Greetings from the Merriam-Powell Center for
Environmental Research!
January 29, 2008
Topics At A Glance: Biology Graduate Defense
Seminars -- From the Dean -- Biology
Seminars -- Forestry Seminar -- Hopper
Student Fund Applications -- Help Judge Science
Fair -- Data Logger Request -- Classes
at RMBL -- Field Trips in Leon, Nicaragua -- Modeling
and Remote Sensing Courses, SWest Research Station, AZ -- Ecoinformatics
Summer Institute -- Register for Isoscapes -- Call
for Papers: Book on Climate Change -- ESA Bulletin -- House
Swap in Spain -- Arcosanti Workshops
Research Assistantship -- Biological
Science Technicians -- Summer Research Positions -- Restoration
Job -- Program Assistant, AIBS -- Vegetation
Technicians -- Wildlife Technicians -- JOBS
In an effort to save space sending large email documents,
we are trying this new format of sending only the Topics
with the link to the MPC web page where the entire weekly
update can be viewed. If this Does Not work for
you, contact me at the address below.
MPC WEB LINK AT :
http://www.mpcer.nau.edu/weekly_update/
For more information, to subscribe or unsubscribe to this
list contact:
Jan.Kerata@nau.edu, Administrator, Merriam-Powell Center. 928.523.6221
Department of Biological Sciences - - Graduate
Defense Seminar Series
Spring 2008 Monday 3:45pm Wettaw Lecture Hall
Jan 28 open
Feb 4 open
Feb 11 open
Feb 18 open
Feb 25 open
March 3 open
March 10 Jean
Block - Forest treatment influence on lizard habitat selection:
a study
through space and time
March 24 Raena
Cota - ‘Variation in allopatric populations of a
marine intertidal gastropod
in the northern Gulf of California ‘
March 31 Priyanka
J. Shah - ‘The Effects of Acute versus Repeated
Stress on Corticosterone and Steroidogenic Factor-1 Levels in
the Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana”
April 7 Jamie
Lamit – “Genetic variation in narroleaf cottonwood
affects associated
fungi: Patterns and mechanisms”
April 14 Jonathan
Donald – “Physiological ecology of rare pediocacti
of the Colorado
Plateau”
April 21 Stefanie
Raymond-Whish - “Effects of Uranium on the Female Reproductive
System”
April 28 Carrie
Vargas - “Comparative Analyses of Haloarchaeal Megaplasmids
by Bioinformatics”
Note* Defending students are responsible for posting flyers
and sending out an email to everyone well in advance to appropriately
advertise the occasion! There is a class at 5 in Wettaw,
so we will need to vacate the room promptly by 5pm. The
room is reserved 30 minutes in advance so speakers have time
before seminar to set up. If there are any changes/additions
in the schedule, please contact Thomas.Whitham@nau.edu and David.Pierotti@NAU.EDU.
FROM THE DEAN
Some quick updates and requests -
- NSF workshop in Las Vegas: I know several of us are planning to attend
the NSF overview workshop in Las Vegas on February 8. Given travel realities,
it would be smart and most affordable to drive and to do some carpooling (i.e.,
drive together). Do let me know if you are planning to go and would be
willing to drive together - I'll do the matchmaking.
- Travel grant proposals are due to the dean's office by 5 pm on Thursday, Jan
31. In the interest of reducing the (very considerable) greenhouse gas
impacts of faculty travel, I have modified the call slightly to include requests
for the expenses of "virtual" travel - that is, participation in video
conferences, webinars or similar alternatives to a physical trip for a professional
development opportunity. I hope to see some innovative requests within
our applicant pool. This would be a good year to make sure that all our
travel spending is both carefully planned and very easily documented as to mission
and impact.)
- Wireless on north campus, the next chapter: Many of you asked about the
schedule for further expansion of wireless internet access, after the announcement
of wireless in buildings 17, 21, and 88. Good news is that 12, 13, and
26 (geology and math) are on the list for the next round of infrastructure upgrades
- and ITS expects those projects to be completed sometime this spring semester
- Carbon sequestration talk: Arizona Water Institute and Flagstaff Earth
Sciences Seminar Series are co-sponsoring a talk by Dr. Michael Celia (Princeton
U, the 2008 Darcy Distinguished Lecturer for the National Ground Water Assoc),
on "Geological storage as a carbon mitigation option." Friday
Feb 1, 11:45 am, Geology Bldg room 111.
- Science Fair judges and volunteers needed for Phoenix in March: Many
of you generously contributed time last year when we hosted the Northern Arizona
Science and Engineering Fair...this year the fair, called the Arizona Science & Engineering
Fair (AzSEF), is actually an integration of the northern and the central regional
fairs and the American Indian Science & Engineering Fair. It will take
place March 18-21 (during our spring break week) in Phoenix. Many volunteers
and judges are needed (can be a great experience for our advanced undergraduates
and graduate students, in addition to faculty and staff); and our visible participation
in this fair is a great recruiting mechanism. (Winners go on to the Intel
International Fair in May - the kind of students we want to have HERE.
Finally - most of you have seen the announcement about my selection as Vice President
for Research. The actual date to start that appointment is uncertain (depends
on how quickly the college and the provost identify an interim dean), but it
could be very soon. I am starting to look forward to the challenges of that new
office, and to the kinds of progress we can make together. Thanks to you
all for being such great colleagues - and remember, I won't be far away!
Laura Foster Huenneke, Ph.D. ,Dean, College of Engineering & Natural Sciences
Northern Arizona University, Phone (928) 523-2701
BIOLOGY SEMINARS
Week of January 28th
Thursday January 31st at 3:45pm in the Wettaw Building Auditorium Dr.
Cheryl Dyer, Associate Research Professor at Northern Arizona University, will
present “Rodent Research.”
Merriam Powell Seminar: Friday February 1st Tabitha Graves will present "Proposal
Questions on Spatial Ecology of Grizzly Bears." in the Biology Building
Room 238 from 12:30 to 2pm.
FORESTRY SEMINAR
Please join us Wednesday, January 30th to hear Norris Dodd
with the Arizona Department of Fish & Game and Jeff Gagnon,
recent graduate from NAU speak as part of the Forestry
Seminar series. They will discuss evaluation of measures
to reduce wildlife vehicle collisions and promote
permeability, including some of their most recent work in northern
Arizona with a variety of ungulate species.
