date:20190103

[ECOLOG-L] Hakai Coastal Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Functional Ecology of Coralline Algae

2019-01-03 Thread Patrick Martone

Supervisor: Dr. Patrick T. Martone (Botany Department, University of British 
Columbia)

Applications are invited for a two-year post-doctoral fellowship (PDF) focused 
on the diversity and functional ecology of coralline algae in the NE Pacific.

CONTEXT

Coralline algae are important components of nearshore marine communities 
worldwide, competing for primary substrate, creating habitat, and affecting 
patterns of algal and invertebrate recruitment. Unfortunately, our 
understanding of coralline algal ecology has been severely limited by our 
inability to identify and differentiate species, which exhibit simple and often 
convergent morphologies. By basing identifications on DNA sequences, recent 
work has demonstrated that coralline communities are far more diverse than 
previously thought and that coralline species differ widely in physiological 
and ecological performance. For example, contrary to the current paradigm, the 
uniform “coralline pavement” that emerges within heavily grazed urchin barrens 
represents a collection of cryptic coralline species, dominated by a few 
winners and missing several species found in kelp forests. The PDF researcher 
will help clarify the performance of individual coralline species and the 
responses of coralline communities to disturbance in order to gain insight into 
the functioning and recovery of kelp forests.

FELLOWSHIP

Supervised by Dr. Patrick Martone (UBC Botany), core research efforts will 
include: (1) reciprocal transplants and lab manipulations of natural coralline 
communities across gradients of herbivory and environmental stress to document 
species resilience, clarify competitive hierarchies, and characterize shifts in 
community composition, and (2) lab experiments on the recruitment of 
invertebrates and algal spores to individual coralline species. Research will 
be conducted in association with the Hakai Institute (https://www.hakai.org), 
with fieldwork based primarily on Calvert Island and lab studies primarily on 
Quadra Island. The Hakai Institute is a rich environment of scientists and 
researchers, and the fellow will help strengthen collaborations with other 
Hakai researchers on coralline microbes, response to climate change, and 
recruitment.

This is a limited term, two-year PDF position paid at a rate of $55,000 CAD per 
year plus Mandatory Employment Related Benefits with an opportunity for renewal 
given satisfactory performance and funding availability. We are looking for a 
candidate who has completed a PhD within the last five years and who shows 
evidence of strong quantitative skills, experimental design, and expertise in 
some aspect of marine field ecology. Scientific diving certification and 
experience is preferred. Experience studying coralline algal physiology, 
ecology, or species diversity is also preferred.  Abilities to work 
independently, meet regular milestones, and communicate in English are 
essential.

To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and examples of 2 research papers to 
Dr. Patrick Martone by email (pmart...@mail.ubc.ca). Your cover letter should 
address your interest in the project and the skills and experience you can 
bring to the work.  Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent 
residents. Review of applications will start on 4 January 2019, and we hope to 
fill the position for a start date of 1 March 2019.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and 
diversity within its community. We especially welcome applications from visible 
minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, 
persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with 
the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc Positions in Global Biodiversity Science and Conservation, Yale

2019-01-03 Thread Walter Jetz

Postdoc Positions in Global Biodiversity Science and Conservation, Yale University

Focal species groups: mammals, butterflies, dragonflies, bees, epiphytes

Several positions are available associated with the Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change (BGC Center), the Max Planck - Yale Center for Biodiversity Movement and Global Change (MPYC), Map of Life, and the Jetz Lab. Target start date is spring/summer 2019.

We are seeking innovative thinkers with a strong quantitative background who are interested in addressing ecological questions at large spatial scales. Qualifications for the position include a PhD in ecology, conservation, (bio-)geography, or biological informatics, combined with experience in spatial biodiversity analysis and inference. The preferred candidates will have a strong interest in the model-based integration of large, disparate biodiversity and environmental data, a dedication toward conscientious work in a team, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. An ability to traverse ecological, evolutionary, and conservation perspectives and to address processes at different spatial and temporal scales are particularly welcome. We expect strong analysis and scientific writing skills. Experience in several scripting languages, database management, taxonomic name management, remote sensing, and/or biodiversity informatics are highly welcome.
The positions offer broad thematic flexibility, and focal research questions may be macroecological, macroevolutionary, biogeographical, or conservation-focused. There is also openness regarding the preferred taxonomic study systems. Our current funding has a particular emphasis on mammals, butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and epiphytes, and we are especially (but not exclusively) interested in applicants who have experience in one of these groups. We ask candidates to briefly describe their preferred area of activity in the cover letter. Several junior or senior positions are available, with a typical contract length of 2-3 years.

The positions will be based at Yale University, with close collaborative links to our partners worldwide. The Yale BGC Center connects biodiversity scientists from across campus and hosts a range of speaker and workshop events. It supports research and training around the use of new technologies and data flows for model-based inference and prediction of biodiversity distributions and changes at large spatial and taxonomic scales. Flagship Center projects include Map of Life and associated activities supporting the Half-Earth Map and the development of the GEO BON Species Population Essential Biodiversity Variables. For animal movement data we are partnered with the Icarus initiative, a space station-based near-global GPS animal movement observation system, and Movebank, which supports the management and integration of movement data. For camera trapping data we are members of the Wildlife Insights initiative. Other Center initiatives include the integration of phylogenetic information with spatial distributions (e.g., VertLife), and the NASA-supported development and application of remote sensing-informed layers for biodiversity modelling (EarthEnv).

Yale University offers researchers and staff competitive salaries and a generous package of benefits. Yale has a thriving and growing community of young scholars in ecology, evolution and global change science in the EEB Department, the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies, the Peabody Museum, and the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. The town is renowned for its classic Ivy League setting, 75 miles north of New York City. To apply please send, in one pdf, a short motivation (i.e. cover) letter, CV and names and contact information for three referees to michelle.du...@yale.edu, subject “BGC Postdoc” For questions contact walter.j...@yale.edu. The final selection process will begin on 20 January 2018, We passionately believe that a diverse team will enable a broader perspective and enhance creativity, and we strongly encourage applications from women and minorities.

[ECOLOG-L] Course: Introduction to computational Bayesian methods using Stan

2019-01-03 Thread Carlo Pecoraro

Course: Introduction to computational Bayesian methods using Stan



Where: FU University Berlin



When: 25-29 March 2019 



Instructor: Prof. Shravan Vasishth (http://www.ling.uni-potsdam.de/~vasishth/)



Course website:  https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/course46/



Overview

In recent years, Bayesian methods have come to be widely adopted in all areas 
of science. This is in large part due to the development of sophisticated 
software for probabilisic programming; a recent example is the astonishing 
computing capability afforded by the language Stan (mc-stan.org). However, the 
underlying theory needed to use this software sensibly is often inaccessible 
because end-users don't necessarily have the statistical and mathematical 
background to read the primary textbooks (such as Gelman et al's classic 
Bayesian data analysis, 3rd edition). In this course, we seek to cover this 
gap, by providing a relatively accessible and technically non-demanding 
introduction to the basic workflow for fitting different kinds of linear models 
using Stan. To illustrate the capability of Bayesian modeling, we will use the 
R package RStan and a powerful front-end R package for Stan called brms.

