[ECOLOG-L] MSc Position in forest-fire risk adaptation planning (funded)

[Ché Elkin]

We are seeking a M.Sc. student to investigate forest-fire risk adaptation
planning in British Columbia, Canada.  The project will involve two
components: using remote sensing data (LiDAR) to evaluate forest fire risk,
and then evaluating how this information can be used to assist community
driven fire adaptation planning.  Work will be done at the University of
Northern British Columbia in partnership with the Xáxli’p First Nation.
Start date September 2019 (or possibly summer 2019). Graduate funding for
two years secured. Application deadline February 11, 2019. Contact Scott
Green (scott.gr...@unbc.ca) or Che Elkin (che.el...@unbc.ca).


*Project Title:*  *High-resolution wildfire-fuel mapping using Aerial Laser
Scanning (LiDAR) to support climate-change adaptation planning for the
Xaxli’p First Nation, Lillooet, BC*



*Project Summary*

Working in partnership with the Xáxli’p First Nation in southern British
Columbia, our multi-year project will evaluate forest-fire risk in
ecologically and socially complex environments, and assess mitigation
options.  The aim of this work is to help inform a community-directed
adaptation strategy to restore landscape resilience according to ecological
and cultural coherence principles. Specifically, the representation of
Xáxli’p cultural values on the landscape*, and *the continuance of
traditional practices and relationships in their *‘Survival Territory’*,
contained within a community forest license in the Fountain Valley near
Lillooet, BC.



The Xáxli’p First Nation has identified the risk of catastrophic forest
fire as the priority climate-change vulnerability within their territory,
which has been exacerbated by institutional management practices – in
particular, suppression of natural wildfire and industrial forestry have
dramatically altered the structure and density of these dry-land forests.



This project will undertake the spatial description of wildfire fuel
distributions in the Fountain Valley to inform Xáxli’p restoration
activities.  Recent advances in remote sensing technology, such as Aerial
Laser Scanning *(ALS or LiDAR)*, have substantially improved both the grain
and extent at which we can evaluate forest systems.  While this new
technology has principally been used to develop high-quality forest
inventory data, it also provides the opportunity to evaluate forest
structure and derive high-resolution measures of wildfire fuel loading,
fuel moisture content and landscape level fire risk susceptibility. In this
project we will use ALS data in combination with empirical field data and
community expert knowledge to advance the projects short-term goals of
supporting and informing Xáxli’p Community Forest strategic planning in
their landscape restoration *(fuel reduction)* activities.



*Desired Qualifications**:*  The MSc student in this project will be
expected to develop appropriate competencies in both community engagement
and technical skills needed to develop the fuel maps.



Ÿ*Community Engagement* – As a core objective in this project all
quantitative information will be developed with an informed understanding
of community objectives and the need to provide technical information
*“operationable”* within the Xáxli’p Community Forest (XCF) planning /
implementation structures.  This objective requires a level of
understanding about the project objectives from the community perspective,
an understanding of the XCF planning process and a commitment to maintain
ongoing discussions with community research partners to ensure that the
project remains aligned with the community objectives and needs.
Experience working in community-directed projects is desirable *(particularly
in First Nations communities)*, but as a minimum requirement the candidate
should have a strong interest in community-directed research working with
First Nations and a willingness to engage independently with community
partners



ŸTechnical Skills – Ideal candidates will have a strong forest ecology
background and previous experience working with remote sensing data and
LiDAR *(ALS)* in particular.  Strong quantitative skills and experience
conducting data analysis and modelling in R or Python would be beneficial.



*Start Date**:*  The likely start date is September 2019, but an earlier
start *(Summer 2019)* would be possible.



*Funding**:  *Funding for the first year of the project is confirmed *(with
a student stipend of $19,000)*, with funding options for year two
identified but not yet confirmed.



*Applications**:  **Applications should include a cover letter describing
qualifications and interest along with a current resume / CV.  *Applicants
wanting to ensure consideration should have their applications
received by *February
11, 2019*.  But we will continue to accept applications until a suitable
candidate is found.



*Contact information**:*  For more information or to submit your
application, you can contact either of the Principal Investigators



*Dr. 

[ECOLOG-L] PhD opening in plant-soil interactions - extended application

[M. Xia]

The department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, Clemson University is 
inviting applications for a fully-funded PhD position in the plant 
ecophysiology lab of Dr. Nishanth Tharayil. This PhD position will focus on an 
NSF-supported project that investigates the chemical plasticity of tree roots 
in response to biotic and abiotic heterogeneities of soil environments and how 
these changes would, in turn, affect ecosystem functioning, such as 
decomposition, biogeochemical cycling, and feedbacks to global change. This 
project will involve laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments, with an 
emphasis on plant chemistry. The successful applicant will receive 
multidisciplinary training including plant and soil ecology, biogeochemistry, 
analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, metabolomics, etc. The student is 
encouraged to develop independent and creative studies within the broad realm 
of the project. The student will be supervised by Dr. Nishanth Tharayil and Dr. 
Vidya Suseela and closely work with Dr. Mengxue Xia, a postdoctoral fellow in 
the project. 