Welcome reception beginning at 3:30 immediately
in front of Room 017 of the Southwest Forest Science Complex (Building
82). I first saw Norris speak in Ithaca, New York at the International
Conference on Ecology and Transportation meetings. He's a very dynamic
speaker and has led efforts nationwide to use solid scientific designs to improve
wildlife highway crossings. For a list of other speakers this semester
and directions to the building please see: http://www.for.nau.edu/cms/content/view/684/955
Tabitha Graves, PhD student, Northern Arizona University, tabgra@yahoo.com
HOOPER STUDENT FUND RFP
The Center for Sustainable Environments
and the Hooper Student Fund Committee announce a Request for Proposals
for *Environmental Sustainability Projects*, honoring Dr. Henery
O. Hooper. Undergraduate and Graduate students (as individuals
or small groups) may apply for awards of up to $2,500. The emphasis
of proposed projects should be on actual outcomes, that is, solutions
that advance sustainability on campus or in the region. In all
projects, a faculty mentor is required.
Proposals are due March
1, 2007 and finalists will be announced by the end of March. Please
see attached files for details.Details are also available on the
Center for Sustainable Environment's website. www.environment.nau.edu.
For further questions, contact Gary Deason, Gary.Deason@nau.edu
or 523-7635 or Shelly Silbert, Shelly.Silbert@nau.edu or 523-7635.
HELP JUDGE THE SCIENCE FAIR
Please consider my special request for help judging the science fair at DeMiguel
Elementary School. DeMiguel is a NASA Explorer School with a focus on
science. With the recent retirement of Ms. Mary Lara, who served as science
fair coordinator, several of us in the community (and yes, I am a parent) have
stepped in to help make sure that their science fair continues its strong tradition.
I have volunteered to recruit outstanding judges for the fair - Judges who understand
the scientific process and its application and who also appreciate that the main
goal of an elementary level science fair is to encourage the children, support
their interest in science, and offer positive, constructive feedback on projects. Clearly
this directly addresses part of our overall departmental mission.
I have already sent one message out to the department graduate students, and
have heard back from over 15, who are willing to help with this. Now I
want to extend this request to faculty, technical staff, additional graduate
students, as well as undergraduate research students who have at least a year
of research experience under their belts. The judging will only take a few hours
on Wednesday, February 13th. Orientation and training will be provided
(I'll be helping with that) in advance. Basically, there will be plenty
of instructions and support, and this service will only take a few hours. So,
at this point, I am just asking for you to volunteer to help in this way. Please
respond to this to let me know that I can count you in. I will follow up
soon with further information. The school website is http://www.flagstaff.k12.az.us/demiguel/
Thanks in advance, Maribeth
DATA LOGGER REQUEST
I am a new graduate student doing fire ecology/seedbank research for Andi
Thode. I was wondering if anyone might have ,or know of, 4-5 data loggers
that I could place in the NAU greenhouse. These devices would only need
to monitor temperature, although temperature and relative humidity would
be preferred. They would also need the accompanying software/cables necessary
to download data to a laptop computer. I would need them by early February
and they would be use for 2-3 years. My name is Hondo Brisbin and I can
be reached at (307) 761-3205 or hrb38@nau.edu.
Thank you
CLASSES AT ROCKY MT BIOLOGICAL LAB
The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory offers
summer experiences designed to help students learn more about ecology, evolution,
and behavior in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Classes are designed to get students
into the field and work with top scientists from around the world. Last summer
over 80% of our students received financial aid, covering some to all of their
summer expenses. Summer courses are a great way to gain hands on research experience
and establish relationships with well known scientists. For sophomores and juniors
who plan to apply for REU programs, the Lab's coursework program, particularly
our Independent Research option, can provide the experience and references needed
for a competitive application. In 2008 the Lab will offer the following courses:
the Biology of Climate Change, Field Ecology, Animal Behavior, Field Ornithology,
Plant-Animal Interactions, and Field Botany. Additionally, students may take
an Independent Research option and conduct a project with the guidance of a scientist.
Substantial financial aid is available. The Lab also has four fellowships designed
to help students considering a career in field biology. Students take Field Ecology
(or an equivalent class) and design and conduct a research project under the
guidance of a senior scientist. The Lab covers the cost of tuition, room, board,
and transportation for each of the fellows. The submission deadline for coursework
applicants seeking financial aid (including the fellowship) is April 1st. Applicants
are welcome to apply until June 2nd, but you may not be eligible for financial
aid. For more information, visit www.rmbl.org/education Contact Mel Dean (admin@rmbl.org)
with any questions. Please forward this information to any eligible students
you feel would benefit from the Lab’s coursework program. Mel Dean, Operations
Manager, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, 970-349-7231 ph/fax www.rmbl.org
ENTOMOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF LEON, NICARAGUA
-- Field Trips for 2008
The Entomological Museum of Leon, Nicaragua, is presenting his
offers of Field Trips for 2008. One Field Trip is scheduled for
end of may – beginning of June, for studying scarabs and
other beetles. The other Field Trip is to be schedule in November
or December for studying or watching butterflies. More informations
on : www.bio-nica.info section “Giras de campo / Field Trips”.
Sincerely, Jean-Michel. Dr. Jean-Michel MAES MUSEO ENTOMOLOGICO,
AP 527 LEON, NICARAGUA, tel 505-3116586 jmmaes@ibw.com.ni
SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELING COURSE
- Southwestern Research Station
in Arizona April 21-25 2008. TITLE: AMNH training workshop: Species
Distribution Modeling Methods for Conservation Biologists, April
21-25 2008 Applications are now being accepted for the training
workshop Species Distribution Modeling Methods for Conservation
Biologists, to be held at the American Museum of Natural History's
Southwestern Research Station, Arizona, April 21-25 2008. Models
that predict species' potential distributions by combining observed
occurrence records with digital data layers of environmental variables
have great potential for application across a range of biogeographical
analyses. Applications include guiding field surveys to detect
unknown populations, projecting potential impacts of climate change,
predicting species' invasions, and supporting reserve planning.
The course focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of
this approach (sometimes termed 'ecological niche' or 'bioclimate
envelope' modeling) and is designed for students, researchers
and practitioners of conservation biology. Using a mixture of
lectures, hands-on computer lab applications, discussions, and
case studies, course participants will learn to: Obtain and process
data necessary for species distribution modeling;. Run distribution
models using a variety of approaches;. Validate and interpret
model results;. Apply these techniques to a range of applications.
Each participant is encouraged to develop an idea for a project
they would like to work on during the week, so techniques learned
during the course can immediately be applied to an example of
interest. The April course will be taught by Drs. Richard Pearson
(AMNH), Steven Phillips (AT&T) and Alison Cameron (Berkeley
and Princeton). RS/GIS specialist Kevin Koy (AMNH) will provide
GIS support. Places on the course are limited to 15 (each participant
is assigned a desktop computer for the week). There is a course
fee of $1,000 for each participant. The course fee includes accommodation
and meals for the week. Participants need to provide their own
transportation to and from the Research Station. Unfortunately,
scholarship funds to defray course expenses are not available.
