Greetings from the Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research!

December 12 , 2007

Topics At A Glance

Biology Seminar - From the Dean - Seminar Speaker: Open Dates - One-day Institute for Graduate Assistants - IGERT Opportunity - CENS Employment, Internships, Scholarships - World Watch Survey - CUAHSI-CMWR Student Fellow Awards - JOBS

 

Biology Seminar

Maureen Maloney will be presenting her defense seminar, titled "Perchlorate exposure during development impairs adult performance in Rana utricularia." Friday, December 14th , 1 pm in BS 333.

From the Dean

Commencement reception: as always, Friday morning - 8 - 9 am, before walking over to the Dome. Faculty are especially encouraged to come mingle with students and their families. We'll be presenting our outstanding graduating senior awards, as usual - I look forward to seeing you there!

Fire drill and rescue simulations in Lab Building later this month: We've been working with the Flagstaff Fire Department to do some fire drills and training in the new Science Laboratory after commencement (Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday, Dec 18th, 19th, 21st). This will be much more than the typical evacuation drill (set off alarm, watch everyone go outside) but instead a full simulation of an emergency, with firefighter and rescue crews responding with lights, sirens, hoses (no water, thanks very much!), etc. This is in part a training exercise for them, and partly a preparation exercise for us - do we have chemical inventories, MSDS sheets, all the things the fire crew needs before they can enter a laboratory? Anyway - there will be more details for lab occupants as we get closer to the event, but I wanted to send a general heads-up.

Spring Career Fair: I was asked by the college Ambassadors (ACENS) to give you all a very early heads up: the CENS career fair will be March 6 (a Thursday). If you can think of any companies or potential employers who might be interested in finding students for jobs or internships, please refer them to our web site (under Resources for Employers) and to Gateway's. Laura Foster Huenneke, Ph.D., Dean, College of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Northern Arizona University, (928) 523-2701

Interested in inviting a seminar speaker?

I know everyone is busy busy with the end of the semester, but I was hoping to put out one more call for anyone interested in inviting a seminar speaker for one of the following dates: Jan 17th, Feb 21st. These dates are currently available --- Please let me know if you would like to nab one! Thanks, Gery Allan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences, Director, Environmental Genetics & Genomics Laboratory, Northern Arizona University
Phone: (928) 523-8934

One-day Institute for Graduate Assistants

Advancing Teaching & Learning
January 7, 2008, 8:00 am -- 4:00 pm , University Union, Havasupai A/B
Sponsored by Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies, Graduate College, Faculty Development Program
This conference will center on a series of discussions and work sessions on teaching at NAU. The goals are to enable participants to strengthen undergraduate teaching & learning in multiple instructional settings by deliberately framing, building, assessing, and reflecting on teaching strategies and student learning. Meals and materials will be provided. Participation is limited to 30 registrants.
Register by December 14 here http://www2.nau.edu/%7Efacdev-p/FORMS/rsvp.htm or call 523-9972.

 

We are seeking doctoral students for the IGERT

....awarded recently to the University of Colorado Denver and would appreciate your assistance in recruitment of students. If you know of any students that may be interested in pursuing a doctorate in the broad field of sustainable urban infrastructure at the University of Colorado Denver, could you have them contact Professor Anu Ramaswami, the director of the IGERT program, Anu.Ramaswami@cudenver.edu or check our web site www.cudenver.edu/igert for more information. Thank you. Fred Nuszdorfer , MEng-GIS Program Coordinator , e-mail: fred.nuszdorfer@cudenver.edu, telephone: 303-352-3871

Opportunities for students who are majoring within the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences

During the Fall and Spring semester, our office posts a newsletter at the beginning of every week with information on employment, internship, and scholarships opportunities. These opportunities are for students who are majoring within the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences. To view this week's opportunities click on the following links:
Opportunities as of 12/11/07
Scholarships: http://www.cens.nau.edu/students/Scholarships.shtml
Summer Internships & Research: http://www.cens.nau.edu/students/CareerServices.shtml
Employment: http://www.cens.nau.edu/students/CareerServices.shtml
Look for past opportunities in our archives sections! Look for opportunities posted in past newsletters, some of which may still be relevant, by clicking on the archives section.

Graylynn J. Hudson , Program Coordinator , Scholarships, Internships, Employment
College of Engineering & Natural Sciences , Northern Arizona University
T: 928-523-5191

World Watch Survey

Thank you for your continued help in distributing World Watch magazine to your students. In an attempt to better serve our student readers, we have created a short survey about the magazine. Please distribute the survey below to your students. To show our appreciation and encourage participation, we will give one lucky participant a $25 Amazon gift card.