Prospective students that have a background and interest in plant 
ecology/physiology, soil science, biogeochemistry, or related fields are 
encouraged to apply. Previous laboratory experiences are not required but 
desirable. Field experience is a plus. The candidate should have a strong 
motive to learn analytical techniques as required by the project. Those 
interested may email Dr. Xia (m...@clemson.edu) with “Chemical plasticity PhD 
position” in the subject line. Include in the email a CV, an unofficial 
transcript, contacts of two potential references, and a brief statement 
describing your background and research interests. Informal inquiries are also 
welcome. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the 
position is filled. The starting time is negotiable but preferably as soon as 
possible (summer 2019).

[ECOLOG-L] SciComm job - Director, Office of Research Communications at UNC

[Irish, Kerry]

Director, Office of Research Communications

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Director for its Office 
of Research Communications. The Director manages the communications office that 
serves the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research (OVCR) and works with OVCR 
senior leadership and the University to develop and execute communications 
strategy for UNC-Chapel Hill’s $1.1 billion research enterprise. Through the 
office, he or she communicates and promotes the impact and value of research at 
UNC-Chapel Hill externally and internally and increases public and private 
awareness and support for the University’s research mission.

Specific Duties of the Director:

Leadership
· Develops and implements strategic messaging and 
communications for UNC-Chapel Hill’s research enterprise.
· Promotes the impact and value of Carolina’s research 
enterprise to internal and external target audiences through a variety of media 
(e.g., websites, print publications, video, infographics, social media, 
electronic presentations, advertising, booth displays, signage, special events, 
etc.).
· Develops and executes communications strategy for the 
strategic priorities of the Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR).
· Leads ORC staff in the identification of stories and 
creation of content that engage target audiences and increase awareness of the 
value and impact of Carolina’s research accomplishments and highlight VCR and 
University strategic research priorities.
· Boosts the visibility and effectiveness of the UNC 
Research web presence as a communications platform, increasing on-line traffic, 
readership and social media engagement by target audiences.
· Coordinates communications activities and provides 
high-level direction to the 14 research centers and 10 offices that report to 
the VCR, providing support and assistance to their communications efforts and 
promoting alignment with VCR and University research priorities.
· Collaborates with communications personnel in the 
Chancellor’s office and in individual University schools, departments centers 
and institutes outside of the OVCR to align messages relating to the 
University’s larger research enterprise.
· Promotes and supports efforts that help faculty and staff 
communicate the impact and value of their research.

Management
· Supervises and manages ORC personnel, workload, budget 
and performance.
· Curates, manages, critiques and edits content and 
communications produced by ORC staff.
· Provides executive communications support to the VCR and 
the OVCR.
· Regularly evaluates the effectiveness of UNC research 
communications efforts and recommends adjustments and modifications as needed.
· Tracks and reports ORC performance consistent with goals 
and metrics established for the Office.
· Oversees and evaluates the work of the OVCR webmaster, 
recommending approaches and solutions for web design, architecture and 
constituent relations issues involving the websites and web pages of the 
various OVCR divisions.
· Identifies and arranges opportunities for professional 
development and training of ORC staff to ensure the proper mix of skills within 
the Office to meet evolving communications needs.

Outreach and Collaboration
· Maintains an external focus and close working 
relationship with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Communications, 
particularly its media and content teams, to ensure alignment of research 
communications goals with overall strategic messaging for the University.
· Supports and works closely with the UNC media relations 
team to increase news coverage, sharing and dissemination of Carolina research 
stories in national, local, and new media.
· Builds and maintains strong ties with University research 
communications professionals in individual schools, departments, centers or 
institutes to ensure awareness of current research activity on campus, advance 
joint communications projects, and provide assistance where appropriate.
· Works closely with UNC’s Directors of State and Federal 
Affairs to support their efforts and ensure consistency of message with respect 
to university research to government audiences.
· Establishes and maintains relationships with relevant 
national organizations and with counterparts at other universities and research 
organizations in the state.

The director’s position may at times involve hands-on responsibility for 
writing and editing, infographics and website development, and design when 
needed.

[ECOLOG-L] Hispanic Access Foundation internships

[David Inouye]

Throughout the past 5 years, the *Hispanic Access Foundation* has 
offered enriching internship experiences for Latinx upcoming 
professionals who are passionate about public land conservation and 
heritage preservation.


This year, we are happy to announce our new platform encompassing all of 
our professional opportunities, *My Access to a Network of Opportunities 
 (MANO) Project. *Please share 
this resource with your networks as we are *currently recruiting for 
summer positions with the National Park Service - Latino Heritage 
Internship Program (LHIP), **Fish and Wildlife Service*, *US Forest 
Service, Bureau of Reclamations, and the National Credit Union 
Administration.*


*For more information regarding all programs and internship positions, 
please visit our website: http://www.manoproject.org/internships *


Lastly, please don't hesitate to contact me at 
rodr...@hispanicaccess.org  with 
questions about these opportunities (or even just to say hello and talk 
about opportunities to collaborate!).


¡A heartful gracias and saludos!

