[ECOLOG-L] Fwd: Channel Islands National Park Kelp Forest Monitoring Biological Technician Positions open Feb 02 - 21 2012
Begin forwarded message: From: david_kush...@nps.gov Date: February 7, 2012 12:35:54 PM EST To: undisclosed-recipients:; Subject: Channel Islands National Park Kelp Forest Monitoring Biological Technician Positions open Feb 02 - 21 2012 Hi All, Sorry for the delay on this job posting as some of you may have been looking for these positions that were mentioned in the AAUS newsletter at http://www.aaus.org/ Channel Islands National Park's Kelp forest monitoring Biological Technician positions were posted on www.USAJOBS.gov today and will be open until Feb 21,2012. A simple search on that web page for Channel Islands National Park, should direct you to the full position description and application process. Partial description copied below. Also, we are accepting applications for two Student Conservation Association Internships who will be working on the monitoring program. Please see AAUS newsletter for the description. Please pass on this information to qualified candidates. Thank you, David David Kushner Marine Biologist Channel Islands National Park 1901 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura, CA 93001 (805) 658-5773 david_kush...@nps.gov Job Title:Biological Science Technician (Fisheries), GS-0404-05 (HRF 12-077) Department:Department Of The Interior Agency:National Park Service Job Announcement Number:HRF 12-077 (SR602693) SALARY RANGE: $34,881.00 to $45,341.00 / Per Year OPEN PERIOD:Thursday, February 02, 2012 to Tuesday, February 21, 2012 SERIES GRADE: GS-0404-05 POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Seasonal NTE 1039 hours DUTY LOCATIONS: 2 vacancy(s) - Ventura County, CA United StatesView Map WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: United States Citizens JOB SUMMARY: Who May Apply: All U.S. Citizens This vacancy announcement has been modified to extend the closing date to Tuesday, February 21, 2012. The employees of the National Park Service care for the special places that are the heritage of all Americans. Since its inception in 1916, the National Park Service has been dedicated to the preservation and management of this country's outstanding natural, historical, and recreational resources. Experience Your America and build a fulfilling career by joining the National Park Service. The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. This is an announcement for a temporary seasonal position, with full-time work not to exceed 1039 hours in a service year. Under this type of appointment, selectee(s) may be eligible for rehire in future seasons. Number of Vacancies: We expect to fill 2 vacancies at this time; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies. Full Performance Level: GS-05 Please read the entire announcement before you apply. To view the entire announcement, select “Print Preview” at the right hand side of this screen. KEY REQUIREMENTS U.S. Citizenship is required. Pre-employment background investigation is required. Pre-employment National Agency Check (NAC) must be completed. Must provide Social Security Number to be considered. All supporting documents must be received by the closing date. DUTIES: Back to top Incumbent assists in Channel Islands National Park’s long-term ecological kelp forest monitoring project that is used to determine the status of living marine resources. Incumbent collects data on population dynamics of over 70 species or groups of marine taxa, including fish, invertebrates and algae. Most data is collected underwater using SCUBA and surface-supplied air diving techniques to perform up to nine specialized monitoring protocols using a vessel as a platform. Incumbent will use micro-computers to enter data collected in the field and to prepare data for analysis. Maintains, purchases, repairs, and organizes dive equipment, sampling equipment and food for 5-day, offshore monitoring cruises and other trips. Work involves multi-day (up to 8 days, but typically 5 or less) research cruises on 30-60ft vessels with up to 10 people, and may include 11 or more cruises per year. Divers typically make up to five dives per day in waters
Re: [ECOLOG-L] request for your comments concerning proposed changes to Endangered Species Act
There are two aspects to this question regarding whether or not a species should be protected on a significant portion of its range and both relate to how we define significant. The first aspect is protecting a species from extinction. The second aspect is preserving ecosystem diversity. Certainly if an at-risk species is not protected on at least part of its range it is in danger of extinction. But there is an implication in this proposed revision that it does not require protection over its entire range if it can be adequately protected on this significant part of its range. This reasoning does not consider the second aspect of why we have an Endangered Species Act, and this aspect relates to protecting the resilience, diversity and sustainability of natural ecosystems. If a species is lost in part of its range, this part of its range has become devalued in terms of ecosystem health -- to me, that is also significant. I have chosen to sign onto this letter for this reason. Warren W. Aney Senior Wildlife Ecologist 9403 SW 74th Ave Tigard, OR 97223 (503) 539-1009 (503) 246-2605 fax -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Kim Landsbergen Ph.D. Sent: Tuesday, 07 February, 2012 16:54 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] request for your comments concerning proposed changes to Endangered Species Act ECOLOG members, I am sharing a letter with you on behalf of a colleague of mine at the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD). This letter encourages ecologists to participate