Those interested in participating in the course should send an
application with the following information: name, contact details,
current position (student, academia, government, etc.), and a
brief statement (max two paragraphs) including why you want to
take the course, overview of prior modeling or GIS experience
(if any), and a brief description of a project you would like
to work on if you have one in mind. Please email your application
to Richard Pearson (pearson 'at' amnh.org). The application deadline
is February 8th. Applications will be acknowledged on receipt,
and you will be notified if a place is available by February 15th.
Payment of the course fee for those accepted will be required
by March 14th. For further information, including programs from
previous courses, see http://biodiversityinformatics.amnh.org/index.php?section_id=82&content_id=140
REMOTE SENSING COURSE
will be offered at the Southwestern Research
Station in Arizona April 14-18 2008. TITLE: AMNH training workshop:
Practical Remote Sensing Methods for Conservation Biologists,
April 14-18 2008 Applications are now being accepted for the training
workshop Practical Remote Sensing Methods for Conservation Biologists,
to be held at the American Museum of Natural History's Southwestern
Research Station, Arizona, April 14-18 2008. The course will focus
on the practical aspects of remote sensing with the goal of providing
sufficient information so that participants will be able to download
and display satellite imagery for their area of interest, learn
to interpret the imagery by making the connection between abstract
image information and the landscape, and use this information
to support a range of conservation objectives. Participants will
work with visual image products and an overview of the automated
land cover classification process will be presented including
an assessment of the advantages and drawbacks of these map products.
The target audience is conservation researchers with little or
no remote sensing experience. The course involves a mix of lecture,
computer lab applications, discussions, and field work. Each participant
is encouraged to bring with them a project they would like to
work on so lessons learned during the course can immediately be
applied to a meaningful example. These projects can be discussed
with the course organizers in advance to ensure they are appropriate.
If participants do not have their own project one will be assigned
to them during the course. The April course will be taught by
Ned Horning and Kevin Koy (American Museum of Natural History).
Places on the course are limited to 15 (each participant is assigned
a desktop computer for the week). The fee for the course is $1,000
for a single participant (space is limited to 15 desktops). Applications
will be accepted on a first come first served basis. The course
fee includes room, board and instruction in the class. Unfortunately,
we do not have scholarship funds to defray course expenses. Participants
will have to provide their own transportation to and from the
station. Students should plan to arrive at the Station by Sunday
evening. The course will begin Monday morning at 8:30AM and will
wrap up on Friday morning before noon. Those interested in participating
in the course should send an application with the following information:
name, contact details, current position (student, academia, government,
etc.), and a brief statement (max two paragraphs) including why
you want to take the course, overview of prior Remote Sensing
or GIS experience (if any), and a brief description of a project
you would like to work on if you have one in mind. Please email
your application to Ned Horning (horning 'at' amnh.org). The application
deadline is February 8th. Applications will be acknowledged on
receipt, and you will be notified if a place is available by February
15th. Payment of the course fee for those accepted will be required
by March 14th. For further information, including programs from
previous courses, see http://biodiversityinformatics.amnh.org/index.php?section_id=61&content_id=130
ECOINFORMATICS SUMMER INSTITUTE
The EcoInformatics Summer Institute
(EISI) will be held at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest in the
Oregon Cascades from June 16th- August 22nd, 2008. Please distribute
this announcement on a new opportunity for late undergraduate
and early graduate students in mathematics, computer science,
statistics, bioengineering, earth science, and ecosystem science.
*Applications are due February 15th, 2008.* EcoInformatics, the
integration of mathematics, computer science, statistics, and
engineering with the study and management of ecosystems, is an
emerging science with a critical need for well trained, interdisciplinary
scientists. The EISI will work to fulfill that need through a
ten-week undergraduate/early graduate research experience. Through
the integration of research and education, effective mentoring,
and hands-on experiences at the HJ Andrews, fifteen participants
will gain (1) valuable research experience in EcoInformatics and
in their own disciplines, (2) four hours of class credit (3) the
foundation and opportunities to develop and seek support for their
own graduate program, including a peer-reviewed research proposal,
and (5) the training to become outstanding interdisciplinary scientists
and effective contributors to the science and management of ecosystems.
In addition, participants will receive a total stipend of $4,000,
from which tuition for the summer class (approximately $700) will
be deducted. Travel, up to $500, for transportation to the Summer
Institute will be provided to participants, as well as free lodging
at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest and 3 meals per day for
the first and final weeks of the program. The EcoInformatics Summer
Institute strongly encourages applications by underserved student
populations, including Native Americans, Hispanics, and women,
to increase diversity in this emerging field. For more details
and application, please go to: http://eco-informatics.engr.oregonstate.edu/
REGISTRATION FOR ISOSCAPES
A final reminder: Please note that
the last day to register for Isoscapes 2008 <http://isoscapes2008.org/> is
less than one week away on January 31, 2008.Isocapes 2008 <http://isoscapes2008.org/> is
an interdisciplinary conference featuring the latest work on the
analysis of spatial isotopic variation in environmental systems.
The meeting will feature presentations on spatially distributed
isotope data networks, emerging technologies for collecting spatially
explicit isotope data, modeling and prediction of spatial isotopic
variation in the environment, and applications of spatial isotopic
variability in a wide range of research endeavors. A special working
group session is also scheduled on isotopes in the National Ecological
Observatory Network (NEON) <http://neoninc.org/>. Updates
on the current status of NEON and the incorporation of isotopes
in the NEON design will be discussed, with session leaders seeking
feedback from the community on tracing NEON scientific objectives
to its measurement strategy. Poster sessions, working group sessions,
optional tutorials, and conference meals will offer additional
opportunities for presentation and discussion of research work
and networking. Isoscapes 2008 <http://isoscapes2008.org/> will
take place in Santa Barbara, CA, from April 7-10, 2008. Additional
information on the meeting, the venue, and how to register can
be found at www.isoscapes2008.org. We have seen significant interest
across diverse fields in the conference so far. If you are interested
in attending we strongly encourage you to register soon <http://isoscapes2008.org/registration/>.
Jason West, Gabe Bowen, Todd Dawson, Kevin Tu, and Chris Still.
Jason B. West, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
University of Utah, Ph: 801.587.3404, Email: jwest@biology.utah.edu
ALL FOR PAPERS:
Book "Interdisciplinary Aspects of Climate
Change" In the history of science there have been only a
few issues which have mobilized the attention of scientists and
policy-makers alike as the issue of climate change currently does.