Take our World Watch Magazine Survey and enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=djuJeeyTS_2faGK6wkL6P2zQ_3d_3d

Thank you again for your continued support and stay tuned for a Professor's survey and the January/February 2008 issue of World Watch. Best, Julia A. Tier | Worldwatch Institute | 202-452-1992 ext. 594 | www.worldwatch.org

CUAHSI-CMWR Student Fellow Awards

CUAHSI has announced an opportunity for graduate students to apply for a registration fee waiver at the Computational Methods in Water Resources (CMWR) XVII International Conference. Ten students will be chosen to receive the CUAHSI-CMWR Student Fellow Award, which are intended to encourage graduate students to participate, present research, and interact with other scientists at CMWR.
Important Information: The deadline for applying for the CUAHSI-CMWR Student Fellow Awards is December 14th, 2007.
To apply for the award, graduate students must download and complete the application http://esd.lbl.gov/CMWR08/docs/CUASI_fellowship_application.rtf, and submit the first-author abstract by email (CMWR2008@lbl.gov).
Notification of the awards will be made by January 11th, 2007.
After notification about awards, students will have the opportunity to formally submit their abstract through the CMWR. Abstract submission http://esd.lbl.gov/abstracts/stepOne.php?event=1page which will be open until January 25, 2007. Additional information can be found at http://esd.lbl.gov/CMWR08/stud_fellow.html
Find out more about CUAHSI! Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. http://www.cuahsi.org.

Good Student Web Developer Opportunity

The Flagstaff public library is looking for a web developer to help maintain their flagstaffpubliclibrary.org web site. They need someone to maintain and make minor changes starting as soon as possible and lasting through June 2008. The position is part-time (no more than 19 hours per week) and can pay up to $12/hour.

The site is maintained in Dreamweaver and uses some Dreamweaver "behaviors" and some Perl scripts. They also link to their vendor-supplied SIRSI database for patron catalog searchers, checkouts, holds, and renewals. The library web server runs Apache. The library has a Dreamweaver license that the student can use on their personal computer to help build a local site and do testing and some work from home. Uploading changes, however, will need to be done in the library building (300 W. Aspen just a few blocks north of campus).

For the student with the right skills, this should be a challenging and satisfying technical position. For students seeking work in a technical field, work on a high-profile public library web site will look good on their resume. For more information, contact Dawn Gardner at DGardner@fpl.lib.az.us 928-779-7673.

Willow Bend Environmental Education Center - Environmental Educator-40 hrs./wk. Service Term Jan. 08-Jan.09, 1700 hrs.

AmeriCorps Service Assignment Description: Teach established classroom programs on local natural history, local environmental topics, and sustainability to grades K-6 (primarily) and 7-12. Lead classroom field trips at Willow Bend Environmental Education Center with an emphasis on sustainability and outdoor sensory activities. Develop and implement special family and adult programs on Sustainability and local environmental topics. Participate in community activities such as Earth Day, Science in the Park, and the Sustainable Living Fair. Assist with "Open Hour" activities on Wednesday afternoons and some Saturdays. Lead tours of the recycling facility.

AmeriCorps Member Qualifications:

• Enjoy teaching kids and interacting with adults Love of nature
• Independent and self-motivated
• Flexibility and a sense of humor
• Team player
• Passion for Life!

About Willow Bend Environmental Education Center: Willow Bend is committed to place-based environmental education that fosters an ethic of stewardship and responsibility by deepening people's understanding of and connections to nature. As we educate children and adults about the local environment and the impacts of our daily consumer choices we look to the future with hope. In all of our programs, we strive to build the kind of world--socially, environmentally, and economically that we want to live in, and which we want our children to inherit. Willow Bend leads by example with our passive-solar straw bale education center, low-water native gardens, BIOBUG powered by used vegetable oil, on-demand hot water heater, composting, and energy efficient lighting.

Willow Bend serves over 20,000 people each year. We teach 45 different classroom programs to 12,000 students every year. In addition, we offer field trips at Willow Bend, tours of the recycling collection facility, Family Science Nights at Willow Bend, activities and community events such as Earth Day, teacher workshops, and an adult speakers series.

In the past 5 years our programs have been recognized with 7 awards for environmental education. We are able to accomplish all of this with 2 full-time employees, two AmeriCorps members, and three work study students. We provide an open, flexible work environment for self-motivated individuals and paid opportunities to participate in professional development workshops, trainings, and conferences. Willow Bend is a non-profit organization sponsored by the Coconino and Fredonia Natural Resource Conservation Districts.

Benefits: $419.00 paid biweekly while during service, Educational Award $4725.00
Eligible for health coverage and day care, Interested individuals should apply online at: http://www4.nau.edu/americorps/

For more information contact: Christine Newell, Director, (928) 779-1745

The Mt. Graham Red Squirrel Monitoring Program, a long term ecological research project...

...seeks two research assistants to participate in population and behavioral studies on the endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel in the Pinaleño mountains in southeastern Arizona. This isolated population of squirrels has been monitored since 1989 and we are currently conducting intensive telemetric studies to learn more about habitat use, demographics, and reproductive success. This job provides a great opportunity to hone wildlife data collection skills and contribute to a long-term research project on these endangered mammals in their unique "sky island" habitat. More information on the Mt. Graham red squirrel and the project can be found at http://www.ag.arizona.edu/research/redsquirrel/.

