Greetings from the Merriam-Powell Center for Environmental Research!
April 1, 2008

In an effort to save space sending large email documents, we are sending only the Topics with the link to the MPC web page where the entire weekly update can be viewed.

MPC WEB LINK AT :
http://www.mpcer.nau.edu/weekly_update/

Dr. Richard Shand: Celebration of Life: April 5th 2:00-3:00pm in the Wettaw Building.

TOPICS AT A GLANCE: Merriam-Powell Seminars -- Human Genetics and Genomics Faculty Candidate Seminars -- Biology Seminars -- Herbicide Spraying Schedule -- Forestry Seminars -- Forest Policy Lectures -- Spring 2008 CLIMATE Mitigation Class Recommendations, April 30.
CENS's “Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Design Day”, Friday, April 18, 2008 -- CENS Recruitment Newsletter
Southwest Institute for Learning with Technology (formerly the e-Learning Institute), May 19-21, 2008, at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
Incubator Available!
Continued access for faculty, staff and students to the WorldWatch Magazine
Workshop for pre-service educators - Project WET and Project Learning Tree - April 25
2008 Junior Scientist Outstanding Publication Awards, Applications due May 1.
The 38th Biological Systems Simulation Group Conference, April 8 – 10. --
Environmental (In)Justice: Sources, Symptoms, and Solutions, April 11 – 24.
2nd Annual Arthropod Genomics Symposium: April 11 - 13
Summer Field Courses in the Rockies w/RMBL
Graduate Research Seminar (GRS) July (5th and 6th) in conjunction with the Gordon Research Conference (GRC), Metabolic Basis of Ecology (July 6th-11th)
The 2008 Montgomery and Associates Summer Internship at the WRRC for an Environmental/Water Writer, due April 25.
2nd Annual Rachel Carson Intergenerational Poetry, Essay and Photo Contest
Student EcoFilm Awards 2008 – April 15th deadline
ESA Student Section is awarding travel grants for students to attend the meeting of the Ecological Society of America in Milwaukee!
Mojave Applied Ecology Notes
Seeking data for a regional meta-analysis of relationships between flow regimes and riparian vegetation in the southwestern U.S.
Looking for forested experimental field sites
American Institute of Professional Geologists-AHS-3rd IPGC Conference: September 20-24, 2008 in Flagstaff, Arizona
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Survey
Bicycle Facilities Design Workshop, 4/7 – 4/8, Flagstaff

JOBS -- JOBS -- JOBS
Postdoctoral Position, CO State
Field Assistant, AZ-NM
Entry level and Senior Scientist, LA Basin
Director of Development, RMBL
3 Bio-Techs, NAU
Cross-Ord Interdisciplinary Post-Doctoral Research Program, EPA
Field Assistant, SW -US
NWF seeks Conservation Funding Campaign Coordinator
Field Research Assistants, CA
Catalina Island Conservancy Plant Ecologist
Summer Ecology Field Technician, Four corners region
Summer Ecology Field Technician, AZ
Field Assistants, Yellowstone National Park
Research Technician -- ENSIS Ltd, University College London
Biological Science Technicians, CA
Summer Field Research in Alaska
Junior Specialist -- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis
Biological Science Technician, CA
Land Management, Western US
Ecological Technician,NV
Wetlands Restoration and Avian Ecology Research in the Mojave Desert Summer 2008

DR. RICHARD SHAND: CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Hi everyone, For those of you not linked to Dick's care page, let me update you on arrangements for his 'Celebration of Life' event. The ceremony will take place this Saturday, April 5, in the Wettaw lecture hall from 2 to 3. From 4 to 8 there will be an open house at the Shands, where folks can drop in (Linda Shand plans on providing some food, and additions are welcome) and have a social time together with friends and family. Maps to the Shands will be distributed at the Wettaw ceremony. From what Linda has said, this will be a perfect way to remember our dear friend and colleague. It will mean a lot to the Shand family to have many of his university friends and colleagues there.

MERRIAM-POWELL SEMINARS
April 4: Joey Blankinship: “Global change effects on the function and structure of soil biota”
April 11: Anthony Arena: “Feeding dynamics & trophic structure of a native fish”

HUMAN GENETICS AND GENOMICS FACULTY CANDIDATE SEMINARS
Human Genetics and Genomics Faculty Candidate Seminar: Wednesday April 2nd from 9:00-10:00am in the Liberal Arts Building Room 135 Dr. Marek Malecki, MD, Ph.D. from South Dakota State University will present “Genetics and genomics of oxidative stress with implications for therapy of stroke and cancer.”
*THURSDAY – 10 – April – 2008* *Dr. Jason Wilder, Ph.D., Williams College, “Evolutionary Genetics of Southeast Asian Malaria Resistance Loci” – 11:30AM in LA135*
MONDAY – 14-April-2008* *Dr. Peggy Kovach, Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, “Molecular Pathology of Deafness due to Mutation in PMP22” – 9AM in LA135*

BIOLOGY SEMINAR
Biology Seminar: Thursday April 3rd at 3:45pm in the Wettaw Building Auditorium Idelle Cooper, Ph.D. Candidate from Indiana University, will present “Ecological causation of intersexual mimicry in a Hawaiian damselfly.”