in an open request for comments from the USFWS and NMFS about proposed revisions to the Endangered Species Act. Please direct your questions to CBD's Noah Greenwald - his contact information is at the end of this email. Kim Landsbergen Ph.D., Certified Senior Ecologist Associate Professor, Columbus College of Art Design Visiting Research Scholar, EEOB, The Ohio State University CarbonEcology Consulting LLC, Owner e: kim.landsbergen at gmail dot com p: 01-614-795-6003 - - - - - - - - - - Dear Scientists, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service are currently accepting comments on a draft policy that interprets the phrase significant portion of its range (SPOIR) in the Endangered Species Act. The Act defines an endangered species as any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range and a threatened species as any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. These definitions make clear that a species need not be at risk of worldwide extinction to qualify for Endangered Species Act protection. Rather, as noted in the draft policy, a species would qualify as an endangered species if it is in danger of extinction throughout all of its range, or if it is in danger of extinction in a significant portion of its range.[1] As such, this provision provides a means to protect species before they are on the brink of extinction and is thus of tantamount importance to species conservation. Unfortunately, the draft policy includes two provisions that were first proposed under the Bush administration and have the effect of sharply limiting the circumstances under which species will be protected because they are in trouble in portions of their range. First, the draft policy specifies that a portion of the range of a species is significant if its contribution to the viability of the species is so important that without that portion, the species would be in danger of extinction. This is a distinction without a difference and as a result overly restrictive. In effect, any species that would qualify for protection because it is endangered in a SPOIR, would qualify for protection anyway because it is endangered in all of its range. This approach will result in species that are severely endangered in portions of their range being denied protection because they are secure in some portion of their range even if that portion is just a fraction. This reasoning has already resulted in denial of protection for the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl, which is undeniably endangered in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and New Mexico, but arguably common further south in Mexico in different habitats. Fish and Wildlife denied protection despite recognizing that the Sonoran Desert Ecoregion represents an important portion of the Western DPS, and of the taxon as a whole, and that the birds found here were adapted to a drier warmer climate, so may be better adapted to a warming world. Another example of a species that may very well get denied protection under this policy is the little brown bat, which has undergone severe declines across the northeastern U.S. because of white-nose syndrome, but still remains common where the disease has not yet reached.
[ECOLOG-L] MSc Sustainable Resource Management: Policy Practice now available in Ireland:
Dear Ecologgers, I would like to bring a new Irish postgraduate course to your attention. This course was developed by staff in NUI Galway and University of Limerick, and students benefit from access to facilities in both institutions. Graduates develope critical thinking innovation to evaluate the policy and practice of conservation and sustainability. It may be of interest to people thinking about studying in Ireland. I've included links below to pages containing further information on the course and details of the application process through the University of Limerick. The application deadline for students starting in September 2012 is May 1st. I would be very grateful if you would email this on to any people who might be interested (final year and mature students are equally welcome). For further information please contact me at the following email addresses: caitriona.car...@nuigalway.ie / caitriona.car...@ul.ie *http://www.ul.ie/mscsrm* http://www.ul.ie/mscsrm http://www.nuigalway.ie/sustainable-resource-management/ http://www.nuigalway.ie/applied_ecology_unit/documents/srm_course_brochure.pdf Best wishes Caitriona MSc Co-ordinator Rm 206 Applied Ecology Unit Centre for Environmental Science Microbiology NUI Galway Ireland + 353 91 493863
[ECOLOG-L] Second Call for Papers: The 18th International Interdisciplinary Conference on the Environment
Second Call The 18th International Interdisciplinary Conference on the Environment JUNE 30 - JULY 3, 2012 PORTLAND, MAINE The Interdisciplinary Environmental Association, committed to an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues, is accepting submissions of papers and posters for the 2012 IICE. We welcome research that spans the boundaries of traditional disciplines to frame environmental problems, propose working models, or address field, community, or academic issues. While any interdisciplinary environmental topic is welcome, areas of special interest in 2012 include: 1.Environmental issues of the North Atlantic 2.Impacts of climate change 3.Coastal and wetlands management 4.Community activism 5.Ecotourism and park management 6.Green economic, legal, and business strategies 7.Ethical aspects of environmental policy 8.Environmental health and human impacts 9.Fisheries management 10. SPECIAL TOPIC: Accreditation of environmental programs For further information, contact Dr. Kimberly Reiter, Conference Co-Chair, at krei...@stetson.edumailto:krei...@stetson.edu, or go to http://www.ieaonline.org/conference.htm.