 
Prerequisites

We assume familiarity with R. Participants will benefit most if they have 
previously fit linear models and linear mixed models (using lme4) in R, in any 
scientific domain. No knowledge of calculus or linear algebra is assumed, but 
basic school level mathematics knowledge is assumed (this will be quickly 
revisited in class).

Some examples: given some variables x,x1,x2; what is xa×xb; what is 
exp(x1)×exp(x2); what is log(exp(x)); what is log(x1×x2).

 

 
Outcomes

After completing this course, the participant will have become familiar with 
the foundations of Bayesian inference using Stan (RStan and brms), and will be 
able to fit a range of multiple regression models and hierarchical models, for 
normally distributed data, and for log-normal, poisson, multinomial, and 
binomially distributed data. They will know how to calibrate their models using 
prior and posterior predictive checks; they will be able to establish true and 
false discovery rates to validate discovery claims, and to carry out model 
comparison using cross-validation methods, and Bayes factors.

 
As background reading, we recommend:

- For beginning readers (the intended audience for this course): A Student's 
Guide to Bayesian Statistics, by Ben Lambert. See: 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Students-Guide-Bayesian-Statistics/dp/1473916364
- For technically sophisticated readers (familiarity with calculus and linear 
algebra assumed): Michael Betancourt's writings and case studies. See: 
https://betanalpha.github.io/

 
Program

 Monday - Classes from 9:30 to 17:30

 

Foundations of Bayesian inference

 
- Probability theory and Bayes-Price-Laplace's rule 
- Probability distributions 
- Understanding and eliciting priors
- Analytical Bayes: Beta-Binomial, Poisson-Gamma, Normal-Normal

 

 

Tuesday - Classes from 9:30 to 17:30

 

Computational Bayes

 
- Generating prior predictive distributions using RStan and R
- Fake-data simulation for model evaluation
- Sampling methods:
- Inverse sampling
- Gibbs sampling
- Random Walk Metropolis
- Hamiltonian Monte Carlo

 

 

Wednesday - Classes from 9:30 to 17:30

 

 Bayesian Modeling with Stan and brms

 
- Introduction to Stan syntax
- Introduction to brms
- Linear models using RStan and brms

 

Thursday - Classes from 9:30 to 17:30

 

Regression modeling using Stan and brms

 
- Generalized linear models
- Model evaluation and calibration 
- Model comparison using LOO and Bayes factor

 

Friday - Classes from 9:30 to 17:30


Model evaluation and comparison

 
- Hierarchical linear models 
- Fake-data generation for hierarchical data 
- Posterior predictive checks
- Some instructive case studies

[ECOLOG-L] Fwd: EGU session on Forest Carbon and Water Dynamics

2019-01-03 Thread Catarina Moura

Dear colleagues,

We would like to call your attention to the following co-organized session
at the upcoming EGU General Assembly (Vienna, 7-12 April 2019):

Forest carbon and water dynamics, and its feedbacks to climate under global
environmental change (BG2.9/HS11.46)


We welcome contributions from a wide range of studies including
observational, experimental and modeling approaches at different spatial
scales that provide novel ideas or generate insightful discussions on the
interplay of forest carbon and water cycling, climate dynamics and on-going
global environmental change. We therefore invite perspectives from
different research communities (plant, soil, ecosystem,
biosphere/atmosphere fluxes, hydrology, etc) to be presented on this common
theme.

Please consider submitting an abstract and spread the word to colleagues
working in the field. *The abstract deadline is 10 January 2019, 13:00 CET.
*If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact one of the conveners
listed below.

Detailed information on how to submit an abstract can be found at:
https://egu2019.eu/abstracts_and_programme/how_to_submit_an_abstract.html

We hope to see you Vienna!

Apologies for potential duplicates/cross-posting.

On behalf of all conveners,

Catarina Moura

--

Session conveners:

Kailiang Yu (ETH Zurich), convener
Yunpeng Luo (Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry), co-convener
Catarina Moura (Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry/UNL), co-convener
René Orth (Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry), co-convener

https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2019/session/32166

[ECOLOG-L] TROPICAL AVIAN CONSERVATION ECOLOGY INTERNSHIPS - 2019

2019-01-03 Thread Shawn McCracken

Title:  Tropical Avian Conservation Ecology Intern
Organization:   Third Millennium Alliance, El Observatorio de Aves Jama-Coaque 
(OAJC, aka The Jama-Coaque Bird Observatory)
Location:   Reserva Jama-Coaque, Manabí province, Ecuador
Start dates:Multiple in 2019, see tmalliance.org/internships

SUMMARY:
Third Millennium Alliance (TMA) is a registered non-profit dedicated to 
conserving the last remnants of Pacific Ecuadorian Forests and empowering local 
communities to restore what's been lost. The organization’s flagship project is 
the Jama-Coaque Reserve and Bird Observatory – Ecuador’s first international 
bird observatory dedicated to long-term, year-round avian monitoring, research, 
conservation and capacity-building. TMA offers field-based internship 
opportunities to engage in hands-on research in a beautiful tropical rainforest 
on Ecuador's Pacific coast over the course of 4-8 week sessions.

TMA’s Research Internship is rooted in Ornithology, Tropical Ecology, and 
Conservation. The program is designed to provide both an excellent educational 
opportunity for emerging scientists and to collect ecological data in support 
of TMA’s research and conservation initiatives. All internships are lead by 
experienced and certified (North American Banding Council) ornithologists and 
bird banders.  Interns will participate in ongoing projects investigating 
demographic trends, seasonal movements, molt patterns, habitat use, nesting 
ecology, and more. Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in 
other research studies being carried out in the Reserve during their stay (e.g. 
camera trapping, primate surveys, herpetofauna studies), but these activities 
will be supplemental to the more in-depth ornithological research activities at 
the core of the internship.