Description: This is a full-time temporary field position to begin in mid to late February 2008 lasting for approximately 5 months in duration with potential for renewal for quality crew members interested in continuing with the project. Work consists primarily of radio telemetry and habitat measurement in the scenic Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona. The project website provides more information on this subspecies and the field locale. The successful applicant is expected to conduct radio telemetry to investigate the space use of endangered Mt. Graham red squirrels, collect measurements of habitat characteristics, perform behavioral observations, and work within the databases associated with the project. Assisting with live trapping of red squirrels and introduced Abert's squirrels may also be possible. The position requires periods of up to 10 days housed in the field without return to Tucson, necessitating excellent teamwork. Housing in the field and transportation from Tucson to the study site will be provided, however we cannot provide housing while in Tucson during days off. Fieldwork is conducted both in pairs and alone under all weather conditions from summer heat and monsoon rains to winter snow at elevations above 9000 ft., frequently on high slopes; independence, and a tenacious work ethic are required. Because this position begins in the winter, it is essential that the successful applicant be willing and able to spend entire days hiking in snowshoes and have weather-appropriate gear and clothing (snowshoes are provided). Temperatures on Mount Graham in January can range from -10 degrees C to 7 degrees C (-0.3 degrees C average).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collection of radio telemetry data on small mammals
• Collection of standard habitat classification variables
• Hiking in rugged terrain at high elevations, often in harsh conditions like deep snow
• Database work: enter and proof data
• Participation in other related field research projects as needed
• Familiarity with use of map and compass
• Attendance and participation in regular staff meetings
• Maintain and safeguard personally assigned and project equipment
• Assist in routine maintenance of biology research camp facilities
• Participate in day-to-day operations to include: purchasing, errands, etc.
• Completion of necessary University safety courses and certifications.

Minimum Qualifications: One year of laboratory/research, field research, technical maintenance or archaeological, experience, OR; Any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education approved by Human Resources, A valid state driver's license during period of employment, Legally approved to work in the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to above:

• Bachelors degree in wildlife science, biology or related discipline
• Experience with radio telemetry under boreal forest field conditions
• Ability to manage and navigate a PC-based computer database
• Experience with backcountry travel and hiking, especially in montane environments
• Experience with behavioral observation of small mammals under natural conditions
• Experience with live trapping and marking of small mammals
• Experience with habitat analyses, especially circular plot sampling in forested environments
• Experience in field studies with threatened/endangered species
• Experience working alone and with groups in a field-based setting
• Experience snowshoeing, driving on mountain roads in winter, and putting on tire chains is a plus.

Only online applications will be considered. Please go to: https://www.uacareertrack.com and search for job # 39562 Research/Laboratory Assistant to apply. Applications are only accepted online through the uacareertrack website. Salary will be $9.49 per hour to start and the position will be open until filled.

For more information, please contact: Melissa Merrick, Wildlife Biologist Senior

mmerrick@email.arizona.edu, Mount Graham Biology Programs, University of Arizona

School of Natural Resources, Phone: 520-624-6439

Field Biologist Interns

Many field biologist interns are needed in 2008 to operate constant effort mistnetting and banding (MAPS) stations throughout the continental U.S. Join this continent-wide, cutting edge effort to determine the vital rates that cause changes in North American landbird populations. Positions are available in the Northwest region (12 total in Oregon and Washington), the Western Midwest/Texas region (8 total in Missouri and Texas), the Eastern Midwest/East region (10 total in Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, and West Virginia), and Yosemite National Park (2, in California). Interns are accepted into a given region and, after training, are assigned to a specific location. Internships are from 1 May (23 April for Midwest/TX) through 8 August. Enthusiastic individuals with previous birding and/or field research experience are preferred. Prior banding experience is not necessary as all internships include an intensive, two week training course in mist-netting, banding, and aging and sexing small landbirds. Flexibility, good physical condition, a tolerance of long days that begin before dawn and the ability to endure sometimes difficult field conditions are required. Applicants with good field vehicles are especially needed. mileage is reimbursed at the rate of $0.33/mile for work-related use. Shared housing and a per diem of $20 - $28 (depending on location and experience) for food and other out-of-pocket expenses, amounting to $1,680 - $2,520 for the season, are provided. Interns are expected to work a minimum of 6 of every 10 days, sometimes more depending on weather. Interested applicants should send via email (preferred) or U.S. mail a resume, cover letter, contact information for at least 2 references including email addresses, and a completed MAPS Internship Application form. Application forms as well as further information can be found on our website, http://www.birdpop.org, or contact AMY FINFERA, The Institute for Bird Populations, PH 415-663-1436, EMAIL: afinfera@birdpop.org .