*Rodrigo Otárola y Bentín
*Deputy Director

Email: rodr...@hispanicaccess.org 
Desk: 202-640-5669  (9:00 am to 6:00 pm EST)
Cell: 801-400-5222

[ECOLOG-L] Sage-grouse Research Technician in southern Montana

[Erin Birtwistle]

Greater Sage-grouse Technician in Southern Montana

We are looking for a technician to assist with a greater sage-grouse research 
project with the University of Wyoming. The project will focus on identifying 
priority seasonal habitat for sage-grouse in south-central Montana, near 
Bridger. The position will last approximately 3.5 months, beginning May 1st and 
ending in mid-August.

Duties will include: locating radio-marked grouse with radio telemetry and GPS; 
monitoring nests; nighttime brood counts; vegetation sampling using Line 
Intercept, Daubenmire and Robel pole methods; identifying sagebrush steppe 
shrubs and forbs; trapping grouse at night to attach rump-mounted transmitters; 
data entry and proofing; and operating 4WD trucks and ATV’s in remote and 
rugged terrain.

Work will require sharing camp trailers or apartments with other technicians, 
extensive hiking in rugged terrain, driving ATVs and 4WD trucks, long hours (> 
40/wk; 10 or more hrs/day), and a willingness to endure potentially adverse 
environmental conditions including cold, heat, intense sun, dust, rain, snow, 
and biting insects. It is essential that applicants are able to work well with 
others and also work independently. Experience with grouse and/or vegetation 
surveys are a plus. Technicians will gain valuable wildlife and vegetation 
monitoring experience. 

Start Date: May 1, 2019
Final Date to Apply: February 10, 2019. 
Salary: ~$2000/Month, housing provided.

Qualifications
Those who have earned or are pursuing degrees in wildlife ecology/science, 
rangeland ecology/science, botany, zoology, biology, ecology or related fields 
are encouraged to apply.  
Successful applicants should have the ability to:
- Take detailed field notes
- Legibly record field measurements and enter it into Excel spreadsheets
- Follow instructions and survey methodologies
- Navigate using maps and GPS equipment
- Monitor birds using radio telemetry
- Work and live side-by-side with co-workers in shared housing
- Maintain positive attitude while working long days and >40 hrs/wk with 
variable work schedules and under extreme weather conditions
- Complete vegetation surveys
- Safely operate 4WD pickups and ATV’s 
-Work independently and as part of a team

Preference will be given to those who have experience in the above job duties, 
but experience with every aspect of the work is not necessary. However a 
willingness to learn is a must!

Please send a letter of interest (1 page), resume and contact information for 3 
references as a single attached document (labeled with last name) via email to 
Erin Birtwistle. Applicants will be reviewed starting February 10th.

Contact person: Erin Birtwistle (ebirtwis at uwyo.edu)

[ECOLOG-L] Job: Youth Education Coordinator, Hobcaw Barony, Georgetown SC

[Skip Van Bloem]

Below my signature please find an announcement for the Youth Education
coordinator at Hobcaw Barony. Hobcaw is a unique place, one location
that houses three different field stations:  Clemson
(Forestry/Wildlife/Water/Natural Resources), the Univ of South
Carolina (Marine), and Francis Marion/Coastal Carolina (cultural,
historical, and anthropological resources). Education programs are
mainly run through the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, a non-profit trust
set up upon the death of our namesake in 1964. This position is with
the Baruch Foundation. Hobcaw Barony comprises 16,000 acres of coastal
salt march, pine forest, bottomland hardwoods. It is located just
outside of Georgetown SC, about 40 min south of Myrtle Beach. The
location is not particularly rural, but has a small town feel near a
major tourist destination.

Application details below. Note that it includes benefits. I have no
part in the hiring process, since this isn’t a Clemson position.
Passing it along because I bet there are many talented folks within
the Ecolog community looking for a new challenge.

Cheers

Skip J. Van Bloem, Ph.D.
Director
Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science
Clemson University


Coordinator of Children and Youth Education
Hobcaw Barony
Georgetown, SC


Organization

The Belle W. Baruch Foundation is a nonprofit foundation established
in 1964 to manage Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000-acre research reserve near
Georgetown, SC. The reserve host research projects at the
undergraduate, graduate and post doctorate level conducted through
South Carolina’s colleges and universities.

Overview

The Coordinator will fill a full time position at Hobcaw Barony in
Georgetown, SC.  The coordinator will be responsible for the
development and delivery of educational programs in conservation and
history, with an emphasis on forestry, wildlife, and marine biology.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced educator with a record of
innovative teaching and curriculum development, including hands-on and
place-based learning.

Duties Include:

Develop and lead educational programs on the ecology and history of
South Carolina utilizing the resources present at Hobcaw Barony.
Programs may include periodic tours, K-12 school programs, lectures,
symposiums, continuing education sessions, and workshops.

Assist with the development, construction, and maintenance of
permanent and temporary displays at the Hobcaw Barony Discovery
Center, as well as for use at offsite events.

Assist with special events, workshops, and symposiums sponsored by the
resident universities or other partnering organizations. Task may
include, but are not limited to scheduling facilities, promotions,
caterers, programs, speakers, parking, and setup.