[ECOLOG-L] Life Cycle Analyst -- Postdoctoral Interdisciplinary Research Associate, USDA
Life Cycle Analyst -- Postdoctoral Interdisciplinary Research Associate Interdisciplinary: Research Engineer; Economist; Agriculturalist; Ecologist Announcement Number: RA-11-046H Salary range: $62,467 - $97,333 The qualified candidate will be assigned to the Strategic Programs Branch within the Public Services Division at the National Agricultural Library, located in Beltsville, Maryland. The incumbent will serve as the life cycle assessment expert on an interdisciplinary team undertaking the development of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) life cycle inventory database and associated information management systems to support sustainability initiatives. As the life cycle assessment expert, the incumbent has responsibilities in three main areas: 1) providing system development support; 2) leading the effort to gather, interpret and prepare data; and 3) helping to establish and maintain partnerships with experts in the field. The incumbent will use appropriate tools and techniques to expand the number crops and products with high quality unit process data represented in the life cycle assessment database system. Additionally, the incumbent will find novel ways to incorporate GIS, social and economic factors within the LCA framework. The selected candidate must possess a Ph. D. awarded from an accredited university within the last four years in an appropriate discipline. Life cycle analysis experience is highly desired. Applicants should respond to the vacancy announcement listed at http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/307315000 (Job Announcement Number RA-11-046H). Citizenship requirements apply. The USDA National Agricultural Library is an equal opportunity employer and provider. = Stuart R. Gagnon NAL/ARS/USDA 10301 Baltimore Ave Beltsville, Maryland 20705 301.504.6077
[ECOLOG-L] How We Know Global Warming is Real and Human Caused
This new issue of eSkeptic, the email newsletter of the Skeptics Society, has an article How We Know Global Warming is Real andn Human Caused. In this week's eSkeptic, Donald R. Prothero addresses climate change denialism head on, demolishing deniers' arguments and rebuttals, and clearly demonstrating how we know global warming is real and human caused. http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/12-02-08/#ProtheroRead Prothero's bio after the article. http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/12-02-08/http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/12-02-08/
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Student Position in Remote Sensing and Coupled Natural and Human Systems
Please distribute the following job announcement to potential applicants. Thanks. Jingfeng * PhD Student Position in Remote Sensing and Coupled Natural and Human Systems The Earth Systems Research Center, University of New Hampshire (UNH) has an opening for a PhD student position in Remote Sensing and Coupled Natural and Human Systems starting in August 2012 (or as early as May 2012). This position carries a stipend of $23K/yr plus tuition and medical insurance. The PhD student will be responsible for the detection and monitoring of land-cover/land-use change (LCLUC) using satellite data (e.g., Landsat) and the linking of LCLUC data with physical (e.g., ecological, climate, hydrological) and socioeconomic data for the assessment of coupled natural and human systems. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team at the Earth Systems Research Center (http://www.csrc.sr.unh.edu/), Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space (EOS; http://www.eos.sr.unh.edu) at UNH, and will also have opportunities to work with collaborators at other institutions. Applicants should be enthusiastic, creative, and highly motivated. Experience in remote sensing, particularly image classification and LCLUC detection, is highly desirable. Please submit a cover letter, CV, copies of transcripts, copies of TOEFL/GRE scores if applicable, and the names and contact information of three references to Prof. Jingfeng Xiao (http://www.eos.unh.edu/Faculty/xiao) via email (j.x...@unh.edu) with the subject line Application for PhD Position. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. UNH is a Research-I, Land, Sea and Space Grant University that has been recognized both nationally and internationally for research excellence in ecology, environmental science, geosciences, and forestry. Located in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, members of UNH enjoy the high quality of life and beautiful natural surroundings the region provides. UNH is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action institution. -- Jingfeng Xiao, PhD Research Assistant Professor Earth Systems Research Center (formerly Complex Systems Research Center) Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space University of New Hampshire 449 Morse Hall, 8 College Road Durham, NH 03824 Email: j.x...@unh.edu http://www.eos.sr.unh.edu/Faculty/Xiao http://pubpages.unh.edu/~jqs5/ Tel: (603) 862-1873; Fax: (603) 862-0188 Science Definition Team of NASA's Carbon Monitoring System (CMS): http://carbon.nasa.gov
Re: [ECOLOG-L] request for your comments concerning proposed changes to Endangered Species Act
Hello, Thank you for bringing attention to this very important issue. Just to clarify, the proposed policy will in fact afford protection to the entire species across all of its range if it is deemed endangered or threatened in a significant portion of its range. There are four main conclusions in this proposed policy (outlined in the announcement published in the Federal Register: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/2011-31782.pdf) (1) if a species is found to be endangered or threatened in only a significant portion of its range, the entire species is listed as endangered or threatened, respectively, and the Act’s protections apply across the species’ entire range; (2) a portion of the range of a species is ‘‘significant’’ if its contribution to the viability of the species is so important that, without that portion, the species would be in danger of extinction; (3) the range of a species is considered to be the general geographical area within which that species can be found at the time FWS or NMFS makes any particular status determination; and (4) if the species is not endangered or threatened throughout all of its range, but it is endangered or threatened within a significant portion of its range, and the population in that significant portion is a valid DPS (distinct population segment), we will list the DPS rather than the entire taxonomic species or subspecies. Conclusions 1 and 4 appear to comport with the intent of the ESA, while conclusions 2 and 3 are troubling. Conclusion 2 raises the criteria for listing (it is very difficult to show that the loss of a species in a certain portion of its range will put the entire species at risk of extinction, unless the species is at risk in all of its range), and conclusion 3 ensures that listing decisions will be based on a shifted baseline. Please also note that this proposed policy applies to the National Marine Fisheries Service's management of endangered and threatened marine species. Best, Katie Cramer, PhD On Wed, Feb 8, 2012 at 12:26 AM, Warren W. Aney a...