[ECOLOG-L] Rapid Ecology - A new community-science blog for ecologists

[Jeff Atkins]

I wanted to bring to everyone’s attention the new community-science
blog, Rapid Ecology, a blog written for ecologists, by ecologists.
Science blogs are significant drivers of scientific discourse, yet only
a few blogs have broad visibility. Rapid Ecology is intended to address
this issue by providing a platform for many voices. If you have
something to say and you’d like other ecologists to hear you, Rapid
Ecology is designed to be your megaphone.

Rapid Ecology invites posts written for a general audience focusing on
new research, professional aspects of being an ecologist, musings on the
natural world, tips on methodology, or anything broadly interesting to
the ecology community. The site is also interested in monthly themed
columns from single-authors.

Recent posts have tackled imposter syndrome, academic accountability,
species distribution modeling, and whether manuscript cover letters have
outlived their usefulness.

You can find Rapid Ecology at rapidecology.com and take a closer
look at the submission guidelines at rapidecology.com/submission-guidelines/

You can also follow Rapid Ecology on Twitter: @RapidEcology

I and the fellow members of the editorial board look forward to your
submissions!

Rapid Ecology Associate Editors:
Jeff Atkins, Alissa Brown, Paul Caplat, Anna Carter, Luke Lamb,
Graziella Iossa, Elisabeth Maxwell, Terry McGlynn, Julua Mlynarek, Elva
Robinson, Casey TerHorst, Ruth Schmidt, Giulio Valentino Dalla Riva, and
Luke Lamb (Managing Editor)

[ECOLOG-L] JOB: Research Assistant in Rocky Mountain Insect Ecology (3-5 month position)

[David Branson]

JOB: Research Assistant in Rocky Mountain Insect Ecology (3-5 month position)

Job Description:  The USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Northern Plains
Agriculture Research Laboratory in Sidney, MT is seeking an enthusiastic and
hard-working individual to serve as a biological science aide.  Our research
focuses on grassland insect and rangeland ecology; specifically how
interactions between grasshoppers and Mormon crickets affect Mormon cricket
and grasshopper diets, insect immunity to pathogens, and grassland health.
Work may include sampling grasshoppers, Mormon crickets, and other rangeland
insects in large scale experiments, sampling rangeland plants, setting up
and conducting manipulative experiments in the field and lab.  Most field
work will be conducted in subalpine meadows at 9000 feet elevation in the
Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming. A willingness to drive on overnight
travel to sites in Wyoming will be required. 

Salary: $11.68 – 12.74 per hour (GS-2 – GS-3) dependent on experience and
education.  Dorm-style, shared housing is available on location for ~$150
per month, including utilities, internet and basic cable TV.

Dates: Starting May 13 - June 10 and continuing through the end of August to
the end of October, depending on a candidate’s availability. 

Qualifications: The candidate must be a US citizen.  Additionally, the
candidate should be physically fit, able to walk rapidly over rangeland, and
comfortable spending long hours outside at high elevation. The candidate
will need a driver’s license.  Willingness to work long days, and some
weekends when necessary is also a must.  Undergraduate course work in
ecology, entomology, range or environmental sciences, and previous field
work experience is preferred, but not required.  

Application process: Please send cover letter, resume, and names and contact
information of two references (electronically) to Robert Srygley
(robert.sryg...@ars.usda.gov).  Be sure to include available start and end
dates. In your cover letter and please describe any experience or coursework
you have in relevant areas such as field ecology, entomology, or plant
identification In your cover letter or resume.

Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until the
position is filled. For more information on the grasshopper research program
visit: http://bit.ly/2D5bppW or contact us directly. 

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantships in Water and Soil Quality

[Eric Holzmueller]

Graduate Research Assistantships in Water and Soil Quality.  Southern
Illinois University Carbondale

The Department of Forestry at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU)
announces the availability of a Ph.D. and M.S. research assistantship
beginning in May or August 2018.  Assistantships include annual stipends of
$17,856 for M.S. students and $19,320 for Ph.D. students and a tuition waiver.