HERBICIDE SPRAYING SCHEDULE
Attached is the campus herbicide spraying schedule for April 12 – April 21, 2008. Please share this information with others in your area.
Saturday April 12th Lawn areas Building 73. Parking lot Islands in P66.
Sunday April 13th Lawns, decomposed granite/river rock areas, shrub beds, around Buildings 2, 1, 12, 13 & areas along Milton Road.
Monday April 14th Information Turnouts and Sign Islands McConnell Drive, University Drive, Dupont, Riordan Road, San Francisco Street, & DG Areas Building 56
Thursday April 17th Lawn Areas Building 25, & Rock and DG Areas Building 34
Friday April 18th Non-developed areas Building 51 and Parking Lot P60
Saturday April 19th Lawns, decomposed granite/river rock areas, around Buildings 37, 37a, 27, 27a (omitting the NE corner Building 37) & Parking lots P13, P13a, & P13 D.
Sunday April 20th Lawns, decomposed granite/river rock areas, around Buildings 37, 37a, 27, 27a (omitting the NE corner Building 37) & Parking lots P13, P13a, & P13 D.
Monday April 21st Lawns, decomposed granite/river rock areas, shrub beds, around Parking Garage P96 & DG areas along Riordan Road.
Spraying Hours: Between 7am and 3pm each scheduled day.(Weather permitting.)
Spraying Locations: All areas between roadways and buildings, including roadway islands.
If you have questions or concerns, contact Tex Byars, Capital Assets & Services, at 3-6447 or 220-1737. Veronica Tellez-Tapia , Office of the VP for Administration and Finance , Northern Arizona University , Ph: 928.523.8286

FORESTRY SEMINARS
April 2 - Josh Schimel, UC Santa Barbara “The microbial biogeochemistry of drought”
Host: Greg Newman
April 9 - Kevin O'Hara, UC Berkeley, ‘Thompson Memorial Lecture: Myths of uneven-aged silviculture ‘ Host: Natalie Angell

FOREST POLICY LECTURES
Are you interested in forest restoration and management, the role of science in guiding forest
policy, and the implications on biodiversity conservation?
“Breaking the Gridlock on Forest Management: Policy Reform, Institutional Change,
and Changing Public Values”
The master's program in Environmental Science and Policy, along with the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Grand Canyon Trust, is hosting an exciting series this semester, the Lecture Series in Western Landscapes Conservation* and we would like to alert you to our final event.
April 7th from **5:30-7pm** At NAU's Gardner Auditorium in the Franke College of Business
Dr. Barry Noon (Colorado State University), and Dan Rohlf (Lewis and Clark Law School)
will deliver lectures on forest management, policy, and law.
For more information visit our website at: http://westernconservationseries.org/
Ryan Drum, Doris Duke Conservation Fellow, Environmental Sciences and Policy
Northern Arizona University, (608)334-9291

SPRING 2008 CLIMATE MITIGATION CLASS RECOMMENDATIONS
The Spring, 2008 interdisciplinary Climate Mitigation class has been working on several options for Northern Arizona University to reduce the greenhouse gas carbon "footprint" on campus. The class is designed to help NAU meet the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, which President Haeger signed last year. By signing on, President Haeger joined a small group of college and university presidents leading the way by committing to reducing their own institutions’ greenhouse gas emissions. Come hear this year's student recommendations.
Please join us: Wednesday, April 30th 1:45 - 2:45 DuBois Conference Center , Southwest Room
Please forward this along to others who may be interested. Thanks very much. Sally Evans, C.R.A. Operations and Contract Manager , WRC NICCR , Northern Arizona University ,
Phone: 928.523.5309

CENS – CELEBRATION OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND DESIGN DAY
I am pleased to send you this Second, reminder Notice of the CENS's *Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Design Day, scheduled for Friday, April 18, 2008*, . This is 15th year of an annual event begun as Engineering's Senior Design Day, and it is the 4th year since the event was expanded to include the sciences and mathematics. It will be held all day in the du Bois Conference Center.
As before, all of your undergraduate research and senior design students are invited to submit abstracts and present posters on their research and design projects during the Celebration. Senior Design Students and Environmental Science Student will all be giving oral presentations throughout the day. Posters will be judged by a panel of faculty, alumni, and friends of the college, and the best three design project posters and the best three undergraduate research posters will be recognized with modest awards. Please encourage your student to submit abstracts and give a poster presentation. *Abstracts are due by April 1, 2008*, and a more complete description of the CENS event can be found at: http://www.cens.nau.edu/research/RandD.shtml, where you will see a link to the Registration Page and a link to Poster Template.
Unlike before, the CENS Celebration is part of (and a leader in the development of ) the University's Undergraduate Symposium which will highlight accomplishments by undergraduate students in each of the colleges over a two-day period, April 17 and 18. The Symposium will be kicked off on Thursday evening with a talk by Andrew Rosenthal, NY Times Editorial Page Editor on "Meeting the Global Challenges that will Shape Our Future." The talk will be followed by and multimedia presentation by Felice Nudleman of the New York Times, Erik Peterson of the Center fro Strategic and International Studies on on The Seven Revolutions project, which considers the long-term implications of global trends facing the world. More details to follow.
Barry L Lutz , Interim Dean, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences , Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Northern Arizona University, Tel. 928-523-9117 www.nau.edu/cens

