[ECOLOG-L] Conservation science internships at World Wildlife Fund
The 2014 call for conservation science internships at WWF - US is now open. Please see http://worldwildlife.org/internships for details. Nirmal Bhagabati
[ECOLOG-L] WWF Graduate and faculty fellowships
Russell E. Train Fellowships support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation. Each year, WWF supports committed conservationists from target countries to receive financial support for their studies and field research. Applicants can apply to attend any university around the world and must return to their home countries to work in conservation for at least two years after completing their degree. Applicants from select WWF-US priority countries must meet all of the eligibility criteria to be considered for a grant. *Special Fellowship Opportunity for Current Aspiring University Faculty http://assets.worldwildlife.org/publications/649/files/original/2014_Faculty_Fellowships_FINAL.pdfEligible countries include:* *Africa* (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Dem. Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Zambia); *Asia* (Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam); and *Latin America* (Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyanas, Honduras, Peru, Suriname) For details, see: https://worldwildlife.org/projects/train-fellowships
[ECOLOG-L] Position Announcement: Lead ecosystem services modeler
THE NATURAL CAPITAL PROJECT Position Announcement LEAD ECOSYSTEM SERVICES MODELER We are a partnership among Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment, University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment, The Nature Conservancy, and World Wildlife Fund developing tools to model and map the distribution of biodiversity and the flow of multiple ecosystem services across land- and seascapes. We seek a creative and talented ecologist or economist with strong leadership and communication skills to advance the development, testing and application of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem service models. We are a collaborative group of researchers and practitioners who seek someone with expertise to oversee and align the development of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem service models, to contribute directly to improvement of existing models (carbon storage and sequestration, timber and agricultural production, crop pollination and biodiversity and methods for representing uncertainty) and to lead the development of new models (such as non-timber forest product harvest, soil fertility, livestock production, wind erosion control, forage production). We seek applicants with diverse experience in the development and use of models to inform natural resource decisions, and with a desire to think creatively about a broad set of biophysical and social processes. Our core team is based in Seattle, Washington, DC and at Stanford, and we have active partners around the globe. This position is housed at Stanford University and will be advised by Gretchen Daily and Stephen Polasky. Principal Responsibilities: • Manage a team of model developers to o Coordinate the development of a consistent and inter-related modeling approach for estimating terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem service change and valuation. o Maintain and improve existing, simple models created in the ArcGIS platform and open-source formats. o Develop new simple models to allow more complete representation of terrestrial ecosystem services (e.g. non-timber forest product harvest, forage production, etc.) o Coordinate and directly contribute to the development of “tier 2” complex models for a broad set of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem services. o Coordinate a model development team with the Project’s software development team to aid translation of equations into user-friendly tools. o Test and validate models against other widely accepted models (e.g. CENTURY) and empirical data sets from data-rich regions globally. o Collaborate with marine model development team to establish terrestrial-marine links in the model system. • Coordinate a team in supporting application of models in diverse policy contexts at our sites in China, Indonesia, South America, Africa, and throughout the United States. • Communicate scientific and practical advances in diverse settings including peer-reviewed publications, white papers, scientific meetings, stakeholder meetings, government workshops and trainings. • Lead and collaborate on funding proposals to public and private sources. • Represent terrestrial and freshwater model development on the Leadership Team, one of the Project’s senior decision-making bodies. Required Qualifications: • Ph.D. in ecology, natural resource economics, agronomy, conservation science or related fields. • 5 years experience in model development and application, preferably for both primary research and practical settings. • Established publication record in diverse, peer-reviewed journals. • Strong interest in, and commitment to using science to inform policy. • Experience managing a research team and budget. • Familiarity with geographic information systems (ArcGIS, GRASS, etc) and familiarity with Python, FORTRAN, C++, VB, or Java. • Success in acquiring funding from diverse sources. • Experience working with collaborators from diverse backgrounds and the capacity and interest to work with interdisciplinary teams. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences. Term: September 15, 2011 through September 14, 2013 and beyond, contingent upon funding. Location: The position is a postdoctoral research position located in Palo Alto, California at Stanford University and will require extensive interaction with interdisciplinary teams and travel within the US, Latin America and Asia. How to Apply: Send a cover letter describing your experience and interest, as well as a CV and contact information for three references to gail.kai...@stanford.edu with LEAD MODELER in the subject. We will begin reviewing application August 15, 2011 and the position will remain open until filled. Stanford University is committed to equal opportunity through affirmative action in employment and we are especially eager to identify minority persons and
[ECOLOG-L] Fwd: Open Position: Program Officer - Species Monitoring and Climate Vulnerability
Please apply directly through link below: https://www.recruitingcenter.net/Clients/WorldWildlifeFund/PublicJobs/controller.cfm?jbaction=JobProfilejob_id=10768 Top of Form Job Title: Program Officer, Species 10077 Job Type: Full-Time Location: Washington, DC *Job Description:* For more than three decades, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has led international efforts to save life on earth. WWF is seeking a Program Officer for its Species Conservation Program, located in Washington, DC. Responsibilities will focus on species and wildlife trade monitoring, research design for WWF flagship species projects and vulnerability analyses to climate change for flagship species. The incumbent will aid in statistical analysis and the transfer of information and skills to WWF personnel working in the field, enabling their implementation of field work and analysis through mentoring and dissemination of the latest scientific techniques. The position will work closely with the WWF-US species teams for Africa and Asia, the wildlife trade monitoring partner TRAFFIC, WWF’s science and climate programs, and WWF’s priority place teams to liaise with and support field projects with monitoring and research. A component of the position will involve coordinating a conservation science network of field practitioners across the WWF network. The candidate will also work on development of technical reports, grant proposals, presentations and outreach material. The successful candidate should have a Master’s degree in ecology, wildlife biology, quantitative wildlife ecology, or a related field. The position will require: 2 years of field research experience and 2 years of statistical work and research design. Experience in capture-mark-recapture, distance sampling, occupancy, telemetry and spatial analyses are essential. Experience in Population and Habitat Viability Analyses, Bayesian Analyses, climate change vulnerability assessments and GIS are beneficial. Excellent communications and strong presentation skills with project management experience are essential. Proven ability to work as part of a team is necessary. Skills transfer and/or teaching experience is also needed. This position will require extensive and extended travel. International work experience is preferred. *AA/EOE Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Please submit cover letter and resume.* Bottom of Form
[ECOLOG-L] Job - Forest Carbon Scientist at World Wildlife Fund US
Job Description: World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the global conservation organization, seeks a Forest Carbon Scientist to lead our Science Program’s efforts to develop and disseminate approaches for measuring and monitoring forest carbon stocks. Policies and markets are emerging rapidly to compensate for reducing carbon emissions from deforestation, presenting an enormous opportunity to fund forest conservation. Seizing this opportunity requires robust methods to estimate forest carbon and to monitor it over time at both local and national scales. This scientist will be expected to actively engage with the forest carbon science community to stay abreast of promising tools and approaches; collaborate with partners to develop and customize promising tools for WWF applications; assemble a toolkit of recommended approaches for WWF’s field programs; work with field offices to apply those tools and ensure accuracy of forest carbon assessments; and provide general scientific advice to our Forest Carbon Network Initiative. This position has an initial duration of two years, with the possibility of extension based on funding. Basic Requirements: A graduate degree (PhD preferred) with a minimum of an additional two years experience in forest ecology, environmental science, climate change, or related field is required. Candidates must have strong experience in satellite, airborne, and/or field-based techniques for mapping and monitoring forest biomass, demonstrated contributions to carbon science via peer-reviewed publications and presentations, and a successful record of working at the interface of science and conservation. Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a decentralized, diverse team are essential. Applicants must be available to travel extensively and to remote locations. Please submit applications through the WWF jobs portal: http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/careers/jobs.html