The release of the 4th Assessment produced by the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in the summer of 2007 has put the
reality of human-induced global warming beyond any doubt. In addition,
the high-level event on Climate Change held at the UN Headquarters,
New York (24 September 2007), the thirteenth United Nations Climate
Change Conference held on the island of Bali (Indonesia) on 3-14
December 2007 and the various strategies and actions plans which
are being prepared and implemented all over the world, indicate
that the emphasis to this topic will continue to dominate the
scientific agenda for decades to come. Although the subject matter
of climate change is regarded as a critical issue and sound scientific
knowledge is needed in order to address the problem in a holistic
way, there is a paucity of academic publications specifically
focusing on the different aspects of climate change. The book "Interdisciplinary
Aspects of Climate Change" will address this need. It will
report, document and disseminate experiences, projects and practical,
inter-disciplinary initiatives related to climate change performed
by research centres, non-government bodies, international organisations,
practitioners and universities both in the industrialised and
developing nations. By means of cases studies and project descriptions,
it will offer a picture of the state-of-the art in the field across
the world and demonstrate how much can be achieved by means of
interdisciplinary efforts focusing on matters related to climate
change. The book "Interdisciplinary Aspects of Climate Change" will
be published by Peter Lang Scientific Publishers (Frankfurt, New
York, Bern, Vienna), which has published previous volumes of the
award-winning series "Environmental Education, Communication
and Sustainability"which has produced nearly 30 high-impact
books since its creation in 1996. Submissions to "Interdisciplinary
Aspects of Climate Change" will be commissioned by the Editor-in-Chief
and, when accepted, will be subjected to peer-review by an international
editorial board, which will process the submissions further. All
submissions to "Interdisciplinary Aspects of Climate Change" will
be subject to a strict vetting procedure to ensure their thematic
relevance, scope and degree of replication elsewhere. A special
emphasis will be given to research which has led to tangible results,
as opposed to merely theoretical analyses and appraisals of aspects
of climate change problems. Although the Editor-in-Chief will
be advised by an international editorial board, his decision is
final so as to ensure the editorial coherence of the publication.
Further details on this Call for paper and on the submission process
are available at: http://climatechange.international-projects.eu/
BULLETIN OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
Over the course
of the last year, we have highlighted 9 websites in the new Ecology
on the Web section of the Bulletin of the Ecological Society of
America. I'd like to again solicit some submissions for upcoming
issues of the Bulletin. The format for Ecology on the Web is that
of an annotated web link (see issues 2-4 in Volume 88 of the Bulletin
- http://www.esajournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-archive&issn=0012-9623&volume=88 for examples). We will accept many different types of websites,
provided that they are of interest to ecologists. So, if you manage
your own site or know of other useful, interesting, and unique
sites and you are willing to write up a short annotation, then
let me know. Cheers, Dr. Jeffrey W. Hollister, US EPA, Atlantic
Ecology Division, (401) 782-9655
HOUSE SWAP
The following family (two physicians and two sons)
wants to spend 3 weeks in the Flagstaff area starting sometime
in July 2008. let me know if interested ASAP. We are looking for
a two/three-week house swap for the year 2008. My wife and I are
both doctors (51 and 49 year-old) and we have two boys (16 and
15 year-old). We offer to swap our second home in Santander, which
is a modern duplex (120 square meters) three-bedroomed flat (six
beds), with two bathrooms and living room. It is located in the
best upscale residential area of Santander at 100 meters to the
Sardinero beach (the most fashionable in the town). Our flat has
a fully equipped modern kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, washer,
fridge, conventional oven, eating-in table with room for 6, etc.
It has direct access parking in the basement, and a small community
garden. We have experience in house swap (seven swaps), and the
seven of them have been very successful. Car exchange Our neighborhood
- Santander is a beautiful city in the north of Spain, full of
activities in Summer (International University, International
Festival, golf courses, tennis, swimming pools, etc.). There are
many beaches, good restaurants, theaters, parks, Picos de Europa
mountains (1.5 hour driving), Bilbao Guggenheim Museum (1 hour
driving) and many beautiful villages in the province (Santillana
del Mar, Comillas, etc). The French border (Biarritz, Saint Jean
de Luz, etc) is at 2h30' drive by highway. There are good beaches
for surfing at 20 minutes by car: Somo (also accessible by public
boat) and Liencres.HomeForExchange Something about ourselves -
My wife and I are both doctors. We have two boys (16 and 15 years
old). We like to travel and experience living in different countries.
Home exchanging is the best way to live like a native in any country,
far from the hotels and touristic circuits. After any of the exchanges,
we have always found our apartment just as it was prior to the
exchange, and we have treated the houses we have lived in with
even greater care than ours. Zachary A. Smith, Regents' Professor,
Environmental and Natural Resources Policy, Northern Arizona University,
zachary.smith@nau.edu, phone 928-523-7020
ARCOSANTI 2008 EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS & INTERNSHIPS www.arcosanti.org
This opportunity is especially great for anyone interested in
sustainable design, architecture, organic agriculture, planning,
archiving, and of course, the environment. Since 1970, over 6,000
people have participated in the Arcosanti Workshop program. The
Workshops combine academic and experiential learning as participants
study Paolo Soleri’s concepts and designs while contributing
to the building of the ARCOLOGY (architecture + ecology). Soleri
proposes a lean urban alternative which is a highly integrated
and compact three-dimensional form rejecting the need for urban
sprawl with its inherently wasteful consumption of land, energy,
time and human resources. We offer 1-Week, 2-Week, and 5-Week
Workshops along with 3-Month Internships. WORKSHOPS The tuition
fee for the Five Week Workshop is $1350 and includes both food
and housing during the five weeks. The starting dates for the
2008 programs are: January 27, March 2, April 6, May 11, June
15, July 20, August 24, September 28, November 2. We also have
financial assistance available for some applicants. Information
about the Workshops may be found at: http://www.arcosanti.org/expArcosanti/workshops/Programs/main.html
INTERNSHIPS The Arcosanti internship includes our 5-Week Workshop
plus an additional 8 weeks working in a specific department (13
week total). We generally offer internships in: Archives, Agriculture
, Construction , Graphics and/or Web Design , Facilities/Maintenance
, Landscaping , Planning/Drafting To apply for an internship,
please see our website for more details: http://www.arcosanti.org/expArcosanti/workshops/Programs/internship/main.html
RESEARCH ASSISTANCESHIP
(1 or 2 available at MS level): Fresno
River Watershed Assessment (Madera County, CA) One or two MS-level
research assistantships are available starting in the summer or
fall 2008 at California State University-Fresno (Fresno State).
Students will participate in a collaborative project with the
goal of using past and current stream monitoring to identify watershed
functions and processes that are most compromised by current watershed
activities and most at risk with future development. Priorities
for a student thesis within the project include bioassessment
using acroinvertebrates or microbial indicators of septic infiltration,
but other theses based on hydrology and/or water chemistry within
a watershed context may be considered. Assistantship duties will
include supervising stream sampling field crews and laboratory
processing of macroinvertebrate samples in addition to the thesis.
Successful applicants should demonstrate evidence of being able
to work collaboratively, but also independently, as well as the
ability to effectively supervise undergraduate technicians. Experience
with data analysis including multivariate techniques is desirable.