@coho.net wrote: There are two aspects to this question regarding whether or not a species should be protected on a significant portion of its range and both relate to how we define significant. The first aspect is protecting a species from extinction. The second aspect is preserving ecosystem diversity. Certainly if an at-risk species is not protected on at least part of its range it is in danger of extinction. But there is an implication in this proposed revision that it does not require protection over its entire range if it can be adequately protected on this significant part of its range. This reasoning does not consider the second aspect of why we have an Endangered Species Act, and this aspect relates to protecting the resilience, diversity and sustainability of natural ecosystems. If a species is lost in part of its range, this part of its range has become devalued in terms of ecosystem health -- to me, that is also significant. I have chosen to sign onto this letter for this reason. Warren W. Aney Senior Wildlife Ecologist 9403 SW 74th Ave Tigard, OR 97223 (503) 539-1009 (503) 246-2605 fax -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Kim Landsbergen Ph.D. Sent: Tuesday, 07 February, 2012 16:54 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: [ECOLOG-L] request for your comments concerning proposed changes to Endangered Species Act ECOLOG members, I am sharing a letter with you on behalf of a colleague of mine at the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD). This letter encourages ecologists to participate in an open request for comments from the USFWS and NMFS about proposed revisions to the Endangered Species Act. Please direct your questions to CBD's Noah Greenwald - his contact information is at the end of this email. Kim Landsbergen Ph.D., Certified Senior Ecologist Associate Professor, Columbus College of Art Design Visiting Research Scholar, EEOB, The Ohio State University CarbonEcology Consulting LLC, Owner e: kim.landsbergen at gmail dot com p: 01-614-795-6003 - - - - - - - - - - Dear Scientists, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service are currently accepting comments on a draft policy that interprets the phrase “significant portion of its range” (“SPOIR”) in the Endangered Species Act. The Act defines an endangered species as “any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range” and a threatened species as “any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” These definitions make clear that a species need not be at risk of worldwide extinction to qualify for Endangered Species Act protection. Rather, as noted in the draft policy, a
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship at LSU
Please let others know about this opportunity Thomas J. Dean Professor, Quantitative Silviculture School of Renewable Natural Resources Louisiana State University AM and Agricultural Center Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Phone: (225) 578-4216 Cell: (225) 328-0930 Fax: (225) 578-4227 http://www.rnr.lsu.edu http://www.rnr.lsu.edu Research Assistantship for Ph.D. in the School of Renewable Natural Resources Louisiana State University A graduate research assistantship is available for a Ph.D. student starting this Fall semester (2012) to assist in instigating studies into the factors affecting the elongation of vegetative buds in various southern conifers as well as baldcypress and tupelo in southern Louisiana. Qualified candidates will have training in plant physiology and be willing to conduct both laboratory and field studies. The annual stipend is $26,000/yr and includes a full tuition waiver and a scholarship for student fees. The assistantship is made available by the Lucuis Gilbert Foundation, and the recipient must meet GPA and GRE requirements: cumulative graduate GPA of 3.6 and verbal and quantitative scores of the GRE of at least 310 (1,200 prior to Aug 2011) with at least 153 and 144 on the verbal and quantitative sections, respectively, and a analytical writing score of at least 4.0. Performance on the GRE will be evaluated in combination with GPA, letters of reference, and other evidence of the applicant's potential success in pursuing a graduate degree and representation of the Gilbert Foundation ideals. Louisiana State University is a comprehensive Research I institution enrolling more than 28,000 students. The campus is located in south Louisiana, 60 minutes from New Orleans, close to Louisiana's Cajun country, and in the heart of the state's abundant forestry, wildlife, and fisheries resources. The School of Renewable Natural Resources has 30 teaching, research, and extension faculty, which includes the US Geological Survey's Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. For more information about graduate studies in the School of Renewable Natural Resources you are encouraged to visit the School's web page (http://www.rnr.lsu.edu) and the Graduate School web page (http://gradlsu.gs.lsu.edu/). Interested applicants should send a CV, a copy of GRE scores, graduate and undergraduate transcripts, and contact information for references to Dr. Thomas Dean, Professor 227 Renewable Natural Resources Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803 fwd...@lsu.edu mailto:fwd...@lsu.edu (225) 578-4216
[ECOLOG-L] Project Baseline call for input
Project Baseline is a nationwide, long-term, NSF-funded initiative designed to build a research-quality seed bank that will enable contemporary and future scientists to directly study evolutionary changes as plants respond to environmental change. We will do this by collecting and storing seeds from well-defined populations of relatively common, widely-distributed, and short-lived plant taxa. The seeds will be archived at the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, in Fort Collins, CO. Seeds will be released to researchers at defined (e.g., 5-10 year) intervals over a period of 50 years, to be grown in common gardens with their descendants, or subjected to other, more novel, types of phenotypic and genetic analysis. Because this project is designed to benefit the scientific community as a whole, we are soliciting suggestions for candidate species. If you would like to suggest a species or population, please fill out and submit the Species Suggestion Form at http://www.baselineseedbank.org/suggestionForm.html. The main criteria for sites are that they be ensured of long-term protection from major disturbance and that they be physically and legally accessible by collection teams. More information about this project may be obtained from our website : http://www.baselineseedbank.org, or by contacting Karen Updegraff, Project Manager (kupde...@d.umn.edu). -- Karen Updegraff PostDoctoral Associate University of Minnesota, Duluth Department of Biology 1035 Kirby Drive Duluth, MN 55182 218-726-7738
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantships for M.S. in Biology
The Biology Department at John Carroll University seeks graduate student applications for Fall 2012. The department has faculty expertise in subjects ranging from cellular and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, to ecology and systematics. The faculty is committed to providing a supportive, mentoring environment for master’s level graduate students and has a high rate of degree completion in its 2 year program. Faculty prefer to work in a collaborative environment. Facilities in the department are located in the newly built Dolan Center for Science and Technology and labs are well-equipped with modern equipment and instrumentation. The department is composed of 9 full-time faculty members, 13 graduate students, and approximately 240 undergraduate majors. Graduate student support packages include full tuition and fee remission for qualified applicants, and most students receive stipends for their work as graduate teaching assistants in departmental laboratory courses. For more information, please contact Dr. Chris Sheil, Graduate Coordinator (csh...@jcu.edu) and visit the departmental website (http://www.jcu.edu/biology/) to identify possible faculty advisors and learn more about the department.