Successful candidates will join a team of researchers and graduate students
led by Karl W.J. Williard and Jon E. Schoonover.  The team is investigating
water and soil quality responses to various management practices in
agricultural watersheds, including cover crops, gypsum applications,
saturated buffers, and tillage.  Assistantships are funded through grants
from the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council.  Research will
include significant field and laboratory components.

Qualified applicants should possess a M.S. or bachelor’s degree in soil
science, agronomy, forestry, environmental science, chemistry, biology, or a
related discipline.  Please email a letter of interest, resume, and GRE
scores to Dr. Karl Williard, willi...@siu.edu and Dr. Jon Schoonover,
jsch...@siu.edu by April 12, 2018 for full consideration.  Contact Dr.
Williard with any questions at 618-453-7478.  Please visit the following web
sites for information on the M.S. program in the Department of Forestry 
http://forestry.siu.edu/  and the Ph.D. program in Agricultural Sciences
http://coas.siu.edu/ 

[ECOLOG-L] EES GEOS Colloquium Thursday March 8: Dr. Gavin Schmidt, Director of NASA-GISS at 5:30 p.m., room 4102

[Joy Cytryn]

From: Earth and Environmental Sciences Mailing List
[mailto:ee...@gc.listserv.cuny.edu] On Behalf Of Earth & Environmental
Sciences Office
Sent: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 3:22 PM
Subject: EES GEOS Colloquium Thursday March 8: Dr. Gavin Schmidt, Director
of NASA-GISS at 5:30 p.m., room 4102
Importance: High
 
GEOS
 
 
The Graduate Center, City University of New York
 
Earth and Environmental Sciences Doctoral Program
 
Presents a Lecture by
 
Dr. Gavin Schmidt
Director, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
 
Why is attribution of present day climate change and climate events so
contentious?
 
Public discourse about climate changes, and their causes, is very
politicized. Whether it is the human role in global warming, or extreme
events, public discussions tend to generate far more heat than light. While
a robust understanding of climate change mechanisms and impacts has emerged
from 40 years of research on the topic, in public it appears to be far more
contentious with opinions split along identifiable lines. I will discuss how
these topics became so politicized what are the consequences for scientists,
what the science actually shows and what can be done about this toxic public
environment (spoiler: I don't have the answer, but we might have a good
discussion).
 
Thursday, March 8th at 5:30 p.m. 
Science Center, Room 4102
The Graduate Center, CUNY
365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
 
Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: Population genomics of Great Lakes fishes at UW-Stevens Point

[Wes Larson]

The Larson Lab (https://larsonlab.wordpress.com/) at the USGS Wisconsin 
Cooperative Fishery Research Unit (UW-Stevens Point) is looking for a 
postdoctoral researcher to conduct genomics research on cisco populations 
throughout the Great Lakes region. The successful applicant will focus on 
analyzing RAD data from over 60 populations of cisco to investigate 
population structure at neutral and adaptive markers. Opportunities to 
work on additional projects such as population genomics in walleye and 
eDNA metabarcoding will also be available. Competitive applicants should 
have a strong background in bioinformatics and proficiency in one or more 
scripting languages such as Perl or Python. The full listing can be found 
at http://bit.ly/2oNgw9F and information on how to apply can be found at 
http://bit.ly/2D4Yp3C. The application deadline is April 9 and we are 
looking for someone to start in early summer but starting dates are 
flexible. Please direct any additional questions to Wes Larson 
(wes.lar...@uwsp.edu).

[ECOLOG-L] Position Announcement: Biological Field Technician for Grassland Vegetation

[Megan Napoli]

The Mohonk Preserve, New York State’s largest member & visitor supported 
nature preserve, is seeking a qualified person to fill the position of:

 BIOLOGICAL FIELD TECHNICIAN- GRASSLAND VEGETATION

The Mohonk Preserve helps to protect the Shawangunk Mountains region and 
inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore their natural world. The 
Preserve manages 8,500 acres of the northern Shawangunk Mountains in 
Ulster County, NY through four integrated programs – Conservation 
Science, Education, Land Stewardship, and Land Protection, and is a 
regional model for large-scale conservation planning.