Presentations at conferences and publication is expected. Depending
on the number of students on the project, one or two years of
support of at least $15,000 is available. The assistantships will
be largely supported through a research grant, but may also include
a teaching assistantship and internal support Fresno is a relatively
affordable area in central California at the base of the Sierra
Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National Park is 50mi north of Fresno,
and of two other national parks are within 1.5hrs drive. Monterey
(on the coast) is approximately 2.5hrs west. To apply, send an
e-mail message (and attachments) describing research interests
and career goals; names, phone numbers, and email addresses of
3 references; academic history and GRE scores to Dr. Steve Blumenshine:
sblumens@csufresno.edu Phone: 559-278-8770; Address: Biology Dept.
M/S SB73, CSU-Fresno, Fresno, CA 93740.
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIANS
Summer Employment Opportunity!
Come work among the Giant Sequoias! Sequoia-Kings Canyon Field
Station (USGS) is currently hiring summer Biological Science Technicians
(Botany). Pay: GS-5 ($14.24/hour) Location: Three Rivers, CA.
Application opening/closing dates: Jan 22 – Feb
12, 2008 Examples of Duties: • Measure forest demographics,
including measuring trees and seedlings and determining cause
of death. Gain knowledge and experience in ecological research,
identifying Sierra Nevada trees, and forest pathology. OR • Evaluate
how post-fire restoration practices affect early successional
processes and measure ecological differences of prescribed vs.
wild fire. Collect field botany and fuel data including identifying
plants to species using keys. Gain knowledge and experience in
ecological research and sampling, as well as keying and identification
of plants. Many positions will be filled. Positions start in early
to mid-May and will last 4 – 8 months. Want
people with an interest in forest ecology and who want to work
outdoors. Some positions require an interest in plant ecology,
strong plant taxonomy skills, and extensive camping. For more
information, call Anne at (559) 565-3172 or e:mail at ahpfaff@usgs.gov.
To apply, go to http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/ and look for jobs
in Tulare County, CA; announcement #WR-2008-0195 and/or WR-2008-0197.
(Note: we have 2 GS-5 announcements open. If you want to be considered
for both positions, you must apply separately to each announcement.)
6 SUMMER RESEARCH POSITIONS
to work in the High Calcareous and
High CentralProvinces of the Great Basin in the state of Nevada.
USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, SageSTEP
Treatment Evaluation Project The Positions: Research assistants
for field and lab work with the pinyon-juniper woodland network
experiment of the SageSTEP Treatment Evaluation Project. Work
includes sampling vegetation and soils in central and eastern
Nevada sagebrush steppe, laboratory processing of the collected
materials, and data entry. You may be eligible for academic credit,
talk to your advisor. Hours: Full time (40 hrs/wk) from early/mid
May until classes resume at the end of August. Some part time
before and after this period is possible. Pay: $11.34 - $14.24/hr
depending on education and experience. Housing supplied by the
Ely Ranger District (rent approximately $6/day . Qualifications:
Interest in working with plants required, knowledge of native
Nevada and/or Great Basin plant species desirable. Familiarity
with field plant and soil data collection techniques and lab processing
techniques. Computer skills, especially MS Excel. Good physical
condition, including ability to work outdoors for extended periods
of time in varying weather conditions. This will include hiking
long distances at high elevations in rough terrain carrying research
equipment and samples. Availability for extended field work, up
to 8 days (usually Monday-Monday) with 6 days off (usually Tuesday-Sunday).
Good driving record. Experience with 4WD vehicles is desirable.
Send Cover letter, Resume, Contact information for three references
and transcripts (Unofficial-OK) to primary contact *Travis Miller*.
Contact: Travis Miller, Site Manager, travismiller@fs.fed.us,
USDA Forest Service, RMRS 825 Ave. E ,Ely, NV 89301, 775.289.5123
Dr. Robin Tausch, Range Ecologist, tausch@unr.edu, USDA Forest
Service, RMRS, 775.784.5329
SUMMER RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITIONS USDA
Forest Service, Rocky
Mountain Research Station Great Basin Ecosystem Management Project
The Rocky Mountains Research Station's Forestry Laboratory, Reno
(Great Basin Ecology Lab) will be hiring 2-5 summer research assistants
to help with several plant ecology projects. The projects include
research in plant invasion in the great Basin (Cheatgrass), fire,
soils, plant competition, hydrology and riparian ecology.
The
Positions: Research assistants for field and lab work with the
riparian plant ecology, Pinyon-juniper ecology, invasive species,
and fire history studies of the Great Basin Ecosystem Management
Project. Work includes sampling vegetation and soils in central
Nevada watersheds laboratory processing of the collected materials,
and data entry. You may be eligible for academic credit—talk
to your adviser. Hours: Full time (40 hrs/wk) from mid/late May
until classes resume at the end of August. Some part time before
and after this period is possible. Pay: $11.34 - $15.88/hr depending
on education and experience.
Qualifications: Interest in working
with plants required, knowledge of native Nevada plant species
desirable. Familiarity with field plant and soil data collection
techniques and lab processing techniques.Computer skills, especially
MS Excel. Good physical condition, including ability to work outdoors
for extended periods of time in varying weather conditions. This
will include hiking long distances in rough terrain with sampling
gear and samples. Availability for extended field work, up to
five days (usually Monday-Friday).Good driving record. Some experience
with 4WD vehicles is desirable.Send Cover letter, Resume, Contact
information for three references and transcripts (Unofficial-OK)
to David Board Contact: David Board, Ecologist, dboard@fs.fed.us,
USDA Forest Service, RMRS, 775.784.5329. Find out more about the
Great Basin Ecology Lab, or download a copy of this announcement
at www.ag.unr.edu/gbem
RESTORATION JOB
I am hiring a Revegetation Assistant for summer
2008 . I'm particularly looking for someone with restoration experience
or at least some kind of field work experience. My first choice
is to hire a post-graduate, so he/she could work into the fall.
Description below (and on the RMBL webpage):Description : The
assistant's duties will include 1) revegetation of disturbed areas
in and near the Gothic townsite, including transplanting plants
and reseeding, 2) assisting with active management of invasive
plants, and 3) using GPS equipment to map restoration efforts.
We are looking for someone who is not afraid of hard work and
has a sincere interest in applied restoration projects. The chosen
person will work an average of 40 hours/week from approximately
June 1 to September 30 (start and end dates are flexible).Benefits
: $1200-1600/month DOE plus room, board (for the 10 weeks the
dining hall is open), and station fees will be provided. To Apply
: Complete applications should include a cover letter, a CV, and
two letters of recommendation. Submission of application materials
by email is preferable to submission by US postal mail. However,
both will be accepted. Application materials submitted by email
should be sent to Dr. Jennifer Reithel (jreithel at gmail.com).