BASIC SKILLS GAINED:

- Mist-netting
- Bird banding
- Bird identification
- Bird handling techniques
- Aging and sexing techniques
- Study/sampling design
- Nest searching/monitoring
- GPS navigation
- Data management
- Camera-trapping
- Wildlife monitoring
- Conservation practices

2019 INTERNSHIP CALENDAR:

Taste of the Tropics (4-week sessions)

1. January 28th – February 22nd
2. February 25th – March 22nd
3. May 27th – June 21st
4. June 24th – July 19th

Tropical Immersion (8-week sessions)

1. January 28th - March 22nd
2. May 27th - July 19th

A complete description of the TMA internship with the 2019 schedule and prices 
can be found on our website: http://tmalliance.org/internships/about/

PREREQUISITES:

Prior experience working with birds or other wildlife is not required to 
participate. Each internship session begins with an intensive two-week training 
period to help develop necessary skills. Interns may also be asked to review 
literature supplied by TMA before beginning their programs.  Interns will 
receive the full tropical field ornithology experience, which means many days 
spent waking before the sun and hiking in difficult field conditions while 
carrying equipment, thus applicants should be in good physical condition. Given 
these realities, passion for wildlife (particularly birds) and conservation, a 
hard work ethic, and a positive attitude are all critical to your success and 
our top requirements.

* Accreditation–For students looking to get academic credit for our internship 
program, please discuss the options available with your advisor or internship 
office. TMA does not currently have the ability to independently provide 
academic credit, but we are happy to work with your university to ensure all 
requirements are met by our program. Our staff is happy to provide an 
evaluation of performance and complete any paperwork required by the university.

HOW TO APPLY:

Application material (Application Form, Cover Letter, and CV/Resume) is 
available on the TMA website here:  
http://tmalliance.org/internships/how-to-apply/

Please submit your application to TMA (i...@tmalliance.org). The subject of 
your application email should read as follows: “APPLICATION – Internship 
Length/ Start Date (Your Name)”. For example: “APPLICATION -Taste of the 
Tropics Jan. 4th (John Doe)”.

We look forward to working with you soon!

Jama-Coaque Reserve Team
Third Millennium Alliance
Ecuador
www.tmalliance.org

[ECOLOG-L] EGU 2019 Invitation to submit abstract BG1.6. Nitrogen-transformation processes in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems under global change

2019-01-03 Thread Tuula Larmola

Dear Colleagues,

At the next EGU General Assembly, Vienna 7-12 April 2019, we will organize
again a special session on *Nitrogen cycling* which we hope will be of
interest to you. The session is entitled “Nitrogen-transformation processes
in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems under global change”. Last year we
had a day of 20 interesting talks and posters covering different aspects of
Nitrogen cycling and are looking forward to continuing this year. Please
feel free to distribute this message to potentially interested colleagues
and co-workers. Abstract deadline is 10 January 2019 (1pm Central European
time). Sorry for any cross-posting. We are looking forward to meeting you
in Vienna.



Best Regards,

Sari Juutinen, University of Helsinki

Sami Ullah, University of Birmingham

Tuula Larmola, Natural Resources Institute Finland



*BG1.6. Nitrogen-transformation processes in terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems under global change*

Conveners:Tuula Larmola, Sari Juutinen , Sami Ullah

Abstract submission


Anthropogenic disturbance of the nitrogen (N) cycle has more than doubled
the amount of reactive N circulating in the biosphere. Global change
impacts the N cycle via increased levels of N deposition, land use and
changes in global or regional climate. This session seeks to improve our
understanding on how global changes impact N biogeochemistry in terrestrial
and aquatic ecosystems and what feedbacks from N cycling will be most
important in influencing the climate. We invite presentations on all
aspects of ecosystem N cycling, on past and present ecosystem dynamics and
functioning, interactions with other element cycles (e.g., carbon,
phosphorus), terrestrial-aquatic linkages, and future projections and
feedbacks to global change (increased greenhouse gas emissions,
biodiversity loss, air and water pollution). We welcome contributions using
observational, experimental, and modeling approaches, from local to global
scales and varying in time-horizons.

[ECOLOG-L] Course: Ecological niche models in R

2019-01-03 Thread Carlo Pecoraro

Course: Ecological niche models in R



Where: Berlin



When: 20-24 May 2019 



Instructor:  

Dr. Sara Varela (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8dckI70J=en)

Dr. A. Márcia Barbosa 
(https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=66awMnEJ=en)



Course website:  https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/course45/



Course Overview

Ecological niche models (ENMs) are a fundamental tool for working in global 
change biology. Predicting species distributions is key for designing 
conservation and management plans that remain effective in the long run. 
Further, combining population genetics with maps of the species potential 
ranges in the past (e.g. during the last glacial maximum), allows researchers 
to unveil the role of cyclic global climatic changes on population dynamics.

ENMs use data on species occurrences (both past or present) along with climatic 
layers, to extract the climatic conditions where the species have been sampled, 
and map species potential range dynamics through time.

ENMs have been widely used and discussed in the recent literature. Data and 
biases in the data, climatic layers and climatic models, and most of all, the 
models itself. How to test our map predictions and what those map predictions 
really mean was hotly debated in the last 10 years.

In this workshop, we are going to teach you how to use R to program ENMs, 
models that aim to map the distribution of species based on its climatic 
requirements. Day by day, we will cover all the different steps of making an 
ENM and we will talk and discuss about their drawbacks (see below). 




Targeted audience & ASSUMED BACKGROUND

This workshop is aimed at postgraduate students and researchers who are 
interested in using ENMs in their research. Experience in using R is not 
mandatory, but desirable. We will use R and RStudio in the lessons.



 
TEACHING FORMAT

The workshop is delivered over ten half-day sessions (see the detailed 
curriculum below). Each session consists of a combination of lectures and 
practical exercises, with breaks at the organisers’ discretion. There will also 
be time for students to discuss their own problems and data.

  


Program

 Monday - Classes from 9:30 to 17:30



Occurrence data: how to load your own data and how to import data from open 
access databases (such as GBIF or paleobioDB). We will discuss here the 
different potential biases on the input data and how to address them. 

 

 

Tuesday - Classes from 9:30 to 17:30

 

Climatic layers: types of climatic models (interpolations vs. mechanistic 
models, or worldclim vs. AOGCMs). How to use R as a GIS, how to extract 
climatic data from your occurrence points, etc.

 

 

Wednesday - Classes from 9:30 to 17:30

 

Ecological Niche Models: types of models (distance models, regressions, 
classification and regression trees, maxent). We will learn about the different 
R packages to run those models, and their main differences.

 

 

Thursday - Classes from 9:30 to 17:30

 

Program flow. Programming loops for working with large lists of species, models 
and climatic scenarios. When working in global change biology we need to 
automatize our scripts to make predictions over hundreds of species, trying 
several ENMs, and projecting the ENMs over different climatic scenarios (e.g. 
present and several future predictions).