Train and manage volunteers assigned to assist with educational
programs and workshops when children are the primary audience.

Represent the Foundation’s interest by serving on internal and
external committees, task forces, boards, or councils related to
children’s education.

Manage children’s educational facilities at the Discovery Center,
including classroom and program supplies, live animal exhibits, and
displays.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor degree in natural resources, education, or closely related field.

Experience in public programming, interpretation or education.

Ability to be flexible in work schedule with little or no notice.

Salary is commensurate with experience. Background check and drug test
required prior to hire. Comprehensive benefits package, including paid
vacation, medical and life insurance.

Please send résumé and salary requirements by February 28, 2019 to:
George Chastain, Executive Director
The Belle W. Baruch Foundation
27 Hobcaw Rd
Georgetown, SC 29440
Email: geo...@hobcawbarony.org

[ECOLOG-L] 6-Month Positions Available as Restoration Team Members in Northern NV - Great way to start out in Ecology and Conservation!

[Amy Gladding]

POSITION TITLE: AmeriCorps Restoration Team Member
STATUS: Half Time, 900-hour term from February 19, 2019 to August 22, 2019
NUMBER OF POSITINS AVAILABLE: 20
REPORTS TO: AmeriCorps Program Manager
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: None
LOCATION: Yerington, NV

BACKGROUND: Established in 2014, the Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC) is leading 
the effort to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, 
environmental and recreational interests in the Walker Basin 
(www.walkerbasin.org). The nascent and dynamic 
nature of the WBC and its diverse management obligations provide unique 
opportunities to develop operations from the ground level up, working closely 
with staff who are passionate about their mission.
The WBC currently manages thousands of acres of land and assets on multiple 
properties in the Walker Basin.  Land planning activities are underway and 
focus on assessing public use opportunities, conservation values, long term 
land ownership and stewardship, active and passive revegetation and restoration 
activities.
JOB PURPOSE: The Restoration Team Members will serve alongside other members 
and WBC Conservation Technicians conducting primarily invasive species removal 
and native plant re-vegetation within the Walker River Basin. Members may also 
work on recreational trail construction, sign installation, and fence 
construction. Members will work in conjunction with other WBC field staff, 
providing on the ground support to larger project operations.
A working knowledge of, or a desire to learn more about, desert plant ecology 
and ecological restoration, nursery or horticultural practices, or agricultural 
systems and irrigation equipment is essential. The Restoration Team Members 
should also have a sincere interest in expanding their knowledge of Great Basin 
Desert ecology, restoration practices, the flora and fauna of Nevada, and 
agricultural methods and equipment.

Members will serve in an outdoor setting and will sometimes be required to camp 
in the field for the duration of the tour. Camping will generally be in areas 
with at least primitive road access for crew vehicles, but the camping sites 
will usually be undeveloped backcountry sites. Both camp and project sites will 
generally not have access to potable water, restroom facilities, or cellphone 
signals, and members will be expected to follow Leave No Trace principals in 
camp and on project. Project work will frequently require hiking over rough 
terrain while carrying tools and equipment.

LOCATION: Yerington, Nevada is a beautiful rural farming community located 
approximately 95 miles south of Reno, NV in the foothills of the eastern Sierra 
mountains. Yerington is small but growing with about 3,100 residents. 
Established in 1907, the city has heritage and deep roots in agriculture, 
mining, railroads, and gaming. Some of the nearby attractions, activities and 
recreational opportunities include:

  *   Camping, biking, hiking, backpacking
  *   Fishing, hunting and boating and OHV trails
  *   Flat and white-water boating (1 hour away)
  *   Rock Hounding and climbing
  *   Ghost Town Exploration
  *   Ski Resorts (1.5-2 hours away)
  *   Lake Tahoe (1.5 hours away)
  *   Lahontan Reservoir (30 minutes away)
  *   Walker Lake (45 minutes away)
  *   Topaz Reservoir (45 minutes away)

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Primary Functions:

* Under the guidance of a WBC Technician, utilizing hand tools, 
backpack sprayers, and ATV mounted sprayers to conduct invasive plant removal 
and control.

* Under the guidance of a WBC Technician, utilizing hand and power 
tools to conduct native plant re-vegetation and restoration.

* Under the guidance of a WBC Technician, utilizing hand and power 
tools to conduct road decommissioning, recreation trail construction, and 
sign/fence installation.

* Communicating effectively and professionally with other members, WBC 
staff, agency partners, and the public.
Secondary Functions:

* Assisting with the management and supervision of community volunteers 
on WBC conservation projects.

* Uploading field data into databases and compiling reports to inform 
future management plans.

* Assisting with the inventory, maintenance, and repair of WBC tools 
and equipment.

