[ECOLOG-L] PhD at UNBC: land cover change in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia
University of Northern British Colombia Position Ph.D. Research Assistantship in Cumulative Impacts of Land Cover Change The University of Northern British Columbia is seeking a Ph.D. student to work with an interdisciplinary team engaged in the NASA-funded project “Maintaining Life on Land (SDG15) under Scenarios of Land Use and Climate Change in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru”. Under the supervision of the Principle Investigators, the student will develop and execute methods for forecasting the impacts of changing human pressures on ecosystem values in the region. The work will be done to support decision making by relevant ministries in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru regarding Sustainable Development Goal 15. The student is expected to work in collaboration with full project team including two Ph.D. students at the Montana State University and Northern Arizona University. This a 1.0 FTE Ph.D. Research Assistantship position that is expected to be available for a four year period. In addition to the assistantship, limited funds for travel to collaborate with partners will be provided. The intended start data is September 2019 or sooner. Students must meet the entry requirements for UNBC Natural Resource and Environmental Studies PhD Program (https://www.unbc.ca/nres-graduate-program/phd), which includes an MSc degree, English language proficiency and a minimum GPA. Duties Assess the needs of the collaborating countries with regards to SDG15 regarding human pressures to ecosystems. Adapt global Human Footprint maps of cumulative pressure using national and regional datasets. Compile predictor data sets that include biophysical and socio-economic drivers of human pressure for a historic calibration period and future scenarios. Develop statistical functions for the historic period relating changing patterns in Human Footprint with potential drivers. Use the statistical functions to forecast future human footprint and biodiversity impacts. Analyze and interpret the results with regards to conservation strategies aimed at meeting the SDG15 targets identified by each collaborating country. Perform spatial and statistical analyses using Esri products, Google Earth Engine, R, and other software; Contribute to the writing and preparation of scientific publications; Manage, archive, and serve numerous large data sets; Maintain the lab web pages; Coordinate multidisciplinary research teams; and Prepare maps, graphics, resource briefs and other visuals for communication to diverse audiences. Required Qualifications: M.Sc. in ecology or related field; Demonstrated understanding of or aptitude for attaining and understanding theory and application in ecology and human threats to ecosystems. Strong training, experience, or aptitude in spatial analysis and statistical techniques. Interest and/or experience in working with natural resource managers on national-scale conservation application and reporting. Potential to execute and publish ecological research; Experience in working on integrated science teams. Desired Qualifications Proficiency in or aptitude for learning Spanish Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Esri products, Google Earth Engine, Python, and/or R. Experience in publishing peer reviewed scientific papers; Successful collaborations with large research teams; Experience in managing large data bases. Application Procedures: Email a letter of interest, C.V., and the names and contact information of three references by March 1 2019 to oscar.ven...@unbc.ca. Address the email to: Oscar Venter Ecosystem Science and Management Program University of Northern British Columbia Prince George, BC, Canada, V2N 4Z9 http://oscarventer.net/people/ The position is contingent upon funding and will remain open until a qualified applicant is recruited.
[ECOLOG-L] 3yr Postdoc position in Conservation Solutions Lab at the University of Northern British Columbia
Reposting* Review of applications will begin 1 January 2019, and will continue until the position is filled. The Conservation Solutions Lab at the University of Northern British Columbia seeks a postdoctoral fellow for a NASA funded project mapping change in Human Footprint at global and regional scales, linking this change to biodiversity impacts. The project team involves investigators from University of Northern British Columbia (Oscar Venter), Wildlife Conservation Society (James Watson), Montana State University (Andrew Hansen), Arizona State University (Scott Goetz and Patrick Jantz, NASA (Cindy Schmidt) and the United Nations Development Program (Jamison Ervin). The results of this project will inform progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in three partner countries (Columbia, Peru, Ecuador). The postdoc will join the Conservation Solutions Lab for three years, contributing to the project by updating and downscaling the global human footprint map (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/08/human-footprint-map-ecological-impact/) with the latest and regional datasets, as well as investigating empirical links between biodiversity trends and measures of the Human Footprint and forest integrity. Lots of opportunities will be available for additional projects on related topics, as well as supervising graduate students with overlapping interests. Ideal candidates will have a passion for biodiversity conservation and a desire to contribute to real world conservation outcomes, as well as enjoy working as part of a team in a collaborative setting. In addition to a background in the ecological sciences, the successful candidate will have some combination of skills in: computer science, programming, statistics and R, working with big data, high level GIS. The candidate will apply advanced spatial and modeling techniques to work with large datasets, and should have a background to suit. Position details: Salary is $55K CND/year, term is 3 years, based in Prince George BC, Canada. To apply, email a cover letter, CV, and contact details for three references in a single pdf file to Dr. Oscar Venter at oscar.venter@ unbc. ca. For questions, contact Dr Venter. Review of applications will begin 1 January 2019, and will continue until the position is filled. Keen applicants will first review our recent work here: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?hl=en=Ih5f79MJ_op=list_works=pubdate And can check out our current people and projects here: http://oscarventer.net/people/
[ECOLOG-L] 2 MSc positions in the Conservation Solutions Lab at the University of Northern British Columbia