 

 

Friday - Classes from 9:30 to 17:30

 
Student exercises. Students will present their case study (we encourage 
students to think about a hypothesis that they would like to test during this 
course in advance), their initial goals, the problems that they faced, and how 
they manage to solve them.

[ECOLOG-L] The New Issue of The Ecological Citizen is Available.

2019-01-03 Thread Ian Whyte

Hello All:

The new issue of *The Ecological Citizen* is available. It is unusual
because of its ecocentric point of view; it places intrinsic value on all
living organisms and their natural environment, regardless of their
perceived usefulness or importance to human beings and it  employs a
nature-centered, as opposed to human-centered, system of values.

Download or read by going to this link:
https://www.ecologicalcitizen.net/issue.php?i=Vol+2+No+2

This issue features beautiful photos of a Canadian Park, by Tony Cassils,
designed to help one realize that the Earth is indeed beautiful. There are
many other wonderful illustrations too.

Read about ecocentric issues associated with water, a free-flowing subject
that reveals the urgent need for humanity to change its course. There is an
article dealing with legal personhood for rivers, an idea whose time has
come.  Still on water, Captain Paul Watson has an article titled *Neptune's
Navy: a Global Initiative.*

One of today's great problems, that of people knowing about the ecological
crisis but yet unwilling to do anything about it is discussed in Luke
Plotica's essay *Against enlightened inaction: Edification from Thoreau.*

Dandelions, flowers dear to my heart, have an article: *Dandelions are
Devine.*

As usual, there is superb art, grand photographs and interesting poetry.

Go to the issue here:

https://www.ecologicalcitizen.net/issue.php?i=Vol+2+No+2

and please send the link on to others.

Ian Whyte


-- 
*All Causes are Lost Causes Without a Reduction in Population*



*Read All The Ecological Citizen's Issues and the Supplement!*
*http://www.ecologicalcitizen.net/issues.php
**t *

[ECOLOG-L] Global ecological restoration NGO - Join Us

2019-01-03 Thread Ben Stone

We are the Phoenix Conservancy, a young non-profit based out of Pullman,
Washington. Our mission is to restore endangered ecosystems globally for
the communities that depend on them and the conservation of biodiversity.
We are a completely volunteer run organization founded by graduates in the
fields of biological sciences, wildlife biology, and environmental science,
to take a more holistic approach to restoration ecology. Our science-based
approach to decision making and strategic conservation planning is aided by
collaborative efforts with other non-profits, conservation organizations,
governmental agencies, and the communities we work in to ensure the
long-term success of our efforts. Our current focus includes projects at
three different scales; local, national and international. These projects
include restoration on the Palouse prairie of Eastern Washington, the mixed
grass prairie of the American Midwest, and the temperate forests of the
Ihosy region of Madagascar. We are continually seeking volunteers, interns,
collaborators, resources, and feedback from the scientific community to
complete our mission. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time
through our website, social media, or via my email address. We look forward
to continuing our engagement with this community with the aim of
integrating the latest science into our restoration efforts.

Best regards,

Ben Stone

Executive Director

email:bst...@phoenixconservancy.org

https://phoenixconservancy.org/

https://www.facebook.com/PhoenixConservancy/

[ECOLOG-L] Faculty Positions in Applied Forest Ecology/Silviculture

2019-01-03 Thread Heidi Renninger

Positions: Two tenure-track, Assistant Professors in the Department of 
Forestry, College of Forest Resources, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, 
Mississippi State University

Required Qualifications for Both Positions: Ph.D. degree in Forestry or a 
closely related field is required.  All but dissertation (ABD) applicants will 
be considered.  

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge/experience of appropriate silvicultural 
and/or spatial methods for a variety of forest ecosystems, a record of 
scholarly publication, demonstrated potential to secure extramural funding, 
experience in teaching at the university level, and an undergraduate degree in 
forestry. 

Responsibilities: Responsibilities will include participation in the 
Department’s teaching program, research, mentoring graduate students, advising 
undergraduate students, and service activities.  Each successful candidate will 
be expected to teach courses in the Department’s two undergraduate majors 
(Forestry, Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation) and teach or 
develop additional graduate courses in the candidate’s area of expertise. Each 
successful candidate will be expected to develop an extramurally funded 
research program.  Opportunities exist for research collaboration with the USDA 
Forest Service and other federal agencies, state agencies, forest industry, 
resource managers, and private landowners. 

Appropriate areas of research expertise could include, but are not limited to:

Management of southern species with an emphasis on pine
Effects of changing pine plantation structure
Quantifying impacts of disturbance on all forest ecosystems
Development of environment impact assessments 
Use of spatial technologies (LiDAR, spectral imagery) in management, 
measurements, procurement, etc.

Rank and Salary: Tenure-track or tenured, full-time, 9 or 12-month appointment. 
Salary is negotiable and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Department of Forestry: The Department of Forestry is one of three 
departments in the College of Forest Resources and the Mississippi State 
University’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center. Departmental activities 
include undergraduate and graduate instruction, research, and extension 
programs in forestry and natural resources. The Department has excellent 
facilities in Thompson Hall on the campus of Mississippi State University. The 
MSU John W. Starr Memorial Forest, an 8,244-acre research and teaching forest, 
and the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and Tombigbee National 
Forest are near the university and are used for teaching and research 
activities.
Mississippi State University is a Carnegie High Research Activity institution 
and a land grant university which includes the Mississippi State University 
Extension Service. The university is located in Starkville, a beautiful college 
town in northeast Mississippi (www.msstate.edu/web/about).  

Application Procedure:  Screening of applicants will begin March 1st, 2019 and 
will continue until a suitable applicant is found. Applications must be made 
through the Mississippi State University Employment opportunities website via 
the link http://www.msujobs.msstate.edu/ (PARF Number 498064). Applicants 
should also send (in a single pdf) a letter of application, curriculum vita, 
copies of transcripts (for all degrees), a brief statement of research and 
teaching interests, and complete contact information for three professional 
references to:

Dr. John B. Auel (j...@msstate.edu)
Chair, Applied Forest Ecology/Biology/Silviculture Search Committee
Department of Forestry
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS  39762-9681

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive 
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, 
ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, 
disability status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected 
veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We always welcome 
nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and 
others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the 
diversity in our student population.

