37. Consequences of Climate Change for Alpine Lake-Stream Networks and Native Fishes in the Southern Rocky Mountains Climate change has the potential to influence western native trout through multiple pathways including increased temperatures, wildfire, and more variable precipitation and runoff patterns. These threats, along with the recreational and conservation importance of native trout, amplify the need to understand the potential consequences of climate change for these fishes. Currently, predictive models account for abiotic habitat characteristics for rivers (for example, stream temperature) that are driven by climate, but these models have little applicability to lake systems. Alpine lake systems are important habitat for many western native Salmonids, for example ~20 percent of the populations for one native trout (Colorado River cutthroat trout; Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus) in the southern Rockies are found in high elevation (>1700 m) lake systems. These alpine lakes are sensitive to climate variations and have shown evidence of surface temperature warming. The temperature and climate sensitivity of alpine lakes, along with projected (~3 °C rise in mean summer air temperature by 2050) and observed (+0.12 °C/yr from 1991?2006) trends in Rocky Mountain air temperatures, indicate the potential for abiotic changes in alpine lakes. Moreover, alpine lake systems may provide refuge for cutthroat trout populations that are increasingly threatened by potential climate-related impacts to streams (e.g., low flow or channel drying, increases in wildfire, etc). Key knowledge gaps that may be explored include the influence of climate change on the thermal structure of alpine lakes and how fish ecology is related to these conditions. Under this Research Opportunity, applicants are encouraged to combine empirical field studies with predictive modeling. Field work is expected primarily to be in the Southern Rocky Mountains and could focus on collecting detailed abiotic characteristics and native trout habitat use of alpine lakes and adjoining streams. Candidates will have access to findings from a recent research group ( http://www.nrmsc.usgs.gov/research/climate_trout) exploring the effects of climate change on the stream habitats of native salmonids, as well as access to detailed climate projections. Applicant proposals should briefly describe field data collection plans and how these data (along with climate projections) would be used to develop predictive models addressing the potential consequences of climate change for alpine lakes and native cutthroat trout. If appropriate, candidate proposals should also discuss integration of their study with previous regional climate change research and possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration with hydrologists, geomorphologists, ecologists, and other scientists.
Proposed Duty Station: Fort Collins, CO Salary/Benefits: Successful candidates will receive an annual salary equivalent to GS-12 ($73,848/yr Denver area) and access to federal health and retirement benefits. Position is for 2-years and may be extended up to 4 years. Areas of Ph.D.: Fisheries, ecological modeling (for example, population, and (or) climate change), landscape ecology, limnology, hydrology, or related disciplines (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines but with knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered). Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Biologist, Research Fisheries Biologist, Research Ecologist, Research Hydrologist (This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources specialist.) Research Advisors: David Walters, (970) 226-9484, [email protected]; Travis Schmidt, (970) 226-9470, [email protected]; Kurt Fausch, (970) 491-6457, [email protected]; Andrew Todd, (303) 236-1426 ,[email protected]; Jeff Kershner, (406) 994-5304, [email protected] Human Resources Office Contact: Candace Azevedo, (916) 278-9393, [email protected] USGS Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program: http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/ The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began the Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program (now called Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program) in 2001 in honor of Walter C. Mendenhall, the fifth Director of the USGS. The Mendenhall Program provides an opportunity for recent PhD graduates (within five years since completion of the doctoral degree) to conduct concentrated research in association with selected members of the USGS professional staff. The Program is intended to provide research fellows with experiences that enhance their personal scientific skills and accomplishments. Through the Mendenhall Program the USGS acquires current expertise to assist in the advancement of its scientific goals. To date, over 120 Mendenhall Fellows have joined the USGS. Mendenhall Fellowships are 2-year appointments with a competitive salary and benefits package. Mendenhall Fellows are also granted project expense funds appropriate to the scope of research to be conducted. Postdoctoral research projects under this program have spanned a wide range of scientific topics of interest and relevance to the mission of the USGS. For additional information, please consult the Project Profiles section of the Mendenhall Program web site at the following URL: http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc. What is it like to be a USGS Mendenhall Fellow? Check out the FAQ section of the program web site for some very informative quotes from previous Mendenhall Fellows. Also, another way, of course, is to find out directly from a Fellow -- Project Profiles contain their contact information. Travis S. Schmidt Ecologist U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Division Fort Collins Science Center 2150 Centre Ave. Bldg C Fort Collins, CO 80526-8118 Phone:970-226-9470 Fax: 970-226-9230 Web: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/WaterWrks/ResWRD.asp