The Conservation Solutions Lab at UNBC is now seeking two PhD students and two MSc students to undertake research intensive theses in the areas of: 1) Conservation planning. Research in this theme seeks to test existing approaches and develop novel methods for systematic conservation planning. 2) Cumulative impacts. Research in this theme seeks to elucidate the ecological responses of species and ecosystems to cumulative environmental impacts, as well as identify the last intact ecosystems. These are general themes, and students will have the latitude to refine their projects based on their interests. Our ongoing work primarily focuses on applications in Canada, South America (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia), and pan-tropical and global scales. Ideal students will have a strong quantitative background, a passion for biodiversity conservation and ecological sustainability, and a desire to work as part of a team in a collaborative setting. In addition to a background in the ecological sciences, valuable skills for this work are: computer science, programming, statistics, working with big data, high level GIS experience. Students will receive a living and tuition stipend and access to departmental scholarships, without the requirement to TA. Expressions of interest should be made by November 30th for a January or September 2019 start. I encourage prospective students to look at our recent publications to get a better idea of our work and how it may align with your interests. Papers: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?hl=en=Ih5f79MJ_op=list_works=pubdate You can see our existing people and their work here: http://oscarventer.net/people/ Contact Oscar Venter at oscar.venter at unbc dot ca to discuss further.
[ECOLOG-L] 3yr Postdoc position in macro ecology and conservation at the University of Northern British Columbia
The Conservation Solutions Lab at the University of Northern British Columbia seeks a postdoctoral fellow for a NASA funded project mapping change in Human Footprint and Forest Integrity over time, and linking this change to biodiversity trends. The project team involves investigators from University of Northern British Columbia (Oscar Venter), Wildlife Conservation Society (James Watson), Montana State University (Andrew Hansen), Arizona State University (Scott Goetz and Patrick Jantz, NASA (Cindy Schmidt) and the United Nations Development Program (Jamison Ervin). The results of this project will inform progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in three partner countries (Columbia, Peru, Ecuador). The postdoc will join the Conservation Solutions Lab for three years, contributing to the project by updating and downscaling the global human footprint map (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/08/human-footprint-map-ecological-impact/) with the latest and regional datasets, as well as investigating empirical links between biodiversity trends and measures of the Human Footprint and forest integrity. Lots of opportunities will be available for additional projects on related topics, as well as supervising graduate students with overlapping interests. Ideal candidates will have a passion for biodiversity conservation and a desire to contribute to real world conservation outcomes, as well as enjoy working as part of a team in a collaborative setting. In addition to a background in the ecological sciences, the successful candidate will have some combination of skills in: computer science, programming, statistics and R, working with big data, high level GIS. Position details: Salary is $55K CND/year, term is 3 years, based in Prince George BC, Canada. To apply, email a cover letter, CV, and contact details for three references in a single pdf file to Dr. Oscar Venter at oscar.venter@ unbc. ca. For questions, contact Dr Venter. Review of applications will begin Dec 1st 2018, and will continue until the position is filled. Keen applicants will first review our recent work here: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?hl=en=Ih5f79MJ_op=list_works=pubdate And can check out our current people here: http://oscarventer.net/people/
[ECOLOG-L] MSc position in forest ecology at UNBC Canada
M.Sc. research opportunity – Forest management effects on carbon Applications are invited for a funded 2-year M.Sc. position in UNBC’s Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute collaborating with the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development (FLNRORD). The project Forests play an important role in mitigating climate change, absorbing almost a third of anthropogenic emissions. Forests also support a large forest industry, which risks disrupting these carbon dynamics and potentially convert some forests from sinks to sources of carbon. However, empirical studies of alternate forest management effects on forest carbon stocks are sparse and often short-term. The Date Creek Experiment, established in 1992, offers an ideal opportunity to compare the longer-term carbon stock dynamics in unharvested old-growth forest compared with various levels of partial harvesting and clearcut. This work will contribute to the basic scientific knowledge of forest carbon and be highly relevant to decision makers interested in climate change mitigation. The student will conduct field work at the Date Creek Experiment (near Hazelton in north western BC) on the sites that were mature forests before large-scale and replicated harvest treatments. Field sampling will include trees, snags, coarse woody debris, and forest floor. The student will also have access to existing pre-harvest and post-harvest data to estimate carbon stocks in overtime either directly or based on existing models such as estimating tree biomass from prism plots. The student • Completion or expected completion of a bachelor’s degree in ecology, forestry, biology, or related subject. • Strong analytical skills. • Field work experience. • Driver’s license. • Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills. • Ability to work independently. Successful applicants will be working with Dr. Oscar Venter (University of Northern British Columbia), Caren Dymond (University of Calgary; B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development (FLNRORD)), Erica Lilles (FLNRORD). Two years of funding are guaranteed for this position. Interested students should contact Dr. Oscar Venter for further information on this research opportunity and position. Applicants for this position are asked to send a letter of interest, detailed CV, transcripts, and names of 3 references to oscar.ven...@unbc.ca. The preferred start date for this position will be January 2019.