Field Biologists

Field biologists are needed to train and supervise interns operating constant effort mist netting and banding stations for the MONITORING AVIAN PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVORSHIP (MAPS) PROGRAM. Six supervisory biologist positions are available for existing networks of stations in Indiana/Kentucky, Missouri, Texas, Maine/West Virginia, Oregon, and Washington. Positions extend from May 1 (April 23 for Texas and Missouri) through August 8, 2008. Successful applicants should have previous experience with the MAPS protocol (www.birdpop.org), but require advanced skills in bird banding, ageing and sexing of landbirds in the hand, birdsong identification, and habitat assessment. Applicants should also have an excellent detailed working knowledge of the plumages and molts of landbirds in the appropriate regions. Preference will be given to those with a BS in Biology or related natural resources field. Previous MAPS field biologist interns are especially encouraged to apply. Demonstrated leadership skills, attention to detail, good physical condition, a tolerance of long days that begin before dawn, and the ability to endure sometimes difficult field conditions are required. A reliable field vehicle is a must. These field biologist positions are an excellent opportunity to gain supervisory experience, and IBP full-time staff biologists are often recruited from the field biologist pool. A salary of $2300 per month and on-the-job mileage reimbursement ($.33/mile) are provided. Join this continent-wide, cutting edge effort to determine the vital rates that cause changes in North American landbird populations. Interested applicants should send via email (preferred) or U.S. mail a cover letter, professional resume, and current contact information for three references that are familiar with your professional experience and qualifications, along with a completed MAPS Biologist Application form. Application forms as well as further information can be found on our website, http://www.birdpop.org, or contact AMY FINFERA, The Institute for Bird Populations, PH 415-663-1436, EMAIL: afinfera@birdpop.org.

A position for a MS or PhD student

...is available on a new 3-year project funded by the Department of Energy's National Institute for Climate Change Research. The project will measure and quantify the effects of insect outbreaks on carbon storage in lodgepole pine forests in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem under multiple climate change scenarios. Data collection will occur mostly in the field; the student will measure carbon stocks in forests along an established chronosequence of stands across the Yellowstone landscape. The project also includes a modeling component that will investigate potential feedbacks between insects, carbon storage, and climate change. Students should be resourceful, independent, and motivated to undergo an intensive, complex field-based project in a wilderness area. A strong background and academic record in terrestrial ecology, forest ecosystem dynamics, soil ecology, or natural resources is desired; field research experience is essential. Experience with forest ecosystem ecology and landscape-scale research would be a definite asset. The student must be accepted into the graduate program of the Department of Biological Sciences at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Our lab has a broad emphasis on the importance of disturbances for shaping the structure and function of forest ecosystems and landscapes, and is part of a growing ecology contingent within the department. Funding begins in Spring 2008; ideally, the student will begin field research (with full support) in June 2008 before beginning their degree program at Wayne State in Fall 2008. Interested applicants should contact Dr. Dan Kashian at (313) 577-9093 or by email (dkash@wayne.edu).

Northern Arizona Building Association (NABA) is seeking a part time clerk/ receptionist to work 20 hours per week, 1pm-5pm, M-F. This person must have computer skills in MS Office, know or be willing to learn basic office equipment such as copy machines and FAX machines and filing. Dependable and able to start Jan. 2, 2008. Pay rate is $10. per hour. Send resume to: Denise@nazba.org.

 

STUDENT INTERNSHIPS IN CLIMATE CHANGE

Concerned about climate change? Wondering when world oil production will peak and what renewable energies are ready to step in? Want to improve the communication of sound science and policy on these topics to a global audience? Here's your chance. We are looking for motivated individuals to become student Encyclopedia Interns on a major climate change initiative underway at the Encyclopedia of Earth (http://www.eoearth.org/), a new electronic reference about the Earth, its natural environments, and their interaction with society. The Encyclopedia is a free, fully searchable collection of articles written by scholars, professionals, educators, and experts who collaborate and review each other's work. The articles are written in non-technical language and will be useful to students, educators, scholars, professionals, as well as to the general public. The goal of this project is to build the Web's largest and most authoritative resource on climate change. Encyclopedia Interns will help harvest public domain content, copyedit articles, and otherwise assist authors and topic editors in producing and publishing articles. Encyclopedia Interns will learn the basics of Mediawiki software, the collaborative content platform that underlies Wikipedia, and work with researchers, educators, professionals, and other experts on climate change and related topics The time commitment is flexible and you can work at home, your school's Food Court, Starbucks, or wherever you can grab an Internet connection. You can see the current group of "e-scribe" Interns here: ttp://www.eoearth.org/article/E-scribes. Here's your chance to make a difference and gain unique professional experience. Interested? Contact Maggie Surface at eoe@eoearth.org.. With best regards, Cutler J. Cleveland, Editor-in-Chief, Encyclopedia of Earth.

Ph.D Student Position

A Ph.D. studentship position is available at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), at Umeå, Sweden. It is fully financed (including salary and benefits) for a period of four years. The start date is May 2008, although there is some flexibility around this.

Ref. No. 3612/07. Role of biodiversity of nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria in feather mosses on nitrogen input to boreal forest ecosystems. [Supervisors: Prof. Marie-Charlotte Nilsson (SLU), Prof. David Wardle (SLU) and Assoc. Prof. Ulla Rasmussen (Department of Botany, Stockholm University)]. This project investigates how the community composition and biodiversity of cyanobacteria that live within the leaves of feather mosses influences nitrogen fixation and nitrogen input to boreal forest ecosystems. Previous work from our research group has shown that these cyanobacteria can fix large amounts of atmospheric nitrogen and convert this nitrogen to plant available forms. However, while many species of cyanobacteria live within feather moss leaves, almost nothing is known about what regulates their community structure and diversity, or the consequences of this for nitrogen input. This studentship will involve characterizing cyanobacterial communities and their nitrogen fixing ability in field conditions, and performing laboratory experiments in which the effects of cyanobacterial diversity and composition on nitrogen fixation will be investigated. Because cyanobacterial communities will be characterized by molecular approaches, this studentship will focus on the interface between community ecology and molecular ecology. This studentship would be ideal for students that have a particular interest in linking molecular and ecological approaches for better understanding ecological processes. The position will be based at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management in Umeå, but a large proportion of the laboratory work will be conducted at the Department of Botany at Stockholm University.
Requirements for this position are an MSc or comparable degree in ecology, and some background in molecular approaches would be beneficial although not essential. Having a degree (minimum 180 ECTS) with similar emphasis is also acceptable. Applications from both Sweden and elsewhere in the world are welcome.
Enquiries about this position can be made to Prof. Marie-Charlotte Nilsson ( Marie-Charlotte.Nilsson@svek.slu.se ).