[ECOLOG-L] Survivor’s Guide to Stable Isotope Ecology - 2019

2019-01-03 Thread Brian Hayden

Hi all,

Happy New Year from a snowy New Brunswick. As we all start to plan out our
calendars for the new year I’d like to remind you about the ‘Survivor’s Guide
to Stable Isotope Ecology’ course which will be running again this year in
Syracuse, Sicily. The course covers all aspects of the application of stable
isotope techniques to modern and paleo-ecology. We have an excellent team to
teachers including Chris Harrod (U Antofagasta), Tamsin O’Connell (Cambridge
U.), Clive Truman (U. Southampton), Alexia Massa-Gallucci (Aqua Biotech, Malta)
and myself. The course will run over 6 days at the start of April, and costs
€1280 (including accommodation) if you book within the next week. Some travel
bursaries are available this year thanks to support from Elementar and Aqua
Biotech. Further details about the course and registration are available here
https://sites.google.com/view/brianhayden/teaching/survivors-guide-to-stable-isotope-ecology.
Please share this around your departments and relevant colleagues, and do feel
free to drop me a line if you have any questions regarding the course. I hope
to see you in Sicily.

Apologies for cross-posting and best wishes for 2019,

Brian

Dr. Brian Hayden

Science Director
Stable Isotope in Nature Laboratory
(SINLAB)

Canadian Rivers Institute
Department of Biology
University of New Brunswick
Fredericton, NB
E3B 5A3, Canada

Tel: +1 (506) 452-6311
Skype: brian.hayden.work
Twitter: @DrHaydo
Web:https://sites.google.com/view/brianhayden/home Social Media Editor for
The FSBI, an International Society for Fish Biology, find us on Twitter
@TheFSBI and Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheFSBI

[ECOLOG-L] Marine ecology post-doc

2019-01-03 Thread Patrick Martone

Attention Marine Ecologists:
Please see this exciting new post-doc opportunity in my lab studying the
functional ecology of coralline algae off the coast of British Columbia. We
will start reviewing applications at the end of this week (January 4), so don’t
delay.

Information pasted below or see this link:
https://botany.ubc.ca/about_us/careers/hakai-coastal-initiative-postdoctoral-fellowship-functional-ecology-coralline-algae

Cheers-
Patrick T. Martone, Associate Professor
Botany Department & Biodiversity Research Centre
University of British Columbia
www.botany.ubc.ca/martone

-
Hakai Coastal Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Functional Ecology of
Coralline Algae

Supervisor: Dr. Patrick T. Martone (Botany Department, University of British
Columbia)

Applications are invited for a two-year post-doctoral fellowship (PDF) focused
on the diversity and functional ecology of coralline algae in the NE Pacific.

CONTEXT

Coralline algae are important components of nearshore marine communities
worldwide, competing for primary substrate, creating habitat, and affecting
patterns of algal and invertebrate recruitment. Unfortunately, our
understanding of coralline algal ecology has been severely limited by our
inability to identify and differentiate species, which exhibit simple and often
convergent morphologies. By basing identifications on DNA sequences, recent
work has demonstrated that coralline communities are far more diverse than
previously thought and that coralline species differ widely in physiological
and ecological performance. For example, contrary to the current paradigm, the
uniform “coralline pavement” that emerges within heavily grazed urchin barrens
represents a collection of cryptic coralline species, dominated by a few
winners and missing several species found in kelp forests. The PDF researcher
will help clarify the performance of individual coralline species and the
responses of coralline communities to disturbance in order to gain insight into
the functioning and recovery of kelp forests.

FELLOWSHIP

Supervised by Dr. Patrick Martone (UBC Botany), core research efforts will
include: (1) reciprocal transplants and lab manipulations of natural coralline
communities across gradients of herbivory and environmental stress to document
species resilience, clarify competitive hierarchies, and characterize shifts in
community composition, and (2) lab experiments on the recruitment of
invertebrates and algal spores to individual coralline species. Research will
be conducted in association with the Hakai Institute (https://www.hakai.org),
with fieldwork based primarily on Calvert Island and lab studies primarily on
Quadra Island. The Hakai Institute is a rich environment of scientists and
researchers, and the fellow will help strengthen collaborations with other
Hakai researchers on coralline microbes, response to climate change, and
recruitment.

This is a limited term, two-year PDF position paid at a rate of $55,000 CAD per
year plus Mandatory Employment Related Benefits with an opportunity for renewal
given satisfactory performance and funding availability. We are looking for a
candidate who has completed a PhD within the last five years and who shows
evidence of strong quantitative skills, experimental design, and expertise in
some aspect of marine field ecology. Scientific diving certification and
experience is preferred. Experience studying coralline algal physiology,
ecology, or species diversity is also preferred. Abilities to work
independently, meet regular milestones, and communicate in English are
essential.

To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and examples of 2 research papers to
Dr. Patrick Martone by email (pmart...@mail.ubc.ca). Your cover letter should
address your interest in the project and the skills and experience you can
bring to the work. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent
residents. Review of applications will start on 4 January 2019, and we hope to
fill the position for a start date of 1 March 2019.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and
diversity within its community. We especially welcome applications from visible
minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities,
persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with
the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

[ECOLOG-L] 2019 Washington Botanical Symposium - March 6, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA

2019-01-03 Thread Antieau, Clayton

University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the University of Washington 
Herbarium, Burke Museum, are pleased to announce the 2019 Washington Botanical 
Symposium

Wednesday, March 6, 2019
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Reception 4:00 - 6:00pm

Co-hosted by University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the University of 
Washington Herbarium, Burke Museum
Center for Urban Horticulture, NHS Hall, 3501 NE 41st St., Seattle, WA, USA 
98105

Cost: $85 in-person
Remote attendance: $70 (group rates available)

Program information available at: http://bit.ly/wabotanicalsymposium
or 
https://botanicgardens.uw.edu/education/adults/conferences-symposia/wa-botanical-symposium/

Student scholarships and poster presentation options available. Visit website 
for details.

An extensive network of professional, academic, and amateur botanists are 
actively engaged in the conservation, management, and study of Washington's 
diverse flora. Their expertise ranges from how best to manage biodiversity, to 
understanding climate change impacts on plant communities, to naming and 
classifying the flora's rare, common, and invasive elements. Invited speakers 
and poster presentations will share new insights and discoveries about these 
topics and more. Participants from throughout Washington and adjacent areas 
will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues within and across 
disciplines.

Sponsored in part by the Washington Native Plant Society.__._,_.___

[ECOLOG-L] Two tenure track faculty positions at UNC Institute of Marine Sciences

2019-01-03 Thread Irish, Kerry

Colleagues,

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Institute of Marine Sciences 
is searching for two new tenure-track faculty. We seek emerging leaders in the 
fields of interdisciplinary marine conservation ecology and fisheries ecology.

Please see this link for job descriptions (with link 
to application portal), and please 
do distribute this information across your network(s) to connect with potential 
applicants. Any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Review of applications will being on January 16th, 2019.

Yours, and many thanks!