The Biological Field Technician for Grassland Vegetation will perform 
surveys and record data of grassland vegetation diversity on Mohonk 
Preserve. This position will support departmental initiatives, outreach 
opportunities, and carrying out the Preserve’s mission. The position is 
supervised by the Research Ecologist and also requires working closely 
with other Conservation Science and Mohonk Preserve staff. This hourly, 
grant-funded position runs for approximately 16 weeks, April 30th - 
August 2018.  

Duties Include:

• Follow existing protocols to conduct grassland inventory surveys using 
linear transects and quadrats
• Assess herbaceous vegetation diversity, and identify invasive, woody, 
and vulnerable species
• Record, manage, and enter scientific data
• Prepare project assessment report summarizing seasonal findings
• Perform other related duties to support department and preserve as 
assigned by the Conservation Science Department

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or forestry preferred 
• Experience conducting field research essential; experience conducting 
grassland vegetation surveys preferred
• Ability to identify local vegetation especially herbaceous vegetation 
including grasses, wildflowers, sedges, and rushes highly 
preferred/beneficial
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail essential
• Familiarity with using forestry equipment including but not limited to 
tape measures, quadrats, densitometer, compass, clinometer, and DBH tape
• Computer proficiency; familiarity with data entry and management, e.g. 
MS Excel; proficiency using GPS technology
• Ability to work cooperatively with Preserve staff, volunteers, and 
Research Associates 

Salary: $14 per hour; approx. 30 hrs. per week.

Applications accepted via e-mail only. Please submit as a single PDF: 
cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for 3 references 
by 5PM EST March 30th, 2018 to: resea...@mohonkpreserve.org. Include in 
subject line “Grassland Vegetation”. No phone calls please.

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, 
comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities 
that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities 
and other duties assigned.

For more information about the Preserve, visit our website: 
www.mohonkpreserve.org 

Mohonk Preserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages a 
diverse pool of candidates

[ECOLOG-L] Position Announcement: Biological Field Technician for Forest Vegetation

[Megan Napoli]

The Mohonk Preserve, New York State’s largest member & visitor supported 
nature preserve, is seeking a qualified person to fill the position of:

BIOLOGICAL FIELD TECHNICIAN- FOREST VEGETATION

The Mohonk Preserve helps to protect the Shawangunk Mountains region and 
inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore their natural world. The 
Preserve manages 8,500 acres of the northern Shawangunk Mountains in 
Ulster County, NY through four integrated programs – Conservation 
Science, Education, Land Stewardship, and Land Protection, and is a 
regional model for large-scale conservation planning.

The Biological Field Technician for Forest Vegetation will perform 
surveys and record data of forest vegetation diversity and assess 
vegetative impact from white-tailed deer on Mohonk Preserve. This 
position will support departmental initiatives, outreach opportunities, 
and carrying out the Preserve’s mission. The position is supervised by 
the Research Ecologist and also requires working closely with other 
Conservation Science and Mohonk Preserve staff.  This hourly, grant-
funded position runs for approximately 16 weeks, April 30th - August 
2018.  

Duties include:

• Assist with placement of forest regeneration and white-tailed deer 
browse-impact monitoring plots
• Follow existing protocols (NETN’s Long-term Forest Health Monitoring 
and AVID) to conduct surveys of forest vegetation, deer impact on 
vegetation, and soil health within forest plots
• Record, manage, and enter scientific data
• Prepare project assessment report summarizing seasonal findings
• Perform other related duties to support department and preserve as 
assigned by the Conservation Science Department

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, forestry, or ecology preferred 
• Experience conducting field research essential; experience conducting 
forest vegetation surveys preferred
• Ability to identify local vegetation, especially trees and shrubs
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail essential
• Familiarity with using forestry equipment including but not limited to 
tape measures, DBH tape, densitometer, compass, clinometer, and quadrats
• Computer proficiency; familiarity with data entry and management, e.g. 
MS Excel; proficiency using GPS technology
• Ability to work cooperatively with Preserve staff, volunteers, and 
Research Associates 
• Ability to hike up to five miles in a rugged outdoor environment 
carrying up to 30 pounds of equipment in all weather conditions
• Willingness to work some irregular hours, including some weekends 

Salary: $14 per hour; approx. 30 hrs. per week.

