[ECOLOG-L] summer field botanist positions in southwestern South Dakota
*Job Overview:* Colorado State University is hiring two summer field assistants for a research project in the Black Hills and Badlands of southwestern South Dakota. The project is measuring effects of nitrogen deposition on grassland vegetation at Wind Cave and Badlands National Parks. Pay for crew members will be $16.10/hr. Crew members will be stationed at Wind Cave National Park and work under the direct supervision of the project leader. *Crew Member Duties:* (1) Travel daily to field sites, plus some overnight campground camping. (2) Apply nitrogen fertilizer to experimental plots. (3) Identify and measure cover of grassland forbs, shrubs, grasses. (4) Measure biomass of grassland vegetation. (5) Collect unknown plant specimens and identify them in the laboratory with dichotomous keys and herbaria collections. (6) Enter data into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets or other databases. (7) Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment, copying datasheets, etc.). * * *Requirements: * (1) Enrollment or completion of a bachelor’s degree in rangeland science, ecology, biology, botany or related field. (2) Previous field experience sampling vegetation. Preference given to those candidates with grassland plant identification skills and experience. (3) Experience with computers and Microsoft software packages. (4) Excellent communication skills, flexibility and ability to work effectively as a team member. (5) Ability to carry a heavy pack across steep, uneven terrain and to work long days in remote areas and in inclement (rainy/cold/hot) conditions. (6) Good physical condition, a sense of humor, and ability to work as a team. (7) A valid driver’s license and a good driving record. * * *Housing:* Park housing may be available for rent.** * * *Area Information: *Wind Cave National Park is located in the southern Black Hills of southwest South Dakota, approximately 5 ½ hours north of Denver, CO. Medical and dental services, shopping, restaurants, and churches of most faiths are available in Hot Springs (12 miles) and Custer (20 miles). The full service community of Rapid City, SD, population 60,000, is 60 miles away.** * * *How To Apply:* If you have any questions about this position, please contact Alan Knapp at akn...@colostate.edu and Amy Symstad at asyms...@usgs.gov. Applicants should send a brief cover letter, resume, university transcripts (unofficial okay) and contact information for 3 references to Alan Knapp by email. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. * Amy Symstad Research Ecologist U.S. Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Address: Wind Cave National Park, 26611 U.S. Hwy 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747 Phone: 605-745-1191 Email: asyms...@usgs.gov **
[ECOLOG-L] PLANTS-undergrad travel awards
The PLANTS program (funded by the NSF and Botanical Society of America, www.botany.org) encourages the participation of undergraduates from underrepresented groups at the annual meetings of the BSA and affiliated organizations (this year in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 27-31, 2013). These meetings focus on the plant sciences and include areas such as ecology, conservation, systematics, paleobotany, physiology and ethnobotany. The PLANTS program will fund up to 12 undergraduates annually to participate in the meetings and to receive mentoring from both junior (advanced undergraduate and graduate students) and senior mentors (postdocs, faculty, and other professionals) in the plant sciences. Applicants will be asked to provide a one page statement of academic interests and career goals and relevance of the BSA meetings to these goals, and one letter of recommendation. The letter of reference should indicate the students level of interest in the plant sciences and how inclusion of the student will increase diversity of the PLANTS participants. Applications will be accepted Feb 1-Mar 15, 2013 and are available at www.botany.org/awards_grants/detail/PLANTS.php Applicants must be undergraduates who are US citizens or permanent residents and who are registered or recently graduated (i.e., within the last 12 months) from U.S. institutions, including Puerto Rico, and traveling to the meeting from within the U.S. Students demonstrating a need for funds to attend BSA will be given preference, and will be selected so that the group as a whole will maximize diversity among undergraduates at the meetings. More information is available from Ann Sakai (aksa...@uci.edu), Ann Hirsch (ahir...@ucla.edu), or Heather Cacanindin (hcacanin...@botany.org).