For additional information in matters pertaining to work conditions, contact the Ph.D student ombudsperson +46 18 67 15 60, doktorandombudsmannen@slu.se

Please send applications, marked with Reference Number, together with a letter motivating your interest, your CV, and the contact information for two referees whom we can approach, to the Registrar, SLU, P.O. Box 7070, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden. Applications should arrive at the latest on 5 February 2008.

One PhD position in quantitative ecology

At the Department of Biology, NTNU. The fellowship is for up to four years including 25 % teaching duties. The fellowship is linked to the Centre for Conservation Biology, NTNU (http://www.bio.ntnu.no/pbc/).

The purpose of the project is to study temporal and spatial variation in population dynamics using large data sets covering a wide range of taxa. Our aim will be to obtain a better understanding of how changes in the environment, e.g. due to climate change, will affect long-term viability of populations and species.

The student will through the PhD acquire expertise in quantitative ecology, applications of population models and use of advanced statistical methods. The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary research group.

Applicants must have, or soon expect to obtain, a MSc/Cand.Scient. (or equivalent) degree in the field of quantitative ecology, mathematics or statistics. Skills in using statistical software and programming are needed. Ability to carry out goal-oriented work, give oral and written presentation of research results, and good co-operation abilities will be emphasized. Application deadline: 07.12.07.

For more details, please see:

https://secure.jobbnorge.no/visstilling2.aspx?stillid=43071&lang=EN

For more information about the position, contact post.doc. Vidar Grøtan, vidar.grotan@bio.ntnu.no or Professor Bernt-Erik Sæther, Bernt.Erik.Sather@bio.ntnu.no

Call for three PhD candidates to work with an international network in Europe

Our research group is involved in an international collaboration. As part of this collaborative network, three 100% positions as a PhD student in applied ecology are available at Hedmark University College, Faculty of Forestry and Wildlife Management at Evenstad in Norway from April 1.2008 to March 31.2011. We accept applications from any qualified person. Whoever is appointed will be based at our Faculty at Evenstad in Norway, but will be formally tied to a university in our team that is accredited to give PhDs (e.g., Oslo, Trondheim).

The position is attached to the scientific project "Extinction mechanisms in small populations: Linking theory, experiments and observational studies in a comparative setting". The project is financed by the Research Council of Norway and Hedmark University College. In the project Hedmark University College collaborates with scientists from the universities in Oslo (Nils Chr. Stenseth), Trondheim (Bernt-Erik Sæther), Tromsø (Rolf A. Ims), Paris (Jean-François Le Galliard), Jyväskylä (Hannu Ylönen), London (E-J Milner Gulland) and Aberdeen (Xavier Lambin).

The project aims at linking population biological theory to applied ecological questions of population extinction using experimental and observational studies of several small rodent populations. This comparative approach between experimental and observational studies, between species varying in ways that may essentially affect population dynamics, and between different localities will contribute fundamentally to generalize our understanding of the processes underlying extinction processes. In total we will appoint 3 PhD-students who will work as a team in this project. The main focus for each PhD student will be: 1) Studies on experimental populations; 2) Studies on natural populations; and 3) Population viability modeling.

Application deadline 10 December 2007.

Download the call at http://jf.legalliard.free.fr/docs/PhDNorway.pdf

Questions about the position or work environment can be directed to Harry P. Andreassen, tlf. +47 62 43 08 52 / +47 92 83 12 02, or e-mail: harry.andreassen@hihm.no. Applications should be made to Hedmark University College. The application and CV should be marked with the reference number (see below) and submitted electronically on the college website: www.hihm.no/stillingledig, or on e-mail directly to harry.andreassen@hihm.no. Do not send certificates and references with the application, we may ask for them later.

 

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Temporary Technician in Community Ecology and Restoration of Grassland

Ecosystems

Position Open: 26 November -- 1 January

Position Duration: January 14 through March 31; some positions may be extended through the spring field season (end of May)

Position Description: The Oregon State University Department of Zoology invites applications for 2-4 Temporary Technician positions. These positions will be under the direction of principal investigators Drs. Elizabeth Borer and Eric Seabloom. The laboratory conducts research on community ecology and conservation biology of plants, insects, and pathogens in west coast grasslands. Duties of this position include: Working in a greenhouse environment transplanting, fertilizing, and watering exotic annual and native perennial grass seedlings. Planting and fertilizing grass seedlings at field sites in CA and OR. Participating in 1 to multiple field trips away from Corvallis to research reserves in CA. Trips to CA may last up to 3 weeks. Working alone or on a crew of up to 4 Collecting data using routine methods in variable weather Sampling in field experiments examining the community ecology of grassland plant, arthropod, and pathogen communities based on guidance from supervisors

Group housing on field trips in CA is provided; housing in Corvallis is not provided.