Materials sent via US postal mail should be addressed: Revegetation
Assistant, RMBL, PO Box 519, Crested Butte, CO 81224. All application
materials should clearly indicate the person's name and the position
(Revegetation Assistant). Applications will be accepted until
the position is filled. We will hire someone by April 1, 2008.
Questions : contact Dr. Jennifer Reithel (jreithel at gmail.com).Thank
you for letting your students know about these opportunities.
Most of our students find us by word of mouth. For more information
see the RMBL webpage <http://www.rmbl.org/>www.rmbl.org
or contact me directly.
PROGRAM ASSISTANT, HEADQUARTERS OFFICE, 01/15/08
The American
Institute of Biological Sciences, a membership-based nonprofit
scientific organization, seeks a program assistant to join its
team at AIBS Headquarters in Washington, DC. This is a full-time
salaried position. Will assist Executive Office and Public Policy
Office staff in promoting AIBS membership and programs, organizing
events, and conducting public policy activities. Some travel required.
Requires a Bachelor's degree. The successful candidate will be
a reliable, well-organized, and personable individual with an
enthusiastic roll-up-your-sleeves work attitude and an abiding
interest in advancing the biological sciences. Must have proficiency
with computers and database software plus experience with web
publishing. Must have strong oral and written communications skills
combined with attention to detail and grace under pressure while
multi-tasking on time-sensitive projects with AIBS staff and others.
Salary in the 30s. Excellent benefits incl. health care and retirement
plan. Email cover letter and resume with "Program Assistant" in
the subject line to rogrady@aibs.org. http://www.aibs.org/classifieds/aibs_positions_available.html
VEGETATION TECHNICIANS
The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition
(ENLC) is seeking applications for Vegetation Technicians and
Lead Vegetation Technicians. JOB TITLE: Vegetation Technician
and Lead Vegetation Technician DURATION: Period 1: Late March
through May 2008, Period 2: June through September 2008 (Priority
will be given to candidates who can work both periods) SCHEDULE:
40 hours per week in an eight on, six off schedule (ten hour days)
PAY: $14/hour for technicians, $17/hour for lead technicians,
plus $29/day per diem rate when in the field LOCATION: Ely, Nevada
(project work can be up to 200 miles away from Ely) APPLICATION
DEADLINE: February 8th, 2008 POSITION DESCRIPTION: This is a field
position that requires extensive camping and backcountry travel.
Technicians will be responsible for collecting and entering post-fire
vegetation response data from recently burned areas located in
remote parts of Eastern Nevada on public lands administered by
the BLM. Data collected will be used to evaluate the effectiveness
of emergency stabilization and rehabilitation treatments. Common
treatments include aerial and hand seeding of perennial grasses,
forbs and shrubs to stabilize soils and prevent the introduction
and spread of invasive plants and noxious weeds. All Technicians
will be responsible for driving and hiking to sampling locations.
Technicians will be required to collect data following rigorous
sampling protocols. Lead Technicians will be responsible for coordinating
and overseeing the daily activities of a three-person field crew,
including data quality checks. Lead Technicians will also be responsible
for ensuring the safety their crew. This is a great opportunity
to learn about the flora of the Great Basin and Mojave and also
to learn about fire ecology in the region. TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATIONS:
Interest in plant identification (experience preferred), Experience
operating 4X4 pickup over rough roads, Ability to navigate using
topographic maps, compass, and GPS, Ability to hike up to 10 miles
per day carrying a 30 pound pack, Experience camping in a remote
backcountry setting for 3-4 day , stints. Ability to work 10-hour
days in temperatures that can exceed 100ºF. Ability to follow
rigorous sampling protocols. Ability to work as part of a crew.
Authorization to work in the U.S. LEAD TECHNICIAN QUALIFICATIONS/DUTIES:
Qualifications listed above for general technicians. Familiarity
with dichotomous keys and recognition of plants at a family level.
Previous knowledge of Great Basin/Mojave flora desired.Experience
with field sampling protocols and ensuring data quality. First
aid knowledge/training. Strong leadership skills AREA BACKGROUND:
Eastern Nevada is a sparsely populated region with a diverse array
of landscapes including the Great Basin and Mojave deserts as
well as mountainous areas containing forests, alpine environments,
lakes, and streams. While the area is rather unknown, eastern
Nevada contains excellent outdoor recreation opportunities including
hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, backcountry
skiing, fishing, and hunting. Approximately 95% of the area is
public land. The region has over one million acres of designated
wilderness and scenic Great Basin National Park. Ely is a town
of approximately 5,000 residents. Ely has most services typical
of a town its size including restaurants, motels, campgrounds,
laundromats, a large grocery store, and a movie theater. Every
field season Ely receives a large influx of seasonal employees
working on public lands. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Please follow
these instructions carefully. Applicants should E-MAIL a cover
letter, resume, and contact information for at least three references
to Neil Frakes at nof_enlc@sbcglobal.net. Materials should be
e-mailed by February 8th, 2008. For more information, please visit
our website (envlc.org), e-mail Neil Frakes at the address above
or call (775) 289-7974 Ex. 6.
WILDLIFE TECHS
(3 Avian Point Count positions) needed approximately
May 1st through early July 2008 with some flexibility on either
end. Enthusiastic,curious, and independent-minded birders needed
to conduct point counts for the 17th year of Utah's statewide
riparian bird monitoring project. Salary ranges from $10.47-$16.44/hr
DOE and education. Vehicle and grocery allowance also provided.
Applicants must be willing to work long hours independently (frequently
alone), car-camp for extended periods, enjoy early morning work,
hike up to 5 miles/day, have excellent vision & hearing, and
ability to operate a 4WD vehicle with a valid driver's license.
The Utah Partners in Flight Program is building a statewide database
for all birds. Each year point count surveys are conducted at
over 40 established sites statewide. Examples of duties: conducts
unlimited distance point count surveys; performs data entry of
field survey results and other data as needed; records survey
and observation activities in field notebook; and performs quality
control on database entries both individually and in conjunction
with other wildlife professionals and technicians; performs other
related duties as assigned. PREFERRED CANDIDATES WILL BE: Able
to identify western riparian birds both visually and by song/call;
Experienced with unlimited distance point count methods and/or
line transect methods. Able to estimate populations of mixed species
with reasonable accuracy; Able to enter field data using Excel
and Access. Able to interact well with other team members and
the general public. Preference may be given to applicants with
a degree in biological sciences, wildlife, or other closely-related
fields.
Positions are administered out of the Utah Division of
Wildlife Resources Salt Lake City office. Two positions will be
based in the southern half of the state and one will be in the
northern half. Study sites are located in some of the most picturesque
landscapes in North America, including Zion and Capitol Reef National
Parks, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, State and
Federal Wildlife Management Areas, and several National Forests.
***Mandatory training will be held in late April-early May 2008.
However, this can be somewhat flexible if you are a current student***.