[ECOLOG-L] MSc in Forest Carbon Management
M.Sc. research opportunity – Forest management effects on carbon Applications are invited for a 2-year M.Sc. position with University of Northern British Columbia in a funded collaborative project with the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development (FLNRORD). The project Forest management can play a role in mitigating climate change by increasing natural carbon sinks in the forests and by reducing emissions caused by management. However, empirical studies of forest management effects on total carbon stocks are sparse and often short-term. The Date Creek Experiment, established in 1992, offers an ideal opportunity to collect data on longer-term carbon stock changes due to various levels of partial harvesting , clear cut and unharvested sites. This work will contribute to the basic scientific knowledge of forest carbon and be highly relevant to decision makers interested in climate change mitigation. The student will conduct field work at the Date Creek Experiment, (near Hazelton in north western BC) on the sites that were mature forests before treatment and mesic sites to reduce the potential confounding variables. Field sampling will include trees, snags, coarse woody debris, and forest floor. The student will also have access to existing pre-harvest and post-harvest data to estimate carbon stocks in over time either directly or based on existing models such as estimating tree biomass from prism plots. If time permits, the empirical data could be compared against LANDIS-II carbon model output. The student • Completion or expected completion by May 2018 of a bachelor’s degree in ecology, forestry, biology, or related subject. • Strong analytical skills. • Field work experience. • Driver’s license. • Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills. • Ability to work independently. Successful applicants will be working with Dr. Oscar Venter and Dr. Ché Elkin (University of Northern British Columbia), Caren Dymond (University of Calgary; B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development (FLNRORD)), Erica Lilles (FLNRORD). Two years of funding are guaranteed for this position. Interested students should contact Dr. Oscar Venter for further information on this research opportunity and position. Applicants for this position will be asked to send a letter of interest, detailed CV, transcripts, and names of 3 references to Oscar.Venter at unbc.ca. The preferred start date for this position will be April/May 2018, with the potential for a Sept. 2018 start.