Joel Fodrie
Institute of Marine Sciences
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
3431 Arendell Street
Morehead City, NC 28557
Tel: 252 726 6841 (ext. 149)
Email: jfod...@unc.edu
Web: http://fodriefishecol.wixsite.com/unc-fish

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantship in Silviculture at University of Florida

2019-01-03 Thread Ajay Sharma

Graduate Research Assistantship Announcement
School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, 
Gainesville, FL 
Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Newton, Georgia

A Master of Science graduate assistantship is available with Dr. Ajay Sharma in 
the School of Forest Resources and Conservation – University of Florida. The 
assistantship will be in collaboration with and supported by the Joseph W. 
Jones Ecological Research Center, under joint supervision of Dr. Seth Bigelow 
(forest ecologist) and Dr. Sharma. 

Project Description
“Community re-organization after windstorms in longleaf pine forests”
The re-organization of forest communities after major canopy-opening 
disturbance depends on the presence and size of regenerating trees and their 
ability to quickly respond to increased resources. Disturbance regimes in 
frequent-fire longleaf pine ecosystems are thought to be characterized 
historically by single-tree or small group mortality due to lighting strikes, 
but larger openings due to hurricanes may have played a significant role in the 
development of these forests. Longleaf seedling and sapling growth may increase 
exponentially at larger opening sizes, yet competing hardwoods may benefit from 
the same resource pulse.  This study will be conducted during the early stages 
of forest community re-organization after Hurricane Michael in two longleaf 
pine locations of varying severity of impacts along the storm’s path: a 
moderate-to-severe impact area, and a light-to-moderate impact area. The 
objectives are to characterize the frequency distribution of canopy opening 
sizes created by the storm at each location; to measure height growth of 
regenerating longleaf pines and competing hardwoods across a gradient of light 
availability created by these openings; and to determine how soil conditions 
and time since fire interact with light to shape competitive outcomes. The 
resulting analysis will assist forest managers in identifying post-hurricane 
scenarios under which intervention may be required to achieve desired future 
conditions.

The graduate assistant is expected to spend first year at the University of 
Florida, Gainesville for completing course work, and the second year at the 
Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway, located near Newton, 
GA, for research work. Duties include satisfactory completion of coursework, 
field data collection and analyses, writing a thesis and peer-reviewed 
publication(s) related to the study. An ideal candidate for this position will 
have a B.S. degree in forestry or a closely related discipline, experience in 
field work, familiarity with longleaf pine ecosystems, proficiency in written 
and oral communication, strong GRE scores, and evidence of scholastic success. 
The position will begin in Fall (August) 2019. 
The assistantship includes full tuition, competitive stipend, and fringe 
benefits. To apply, please submit the following to Dr. Ajay Sharma 
(ajay.sha...@ufl.edu) and/or Dr. Seth Bigelow (seth.bige...@jonesctr.org). 
1) statement of career goals
2) curriculum vitae
3) transcripts of course work
4) GRE scores
5) contact information for three references
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is 
selected.

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Scholarship Position

2019-01-03 Thread Dana Warren

Oregon State University
Forest Ecosystems & Society  
College of Forestry



Postdoctoral Scholar position
We are seeking a post-doctoral scholar to work with a team of researchers from 
Oregon State University and Idaho State University on an NSF funded project 
exploring how terrestrial trophic cascades affect aquatic-terrestrial linkages 
in mountain streams. This is a two-year post-doctoral scholar position that 
would be based at Oregon State University.  The project entails significant 
fieldwork in each summer (~2+ months) with periodic trips to the field in fall 
and spring as well.  Most of the fieldwork in year 1 will occur in Yellowstone 
National Park with visits to additional national park study sites in year two. 
We seek a motivated and collaborative scientist with experience conducting 
stream ecosystem measurements and assessments of aquatic biota. The 
postdoctoral scholar will be expected to lead efforts in quantifying stream 
ecosystem processes (focusing on stream metabolism and nutrient uptake), and as 
a member of the project team she/he will be expected to contribute to other 
aspects of the project including fieldwork, data analysis, preparation of 
reports and permits, scientific articles, and associated project deliverables. 
Applicants must have defended their Ph.D. by the start of the appointment and 
must have completed their Ph.D. no more than 5 years ago. The target start-date 
for this position is between May 1 and June 1, 2019.
Interested applicants should submit the following: (1) Cover letter, (2) C.V., 
and (3) names and contact information for three references; One or two examples 
of published work are welcome but not required. Funding is available for two 
years. For more information and to apply, contact Dana Warren at Oregon State 
University (dana.warren @ oregonstate.edu).  Please include “Aquatic ecosystem 
post-doc” in the subject line of the email.  Applications will be accepted 
through early February, but for full consideration materials must be submitted 
by January 25, 2019. Anticipated Salary will be $48-50K/annually.

[ECOLOG-L] Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project - 13 seasonal positions available

2019-01-03 Thread Lindsay Adrean

The Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project is hiring for the 2019 breeding season. 
There are 13 available positions including crew leads, aerial telemetry 
technicians, general technicians, and interns. All positions will assist with a 
long-term, large-scale study of space use and nest success of the federally 
threatened Marbled Murrelet. Field methods include the use of radio telemetry, 
point counts, electronic audio and visual equipment, and vegetation sampling to 
collect data on nesting and space use. Aerial technicians will track marked 
birds from fixed-wing aircraft and participate in all ground duties.

Crews will be stationed in shared field housing on the central Oregon coast. 
The field schedule will be variable and includes long days, very early 
mornings, and night work, with limited time off. Extensive driving is required 
on unimproved forest roads with active logging, as well as through paved but 
busy tourist towns. Field work occurs in all weather conditions. Wind, fog, 
rain, biting/stinging insects, and poison oak will be encountered on a regular 
basis. All personnel should expect to carry loads upwards of 50 lbs in steep, 
loose terrain. Physical fitness is necessary for safe transport of heavy and 
expensive equipment to off-trail forest locations; prior experience hiking and 
backpacking is an asset. Work will occur solo and in pairs depending on the 
nature of the work. Some travel out of state may be required. 
Compensation is a monthly salary, based on experience, plus shared field 
housing and use of 4-wheel drive vehicles for work activities. 

For complete job postings and application instructions, visit 
https://www.oregonmurrelet.org/employment-and-education-opportunities/

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc job - Researcher, Kumasi Hive, Ghana

2019-01-03 Thread Matheus Carvalho de Carvalho

See description below, and please contact them if interested. Good luck,
Matheus C. Carvalho
Senior Research Associate - IRMS
Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research, Southern Cross University
04-8899-0092 or 02-6626-9565
Editor for Plos ONE, Heliyon (Elsevier), HardwareX (Elsevier)
Book: Practical Laboratory Automation made easy with AutoIt - is.gd/labautobook
Open-source autosampler: bit.ly/2QVnDJU

*

A position is available for a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to 
develop a local manufacturing facility for molecular biology enzymes in Kumasi, 
Ghana. The project aims to overcome barriers in accessing these important 
research tools and build capacity to underpin emerging bioeconomies.