APPLICATIONS: please submit by February 29th 2008, however, hiring
will begin once suitable applicants are found. E-mail (preferred)
or mail: cover letter, resume, and the names, addresses, phone
numbers and email addresses of three references to hillarywhite@utah.gov
or mail to: Hillary White, Wildland Resources, 5230 Old Main Hill,
Logan, UT 84322-5230 *For more information phone (801) 209-2013
or email hillarywhite@utah.gov
WILDLIFE TECHNICIANS
The Pleasant valley ranger district is looking
for some summer Wildlife techs Tonto National Forest and Payson
and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts are hiring 4 – 8 Wildlife
Technicians at both Districts. Technicians will be part of survey/habitat
improvement teams. Housing available ONLY at Pleasant Valley (Young,AZ).
Contact: E.H. “Duke” Klein, CWB, Zone Wildlife staff,
928-474-7900 or eklein@fs.fed.us
JOBS -- JOBS -- JOBS
The Mojave Desert Network (MOJN) Inventory
and Monitoring Program seeks an Ecologist (GS-0408) to develop
a long-term ecological monitoring program for 7 park units. This
is a permanent, full time, GS-11 position (approx. $54,494 to
$70,843) and is open to federal status and non-status applicants.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
The Ecologist will assist in
developing and implementing a long-term monitoring program that
evaluates status and trends in selected Vital Signs for the network
(key ecosystem components and processes). The Ecologist is responsible
for ensuring the scientific rigor and statistical soundness of
the overall program. The incumbent works within or leads teams
(consisting of NPS resource professionals, agency and academic
researchers, and other internal or external cooperators) in the
development of monitoring protocols. The incumbent visits field
sites to implement and supervise data collection, conducts statistical
data analysis using appropriate techniques and tools, interprets
and synthesizes results, and communicates the significance of
findings through presentations, reports, and publications. The
incumbent also supports administration of the program through
project coordination, writing and overseeing contracts and agreements,
developing work plans, schedules, and cost estimates, and tracking
budgets. The position will involve a combination of office work,
field time, and travel to the parks.
MOJN encompasses the following
7 park units in Nevada, California, and Arizona: Lake Mead National
Recreation Area, Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve,
Joshua Tree National Park, Great Basin National Park, Parashant
National Monument, and Manzanar National Historic Site. Information
on the MOJN Inventory Monitoring Program can be found at the following
web site http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/MOJN/index.cfm Additional information: The position will be stationed at Lake
Mead National Recreation Area in Boulder City, Nevada. Boulder
City is located within Clark County in southern Nevada (population
is approximately 15,000) and is 15 to 30 miles south of Henderson,
Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas. The area offers a range of recreational
experiences, scenic settings, and diverse natural and cultural
resources.
Application procedures: Detailed application instructions
may be found in vacancy announcements which will be posted on
the USAJOBs website (http://www.usajobs.gov/). Be sure to carefully
follow instructions in the announcement. Vacancy announcement
numbers PWROAK-08-10-DEU & PWROAK-08-10-MPP are at http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=67548148
and http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=67534309. Announcements
will be posted on USAJOBs for approximately one month starting
January 23, 2008. For more information on application procedures,
call 510-817-1343.For more information about the position, contact
Dr. Alice Chung-MacCoubrey, Mojave Network Coordinator, via email
at alice_chung-maccoubrey@nps.gov.
DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE
Biosphere 2 Position Announcement: Associate
Director of Science (job number 40085) To apply, please visit:
https://www.uacareertrack.com The University of Arizona Biosphere
2 program is seeking an outstanding individual as an Associate
Director of Science. Over the next 10 years, The University of
Arizona will explore the consequences of climate change and human
pressures on Earth's most important resource, Water. We are constructing
an integrated, cross-disciplinary effort to mechanistically understand
how water moves through soils, plants, and the atmosphere from
the scale of individual molecules to that of whole-watersheds.
The research program consists of parallel efforts at experimentation
over large scales, monitoring of natural landscapes and modeling
of processes at local, regional and global scales. More information
about the program can be found at www.b2science.org <http://www.b2science.org> .
The Associate Director of Science will take part in the development
of a unique community research facility, and an extended research
program connecting strong programs in ecology, hydrology, soils,
atmospheric and earth science at The University of Arizona. We
seek an individual with experience in field work in the earth
and environmental sciences and exposure to the management of field
and lab personnel. The successful incumbent will manage diverse
research projects, graduate students, technicians, volunteers
and undergraduate student assistants in the B2 Earthscience program.
This individual will be an important coordinator of faculty research
at Biosphere 2, at local field sites and on the campus of the
University of Arizona. As such, duties will require the position
to be both at the Biosphere 2 facility and at the main University
of Arizona campus. We expect this individual to have a demonstrated
history of grantsmanship and publication and will be expected
to compete for grants to support additional research activities
and publishing of research results. The individual will join the
B2 Earthscience steering committee, and carry out activities prioritized
by that group. A PhD is required and post-doctoral research experience
is preferred, but outstanding candidates at different career states
will be considered. We will begin considering applicants on the
15th of February and continue review until an acceptable applicant
is found. The starting date will be April 1, 2008, or as soon
as possible after that, and the salary will be competitive, and
commensurate with experience. Inquiries on the position should
be sent to Candace Crossey (crossey@email.arizona.edu) or 520-626-4092.
POSITION OUTREACH
- Ecologist, GS-0408-11 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, January
8, 2008
The purpose of this early alert is to maximize diversity
of the pool of candidates. The U.S.D.A. prohibits discrimination
in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, religion, age, disability, political benefits, and marital
or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication
of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)
should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD). The USDA Forest Service provides reasonable accommodations
to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation
for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify
the Human Resources office for assistance. The decision on granting
reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
U.S.D.A. is an equal employment opportunity employer. The USDA
Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station (http://www.fs.fed.us/rm)
anticipates filling an Ecologist position (GS-0408-11) in the
Las Vegas area in the near future. The Rocky Mountain Research
Station (RMRS) is one of six research stations, in addition to
the Forest Products Laboratory, that make up Forest Service Research
and Development. RMRS is a multicultural and diverse organization
that employs over 400 permanent full-time employees, of which
about 100 are scientists. The work we do, in cooperation with
other Forest Service units, universities and other agencies and
institutions, helps find and present solutions to a wide variety
of natural resources issues and problems throughout the western
United States. We are recognized nationally and internationally
as a leader in caring for the land and serving people. RMRS enjoys
a proud heritage and is home to some of the earliest natural resources
research dating back to the early 1900s. Today, our research program
is based on our mission of being an organization of dedicated
people advancing science and supporting natural resource management
through research and development. We provide a caring and nurturing
environment where leadership is shared and all employees are respected,
accepted and appreciated for their unique and important contributions.