Salary: $9 - $11 per hour depending on experience.

Qualifications: Applicants must have interest and experience in ecological research.

Individuals must be willing and able to work in outdoor conditions, greenhouses, and the laboratory; and be willing to travel to field sites for up to three weeks at a time. Applicants must be able to work long days and/or weeks, lift up to 50 lbs, and hike off trail up to 1 mile. Applicants must be able to SAFELY drive a large 4 wheel drive vehicle on paved, gravel, and dirt roads; potentially towing a trailer.

Preference will be given to individuals with experience in field biology, field ecology, restoration ecology, and/or greenhouse work. Individuals with a record of promoting harmony in the laboratory and field settings are also desired.

Application: (Emailed applications are strongly encouraged.) Send a letter of application; curriculum vitae or resume; and names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references to:Emily Orling, Faculty Research Assistant, Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-2914, Email: orlinge@science.oregonstate.edu

Inquiries about the position (NOT applications) may be addressed to Dr. Borer at borer@science.oregonstate.edu.

 

Seeking well qualified and experienced researchers, managers and seasoned experts to be part of the editorial advisory board

I am about to establish a new journal titled "Interdisciplinary Aspects of Climate Change" and am seeking well qualified and experienced researchers, managers and seasoned experts to be part of the editorial advisory board (EAB). Would this be something you could be interested at? If so I could send you some more details on the new journal with a view to discussing the idea of having you joining the EAB. Please let me know. Rgds, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Walter Leal Leiter, Forschungs- und Transferzentrum "Applications of Life Sciences"

Head of the Research and Transfer Centre "Applications of Life Sciences"

Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hamburg /Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Fakultät Life Sciences /Faculty of Life Sciences

e-mail: walter.leal@ls.haw-hamburg.de

AIBS is currently accepting applications for the 2008 Diversity Scholars Program

The program recognizes and promotes the achievements of underrepresented minorities in the biological sciences. Diversity Scholars will receive support to present their research at an AIBS member society meeting of their choice, participate in the AIBS annual meeting, and become a member of AIBS. Students may be nominated by a member society or apply directly to AIBS without a nomination. AIBS encourages member societies to nominate graduate students or undergraduate students who wish to present research at their annual meeting. The deadline to submit an application is 15 January 2008. To download an application, visit the Diversity Scholars page on the AIBS website at www.aibs.org/diversity/diversity_scholars_program.html.

AIBS is also currently accepting applications for the 2008 Diversity Leadership Award. The Diversity Leadership Award has been established to promote best practices and disseminate successful strategies to broaden participation of women, persons with disabilities, and under represented minorities in the biological sciences. The award is given to recognize programs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, commitment and effectiveness in promoting diversity in biology. AIBS encourages nominations from scientific societies, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, government entities and non profits as well as other biological institutions such as museums, botanic gardens, and field stations. The deadline to submit a nomination is 15 January 2008. To download a nomination form, visit the Diversity Leadership Award page on the AIBS website at www.aibs.org/diversity/aibs_diversity_leadership_awards.html.

About AIBS: The American Institute of Biological Sciences is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) scientific association dedicated to advancing biological research and education for the welfare of society. Founded in 1947 as a part of the National Academy of Sciences, AIBS became an independent, member-governed organization in the 1950s. Today, with headquarters in Washington, DC, and a staff of approximately 50, AIBS is sustained by a robust membership of some 5,000 biologists and 200 professional societies and scientific organizations; the combined individual membership of the latter exceeds 250,000. AIBS advances its mission by participating in coalition activities in research, education, and public policy; publishing the peer-reviewed journal BioScience and the education Web site ActionBioscience.org; providing scientific peer review and advisory services to government agencies and other clients; convening meetings; and managing scientific programs. Web site: www.aibs.org.

 

Attention Graduate Students: Applications for the 2008 Emerging Public Policy Leader Awards Now Available

AIBS is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2008 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award (EPPLA). The EPPLA program, established by AIBS in 2003, enables graduate students in the biological sciences to receive first-hand experience in the science policy arena.

Recipients will receive a trip to Washington, DC, during spring 2008 to participate in a Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC) Congressional Visits Day (exact dates to be determined). The BESC CVD is an annual event that brings scientists and science educators to Washington, DC, to advocate for federal funding for the biological sciences.

Applications for the 2008 EPPLA will be accepted from graduate students (master's or doctoral) in the biological sciences with a demonstrated interest in and commitment to biological science and/or science education policy. The application packet must include a cover letter, a brief statement on the importance of biological science funding, a one-page resume emphasizing leadership and communication experience, and a letter of reference.

More information about the 2008 EPPLA application and previous EPPLA recipients is available online at www. aibs.org/public-policy/policy_training.html.

Note the application deadline is Thursday, 31 January 2008.