[ECOLOG-L] Fwd: Need help identifying climate-ecosystems experts
John Kostyack 9/24/2008 10:55 AM The National Wildlife Federation is working with conservation partners to put together a series of important conferences, workshops and reports on helping wildlife adapt to climate change, We are looking for experts from natural resource agencies, academia, NGOs and the private sector who can speak knowledgeably about progress to date, and key needs, in addressing the threat of climate change in any one of the following four ecosystem types: ● Coastal and estuarine systems ● Rivers and streams ● Forests ● Grasslands and shrublands Could you let us know if anyone in your network has particular expertise or experience related to one of these four natural systems? If you have suggestions, please send names and contact information to Dr. Amanda Staudt, [EMAIL PROTECTED] . Feel free to forward this request for people in your networks who may be able to assist. We would greatly appreciate hearing your suggestions no later than Tuesday, September 30. Thanks John John Kostyack Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation and Global Warming National Wildlife Federation 1400 16th Street, NW, Suite 501 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 797-6879 (office) (202) 360-7481 (cell) (202) 797-6646 (fax)
Re: community-based conservation
I agree that community-based conservation has been around for a long time, although the phrase has become part of the NGO lexicon relatively recently. Examples would be the Bishnoi community of India, who have practiced conservation for centuries, and also the occurrence of sacred groves in India and elsewhere. I do not know any authoritative references off-hand, but Wikipedia has entries under Bishnoi and Sacred Groves of India which could be a good starting point. Nirmal Bhagabati. On 6/28/07, Shelly Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I don't know who coined the term. I feel like these modern versions of community-based conservation programs are at least partly modeled after much older ones that have been around for hundreds of years... often in the guise of different religions. However, if you are looking for examples of modern community-based conservation programs, one example would be A Rocha International (www.arocha.org), which began in 1983 and is now working in 17 different countries (I believe all were grass-roots formation). Shelly From: WENDEE HOLTCAMP [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: WENDEE HOLTCAMP [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: community-based conservation Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2007 12:22:39 -0500 Does anyone have names for the people who first created community-based conservation? I have seen (online) that it really started in the early 1980s, but no mention of who those first people were, or who coined the terms? I am writing an article about Proyecto Titi in Colombia and was told it was one of the first community-based conservation projects (http://www.proyectotiti.com). I just wanted to confirm that from an outside source from the project. Anyone familiar with the project from an outsider perspective? Happy Summer! Wendee _ Like puzzles? Play free games earn great prizes. Play Clink now. http://club.live.com/clink.aspx?icid=clink_hotmailtextlink2
Re: SAS/STAT book
I recently used Using Multivariate Statistics (4th Edition) (Paperback) by Barbara G. Tabachnick, Linda S. Fidell as a reference for doing regression analyses. I used SPSS, but they include SAS codes as well. I found it to be quite thorough and well-explained, at least for my purposes. Best, Nirmal Bhagabati. On 8/22/06, Susan Heath [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear List Members, I am hoping you good folks can give me some advice on a SAS/STAT book to purchase. I have never used SAS before so I am not familiar with the program. I will be running a multiple regression analysis comparing some crop variables with breeding bird survey trend and abundance data and also using AIC to compare the results to determine which model is best. Thanks in advance for the advice. Sue -- Susan A. Heath George Mason University Environmental Science Department Fairfax, VA Secretary, Virginia Avian Records Committee Keeper, Virginia Comp List at www.virginiabirding.org
Re: Multivariate Analysis and Missing Data