Qualifications

  *   Willingness and ability to work outside in unpredictable weather 
conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team.
  *   Willingness and ability to camp in undeveloped, primitive conditions for 
multiple days.
  *   Willingness and ability to work irregular hours, such as starting early 
or working more days with shorter hours, in accordance with project specific 
requirements and conditions.
  *   Ability to bend and crouch for long periods of time and occasionally lift 
heavy loads or equipment.
  *   Ability to uses hand and power tools, operate motor vehicles, and 

[ECOLOG-L] PhD at UNBC: land cover change in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia

[Oscar Venter]

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] Five faculty and instructor positions at Auburn University

[Christopher A. Lepczyk]

The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University is currently 
searching for four tenure track faculty members and one lecturer/coordinator to 
join our program as follows:

Assistant Professor of Sustainable Packaging Systems
Posting Number: P1363F
Applicants must complete the online application at this link: 
http://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/3283 

Assistant/Associate Professor-Geospatial Analytics
Posting Number: P1364F
Applicants must complete the on-line application at this link: 
http://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/3284 

Assistant Professor of Population & Conservation Genetics
Posting Number: P1365F
Applicants must complete the on-line application at this link: 
http://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/3285 

Assistant Professor of Conservation Social Sciences
Posting Number: P1366F
Applicants must complete the on-line application at 
http://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/3286

Lecturer/Program Coordinator - Wildlife Enterprise Management
Posting Number: P1367F
Applicants must complete the on-line application at this link: 
http://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/3287

[ECOLOG-L] Vegetation Monitoring Technician in southern Montana

[Erin Birtwistle]

Vegetation Monitoring Technician for Sage-Grouse Research in Southern Montana

We are looking for a technician to assist with a greater sage-grouse research 
project with the University of Wyoming. The project will focus on identifying 
priority seasonal habitat for sage-grouse in south-central Montana, near 
Bridger. The position will last approximately 2 months, beginning mid-May and 
ending in mid to late-July. 

Duties include vegetation sampling using Line Intercept, Daubenmire and Robel 
pole methods; identifying sagebrush steppe shrubs and forbs; navigating using 
maps and GPS; data entry and proofing; and operating 4WD trucks and ATV’s in 
remote and rugged terrain. Technician will be part of a 2-3 person crew and 
will have the opportunity to assist other technicians with locating 
radio-marked grouse using radio telemetry, monitoring nests, and nighttime 
brood counts.

Work will require sharing camp trailers or apartments with other technicians, 
extensive hiking in rugged terrain, driving ATVs and 4WD trucks, long hours (> 
40/wk; 10 or more hrs/day), and a willingness to endure potentially adverse 
environmental conditions including cold, heat, intense sun, dust, rain, snow, 
and biting insects. It is essential that applicants are able to work well with 
others and also work independently. Experience with vegetation surveys are a 
plus. Technicians will gain valuable experience in fieldwork, and wildlife and 
vegetation monitoring.

Start Date: mid-May, 2019
Final Date to Apply: February 10, 2019. 
Salary: ~$1900/Month, housing provided.

Qualifications
Those who have earned or are pursuing degrees in wildlife ecology/science, 
rangeland ecology/science, botany, zoology, biology, ecology or related fields 
are encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants should have the ability to:
- Be detailed-oriented and take detailed field notes
- Legibly record field data and enter it into Excel spreadsheets
- Follow instructions and survey methodologies
- Navigate using maps and GPS equipment
- Work and live side-by-side with co-workers in shared housing
- Maintain positive attitude while working long days and >40 hrs/wk with 
variable work schedules and under extreme weather conditions
- Maintain positive attitude while completing repetitive and mundane tasks
- Assist with vegetation surveys
- Safely operate 4WD pickups and ATV’s
-Work independently and as part of a team

Preference will be given to those who have experience in the above job duties, 
but experience with every aspect of the work is not necessary. However, a 
willingness to learn is a must!

Please send a letter of interest (1 page), resume and contact information for 3 
references as a single attached document (labeled with last name) via email to 
Erin Birtwistle. Please include dates you are available to start work. 
Applicants will be reviewed starting February 10th.

Contact person: Erin Birtwistle (ebirtwis at uwyo.edu)

[ECOLOG-L] PhD on the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga population - Habitat selection, movement and fission-fusion dynamics

[Clément Chion]

Hi,

We are recruiting a PhD student to study habitat selection, movement, and
social behaviour of the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population.

The project is part of a broader research program aimed at proposing
effective solutions to mitigate the impacts of navigation on belugas in the
St. Lawrence Estuary (ongoing process).

The full announcement is available at the end of this message.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS ANNOUNCEMENT TO YOUR COLLEAGUES AND
CIRCULATE IN YOUR NETWORKS

Thanks and have a nice day!