[ECOLOG-L] MSc positions in Conservation Science at University of Northern British Columbia
The Integrated Forest Decisions Lab at the University of Northern British Columbia is now seeking two MSc students to undertake theses in the areas of: 1) Conservation planning. Research in this theme seeks to test existing approaches and develop novel methods for systematic conservation planning in temperate and northern ecosystems. 2) Cumulative impacts. Research in this theme seeks to elucidate the ecological responses of species and ecosystems to cumulative environmental impacts. These are general themes, and students will have the latitude to refine their projects based on their interests. Ideal students will have a strong quantitative background, a passion for biodiversity conservation and ecological sustainability, and a desire to work as part of a team in a collaborative setting. In addition to a background in the ecological sciences, valuable skills for this work are: programming, statistics and R, working with big data, high level GIS experience. Students will receive a living and tuition stipend and access to departmental scholarships. Expressions of interest should be made by September 30th for a January 2018 start and by October 30th for a May or September 2018 start. Contact Oscar Venter at oscar.venter at unbc dot ca to discuss further.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc position in macro ecology and conservation at the University of Northern British Columbia
The Integrated Forest Decisions Lab seeks a postdoctoral fellow for a NASA funded project mapping change in global forest integrity over time, and linking this change to biodiversity trends. The project team involves investigators from University of Northern British Columbia (Oscar Venter), NASA (Cindy Schmidt), the United Nations Development Program (Jamison Ervin), Wildlife Conservation Society (James Watson), Montana State University (Andrew Hansen), University of Maryland (Matthew Hansen) and Arizona State University (Scott Goetz and Patrick Jantz). The results of this project will inform the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans in 6 partner countries (Columbia, Indonesia, Brazil, DRC, Vietnam, Ecuador). The postdoc will join the IFD lab for two years, contributing to the project by updating the global human footprint map (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/08/human-footprint-map- ecological-impact/) with the latest datasets, as well as investigate empirical links between biodiversity trends and measures of the Human Footprint and forest integrity. Opportunities will be available for independent projects on related topics, as well as supervising graduate students with overlapping interests. Ideal candidates will have a passion for biodiversity conservation and a desire to contribute to real world conservation outcomes, as well as enjoy working as part of a team in a collaborative setting. In addition to a background in the ecological sciences, the successful candidate will have some combination of skills in: programming, statistics and R, working with big data, high level GIS. Position details: Salary is $55K CND/year, term is 2 years, based in Prince George BC, Canada. To Apply, email a cover letter, CV, and contact details for three references in a single pdf file to Dr. Oscar Venter at oscar dot venter at unbc dot ca. For questions, contact Dr Venter. Review of applications will begin 30 September 2017, and will continue until the position is filled.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD positions in Conservation Science at University of Northern British Columbia
The Integrated Forest Decisions Lab at the University of Northern British Columbia is now seeking two PhD students to undertake theses in the areas of: 1) Conservation planning. Research in this theme seeks to test existing approaches and develop novel methods for systematic conservation planning in temperate and northern ecosystems. 2) Cumulative impacts. Research in this theme seeks to elucidate the ecological responses of species and ecosystems to cumulative environmental impacts. These are general themes, and students will have the latitude to refine their projects based on their interests. Ideal students will have a strong quantitative background, a passion for biodiversity conservation and ecological sustainability, and a desire to work as part of a team in a collaborative setting. In addition to a background in the ecological sciences, valuable skills for this work are: programming, statistics and R, working with big data, high level GIS experience. Students will receive a living and tuition stipend and access to departmental scholarships. Expressions of interest should be made by September 30th for a January 2018 start and by October 30th for a May or September 2018 start. Contact Oscar Venter at oscar.venter at unbc dot ca to discuss further.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship in urban forest ecosystem services: University of Northern British Columbia
Dr. Oscar Venter and the Integrated Forest Decisions (IFD) Laboratory at the University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George are now inviting applications for fully funded Masters and PhD positions starting in 2017. Students will undertake thesis projects on the ecosystem services provided by urban forests. Urban forests provide crucial opportunities for people living in cities to experience nature on a daily basis, and receive the benefits from these natural environments, including air and water purification, climate mitigation, noise reduction and recreation. It is at the wildland urban interface that these ecosystem services are most important. Two students are sought to undertake thesis work to quantify and map ecosystem services from urban forest in Prince George, BC. It is anticipated that students will undertake projects to enhance our understanding of how urban forests provide benefits to people at local and global scales, and how these benefits are valued by urban residents. Located in north-central British Columbia, Prince George is proudly known as the ‘city in nature’, largely because of its extensive and varied forests. These forests, and the greater region, provide a wide range of recreational amenities including skiing, canoeing, kayaking, fly-fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Northern and central British Columbia offers an unparalleled natural environment in which to live and work. UNBC is one of Canada's best small universities and was ranked #1 by the 2015 Maclean's survey. We are also Canada's Green University TM (voted #1 for environmental commitment in the Globe and Mail survey). We are leading the way to a more sustainable future through our passion for discovery, people, the environment and the North. Prospective graduate students will be expected to develop their own research goals, and should have curiosity, motivation, and independence. Students should also be interested in coupling field surveys with remote sensing, GIS, and modeling. Students could have a background in ecology, geography, environmental science, computer science or ecological economics. Students with a strong quantitative background (remote sensing, GIS, statistics, modelling) are especially encouraged to apply. Full funding is available, but students will be expected to apply for additional funding. Prospective students will apply to the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies program (http://www.unbc.ca/nres- graduate-program. Prospective students should email a short summary of their research interests as well as a CV to Dr. Venter (Oscar dot Venter at UNBC dot ca) before applying to the program.