I hope you find your work interesting, challenging, rewarding
and fun! We invite you to visit our Internet Website (http://www.fs.fed.us/rm)
for additional insight. The Rocky Mountain Research Station of
the USDA Forest Service will be recruiting for a GS-0408-11, 3-year
full-Time position with the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain
Research Station (RMRS), to be located with the Humboldt-Toiyabe
National forest in Las Vegas, Nevada. We circulate this information
to inform prospective applicants of this up coming opportunity.
The position would be attached to the Rocky Mountain Research
Station's (RMRS) Program Area of Grasslands, Shrublands, and Desert
Ecosystems, and administered through the RMRS Great Basin Ecology
laboratory located in Reno, Nevada. This position is being created
to specifically address collaborative research and management
needs associated with the Humboldt- Toiyabe National Forests Administration
of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA) and Clark
Countys Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), in
association with the Southern Nevada Land Planning and Management
Act (SNLPMA). The position would be physically located in Las
Vegas, Nevada, with the scientist housed in an office provided
by the Las Vegas Ranger District. The mission of the research
team at the RMRS Great Basin Ecology laboratory in Reno and the
objectives for management of the SMNRA are complimentary. The
research mission for the research team in Reno is to increase
understanding of the effects of long-term climate change processes
and more recent natural and anthropogenic disturbances on the
ecological processes of Great Basin ecosystems and watersheds,
and to use this understanding to devise methods for their restoration
and management. There are two problems assigned to this team that
are pertinent to this position: (1) determine the effects of,
and interactions between, natural and anthropogenic disturbance
and climate change on ecosystem structure and function; and (2)
develop effective concepts and methods for restoring and maintaining
both upland and riparian ecosystem integrity. The overall objectives
for management of the SMNRA are to use scientific knowledge to
develop effective management methods for maintaining or restoring
habitat integrity and biodiversity and to accurately monitor outcomes.
Specific objectives include 1)To preserve the scenic, scientific,
historic, cultural , natural , wilderness, watershed, riparian,
wildlife, threatened and endangered species, and other values
contributing to public enjoyment and biological diversity in the
Spring Mountains NRA; and 2)to ensure appropriate conservation
and management of natural and recreation resources in the Spring
Mountains. The assignment would include identification of important
linkages between landscape characteristics, land management, and
processes that structure and constrain the expression of aquatic
biological diversity. It may include development of practical
conservation strategies and other information relevant to federal
land management. Research models may be derived from emerging
theory in population biology, conservation biology, and landscape
ecology, but any approach will be challenged to consider processes
important over spatial and temporal scales with little empirical
precedent. The incumbent will be expected to develop a research
and management program using both internal and external funding
consistent with their strengths and interests and potential for
collaboration with other scientists and managers. The work should
also result in publishable contributions to scientific journals
in one or more of the fields of ecology, population biology, fish
biology, conservation biology, watershed science and/or integrated
environmental management. The assignment and the unit mission
requires close collaboration and communication with land managers,
management and regulatory biologists and with scientists working
on related physical and terrestrial ecological processes. To express
your interest in this outreach announcement, or if you would like
additional information, please contact Robin Tausch at 775-784-5329,or
rtausch@fs.fed.us, by February 1, 2008. Interested candidates
will be notified when the position is formally opened for application.
Community and National Forest Information for Las Vegas, Nevada:
The Forest At over 6.3 million acres, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National
Forest is the largest National Forest in the contiguous United
States. The Forest spans the entire state of Nevada, with one
million acres of land in eastern California, along the Eastern
Sierra Front. The Forest consists of four distinct geographic
areas, the Sierra Nevada, Central Nevada, Northeastern Nevada,
and the Spring Mountains (Las Vegas). The Nevada portion extends
from the Idaho/Oregon border south to Las Vegas, and from the
California border east to the Utah border. The Forest administers
5.3 million acres in 12 of Nevada's 17 counties; and one million
acres in 7 California counties. Spring Mountains NRA - The Spring
Mountains NRA includes 316,000 acres of National Forest system
land in Southern Nevadas Clark and Nye counties. The closest communities
are Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas, near the North and Eastern
NRA boundaries. Pahrump lies on the western side of the NRA about
10 miles from the border. The NRA received about 1.9 million visitors
annually. In the summer visitors are seeking the cool green sky
island above the desert with much cooler temperatures. In winter,
snow is on the mountain, and the only downhill skiing and snowboarding
area in Clark County attracts many visitors. The mountain is an
awesome place to visit year around as it displays six life zones,
many wildlife species, hiking trails, springs, extensive wilderness
areas, and an experience unlike anything the busy metropolitan
Las Vegas valley offers. The mountains are a sky island surrounded
by the hot and dry Mojave Desert; therefore the flora and fauna
are remarkable. There are over 50 species unique to the Spring
Mountains. In the center of the Spring Mountains NRA, stands the
limestone summit of Mount Charleston nearly 12,000 feet above
sea level. American Indian Tribes consider the mountain a sacred
place. The Las Vegas metropolitan area, home to two-million people,
is among thefastest growing areas in the United States. Las Vegas
receives 6,000 new residents each month. Las Vegas is surrounded
by seven million acres of federal lands, managed by the US Forest
Service, Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service,
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These federal lands include
18 wilderness areas and 8 congressionally designated areas including
the Spring Mountains NRA, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation
Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Desert NationalWildlife
Refuge Complex, and Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. In
Southern Nevada the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management,
National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have formed
the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership (SNAP) as a forum for the
agencies to address common situations such as protecting Mojave
Desert resources, and increasing demands for public use. Through
collaborative management each agency achieves greater operational
efficiency, enhances resource conservation, and more effectively
serves the public. For additional Forest information, check out
the H-T website http://www.fs.fed.us/htnf/ Or the Region 4 website
www.fs.fed.us/r4 . Use of Your Information We will appreciate
any information you share with us so that we can decide how to
advertise this position and how to structure it to attract applicants.
You may use the form attached to this notice or contact=20 Paulette
Benally, Program Assistant, Rocky Mountain Research Station at=20=
=20 pbenally@fs.fed.us or 775-784-5329. Applicants must be U.S.
citizens. The main purpose of this early alert is to maximize
diversity of the pool= =20 of candidates. The USDA prohibits discrimination
in its programs on the=20= basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, religion, age, disability,=20= political beliefs, and marital
or familial status (not all prohibited bas= es=20 apply to all
programs). The attached outreach is for your information. If you
are an education=20= institution please post the Out Reach to
your Jobs Board.=20 Thank you for your interest in this position!=20=20
=20 OUTREACH NOTICE RESPONSE FORM Please fax this form to: Robin
Tausch at 775-784-4583 or mail to: Robin Tausch Rocky Mountain
Research Station 920 Valley Road Reno, NV 89512
For more information, to subscribe or unsubscribe to this
list contact: Jan Kerata, Administrator, Merriam-Powell Center
, 928.523.6221
|