[ECOLOG-L] Wetland Ecology Field Technicians - Colorado
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) at Colorado State University (CSU) seeks 4 to 6 experienced field technicians for summer field work assessing the condition of wetlands throughout the lower South Platte River Basin. All positions require field botany or ecology skills. Knowledge of plant taxonomy and species identification required. Preferred qualifications include experience in wetland or riparian ecology, knowledge of local flora, and familiarity performing field work for long days (10+ hours). Fieldwork will take place in randomly selected wetlands in urban areas, agricultural areas, and more remote natural areas as part of a river basin scale wetland condition and wildlife habitat assessment. Standard duties will involve driving and hiking to field sites; in-field plant identification and in-office plant identification with a microscope; extensive collection of vegetation, soil, wildlife habitat, and environmental data; detailed completion of field survey forms; and landowner interactions. Salary range: $2000 - $2600/month, plus per diem. Timeframe: 3-5 months (approx. mid-May-Sept 2012). To apply and view a complete position description, please visit: http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/employment-opportunities.html. First consideration of applicants will begin February 19, 2011. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Colorado State University conducts background checks on all final candidates. CSU is an EO/EA/AA employer.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship, Landscape Ecology of Pollinator Conservation and Services by Native Bees
A PhD assistantship (covering a stipend, tuition, and health insurance) is available at the University of Maine beginning September 2012 to study native bee conservation from a landscape ecology perspective. The grant supporting this research is part of a multi-state, interdisciplinary study that examines pollinator ecology and conservation biology in focal crops of wild blueberries, apples, selected vegetables, and cranberries to understand factors affecting pollination security in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Maryland. The doctoral student will provide GIS support to the multi-state interdisciplinary team. The PhD dissertation will focus on spatial analyses and model development to understand relationships between landscape conditions and pollinator communities in these specialty crops, with particular focus on wild blueberries in Maine. Prior coursework and experience in GIS and ecological or spatial modeling are desired. An MS degree is required. Please send pre-applications of a cover letter expressing interest in the position, CV, GRE scores, and transcripts, with subject line POLLINATOR, to Dr. Cynthia Loftin (cynthia.lof...@maine.edu) and Dr. Frank Drummond (frank_drumm...@umit.maine.edu).
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Donation of conservation biology textbooks
Dear Ecolog: Thanks to all of you who generously offered to donate conservation biology textbooks. I was (pleasantly) overwhelmed with responses and cannot accept any more books at this point. Those books that I cannot physically take to the host country will be offered to other programs sponsored by the Department of Interior's International Technical Assistance Program. http://www.doi.gov/intl/itap/index.cfm I had several inquiries wondering if I would accept textbooks for general ecology, environmental science, etc. Also, I received some inquiries if I was interested in journals. All of this goodwill got me wondering about other programs out there that may already be doing what I was doing, but on a bigger scale. There appear to be some organizations that accept donated medical textbooks and journals (http://www.amsa.org/amsa/homepage/about/committees/global/textbookdonations.aspx). Also, an organization based in the UK that accepts books on natural history and the environment to distribute to conservation NGOs throughout the world (http://www.worldlandtrust.org/projects/books-for-conservation). In most cases, shipping of textbooks and journals to foreign countries becomes cost-prohibitive, and they rely on bookmules (like me!) to get them to the target audience relatively cheaply. If one does not already exist, perhaps there is a niche in the the U.S. for an organization to accept and distribute books and journals related to natural resource management and conservation science? Based on the responses on Ecolog the supply is there and I think the demand is there too. One last thing, several people emailed me the link to the (free) online book Conservation for All ( http://www.conbio.org/publications/consbioforall/) that provides an easy solution to the problem of purchasing and shipping heavy books around the globe. All the best, Steve Windels Voyageurs National Park/National Park Service
[ECOLOG-L] Veg. Internship: NPS, San Francisco Bay Area
Position: Vegetation Internship Organization: National Park Service, Inventory Monitoring Program, San Francisco Area Network Location: Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) Application Due Date: February 13, 2012 Start Date: March 19, 2012 Job description: The San Francisco Bay Area Network of National Parks is seeking one intern to assist with the implementation of a long-term vegetation monitoring program. The intern will work primarily in GGNRA and Point Reyes National Seashore, but will also make visits to Pinnacles National Monument, Muir Woods N.M., and John Muir Historic Site. The primary duties include locating sampling sites chosen for long-term monitoring with use of a GPS, identifying and mapping vegetation types, installing permanent sampling markers, taking photographs, and summarizing site conditions and access routes in a reference document. Interns will also conduct vegetation sampling. All sites are off trail in mostly undisturbed natural vegetation. Interns must be able to work full days in sometimes difficult field conditions. Field work may occur in rugged terrain, under adverse weather conditions, with exposure to poison-oak, ticks, spiders, rattlesnakes, and stinging or biting insects. Protective equipment will be provided; however, please do not apply if you have any hesitation about the field conditions. Office work will involve data entry on a computer approximately two days a week. Interns are provided $250 every two weeks. Housing is also provided in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area at the Marin Headlands. There is no other compensation. Term: The 2011 internship will start in March and end in September 2012, but may be extended depending on funds and work load. To apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to Robert Steers at robert_ste...