Clément

Prof. Clément Chion ,
PhD
Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO)
Département des sciences naturelles
ISFORT 
819-595-3900 poste: 1858
819-503-2539





-

PHD SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
*Habitat selection, movement, and fission-fusion dynamics of the St.
Lawrence Estuary beluga population *

*Project Description*: The St. Lawrence Estuary beluga population is
currently listed as *Endangered *under the Canadian Species At Risk Act and
the Loi sur les espèces menacées et vulnérables du Québec. Several threats
to its recovery related to the navigation activities occurring in the
population’s summer habitat are identified such as exposure to underwater
noise and disturbance. Mitigating navigation impacts requires a good
understanding of the factors underlying the behaviours of habitat selection
along with the movements of this species in the St. Lawrence Estuary and
the Saguenay (i.e. summer habitat). However, this understanding is
currently incomplete because: i) few studies have tried to identify the
mechanisms underlying the spatial distribution and movements of the belugas
in the summer habitat, and ii) the rare studies did not consider beluga’s
social behaviour or group fusion-fission dynamics. This PhD project aims at
identifying the factors (biotic and abiotic) explaining the spatial
distribution and the movements of beluga groups in their summer habitat,
acknowledging that habitat selection behaviours and movements might be
influenced by the social and gregarious behaviour of this species. The
project will also look into the group fusion-fission dynamics in the
beluga’s summer habitat by exploring the conditions (e.g. habitat
characteristics, time of day, group size and composition) under which pairs
of known individuals are encountered in the same groups or not. This will
allow to interpret the spatio-temporal variation in group size and
composition and ultimately contribute to explain the spatial distribution
of this species in its summer habitat. This project will provide valuable
knowledge to improve our understanding of navigation impacts on the St.
Lawrence beluga’s habitat selection and movements in its summer habitat.
These results will be integrated in a model that simulates the movements of
individual belugas via a collaboration with modellers.



This project will be carried out using existing datasets and might also
require additional fieldwork to collect new observational data. The
selected candidate will be part of the Natural Science Department and will
be based in Ripon (QC) at Institut des Sciences de la Forêt tempérée
(ISFORT: http://isfort.uqo.ca/). She/He will work with researchers from the
GREMM (Tadoussac) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Mont-Joli).



The desired candidate will show dynamism, motivation, intellectual
curiosity and creativity, ability to work independently and as part of a
team, along with a great sense of initiative. She/He will be encouraged and
supported to travel for scientific communications (conferences, workshops),
meetings with partners and stakeholders. The project funding is provided by
the Government of Quebec. The selected candidate will contribute to the
production of deliverables for the Ministry for Forests, Wildlife, and
Parks and Ministry for Maritime Affairs on a yearly basis.



*Skills*: The candidate must hold a Master’s degree in biological sciences,
or related field. The following expertise and skills will be considered as
assets:

- expertise on animal behaviour related to habitat selection and movements;

- expertise on social behaviour and fusion-fission dynamics in gregarious
species;

- expertise on marine mammals;

- great expertise in data management and analysis with R software.



*Project start*: September 2019



*Treatment*: 20 000$/year for 3 years



*Director*: Angélique Dupuch (UQO-ISFORT)

*Co-director : *Véronique Lesage (DFO)

*Collaborators*: Clément Chion (UQO-ISFORT), Robert Michaud (GREMM), and
Tyler Bonnell (Lethbridge University)



*Application:* Email your academic CV (long form), all academic records for
bachelor’s and master’s degrees, an application 

[ECOLOG-L] PhD Position Available on Grassland Birds and Microclimates (UW-Madison)

[Benjamin Zuckerberg]

PhD Position Available on Grassland Birds and Microclimates (UW-Madison)

We are seeking an outstanding student to lead a novel, multi-scaled 
quantification of microclimates within grassland conservation areas and 
evaluate their importance on the nesting biology of declining grassland bird 
populations. The student’s dissertation will involve quantifying microclimates 
in grasslands using both ground-based sensors and unmanned aerial vehicle 
(thermography), design and implement a concurrent study of nesting biology for 
grassland birds, and analyze citizen science data toevaluate the importance 
of extreme events on grassland bird populations. This study will evaluate the 
potential of managing microclimates as a form of climate change adaptation. 
This is a USDA-funded collaboration in the department of Forest and Wildlife 
Ecology at UW-Madison (Zuckerberg, Ribic) and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology 
(Fink). The 4-year PhD assistantship will begin in the fall of 2019 (or 
possibly earlier). 

Applicants must have a MS degree in ecology, forestry, geography, or other 
related discipline. We will only consider applicants with a BS degree if they 
have proven relevant experience. A solid working knowledge of avian ecology, 
population modeling, GIS, and statistics are required.  Although not a 
requirement, the preferred candidate will have strong experience in field 
ornithology, collecting and analyzing nest data, and species distribution 
modeling. Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills are 
essential.

Review of applicants will begin immediately, but the position will remain open 
until a suitable candidate is found. Applications received by February 8, 2019 
are guaranteed full consideration. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an 
equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through 
diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position is 
open to both US citizen and international candidates. The project includes an 
annual stipend, plus tuition remission and health care benefits. We envision a 
start date of September 2019, but an earlier start date may be possible. 

UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, 
remote sensing and geography. The university ranks consistently among the top 
research universities in the United States.  Total student enrollment is 43,000 
of which approximately 12,000 are graduate and professional students, and there 
are over 2,000 faculty.  UW-Madison is an exciting place to learn and conduct 
research! The city of Madison ranks as one of the most attractive places in the 
U.S. to live and work.  For information about campus and city, please see 
http://www.wisc.edu/about/

To apply, please submit your application here: 

https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_80PigZ26vdDGFoh

Please note that submitting an application includes filling out a small survey 
(< 15 minutes), uploading a cover letter summarizing research interests and 
experiences, curriculum vitae, and unofficial transcripts or summary of 
relevant coursework (both undergraduate and graduate).
 