Holly Menninger, Ph.D., Public Policy Associate, American Institute of Biological Sciences, 1444 I (Eye) Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005, Phone: 202-628-1500 x 229, Web site: www.aibs.org

 

The Learning for Sustainability site

The policies being used to address ecological issues around the concept of sustainability increasingly demonstrate how their impact goes beyond the environment to influence things such as public health, jobs, working conditions, and incomes. This means a more multi-stakeholder approach is required to the negotiation and implementation of environmental policies within and across sectors, and at local, regional, national and international levels. Inevitably, the reality is that whatever aims are finally chosen, implementing the solutions to reach them will involve a long process of difficult dealings with a great variety of individuals, groups, and institutions who can make them fail or succeed.

The Learning for Sustainability site - http://learningforsustainability.net - has been substantially revised and updated over the past few months as a guide to on-line resources for government agency staff, NGOs and other community leaders working to support social learning and collective action around the environment and sustainability. A central section of this site links the reader to a range of guides, tools and checklists that can be drawn upon for guidance in this area to address issues such as participation and engagement. Other pages here highlight the lessons that have emerged from researchers and practitioners in different sectors. These include lessons from the HIV/AIDS sector, public health, and protected natural areas. They are shown on their different pages to highlight the fact that each sector is looking at similar human dimensions practice change lessons, and that the more we can learn across sectors the better. A new page in this section now covers tools, tips and techniques for facilitators and other social engagement specialists.

Other pages provide links to best and emerging practice in social learning areas including networking, dialogue, adaptive management, and knowledge management. Evaluation is given its own section which covers key topics such as participation, empowerment, logic models and scale. A research methods and approaches section has links to action research resources, material on doing integrated and interdisciplinary research, a listing of on-line journals in these areas, and it hosts the IntSci (Integrated Science for sustainability) discussion network. New pages link to resources on underpinning social research methods including systems thinking and action research. One page lists on-line resources for both post-graduate research students and their supervisors. Topics include thinking about the supervisory team, as well as tips for structuring and writing a thesis or dissertation.

The The Learning for Sustainability site - http://learningforsustainability.net - also manages additional pages on finding volunteering and job opportunities in the environment and sustainability sectors. These are directly accessible from the main site indexing system. As with the rest of the site these sections bring links to lot of on-line resources together in one easy to access site, each link is annotated to provide a guide to its contents. Please feel free to pass this posting on to colleagues and friends who may be interested in this content.

Regards, Dr. Will Allen , LearningForSustainability.net - http://www.learningforsustainability.net Supporting dialog, collective action and reflection for sustainable development E-mail: will@learningforsustainability.net.

"Journal of Sustainable Development"

"Journal of Sustainable Development" is a new journal in environment and sustainable development research published by Canadian Center of Science and Education. We welcome research papers in Environment Science, Environmental Technology, Environmental Economics and Policy, Ecology, Sustainable Development.

Writing your manuscript in English and in MS-Word format, please send to: jsd@ccsenet.org. For more information, please visit: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal.html

Wiki site for keeping people informed on the status of faculty searches.

This is a note to remind or alert folks applying for environmental biology faculty positions (and to those serving on search committees) that there is a wiki site for keeping people informed on the status of faculty searches. The site allows anonymous messages on when references are requested, interviews are scheduled, and rejection letters are received. Here's the address: http://wikihost.org/wikis/academe/wiki/ecology_botany_zoology_environmental_science_plant_vertebrate_in

Best, Tim Meehan

 

JOBS -- JOBS -- JOBS

We are recruiting an Ecologist for the Natural Resource Management Section at Fort Irwin, CA. The official position follows. Please post and circulate. Working at an Army base in the middle of the desert is not for everyone; but for the right person this is a great job. The Ecologist has a wide range of duties and gains a great amount of experience; they have an enjoyable mix of indoor and outdoor activities; and they have a high level of responsibility. If you have questions about the position, please contact me by email. Mark B. Hessing, Ph.D., Fort Irwin Botanist and ITS Task Lead, mark.b.hessing@us.army.mil

ITS Corporation provides superior engineering, information technology, and environmental services to the federal government. The Ecologist monitors and conserves biodiversity at Fort Irwin, a large military training base in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. Responsibilities include planning and conducting sensitive species surveys; invasive plant and animal control; writing and editing reports and management plans; assisting sponsored research; and educating the public and military about desert conservation. The Ecologist works with a team of seven staff members and technicians in the Natural Resources Section. Candidate selection will emphasize how applicants support and diversify the Natural Resources Team.

The qualified candidate will have a Bachelor of Science (MS preferred) in Biology or related field, with 4 years of increasingly complex and progressive experience. experience with the following is desired: Microsoft Office and ESRI GIS software; public speaking; desert ecology; field proficiency with both animals and plants; desert tortoise surveys; compliance and enforcement; telemetry; editing; team-building; and the ability to work independently. Occasional field work is required for this position, and applicants should feel comfortable carrying a small pack 5 miles a day in hot, dry, windy conditions.

ITS offers a generous benefit package which includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with immediate vesting, paid vacation, paid personal leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement and SkillSoft online training.

Reference Job Code: Ecologist

Please email your resume to Brenda Melson at jobswest@itsfed.com or fax to (858) 618-1089. Documents in MS Word format are welcome as attachments.