@nps.gov Preference will be given to applicants who have taken courses in plant taxonomy, field botany, vegetation sampling, plant ecology, or other vegetation science courses. Please specify in your application if you have relevant course work. Preference will also be given to applicants with prior experience studying or working in California Coast Range plant communities. A valid driver's license is required. A background check must be completed if you are selected for this position. For more information about the San Francisco Bay Area Parks, please visit: http://www.sfnps.org/
[ECOLOG-L] Opportunity for summer field assistant
Opportunity for field assistant Graduate student studying the vegetation of the White River in western South Dakota seeking field assistant for the 2012 field season. The White River is one of the country's longest undammed rivers; running from northwestern Nebraska, through the South Dakota Badlands to Chamberlain, South Dakota where it enters the Missouri River at Lake Francis Case. Because of its remote location there has been very little research on the river or its riparian vegetation. Assistant will aid in vegetation sampling and classification of sites located on the river throughout South Dakota. Requirements: BS or current enrollment in university coursework in botany, ecology, forestry, or related field; experience in botanical surveys, including use of a dichotomous key, and ability to identify (or learn to identify) trees and shrubs of the Great Plains; ability to work and camp under arduous conditions in remote locations; driver's license. Preferred: Knowledge of South Dakota/Great Plains flora, experience with GPS, experience working in remote locations, experience with Geographic Information System software. Assistant will be paid $9.38/hour for 40 hours a week. The field season is expected to run from May 29th through mid to late August (maximum of 480 hours or $4500). Housing will be provided over the summer; split between Chamberlain and Cottonwood, South Dakota. The assistant will be funded through the University of South Dakota. Applicants should email a cover letter and a copy of their resume/CV with 3 references to Alex Cahlander-Mooers at alex.cahlandermoo...@usd.edumailto:alex.cahlandermoo...@usd.edu. Feel free to email with any questions about the position.
[ECOLOG-L] Support Grants for i5k Workshop, 5/30-5/31, Kansas City
SUPPORT GRANTS FOR STUDENTS AND POST DOCS TO ATTEND the i5k COMMUNITY WORKSHOP May 30 and May 31, 2012, in Kansas City (Held in conjunction with the 6th Annual Arthropod Genomics Symposium, May 31 to June 2, 2012) Thanks to a generous grant from the American Genetic Association, we are able to offer scholarships to students and postdoctoral researchers to defray costs related to attending the i5k Community Workshop. These awards will cover the registration fee for the i5k Workshop and two nights in the host hotel (three nights in case of hardship and for those staying to attend the Arthropod Genomics Symposium). Participants will be responsible for their own expenses to travel to the meeting venue in Kansas City. To apply, please send the information listed below in a single PDF, attached to an e-mail, to Doris Merrill, dmerr...@k-state.edu , before midnight on Thursday, March 8. Information to include in your application: 1. Your name 2. Your position (undergraduate student, graduate student, or post doc) 3. A poster presentation title 4. Name of your host institution 5. Name of your mentor/advisor 6. Explain in one paragraph how your participation will increase the meeting’s diversity and add to discussions. 7. Justify your financial need for this scholarship/grant funding. 8. Attach your biosketch or CV (max. 2 pages). All applications will be reviewed by members of the conference committee, and awards will be announced by Tuesday, March 27. INSTRUCTIONS can be downloaded as a PDF at: http://www.k-state.edu/agc/symp2012/images/SupportGrants-INSTRUCTIONS.pdf Additional information about the i5k Workshop can be accessed at: http://arthropodgenomes.org/wiki/File:i5kFlyer010312.pdf or http://arthropodgenomes.org/wiki/i5K ). REGISTRATION and additional information about the i5k Workshop and Arthropod Genomics Symposium can be found at: http://www.k-state.edu/agc/symp2012 . A Symposium brochure/flyer is available at: http://www.k-state.edu/agc/symp2012/images/Brochure-2012.pdf . Thank you for sharing this information with colleagues, post doctoral researchers and students. ***Please note: Refunds will be issued to awardees who previously paid registration fees to attend the i5k Workshop. Doris Merrill, dmerr...@k-state.edu Program Coordinator Arthropod Genomics Center Kansas State University
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Research Coordinator, TX
