrestrial and aquatic ecology in the Arctic
for over 30 years.  This position will be based at TFS during the field
season, and at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks during the off-season.
  
 If hired, your duties will include initiating and maintaining the
collection of environmental data that is complementary to or extends
measurements of existing environmental observation programs. You will be
responsible for setting up, programming, maintaining, and downloading data
loggers, operating a hydrolab on Toolik Lake during shoulder seasons, and
possibly performing simple environmental chemistry.

 You will organize and statistically summarize environmental data, provide
meta-data and documentation. You will use various software applications,
such as spreadsheets, statistical packages, and graphics packages to
assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or test reports, and make them
available to the researchers via the world-wide web.

 You will train and assist users in the use of general purpose research
instruments and prepare user guides and tutorials for the use of various
multi-user instruments and experimental facilities.  You will assist in
scheduling the use of multi-user instruments and experimental facilities,
and assist users with the set-up, maintenance, and trouble-shooting of
general-purpose research instruments.

 Finally, you will provide additional science support and assistance with
camp operations as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in biology or ecology.
KNOWLEDGE OF:  Data quality and data assurance, calibration; Data analysis
and statistics; Basic internet functionality; Operation of general-purpose
scientific instruments.
ABILITY TO:  Become proficient at programming dataloggers; Resolve data
input, storage and/or retrieval problems and design solutions and
modifications; Be responsive to TFS management and science community needs
for new environmental data collection and science support; Interact with
scientists in a collegial environment; Prepare high-quality, readable, and
understandable statistical reports and data summaries.
SKILLS:  Good written and oral communication skills; Ability to organize
resources and establish priorities.

WORK HOURS: Field Season, six months, May through September, 3-weeks on/one
week off rotation at the TFS. Off-Season, Monday to Friday, 8 to 5 in
Fairbanks. Off-season option of 3 months full time or 6 months part time. 
Pay rate is $15.51/hr (before taxes).

All applications must be received electronically.  To apply, go to
http://uakjobs.com.  Choose  “search job postings,” and enter posting
number 0050232, “Research Technician”. Applications must include a resume,
cover letter, and the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of 3
professional references.