The successful applicant will join the Biolab Team at Kumasi Hive, 
collaborating closely with the Open Bioeconomy Lab at the University of 
Cambridge. The project will focus on implementing and optimising protocols for 
affordable manufacturing and purification of DNA polymerases and other enzymes.


The position will start in Feb 2019. The successful candidate will have a 
strong background in molecular biology including a PhD in a relevant area (or 
have submitted a PhD by the time of appointment). Experience with cell-free and 
in vivo protein expression and purification, synthetic biology approaches, 
protocol optimisation and quality assurance will be advantageous. An interest 
in open source technologies, sustainable development and frugal innovation is 
encouraged.


This is a fixed-term position: The funds for this post are available for 6 
months, with potential for an extension to 28 Feb 2020.


To apply online for this vacancy, please submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a 
covering letter to Dr Jenny Molloy and Jorge Appiah via j...@openbioeconomy.org 
by the deadline of 15 January. Informal enquiries are encouraged before 
submitting an application

[ECOLOG-L] New paper - responses of a top predator to human-induced changes in the coastal ecosystem

2019-01-03 Thread Bruno Diaz Lopez

Dear colleagues,

I am pleased to announce my new publication in the journal Behavioral Ecology 
about the influence of human activities on the social interactions and 
demographic parameters of bottlenose dolphins.
Diaz Lopez, B. 2018. “Hot deals at sea”: responses of a top predator 
(Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus) to human-induced changes in the 
coastal ecosystem. Behavioral Ecology. doi:10.1093/beheco/ary162

Understanding how the effects of human-induced changes in the ecosystem cause 
changes in the behaviour of top predators is an ongoing challenge in animal 
ecology. This study reveals how human activities are related to a significant 
upward trend in density of dolphins and a reduction of the social interactions 
associated to a temporal switch to the food sources provided by these 
activities. These changes can have effects on gene flow and the degree of 
inbreeding and, hence, the amount of genetic variability and population 
viability.

Abstract.

The main response of top predators to human-induced environmental changes is 
often behavioral. Although human activities regularly impose a disturbance on 
top predators, they can also be a source of reliable and concentrated food 
resources for species with a high degree of behavioral plasticity. This study 
represents the first assessment of the influence of these resources on 
migratory patterns and social interaction of a marine top predator, the common 
bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Pollock’s closed robust design models 
and association analyses were applied to data collected over 9 consecutive 
years of research in a coastal area subject to significant use and pressure by 
humans. Photo-identification data were collected year-round during 955 
boat-based surveys, resulting in 1638 common bottlenose dolphin group 
encounters. Results of this study revealed a significant upward trend in 
density of bottlenose dolphins, preferences for a coastal area with higher 
human pressure, and a reduction of the social interactions associated to a 
temporal switch to the food sources provided by human activities. The observed 
link between human activities and changes in common bottlenose dolphin behavior 
aim to contribute to a better understanding of the ecology of a marine top 
predator and provide some of the needed baseline data, from which effective 
management and conservation strategies can be designed. 

Please do not hesitate to ask me for any question regarding my study or to 
request a PDF copy of the article: br...@thebdri.com 
 
Bruno Diaz Lopez Ph.D
Chief biologist and Director
The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI
Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain
www.thebdri.com
0034 684248552

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[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Fellowship UNBC/Y2Y Recreation Ecology

2019-01-03 Thread Pamela Wright

2-YEAR POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP: RECREATIONAL ECOLOGY IN THE YELLOWSTONE TO 
YUKON (Y2Y) REGION 

The Yellowstone to Yukon vision is to connect and protect habitat from 
Yellowstone to the Yukon so people and nature can thrive.  In addition to 
providing wildlife habitat and holding important ecological values, outdoor 
spaces are places where people recreate – identifying how and where people and 
wildlife co-occur in landscapes is an important part of large landscape 
conservation. This two-year applied research project will focus on identifying 
and mapping the places where people recreate, and compiling and modeling the 
ecological impacts of different types and intensities of use in the Y2Y region. 
The results will be used to inform and manage access. 

The University of Northern British Columbia (Dr. Pamela Wright, UNBC) and the 
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Dr. Aerin Jacob, Y2Y) seek one 
postdoctoral fellow to work on a two-year funded project. The appointee will 
lead a team of researchers, conservationists, and managers in the US and Canada 
to: 
1)  develop a spatially explicit database of motorized/non-motorized trails 
used for nature-based recreation in the Y2Y region, acquired via partnerships, 
remotely sensed data, and digitization; 
2)  working from primary and grey literature, and potentially with subject 
matter experts, review recreation ecology impacts on selected wildlife species 
and ecosystem components of conservation concern; and,
3)  develop functional models of disturbance in the Y2Y region (e.g., where 
structural habitat exists but recreation-related disturbance affects specific 
species or ecosystem components, and where managing recreation differently 
could advance conservation priorities). 

Full posting available at:
Web posting: www.y2y.net/RecEcolPostdoc

[ECOLOG-L] Alaska Summer Field Studies Program

2019-01-03 Thread Sophie Littee

View this email in your browser





Spend the Summer in Alaska, Nature's best classroom
Apply 
The Alaska Wrangell Mountains Field Studies Program

We are accepting applications for summer 2019 to our university-level Field
Studies Program, and invite students at least one year into their
undergraduate education to apply. 

   - 7 week summer field course (earn10 semester/16 quarter credits). Cost
   is $9,400 (scholarships available)
   - Located in the heart of the largest national park in the US, also a
   World Heritage Site
   - This interdisciplinary course focuses on the forces shaping the
   rapidly-changing landscape of the Wrangell Mountains and beyond, including
   geology, ecology, climate, policy, land management, and history
   - Field research-intensive, with close mentoring by world-class faculty

This course is a joint offering of The Wrangell Mountains Center
 and The Evergreen State College


Questions? Email sop...@wrangells.org
Learn More 




Sophie Littée
Alaska Field Studies Recruiter
Wrangell Mountains Center and Evergreen State College
(907)244-8701
sop...@wrangells.org
http://www.wrangells.org/fieldstudies

*"La paciencia es la ciencia de la paz"*

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate position: Funded MSc to study population genetics invasive sea lamprey

2019-01-03 Thread Colin Garroway

Funded MSc position (2 years)

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba

Assessing the population genetic structure of resident freshwater and western 
Atlantic sea lamprey populations


We are recruiting an MSc student to explore the spatial genetic structure of 
native western Atlantic and resident freshwater sea lamprey populations from 
within the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes, and Lake Champlain. Our aim is to 
sample ~30 sea lamprey from ~20 Atlantic and freshwater sites and use 
genotyping-by-sequencing to genotype individuals for this work. The results of 
this analysis will contribute to our understanding of the sea lamprey invasion 
of the Great Lakes system and the management of those invasive populations. 
There will also be the opportunity to develop your own additional research 
questions using these and other available data.