[ECOLOG-L] REU: : Models in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics
The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at The University of Kansas announces that its new Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program: Models in Ecology, Evolution and Systematics has been recommended for funding by the National Science Foundation. We are now accepting applications for our ten-week program that will run May 20-July 26, 2013. Students will participate in mentored, independent research and will receive additional training. Mathematics majors with an interest in biology as well as biology majors are encouraged to apply. Students must have good standing at a community college, college or university and be a United States citizen or permanent resident. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. For access to the application and information about the program, please visit http://eebreu.ku.edu. Other inquiries may be directed to the program at eeb...@ku.edumailto:eeb...@ku.edu The application deadline is March 1, 2013. Dr. Jennifer Gleason, Program director Dr. Mark Mort, Assistant program director
[ECOLOG-L] Summer plant ecology technician, Utah
We seek a summer research technician to join a project examining the role of species interactions in determining the impact of climate change on plant communities. The work will be in Dr. Peter Adler's lab (http://www.cnr.usu.edu/htm/facstaff/adler-web/) at Utah State University in Logan, UT. Field work will take place in eastern Idaho sagebrush steppe vegetation, western Kansas mixed prairie, and southern New Mexico desert grasslands. Primary responsibilities include mapping individual plants in permanent plots at these sites and digitizing these maps using ArcGIS software. Important qualifications include experience with plant identification, a willingness to do repetitive fieldwork, patience, and a curiosity about basic ecology. The position starts in late May to early June 2013, and runs through September, 2013, but start and end dates are flexible. Pay is $10.50 per hour. To apply email Andy Kleinhesselink(arkl...@aggiemail.usu.edu) with the following documents attached as a pdf: 1) A cover letter explaining your interest in and qualification for the position 2) a curriculum vita 3) contact information for three references. Deadline for applications is March 19, 2013.
[ECOLOG-L] MS assistantship position in Wetland Biogeochemistry
MS Assistantship Position in Wetland Biogeochemistry The Roberts Lab of Ecosystem Ecology and Biogeochemistry at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking a graduate research assistant at the Master of Science level to examine the influence of river diversions on carbon and nitrogen cycling in Louisiana freshwater, brackish, and salt marshes. The student is expected to play an active role in designing and carrying out a thesis project that will examine the effects of salinity manipulations on greenhouse gas production, nitrification, and denitrification rates at multiple marshes along the Barataria Bay estuarine system salinity gradient downstream of the Davis Pond Diversion. The student will join a large, multi-institution team of researchers on the Coastal Waters Consortium (CWC) project (http://cwc.lumcon.edu/) funded by the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative to study the impacts of the oil spill and future spills on salt marshes and coastal environments. Specifically, the student will be collaborating with the wetland biogeochemistry and microbial ecology group led by Drs. Brian Roberts (LUMCON), Anne Giblin (Marine Biological Laboratory), and Anne Bernhard (Connecticut College). The student will be supported through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Coastal Science Assistantship Program which provides the student with the opportunity to complete an internship at a CPRA office during the period of CPRA funding. The research activities will be supported through the larger CWC project. Qualifications: The candidate must have a B.S in ecology, wetland science, biogeochemistry or a related field. The candidate will also be expected to participate in field work that may require physical effort to transport equipment in field sites throughout Louisiana that are accessible only by small boats. The ability to work in a group setting is essential, as this researcher will work collaboratively with the PIs, post docs, graduate students, and other research associates/technicians on this CWC project. Start Date: The position can begin as early as 1 June 2013, but candidates must be available by August 2013 to enroll for the fall semester. The MS assistantship provides a competitive stipend including summer support, health insurance, and covers tuition expenses. Thesis research and project- related travel expenses including making at least one presentation at a scientific meeting will be covered by funding from the BP/GoMRI project. Location: The student will be enrolled at either Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge or Tulane University depending on the program that best fits the students background and interests. The students thesis research will be based at the Louisiana University Marine Consortium (LUMCON) at the LUMCON Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA (visit http:///www.lumcon.edu for information on the facility). To Apply: Send 1) a letter of interest that describes your interest in the position, your career goals, and details your work and educational experience most relevant to the position, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies are acceptable initially), and 4) contact information for 3 references to Dr. Brian Roberts (brobe...@lumcon.edu) with Wetland biogeochemistry MS position in the subject line. For more information, contact Dr. Brian Roberts by email or phone (985-851-2821). Deadline: Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] summer technician Purdue Entomology