Actually, I just noticed that a brand-new module for Bayesian Analysis called BRIDGE has been added to TM4. It is hard to keep track of all the upgrades as development is proceeding in parallel at three institutes (us a TIGR, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the U. of Washington) with the result that the package is being upgraded and expanded at a blisteringly fast pace. Nirmal. On 5/26/06, Nirmal Bhagabati [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Laurie, I work in the field of microarray data analysis. We offer a free, open-source package called TM4 (http://www.tm4.org) that allows you to do a variety of microarray analyses, including image analysis, data normalization / trimming, clustering and various statistical analyses including PCA and CA. We use K-Nearest Neighbors to impute missing values prior to PCA or CA. We don't currently have Bayesian techniques incorporated into the suite, although I believe these are in development by our collaborators and will be added to the package soon. You might also want to sign on to the gene-arrays mailing list (http://www.gene-chips.com/gene-arrays.html), a forum in which you can ask questions about all aspects of microarray technology. In my experience, people on the list are very helpful and will offer you tons of advice on analyzing your data. Regards, Nirmal Bhagabati Bioinformatics Analyst The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) http://www.tigr.org http://www.tm4.org On 5/26/06, Laurie Kellogg [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello everyone, I am attempting to analyze data from DNA microarrays. For those unfamiliar with this method, it is a glass slide with 1,000's of gene probes attached to it. Samples are extracted from environmental data and can then be hybridized to these slides. The data are spots that vary in intensity based on the number of bindings. The output is then a table with an estimation of gene presence, much like a vegetation survey from each different site (grassland, forest, etc). Here is my problem. In these data, imaging analysis will eliminate a number of the spots due to high noisy or poor hybridization. In other words, there are a number of missing data. These are not really zeros, they are truly missing. I have noticed that a number of people have used PCA to analyze the data, however, this may lead to problems as PCA is not robust to a high number of missing values. I have used CCA on data that has been converted by grouping the data (all the nitrifier genes, all the methanogen genes). This helps to remove the missing data problem. But I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions of ways in which to analyze these data. Has anyone heard of Bayesian multivariate statistics? Thank you for your time, Laurie -- Laurie Kellogg Postdoctoral Research Associate University of Oklahoma Dept. of Botany/Microbiology Laboratory of Dr. Jizhong Zhou 101 David L. Boren Blvd SRTC Norman, OK 73072 [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] 405-325-3052 Cell: 405-613-7208
Re: Multivariate Analysis and Missing Data
Hi Laurie, I work in the field of microarray data analysis. We offer a free, open-source package called TM4 (http://www.tm4.org) that allows you to do a variety of microarray analyses, including image analysis, data normalization / trimming, clustering and various statistical analyses including PCA and CA. We use K-Nearest Neighbors to impute missing values prior to PCA or CA. We don't currently have Bayesian techniques incorporated into the suite, although I believe these are in development by our collaborators and will be added to the package soon. You might also want to sign on to the gene-arrays mailing list (http://www.gene-chips.com/gene-arrays.html), a forum in which you can ask questions about all aspects of microarray technology. In my experience, people on the list are very helpful and will offer you tons of advice on analyzing your data. Regards, Nirmal Bhagabati Bioinformatics Analyst The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) http://www.tigr.org http://www.tm4.org On 5/26/06, Laurie Kellogg [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello everyone, I am attempting to analyze data from DNA microarrays. For those unfamiliar with this method, it is a glass slide with 1,000's of gene probes attached to it. Samples are extracted from environmental data and can then be hybridized to these slides. The data are spots that vary in intensity based on the number of bindings. The output is then a table with an estimation of gene presence, much like a vegetation survey from each different site (grassland, forest, etc). Here is my problem. In these data, imaging analysis will eliminate a number of the spots due to high noisy or poor hybridization. In other words, there are a number of missing data. These are not really zeros, they are truly missing. I have noticed that a number of people have used PCA to analyze the data, however, this may lead to problems as PCA is not robust to a high number of missing values. I have used CCA on data that has been converted by grouping the data (all the nitrifier genes, all the methanogen genes). This helps to remove the missing data problem. But I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions of ways in which to analyze these data. Has anyone heard of Bayesian multivariate statistics? Thank you for your time, Laurie -- Laurie Kellogg Postdoctoral Research Associate University of Oklahoma Dept. of Botany/Microbiology Laboratory of Dr. Jizhong Zhou 101 David L. Boren Blvd SRTC Norman, OK 73072 [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] 405-325-3052 Cell: 405-613-7208