After reviewing all applicants, we will ask for reference letters from top 
candidates. 

[ECOLOG-L] ICRS 2020 - Call for Session and Workshop Proposals - Closes 31 January 2019

[ICRS 2020 Conference Secretariat]

Dear colleagues,

This is a kind reminder that the *Call for Session and Workshop 
Proposals* for the 14th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS 2020) 
will close on *Thursday 31 January 2019 at 11:59:59 pm CET*.


You are all cordially invited to contribute your ideas to the 
development of the ICRS 2020 scientific program.


We look forward to receive your inspiring proposals under the theme of 
‘*Tackling the challenging future of coral reefs*’.


Please find all details concerning this call and how to submit your 
proposal(s) here: http://www.icrs2020.de/program/call-sessions-workshops/


For further information and all updates, please visit www.icrs2020.de!

Apologies for any cross-postings.

Kind regards,
Malik Naumann
on behalf of the ICRS 2020 organising committee


--
*Dr. Malik Naumann*
ICRS 2020 Conference Secretariat / Konferenzsekretariat

The University of Bremen / Universität Bremen
UFT, Leobener Str. 6, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
T +49-(0)421-218-63303
www.icrs2020.de 

[ECOLOG-L] The deadline is Feb. 1, 2019 for applications to attend the second training course on "New Advances in Land Carbon Cycle Modeling".

[Lifen Jiang]

Dear colleagues,

This is a friendly reminder that the deadline (February 1, 2019) is
approaching for applications to attend the second training course on "New
Advances in Land Carbon Cycle Modeling". Please see below for details:

2nd Training Course on

*New Advances in **Land Carbon Cycle Modeling*



*Who should attend?*

Modelers who want to gain simplicity in coding, diagnostic capability,
computational efficiency, and data constraints for your models

Empiricists who want to use your data to constrain models toward ecological
forecasting

Graduate students, post-docs and young scientists who want to learn
modeling, data assimilation, and ecological forecasting with ecosystem
model TECO and global model CLM



*What are you going to learn?*

New theory on land carbon storage dynamics

Matrix representations of land carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles

A unified diagnostic system for identifying uncertainty sources

Data assimilation system with both flux- and pool-based observations

Semi-analytic spin-up for computational efficiency

Ecological forecasting



*Who is going to teach?*

Anthony Bloom, JPL, USA

Mariah Carbone, Northern Arizona University, USA

Yuanyuan Huang, LSCE, France

Debbie Huntzinger, Northern Arizona University, USA

Atul Jain, University of Illinois Urbana Champion, USA

Lifen Jiang, Northern Arizona University, USA

Danica Lombardozzi, NCAR, USA

Chris Lu, Sun Yat-sen University, China

Yiqi Luo, Northern Arizona University, USA

Kiona Ogle, Northern Arizona University, USA

Daniel Ricciuto, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA

Andrew Richardson, Northern Arizona University, USA

Ted Schuur, Northern Arizona University, USA

Zheng Shi, UC Irvine, USA

Carlos Sierra, MPI-BGC, Germany

Ying Wang, University of Oklahoma, USA



*Where and when?*

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA

May 13-24, 2019. Arriving on May 12 and leaving on May 25



*What fun activities are there?*

Hiking in the Grand Canyon and Sedona and enjoying nearby sceneries; Mixing
with top scientists in the fields; Networking with fellow attendees



*What is the cost?*

Self-paid traveling and lodging plus tuition fee of $1800

The tuition fee will cover coffee, lunch, rental of meeting rooms, travel
of speakers, and others.

Financial support available for applications from underrepresented groups
in STEM



*How to apply?*

Send your application, using the form from
*http://www2.nau.edu/luo-lab/?workshop
*, to Dr. Lifen Jiang,
lifen.ji...@nau.edu, by February 1, 2019.

We will select up to 25 applicants by February 15, 2019 to attend the
training course.

Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions. Our apologies for any
cross-posting.



Sincerely,



Lifen Jiang

___

Lifen Jiang, Ph.D.

Research Associate

Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (Ecoss)

Northern Arizona University

P.O. Box 5620

Flagstaff, AZ 86011

Phone: (928) 523-5057

E-mail: lifen.ji...@nau.edu

[ECOLOG-L] 2 positions in Seagrass Ecology: Modelling and Experiments

[Hauke Reuter]

Dear Colleagues,
The Leibniz-Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) in Bremen, Germany 
is conducting a collaborative project (SEANARIOS, together with Israeli 
and Italian partners) to address the reaction of seagrass to scenarios 
of nutrient impact and elevated seawater temperature.
We are now announcing the position of two postdoctoral researchers to 1) 
conduct experiments on seagrass reactions and 2) to develop a model to 
simulate  seagrass trajectories under potential future environmental 
conditions.

Please see
https://www.leibniz-zmt.de/images/content/pdf/Stellenangebote_Vancancies/SEANARIOS_postdoc_140119.pdf
for details.