Florida AM University has a Research Coordinator position open that will be located at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas. This position will be a Florida AM University employee, but will maintain an office at University of Texas Marine Science Institute. The purpose of this position is to support the Environmental Cooperative Science Center (ECSC). The ECSC addresses ecological and management issues through studies research at several NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve sites, including the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (Reserve), which is located at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. This position will serve as a liaison/research technician to assist with research and monitoring activities of the ECSC. Duties will include attendance at annual ECSC meetings, conference calls, field work, and sampling. This position will also include logistics coordination of research, student mentoring, and meetings. Position number: 22104 http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=employmentp=emp_searchhttp://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=employmentp=emp_search The Research Coordinator position is posted! Link and info below http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=employmentp=emp_searchhttp://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=employmentp=emp_search Position Type: Other Personnel Services Position Number: 22104 Contract Period: 12 Month Location: School of the Environment Salary Range: Negotiable Deadline: Thursday, February 16, 2012 Qualifications: Many thanks, Sally Morehead - Reserve Manager Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve The University of Texas Marine Science Institute 750 Channel View Drive Port Aransas, Texas 78373 file:///C:/Users/DAVIDI~1/AppData/Local/Temp/tel:%28361%29749-3046(361)749-3046 ofc file:///C:/Users/DAVIDI~1/AppData/Local/Temp/tel:%28361%29749-6777(361)749-6777 fax
[ECOLOG-L] 2012 Dendroecology summer course, UA LTRR
Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that we will be teaching a two week summer course on Dendroecology at the University of Arizona, Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research in Tucson, Arizona and at the Valles Caldera Science Education Center in Jemez Springs, New Mexico. [The Dendroarchaeology and Dendroclimatology summer courses at UA will not be offered this year.] The Dendroecology summer pre-session course is a combination of lectures and workshop sessions aimed at introducing basic dendrochronology principles and methods and their applications in ecology. The course is intended primarily for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and scientists or others who are currently using or plan to use dendrochronology in future ecological studies. See a longer description here: http://ltrr.arizona.edu/courseinfo/dendroecology Preliminary details about the course are listed below: Instructors: Professors Tom Swetnam and Don Falk, Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research School of Natural Resources Environment, University of Arizona When: May 14 to May 25, 2012 Where: the first week will be in Tucson Arizona at the University of Arizona and the second week will be at the Valles Caldera National Preserve Science Education Center in Jemez Springs, New Mexico (transportation from Tucson to Jemez Springs return to Tucson will be provided). Credit: University of Arizona graduate credit for two or three units is possible (see http://summer-winter.arizona.edu/winter/summer.html) Credit from this course can be applied to the new Graduate Certificate in Dendrochronology offered by the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research (see http://ltrr.arizona.edu/certificate ) Costs: We estimate the costs only at this time, but we anticipate the total will be around $1,500 to $2,000, including UA registration fees, and course costs (which will cover transportation costs from Tucson to Jemez Springs and back to Tucson, and accommodations in Jemez Springs, and other instruction expenses). Transportation costs from your residence to Tucson and return, and accommodations while in Tucson for the first week will be additional costs paid by the student. This message is a call for statements of interest by potential participants. If you are potentially interested in attending, please send – by February 15, 2012 -- a message to Lourdes Perkins (lperk...@email.arizona.edumailto: lperk...@email.arizona.edu) at the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, with the subject line “Dendroecology Summer Course”, and include: --A brief description of your background, i.e., undergraduate or graduate degrees; current program of study, work, or research --A brief statement of how you are using, or may use dendrochronology in the future, and reasons for your interest in this course --Indicate if a scholarship or partial scholarship covering all or part of the fees or other expenses will be essential or not for your participation (there is a possibility that we can cover a small number of such scholarships). Last, please note that this course immediately precedes the 22nd North American Dendroecology Fieldweek (NADEF), which runs from May 28 to June 5, 2012, and the NADEF will be held in the same location at the Valles Caldera National Preserve Science Education Center in Jemez Springs, NM. Hence, interested students may enroll in both the UA-LTRR Dendroecology summer course AND the NADEF for a full 3 week immersion in dendrochronology! Further, the NADEF organizers have indicated they will offer a $50 U.S. discount for participants who will sign up for both courses. For more information about the NADEF, contact Dr. Jim Speer at: jim.sp...@indstate.edumailto:jim.sp...@indstate.edu and visit the website at: http://dendrolab.indstate.edu/nadef/ Applications for NADEF are due no later than March 30, 2012, and are to be sent to Jim Speer. If you do apply to both the UA-LTRR and NADEF courses, please indicate this in both of your applications. Sincerely, Tom Swetnam and Don Falk University of Arizona Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research School of Natural Resources Environment http://ltrr.arizona.edu/ http://www.vallescaldera.gov/newsmedia/news/news_ScienceandEducationCenterBrochure.pdf
[ECOLOG-L] ECOLOG guide to attaining a Federal Job.