Greetings, We're hiring a full-time technician for several summer field experiments in the Insect Ecology group at Purdue University. This position will support ag- focused research related to herbivore-induced plant volatiles and predator/prey interactions, cover crops and beneficial insects, or virus/vector interactions in agroecosystems. See http://www.entm.purdue.edu/ecolab/default.php for more information. We'd like to find someone enthusiastic about the scope and purpose of our research, who can work independently and stay focused during occasional monotonous tasks (e.g. counting seeds, pulling weeds, etc.). Work will consist of both field and lab activities-- applicants will need to be comfortable handling insects, heat and farm labor. Experience with plant or insect identification are beneficial, but not required. This position will last from May-August, with the potential for extension into the fall. A valid driver's license and a clear driving record are required. Please send a resume, letter of interest and two references to Carmen Blubaugh (bluba...@purdue.edu) and Gina Angelella-White (gange...@purdue.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] blog about research at teaching institutions
Ecolog folks, A few weeks ago I launched the Small Pond Science blog, which is about doing research in a teaching institution. The readership is mostly ecologists. It's found at http://smallpondscience.com The blog is directed towards those working in teaching institutions, and anybody who is thinking about moving into such a line of work. I'm hoping it will be informative for grad students and postdocs who are thinking about applying to this kind of position. There are a number of excellent ecology blogs, though they don't reflect the vast number of us who are at teaching institutions. This is designed to partially rectify that situation. The blog will touch on ecology once in a while, but I'm working to make it more broadly applicable for all scientists. Feedback is quite welcome. Cheers, Terry McGlynn Associate Professor of Biology California State University Dominguez Hills blog: smallpondscience.com lab site: leaflitter.org
[ECOLOG-L] Univ of Florida searching for two Quantitative Scientists/Biometricians
For more information and details on applying see the complete job posting at https://jobs.ufl.edu/postings/37684 UF is searching for up to two (2) Quantitative Scientists/Biometricians that use cutting-edge theoretical and applied statistical tools to conduct interdisciplinary, and hypothesis-driven research bridging the gap between quantitative tools and biological or social sciences. The ideal faculty candidates should have experience collaborating/consulting with scientists across a broad range of disciplines. A strong commitment to exceptional teaching is essential, with experience teaching graduate courses in advanced statistical modeling and methods. The appointments are at the rank of Assistant Professor. Appointment at Associate or Full Professor may be possible for exceptional candidates. These are 12-month tenure-accruing positions that will include teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences), research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and service. The specific details of this assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. The tenure home is in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida, with specific departmental home depending on the background and fit of the candidate. Candidates will be asked to identify two IFAS departments that would be suitable as a tenure home. Duties will include instruction at the graduate level in statistical methodology, and development of a cutting-edge quantitative research program in an appropriate field linked to the tenure home. The successful candidate(s) will engage in scholarly activities related to instruction in their tenure home department, for example advising and mentoring students, participating in curriculum revision and enhancement, supervising undergraduate and graduate research and creative work, producing learning tools, and engaging in professional development activities related to teaching and advising. Faculty members are encouraged to support and participate in the CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education. In addition, the faculty member(s) will seek contract and grant funding actively to support his/her program(s), and should be partially involved in IFAS-wide statistical consulting. Because of the IFAS land-grant mission, all faculty members are expected to be supportive of and engaged in each of the three mission areas - Research, Teaching and Extension - regardless of the assignment split specified in the position description.