Best regards
Hauke


--
PD Dr. Hauke Reuter
Dept. Theoretical Ecology and Modelling
Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)
Fahrenheitstrasse 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Tel: XX49 421-23800-58, Fax: -30
http://www.zmt-bremen.de/en/Hauke_Reuter.html

--
Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung (ZMT) GmbH
Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359 Bremen, Deutschland www.leibniz-zmt.de
Tel +49 (0)421 238 00-0, Fax +49 (0)421 238 00-30
Sitz der Gesellschaft: Bremen, Registergericht: Amtsgericht Bremen
Handelsreg. Nr. HRB25746HB, St-Nr 460/145/09737 , USt-IdNr DE 266278207
Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrates: Dr. Heide Ahrens
Geschäftsführung: Prof. Dr. Hildegard Westphal, Dr. Nicolas Dittert

[ECOLOG-L] Summer 2019 Research Internships in Caribbean Marine Ecology – McCoy Lab at FSU

[Sophie McCoy]

Summer 2019 Research Internships in Caribbean Marine Ecology – McCoy Lab at FSU
 The McCoy Lab at Florida State University seeks two research interns to 
conduct fieldwork in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean during a 6-week period in 
June-July 2019.  All fieldwork will be conducted on SCUBA.  Interns will assist 
and be supervised by Ph.D. students Ethan Cissell and Joshua Manning 
(http://www.marecology.com/people ).  
Candidates must have (1) a valid American Academy of Underwater Science (AAUS) 
diving certification, or an international equivalent, (2) Enriched Air Nitrox 
certification, and (3) be at least 18 years or older by June 1, 2019. 
Experience conducting research is preferred, but specific knowledge of 
Caribbean marine ecology is not required.  Please contact Dr. Sophie McCoy with 
any questions (mc...@bio.fsu.edu ).

Research in the McCoy Lab focuses on mechanisms that retain ecological and 
biogeochemical function of coastal ecosystems.  To do this, we focus on links 
between physiological response and dynamics of populations and communities, and 
especially on the effects of environmental stress on traits that mediate 
species interactions.  

Application materials: 

Send application materials in a single pdf to Dr. Sophie McCoy by Feb. 22, 2019 
for full consideration (mc...@bio.fsu.edu ).  We will 
conduct interviews by Skype in early March.  

(1) statement of interest (1 page), 

(2) brief CV (2 pages max.), 

(3) dive log and certification, and contact information for your institution’s 
Dive Safety Officer, 

(4) names and contact information of 2 professional references, and 

(5) available dates during June and July 2019 (i.e., when do classes end, if an 
undergraduate).

 Logistics and details: This is an unpaid position. Travel to and from Bonaire 
and lodging at a communal apartment will be provided, excluding meals. Because 
the two 2019 interns will share a room in the apartment, we will select either 
two male or two female interns.

[ECOLOG-L] Participate in a survey on careers in the water sector

[Laura Schifman]

Dear Colleagues,

I'd like to ask you to participate in and help distribute an anonymous survey 
focused on uncovering career challenges in the water sector (drinking water, 
stormwater, wastewater, etc). 

We invite anyone who works in this sector and is at any career stage and track 
(academia, private sector, government, etc.) to participate. To open the 
survey, either click on the link below or paste it into your browser: 
https://portlandstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bKuyNgJlGXQU8qF

This survey is a product of collaboration from members of the Women-Water Nexus 
within the Environmental Water Resources Institute and the American Society of 
Civil Engineers who are at University of Rhode Island, Boston University, and 
Portland State University. 

[ECOLOG-L] Course: 16 S/ITS Metabarcoding of microbial communities course

[Carlo Pecoraro]

Dear all,

 

we still have a few places left for our course "16 S/ITS Metabarcoding of 
microbial communities"




When: 1-5 April 2019



Where: Free University of Berlin (Germany)




Instructors:

Dr. Antti Karkman (University of Gothenburg, Sweden)

Dr. Anna Sandionigi (University of Milan Bicocca, Italy)

Dr. Bruno Fosso (Institute of Biomembrane,Bioenergetics and Molecular 
Biotechnologies, CNR, Italy)

 



This course will provide a thorough introduction to the application of 
metabarcoding techniques in microbial ecology. The topics covered by the course 
range from bioinformatic processing of next-generation sequencing data to the 
most important approaches in multivariate statistics. Using a combination of 
theoretical lectures and hands-on exercises, the participants will learn the 
most important computational steps of a metabarcoding study from the processing 
of raw sequencing reads down to the final statistical evaluations.  All the 
hands-on exercises will be carried out using QIIME2 platform 
(https://qiime2.org/).

 

 

 

Learning Outcomes:




1) Understanding the concept, potential and limitation of microbial 
metabarcoding techniques.


2) Learning how to process raw sequencing reads to obtain meaningful 
information.


3) Obtaining experience on how to statistically evaluate and visualize your 
data.


4) Being able to make informed decisions on best practices for your own data.



For more information about the program, please visit our website: 
https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/course30/



Here is the full list of our courses and Workshops: 
https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/



Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: 
i...@physalia-courses.org

Best regards,

Carlo