The successful applicant should have an honours undergraduate degree and an 
interest in population genetics and species management. Experience with 
population genetic data analyses will be considered an asset but is not 
required, we can train you in the necessary skills.   You will work closely 
with a postdoctoral fellow working directly on this project and with a broader 
team of professors (Colin Garroway, Margaret Docker, and Ken Jeffries), 
postdocs, and graduate students using genomic and transcriptomic tools to 
address sea lamprey management questions at the University of Manitoba.


Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any additional questions. If 
you are interested in applying send Colin Garroway 
(colin.garro...@umanitoba.ca): 1) a copy of your CV; 2) a brief letter (no more 
than 1 page) introducing yourself and outlining your general research interests 
and your interest in this position in particular; 3) email addresses and phone 
numbers for two references. We will arrange Skype chats with the 3-5 best 
matched applicants. Our ideal start date is summer 2019 but we may be able to 
accommodate an autumn start. Finally, if you have made it this far, but are 
looking for a PhD position rather than an MSc, please still get in touch.  We 
may be able to work something out for the right fit.

Contact:
Colin Garroway
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
tel: (1) 204-4748267
www.garroway-lab.com

[ECOLOG-L] Deadline extended to Jan 14: Arb & Urban Forestry Educators' Summit, May 19-22, 2019

2019-01-03 Thread Jess Vogt

FINAL CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS - Deadline EXTENDED to January 14, 2019
Do you teach urban forestry or arboriculture? Do you consider yourself an 
“educator” of urban forestry, arboriculture, or a closely related field? 

Proposals are still being accepted for short talks, workshops, “stories,” and 
poster presentations for the
Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Educator’s Symposium and Summit 

happening May 19-22, 2019 at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois and hosted 
by the Morton and the International Society of Arboriculture.

The Symposium will offer an opportunity for professional educators in the field 
to gather and:
Share and discover best practices, methods, tips, and techniques for teaching, 
learning, and mentoring;
Discuss trends, opportunities, challenges, and solutions as related to 
educational institutions, programs, and practices; and,
Develop a plan for collaborating, communicating and coordinating for the future 
of higher and continuing education in our fields.

All are welcome to join as participants or contributors! We expect attendance 
from individuals at academic institutions, but also the many other types of 
educators we know contribute toward teaching urban forestry and arboriculture 
in all types of settings to all types of people.

Additional information and a link to the submission form is available here: 
https://www.lufa-depaul.org/edsummit2019.html 
 

Questions? Contact the Educators’ Summit Program Chair Jess Vogt: 
jessica.m.v...@gmail.com 

— — — 
Jess Vogt
+1 920 850 2016   |   @jessvogt
Asst Prof, Env Science & Studies, DePaul University
Principal, LUFA: Lab for Urban Forestry in the Anthropocene   |   
www.lufa-depaul.org 
Associate Editor, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 
Vice Chair, Science & Research Committee, International Society of Arboriculture
Dir. of Research, Illinois Arborist Association
jessica.m.v...@gmail.com    |  
jess.v...@depaul.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Field Technicians: Threatened Ground Squirrel Research (Idaho)

2019-01-03 Thread Austin Allison

Agency:
Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fish & 
Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho

Location:
Adams County, Idaho

Salary:
$1600/month + free field lodging

Start Date:
4/15/2019

Last Date to Apply:
1/27/2019

Description:

The northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) is listed as 
federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act. We are conducting field 
experiments to test the effectiveness of habitat restoration treatments (forest 
thinning and burning) as a management action to recover squirrel populations. 
This will be the 7th field season of the 10-year project. We have 2 technician 
openings for the 2019 field season. These positions are an excellent 
opportunity to gain experience working on an applied research project with the 
goal of conserving a rare species.

We will use a wide variety of field techniques to accomplish our study 
objectives. We will capture and mark 3 squirrel species – northern Idaho ground 
squirrels, Columbian ground squirrels, and yellow-pine chipmunks – with ear 
tags and PIT tags from April through July to document ground squirrel 
demographic responses to restoration treatments. We will fit a subset of 
northern Idaho ground squirrels with radio-collars and track the squirrels to 
their hibernacula via radio-telemetry. We will also sample vegetation to 
document the effects of the restoration treatments on vegetation composition 
and structure.

Field work will take place in a beautiful mountain setting in west-central 
Idaho. Some field days will include long hours on physically demanding terrain. 
Field work may take place during all weather conditions (rain and snow in 
spring and sun and heat in summer). Field work may involve odd hours and 
variable scheduling to ensure all field work is completed on time.

Lodging will be provided during the field season. Field crews will coexist in 
close quarters, and housing will be relatively rustic: a camp trailer or cabin. 
Applicants should be prepared to live a 45-minute drive from the nearest small 
town. Wi-fi will be provided at all field housing.


Minimum Qualifications:
•   Education: undergraduate degree in Natural Resources, Ecology, 
Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or related field.
•   At least 1 prior season conducting field work (wildlife or plants) in a 
professional setting.
•   Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
•   Excellent time and data management/organization skills.
•   Detail-oriented and self-motivated.
•   Excellent physical condition: able to traverse steep, rugged terrain 
throughout the day and carry heavy equipment for up to 10 consecutive days.
•   Possession of a valid US driver’s license.
•   A US citizen or permanent resident.
•   Available for employment from approximately 15 April 2019 through 15 
August 2019.

Desirable Qualifications:
•   Experience trapping and handling wildlife.
•   Experience living/camping in remote locations for extended periods.


Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background 
check and DMV driving records check. 


Apply by sending a cover letter, resume, contact information for ≥3 references, 
and a copy of college transcripts (unofficial are OK) in a single PDF document 
to Austin Allison (aalli...@uidaho.edu) and Dr. Courtney Conway 
(ccon...@uidaho.edu). Please write "NIDGS Technician" in the subject line of 
the email. We will review applications as they arrive. The positions will 
remain open until 27 January 2019 or until the positions are filled.

[ECOLOG-L] Volunteer Field Assistants (daily per diem provided): Threatened Ground Squirrel Research (Idaho)