Applications accepted via e-mail only. Please submit as a single PDF: 
cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for 3 references 
by 5PM EST March 30th, 2018 to: resea...@mohonkpreserve.org. 
Include in subject line “Forest Vegetation”. No phone calls please.

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, 
comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities 
that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned 
activities and other duties assigned.

For more information about the Preserve, visit our website: 
www.mohonkpreserve.org

Mohonk Preserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages a 
diverse pool of candidates.

[ECOLOG-L] Job opening: Fisheries Technician at Sam Houston State University

[Philip Matich]

Staff Laboratory Assistant I - Fisheries Technician (Temporary)

Sam Houston State University is hiring a full time, temporary, benefits 
eligible fisheries technician to assist with a new food web project in San 
Antonio Bay, Texas From April 2018 - October 2018.

The primary duties of the technician will be to identify, measure, and 
weigh fishes and invertebrates collected by research partners; and collect, 
preserve, and organize tissue samples and stomach contents from fishes and 
invertebrates through dissection. 

The selected candidate will exhibit a high level of organization and 
communication skills, closely follow instruction, have frequent contact 
with other researchers, and have experience with Microsoft Excel. The 
selected candidate should also have a demonstrated ability to organize and 
inventory biological samples.

The technician will be required to work a modified schedule to accommodate 
special projects, be willing to get wet and dirty while fulfilling duties, 
and be able to spend extended periods of time outside in all weather 
conditions. The selected candidate will be required to live or be willing 
to move to Port O’Connor, TX or a proximate location, including Victoria, 
TX or Port Lavaca, TX.

This is a full time, temporary, benefits eligible position ending 7.5 
months after its start date. This position will be located in Port 
O’Connor, Texas. Position will require the dissection of thousands of dead 
fish and invertebrates outside on fish cleaning tables with dissection 
materials, and the retention of stomachs and samples collected during 
dissection.

Please see the following links for more details and link to apply: 
http://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/19209

http://bit.ly/SHSUFisheriesTech


Sam Houston State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action Plan Employer and Smoke/DrugFree Workplace. All qualified 
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to 
race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, 
national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual
orientation, or gender identity. Sam Houston State University is an "at 
will" employer. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background 
checks in accordance with Education Code 51.215.

[ECOLOG-L] Seeking submissions for new ecology/natural history photo series

[Heidi Swanson]

The Ecological Society of America's Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment is 
starting an exciting new series, "Frontiers EcoPics." We are looking for photos 
that tell an intriguing natural history story, plus a 150- to 200-word 
description. Published submissions will be included in both the print and 
online versions of the journal, will receive a unique DOI, and will be free to 
read online.

If you have eye-catching nature/wildlife photos that you'd like to publish but 
that aren't enough for a full article, please do send to 
suesil...@esa.org. Feel free to contact us 
(he...@esa.org or 
suesil...@esa.org) with questions. We look forward to 
seeing your pictures!


**
Heidi Swanson
Assistant Editor, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
Ecological Society of America
Washington, DC
Tel: (202) 833-8773 ext. 215
Tweeting @ESAFrontiers

[ECOLOG-L] Bug zoo needs insects for Event - (HAVE PERMIT!) Need: Heteropteryx dilitata , and other phasmids/beetles/mantises for upcoming event soon!

[Aaron T. Dossey]

Hello,

I am writing to see if any of you have any insect stocks you can spare 
(and giant African millipedes and Emperor scorpions).  This is for an 
upcoming (soon!) event in Washington DC, and we will culture these 
long-term in the new invertebrate lab we have started.
Other species of particular interest (but again we are interested in 
anything that's on our permit!):  Eurycnema , Heteropteryx, Pharnacia, 
Phobaticus  also Dynastes, Megasoma, Chalcosoma... but really 
anything on our permit would be great for the event!


Please email: invertebrate.studies.instit...@gmail.com and/or call: 
352-281-3643


Please let me know what you can spare (especially adults, but any stage 
is fine) etc.


* Will have nice cultures up and running later this year and WILL TRADE 
to permitted labs!


Thanks!