[ECOLOG-L] Ecological Society of America voices concern over US fiscal situation
Ecological Society of America voices concern over US fiscal situation On March 1, a series of automatic spending cuts are set to occur unless Congress produces a plan that reduces the federal deficit by $1.2 trillion. These cuts will drastically scale back federal support of scientific research, environmental protections and education and do nothing substantive to address the nation's fiscal problems. Scientific research reaches across a broad cross section of society that goes well beyond academia, said Scott Collins, President of the Ecological Society of America, the world's largest organization of ecological scientists. Cutting costs of federal spending in an area that has helped the nation lower costs associated with natural disaster mitigation, public health threats from pollution and disease, and agricultural cultivation just seems counterproductive to say the least. Non-defense discretionary spending programs would receive a 5.3 percent cut under the sequester, slightly lowered from the 8.2 percent cut due to altered spending caps set by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-240). The American Association for the Advancement of Science notes that our nation's commitment to scientific research is dwindling: As a share of the economy, federal RD is 16.7 percent smaller than it was a decade ago and 29.7 percent smaller than it was in the 1970s. Read more on ESA's blog: http://www.esa.org/esablog/ecology-in-policy/ecological-society-of-america-voices-concern-over-us-fiscal-situation/ Nadine Lymn ESA Director of Public Affairs Washington DC 20036 (202)833-8773 x205 www.facebook.com/esa.org http://twitter.com/#!/esa_org
[ECOLOG-L] *JOB* - Sr Staff Scientist - Ecologist
Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, re-locatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyber-infrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales. Summary: Working under the general direction of the Project Scientist and in collaboration with several science team leaders, the incumbent serves as a scientific and technical resource within the Project Science Office to support active engagement between the Observatory and the broader science community and promote scientific advancements in continental-scale ecology relevant to the observatory mission. Areas of work cut across NEON science teams and require proactive coordination and collaboration across these teams as well as Education and Public Outreach and External Affairs. Term: Term position ending September 30, 2017 Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Specific duties and responsibilities in supporting the Project Science Office include but are not limited to the following: • Work with NEON’s Science teams and the external user community to promote the use and scientific impact of NEON data, data products and infrastructure assets – e.g., via science symposia, workshops, technical working group meetings and formation of external science teams. • Further develop and refine plans and policies regarding access to and use of NEON infrastructure assets – e.g., instrumented towers, airborne platforms and mobile deployment platforms -- that are available to the community for PI driven research activities. • Assist in developing strategies and protocols for integrating new and emerging methods and technologies into observatory operations. • Further develop and refine policies and procedures designed to promote and manage research coordination and collaboration at NEON sites, locally, regionally and nationally. • Support development and implementation of plans for verification and validation of the scientific output of the Observatory – i.e., science validation and commissioning. • Organize technical working groups (internally and externally) to address a variety of cross-cutting science issues (e.g., scaling and statistical issues, modeling and forecasting, quality assurance planning). • Work with NEON’s Science and Permitting teams in resolving NEON site selection issues. • Develop and deliver seminars (by self and staff) at a variety of universities, field stations and other venues as appropriate; represent NEON on matters of science in these venues in full coordination with science team leads. • Create and make presentations at professional meetings, and reports. • Travel to meetings and or national conferences. • Follow NEON policy and procedures. Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills: • PhD in Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or related field. • Six (6) or more years’ experience in ecological research, natural resources management or related field. • Demonstrated expert-level communication skills to ensure candidate will effectively explain Observatory mission requirements, present solutions to internal issues, and influence management or external sponsors in areas of expertise relevant to NEON. • Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of scientific, technical, and management staff, students, stakeholders, educators and the public. • Solid analytical and creative problem solving skills – demonstrated ability to successfully apply experience and judgment to both short- and long-term challenges. • Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team. • Scientific writing and review skills as proven by a strong publication record and record of review of peer reviewed publications in a science field. Editorial experience a plus. Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills: • Ten (10) or more years’ experience in ecological research, natural resources management or related field. • Broadly trained in field-based ecology and related sciences relevant to NEON. • Experience addressing science questions at broad geographic scales; preferably at the