Project Coordinator, Vegetation Sampling Technicians, and Desert Tortoise Population Density surveyors

The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is federally listed as a threatened species north and west of the Colorado River under the Endangered Species Act. In summer 2005, the Southern Nevada Complex fires burned over 597,000 acres in southern Lincoln County, NV, including almost 225,500 acres of desert tortoise habitat. The goals of this work are to assess the quality of desert tortoise habitat through habitat modeling and vegetation sampling in burned and unburned areas, and to determine densities of desert tortoises in Lincoln County through line distance sampling. In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, Great Basin Institute will hire a Project Coordinator, Vegetation Sampling Technicians, and Desert Tortoise Population Density surveyors.

Compensation, timelines and qualifications specific to each position are available for download on the research associate employment section of GBI's website (www.GreatBasinInstitute.org). For additional information or to submit application materials, please direct your correspondence to Dr. Lynn Zimmerman, Great Basin Institute Research Training and Project Coordinator, at lzimm@biodiversity.unr.edu.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR - Plant Biology

Applicants must possess a Ph.D. in Plant Biology or closely related discipline with expertise in either plant systematics or conservation biology, preferably in which GIS technology or molecular techniques are employed to answer ecological or taxonomic questions. Duties will include teaching introductory plant biology for biological science majors and other courses, which might include upper-division ecology, conservation biology, or plant taxonomy. Candidates will also be expected periodically to teach graduate courses in their area of expertise. Please include Job Opening ID (JOID) 013134 on all correspondence.

Applicants must have a proven record or potential for excellence in teaching and research experience and publications in their discipline. Seeking extramural funding to support research involving master's and undergraduate students is expected. The successful candidate must address the needs of a student population of great diversity in age, cultural background, ethnicity, primary language, and academic preparedness through course materials, teaching strategies, and advising. For more details see

http://www.fa.sjsu.edu/employment/employment.htm

FOR FULL CONSIDERATION for this position, send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a statement of both teaching interests/philosophy and research interests, and at least three original letters of reference with contact information to the respective search committee at the Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0100. Review of applications will commence on January 22, 2008. Website:

http://www.biology.sjsu.edu/index.aspx.

Ground Water Geologist, GS-_11/12 position

The USDA Forest Service, R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Regional Office, Vallejo, CA, is currently in the process of outreach to assess interest in a Ground Water Geologist, GS-_11/12 position. Duty station will be on Angeles or San Bernardino National Forests. Please share this information with those within your network, or with others you know who may be interested. The outreach notice for this position can be accessed at http://outreach.fsr5.com. For further information on this position, and/or to express your interest for this position, please contact Randall J Gould at 707-562-8956 or you may send him an e-mail, rgould@fs.fed.us. Also attached for your use is a Voluntary Outreach Reply form. Thank you for your participation in our outreach efforts.

VEGETATION PROJECT LEADER / ASSISTANT

FROM: CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY DATE: 11/30/2007

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is seeking an ecologist/botanist for the Vegetation Program. We are looking for an energetic person to work on vegetation description, surveying, classification, mapping, and data management. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in plant ecology, botany, landscape ecology, geography, and conservation biology to be involved with a variety of projects that support the scientific documentation and conservation of vegetation in California. The CNPS Vegetation Project Leader/Assistant position offers experience in reviewing vegetation maps and descriptions, entering and managing field survey data, field surveying of vegetation, and assisting others in the field. Reviewing and compiling field survey data in MS Word, MS Access, and ArcGIS is an important facet of the job. CNPS maintains a uniform system of vegetation sampling and mapping protocols, vegetation classification, and plant information databases. These systems have been developed over the past ten years by the CNPS Vegetation Committee, and they are used by various state and federal agencies and organizations.

Qualifications for the successful applicant include the following:. Experience with the California flora and vegetation, and identification of plants to the species level;. Experience with field sampling techniques for plants and vegetation;. Proficiency with data entry and management in databases and spreadsheets;. Strong observational, writing, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills with attention to detail; . Ability to communicate effectively; experience in training or teaching others; and. Ability to interpret topographic, vegetation, and other maps; . Experience with vegetation maps and ArcGIS/ArcView software; . Ability to work independently and efficiently; ability to work as part of a team;. A BS/BA degree in botany, ecology, or related field is preferred.

Application deadline: Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Interview date: Starting Dec 17, 2007 - by phone or in person. This position is offered at $14.42-18.27 per hour, commensurate with experience. Duration is secured for three months of full-time work, starting as early as late December 2007. Extension of employment is very likely to include field work next spring/summer, and is dependent on future contract funding.

To apply, please send the following: cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and three references (including reference name, address, phone number, and email). Please send application via email to jbuck@cnps.org, via fax at (916) 447-2727, or via post mail to:California Native Plant Society, 2707 K Street, Suite 1, Sacramento, CA 95816

Attn: Jennifer Buck, Vegetation Position

For any additional information, please email Jennifer Buck, Vegetation Ecologist, at jbuck@cnps.org. Please see the CNPS website www.cnps.org for the full job description and for detail on the CNPS organization and its Vegetation Program.

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