ATD of ATB and ISI
--
Aaron T. Dossey, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
http://cricketpowder.com/curriculum-vitae/
NEW BOOK OUT!: Insects as Sustainable Food Ingredients
https://cricketpowder.com/insects-as-sustainable-food-ingredients/
Founder/Owner: All Things Bugs LLC
Capitalizing on Low-Crawling Fruit from Insect-Based Innovation
ABOUT:http://cricketpowder.com/about-us/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/pub/all-things-bugs-dr-aaron-t-dossey/53/775/104
FACEBOOK:http://www.facebook.com/Allthingsbugs
ISI:https://www.facebook.com/InvertebrateStudiesInstitute
PHONE:  1-352-281-3643

SEO: Entomophagy, Protein, Sustainable, Sustainability, Nutrition, Wellness, 
Agriculture, Cricket Powder, Griopro, Cricket Flour, Innovation, Science, 
Entomology, Mealworm, Waxworm, Climate Change, funding, grants, text book, 
reference book, curricula, curriculum, education, science, innovation, 
technology, Environment, nature, invertebrates, research, entrepreneur .

[ECOLOG-L] International survey on attitudes and practices regarding research data

[Cliff Duke]

We encourage you to participate in an international survey on your attitudes
and practices regarding research data. This survey is conducted by a
research team at the University of Tennessee as part of the NSF-sponsored
DataONE project. All responses are anonymous.
To take the survey click on the link below or copy and paste it into your
browser.
http://bit.ly/2tkFimu

[ECOLOG-L] MS/PhD Assistantships – Plant Community Ecology – University of Florida

[Ben Baiser]

MS/PhD Assistantships – Plant Community Ecology – University of Florida

The Baiser lab of community ecology in the Department of Wildlife Ecology
and Conservation at the University of Florida is now accepting applications
for MS and PhD Graduate Assistantship positions. Our research focuses on how
ecological communities assemble, change, and collapse. The effect of
invasive species on ecological communities is a common theme throughout our
research. 

The perspective student will work on a project detailing the effects of the
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) on Everglades plant
communities.  The project is funded by the National Park Service and is a
collaboration with fire ecologist Dr. Raelene Crandall
(http://www.ecologyonfire.com/) in the School of Forest Resources and
Conservation at the University of Florida.

The assistantship includes full tuition coverage, Gator Grad Care health
insurance, and a yearly stipend for up to four years. The position will be
located at the UF campus in Gainesville, FL.  Expected start date is August
14 2018, the start of Fall term. 
 
Qualified applicants will be highly motivated, enthusiastic, and will
ideally have strong plant identification skills. Applicants will also have
an undergraduate research background and/or an MS in ecology, botany,
biology, or a closely related field. 

Further information on the Baiser lab can be found at: http://www.baiserlab.com/
 

***The application deadline is April 6, 2018***

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
 
Prospective students should send the following information with the subject
line “Everglades Position” to bbai...@ufl.edu:
   
- One page cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and
goals
  
- CV 
   
- GRE scores
   
- Transcripts (unofficial) from undergraduate and graduate education
  
- Contact information for three academic references

[ECOLOG-L] Synopsis of responses: is this a viable idea

[Jason Hernandez]

Okay, one of my respondents requested a synopsis of responses to my question 
about whether being an R consultant is a viable idea. The responses were mixed. 
One said that people overseas do this, another that grad student had put 
themselves through school in this way by being written into grants; but another 
expressed doubt that an ecologist could make a living doing it. One general 
trend of replies was that it would not be as much of a time saver for the 
client as I think, because the client would have to spend time thoroughly 
explaining the project to the analyst, to ensure the right tests wre done on 
the right data. On the other hand, there was a suggestion that perhaps it would 
work in industry rather than academia; that I should look into the kinds of 
statistics being done there.

Honestly, the reason I was interested in self employment was because my 
experience in the job market is of getting rejection emails that say there were 
more than 50 applicants for one position. Self employment sometimes feels like 
my only prospect for employment. And the reason online employment appeals is 
that it would let me use development gaps; i.e. survive by serving clients in 
high paying countries, while residing in a low cost-of-living country. The 
suggestion that I should conduct a marketing survey using one of those online 
survey engines was a useful one, and that is my next step.

Thank you to all who replied.

Jason Hernandez