[ECOLOG-L] Environmental Review Program Lead opening at DNR
Environmental Planner 5-Environmental Review Program Lead Recruitment #2013-02-5540 Salary Range: $4,653 - $6,105 per month Open until filled; First review begins March 8, 2013 Note: It is to your advantage to submit your materials sooner than later. As the Senior Environmental Planner in the Environmental and Legal Affairs Section this position is responsible for: Interpreting and advising the agency re: implementing the requirements and intent of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) including technical assistance, leadership and coaching to DNR staff, top management, and responsible officials; Develop recommendations to top management re: SEPA implementation and facilitate resolution of internal and inter-agency conflicts re: SEPA; Daily consultation, interpretation and critical analysis of unique and complex SEPA issues; Providing SEPA expertise/consultation for complex DNR nonproject SEPA reviews (policies, plans, rules) or project EISs to project managers and agency management; Review legislative bills for SEPA concerns; Represent DNR on state agency SEPA team; Develop and update policies and procedures as needed; Supervise SEPA Center staff and other SEPA consultants. For more details, information and HOW TO APPLY, go to www.dnr.wa.gov/aboutdnr/employment and scroll to job announcement EP 5, Recruitment #2013-02-5540. Questions? Please contact Pamela Krueger at (360) 902-1424 or e-mail us at dnrrecruit...@dnr.wa.gov.
[ECOLOG-L] Research Experience for Undergraduates-University of Arizona
REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) is a National Science Foundation-sponsored program wherein undergraduates receive a stipend to conduct independent summer research projects under faculty guidance and mentorship. The School of Natural Resources and The Environment at the University of Arizona has an opening for an REU scholar for the summer of 2013. The REU scholar will work with Drs. Steve Archer, Rachel Gallery and Dave Breshears and with collaborators at New Mexico State, Loyola University-New Orleans and the University of Kentucky examining how plant litter decomposition in deserts is influenced by interactions between radiant energy and wind and water redistribution of soil. In addition to their own investigations, REU scholars will participate in controlled environment studies on the UA campus; and in field studies at the Santa Rita Experimental Range just south of Tucson. For more details on the project and application procedures, see http://ag.arizona.edu/research/archer/news.html
[ECOLOG-L] please help an unemployed biology major!
Hey there, ECOLOGGERS! I was hoping someone out there could give me, a recent graduate of Whitman College with a BA in biology, some advice on any naturalist/marine science/educator jobs. I had a horrendous time trying to get into marine science graduate programs because of huge competition for very limited space in funded labs. I have decided to take a break from looking at graduate school and I would like to find a job doing anything from marine science research to possibly getting an environmental educator or naturalist position. Does anyone know of any job openings in those fields? Location is not that important. If you have any suggestions, advice, or other tips I would really appreciate it. Happy Monday evening, ~Erin K.
[ECOLOG-L] Summer Internship -- Entomology
The Northwest Entomological Research Center (NWERC) is offering 2-4 paid summer internships for the upcoming summer field season. Projects are conducted in the Oregon Coast Range in cooperation with OSU College of Forestry, the National Center for Air and Stream Improvement, and the largest timber producers in the Pacific Northwest. Skill required: Carry 35 lbs Navigate rough terrain Must be authorized to operate motor pool vehicles Prefer upperclassmen OR applicants with field work experience Interest in Entomology or Forestry a plus! Skills Acquired: Field Research Experience Study Design Field Insect Identification Collection/Sampling protocols This is a competitive internship. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and CV to Melissa Scherr at mascherr@gmail.com before MARCH 30th. Applicants will be interviewed in April, with selection by the end of April. Internship begins on June 15th and extends to September 15th. For more information, visit our website at http://nwerc.org/internships. E- mail questions to Melissa Scherr at mascherr@gmail.com.