All of the following information came from e-mails I received in response to my post seeking help to break into the park service. Thank you for the help. -I understand your frustration as I have been in your position in the past. My best advice would be to spend a bit of time customizing your resume and work experience to each position that you apply for… they need to quickly find the ones that stand out. Look for keywords in the position descriptions and pepper your application with those keywords (like natural resource management, ecological restoration, etc.). That's one tip. (http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/student-educational-employment.htm) -Have you checked out The Student Conservation Association? www.thesca.org...it's a great way to get involved in the NPS. One of my co-interns at the Grand Canyon did lots of volunteering. He enrolled in the federal law enforcement academy associated with Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. He's now gainfully employed as a backcountry ranger at Canyonlands National Park. -In the environmental science field it's all about contacts, and for us recent grads it's very tough to find an opening. Are you on LinkedIn? It's a great way to find out if any of your acquaintances are in contact with NPS professionals. -Don't forget that places like the National Mall in D.C., Independence Park in Philadelphia, Freedom Trail in Boston, etc. are National Parks within the park service. I have a friend who does not have a natural resources background who started as a seasonal ranger in Boston and has since worked as seasonal rangers in other more scenic parks. He now has a full time Ranger position in Boston -One thing I have heard from many folks who have worked with the feds is that the KSA's (knowledge, skills, and abilities) are HUGE!!! http://www.fedsmith.com/article/3246/avoid-these-top-common-pitfalls-your.html http://www.fedsmith.com/article/3206/tips-make-your-government-resume-stand.html http://www.fedsmith.com/article/3238/why-matching-your-resume-keywords-job.html -I also found it helpful to google examples of federal resumes because usually they are very different than a regular private sector resume. -If you're at all inclined to doing ecological field research, you can probably get seasonal work with whatever interests you the most (http://wfsc.tamu.edu/jobboard - start looking/applying NOW). In your case, it could also be highly worthwhile to get experience with wildfire suppression. Try and get work that takes place in a national park, or which is supported by some federal agency (NPS, USFS, BLM, USGS, etc.) - sometimes this isn't incredibly obvious in the job description, for example, when a university handles the HR tasks involved with paying field techs on a job largely directed by a federal agency. So to sum it all up: 1) Go over every tiny detail of your application before you submit it. If you are missing any bit of information that they asked for, they will toss your application out and it won't even be read. For example, on your resume you can't just say you had an internship in Summer 2009, you need to say the exact starting and ending dates. They want to calculate how many months of experience you have, so they need the specifics. See the How to Apply section of the job posting on USA Jobs. 2) It sounds like you should be qualified for a GS-5 Park Ranger position or a lower level Park Guide or Visitor Use Assistant position. Keep applying for those. You could also try Biological Science Technician positions if that is of interest to you. If you don't care where you work, send out as many apps as you can. Typically, once you have had one NPS position it may be easier to get re-hired the next time. 3) You might want to also consider spending a summer as a volunteer intern to get your foot in the door. I know a lot of NPS employees who started as volunteers. You'll learn how the park works, make some contacts, and get some direct experience. Go to the NPS website, click on Get Involved, then Volunteer to search for positions. They will often provide housing and a stipend, so you are at least not losing money. 4) Another option is working in a park without being employed by the NPS. My best suggestion is to try for a Student Conservation Association internship. Some parks have SCA interns working alongside rangers in the visitor center, so you are learning how to do the same job. Again, you would receive a stipend and probably free housing. 5) Keep in mind what each position is looking for in terms of skills, which they will spell out for you in the How You'll Be Evaluated section of the job posting on USA Jobs. One Park Ranger position may not be the same as the next, so tailor your resume according to each one's specifications. Make sure you specifically address all of those skills on your resume, and write it in a way that ANYBODY could see that it matches. The first person to read and evaluate
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Research Specialist, aridland streams, AZ
Full-Time Research Specialist position (Job ID: 27804) at the Tempe Campus of Arizona State University THIS POSITION IS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY Posted Rate of Pay $32,037 - $41,668 per year; DOE The Urban and Stream Ecosystems Laboratory (Nancy Grimms research group) and the Sabo Lab (John Sabos research group) with the Global Institute of Sustainability and School of Life Sciences seek a Research Specialist for this grant-funded project centered in Sycamore Creek, Maricopa County, Arizona (within the boundaries of CAP LTER!). The Research Specialist will perform a variety of work including field research, lab work, data management and data analysis. This is a grant-funded position for an initial appointment of one year, with a possibility of extension to the end of the grant period (September 2013). Continuation beyond the end of the grant is contingent on future grant funding. The Research Specialists duties will be to conduct field and laboratory research that examines and analyzes responses of algae, invertebrates, wetland vegetation, biogeochemical processes, ecosystem metabolism and biogeomorphic structure to interannual variability of the hydrological regime in aridland stream ecosystems. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in life sciences, environmental sciences or in a related field AND two years related ecology research experience; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Desired Qualifications Experience with: stream metabolism and nutrient spiraling measurements; standard techniques of water chemistry analysis; stream monitoring instrumentation, particularly automated water samplers (ISCO), field sensors (chloride, nitrate (SUNA), pressure transducers, micrometeorology instrumentation), data loggers, and sondes. Experience or knowledge of: stream ecology, hydrology or biogeochemistry; taxonomy of benthic macroinvertebrates and/or benthic algae; using isotopes in ecological or hydrological research; using spreadsheets, databases and/or other data management software; using GIS. Arizona State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. For more information, see full job ad and links at http://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/241071-Research-Specialisthttp://www.nature.com/naturejobs/science/jobs/241071-Research-Specialist, http://giscareers.com/?GC-DKMLGUZ, or http://sustainability.asu.edu/about/contact/employment.phphttp://sustainability.asu.edu/about/contact/employment.php.