CENS RECRUITMENT NEWSLETTER
April 2 The Passport to Learning: CENS International Event will be held in EGR, room 118, from 5 - 6:30p.m. Engineers Without Borders, Center for International Education, and PeaceCorps will be presenting.
April 7 Application deadline for the President’s Academic Diversity and Equity Research Program for faculty.
April 8 Council of Clubs meeting for student organization representatives & their advisors in the Bio Lab, room 111, from 3:30 - 5p.m.
April 15 Verde Valley Rally Outreach Event for Spanish-speaking high school students at Sedona Red Rock High, 7p.m.
April 18 The 15th Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research & Design Day will be held in the duBois Center from 8:30a.m. - 4p.m.
April 19 Discover NAU Open House for prospective students.
April 26 Sonia K. Math & Engineering Day for outstanding high school girls. 8:30a.m. - 3p.m. in EGR 101.

CONTINUED ACCESS TO WORLDWATCH MAGAZINE
Hi everyone, I have provided the institutional information required to secure continued access for faculty, staff and students to the WorldWatch magazine. You can read the message below for instructions on how to access the magazine, which is usually full of useful information. Also, please note that they state explicitly that your emails will not be collected or used inappropriately. Thanks, Maribeth
The Worldwatch Institute’s mission is to provide compelling, accessible, and fact-based analysis of critical global issues to inform people around the world about the complex interactions between humans, nature, and economies. /World Watch/ magazine’s extensive coverage of environmental events and sustainability issues complements a wide range of curricula and provides rich material for in-class and extracurricular discussion. For this reason, our magazine articles are frequently selected for inclusion in commercially published textbooks and our annual /State of the World/ <http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/sow/2006/toc/>/ /report is required reading in many university programs.
We would like to offer you and your students free online access to /World Watch /magazine. As this programs point of contact, you will receive a monthly magazine summary with a link to the digital version of the magazine. We encourage you to share this with your students and colleagues, but also ask that you limit distribution for educational purposes only. We rely heavily on publication sales for our operating budget.
In order to assuage any privacy concerns, we do NOT collect students’ emails. Currently, 24,000 students in over 200 environmental studies programs around the world are receiving our free link. We believe students are the change makers of tomorrow and are therefore integral to our mission to inform and inspire a sustainable future.
Click on this link to download the PDF of the July/August issue of /World Watch/: World Watch July/August 2007 <http://www.worldwatch.org/press/prerelease/EP204.pdf>
Please also visit our website <http://www.worldwatch.org/> to learn more about our magazine and our other high-quality research publications. We hope to hear from you soon. Thank you for your time! Julia Tier, Communications Associate , Worldwatch Institute
jtier@worldwatch.org

WORKSHOP FOR PRESERVICE STUDENTS: PROJECTS WET & LEARNING TREE -- Come spend a day at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock learning new techniques and activities for teaching your preservice students how to teach about water and the environment on April 25. Using the curriculum from Project WET and Project Learning Tree, we will create learning opportunities that engage and challenge your students.
Participants receive the Project WET Activity Guide, the PLT Activity Guide, and many other teacher and student resources.
Travel assistance and participant stipends are available. Lunch will be provided. Registration deadline is 4/11/08. To register or for more information, contact: , Barbara Garrity (505) 715-7021 garrity.barbara@gmail.com

INVITATION TO ATTEND SOUTHWEST INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING WITH TECHNOLOGY It’s invitation time! You are cordially invited to attend the upcoming Southwest Institute for Learning with Technology (formerly the e-Learning Institute), May 19-21, 2008, at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
This fourth annual Institute offers the following tracks, providing opportunities to explore new technology, discover ways to make your classes engaging and effective, exchange ideas with colleagues, and more: Assessment , Emerging Technologies , Pedagogies and Practice , Student Poster Presentations , Tools, Tips, and Tricks
Experienced instructors, administrators, and support staff will share case studies, best practices, policies, and trends in using instructional tools to enhance teaching and to help students excel.
We hope to see you this year. For more information, view the conference schedule and online registration <http://www.nau.edu/%7Ed-elearn/events/detail.php?EVENT_ID=142> on
the e-Learning Center's website. You can also join our mailing list to stay up to date on Institute news.

INCUBATOR AVAILABLE
Amy Kelly here from the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. We just inherited a 2 incubator unit from the Arizona State Lab. The exact unit is a VWR Scientific model # 1565. If you are interested in obtaining this unit, please call me and we can schedule a time for pick up. If the incubator could be picked up within the next week, I would appreciate it. It’s rather heavy so several strong folks will need to come to load it into a truck. My numbers are 928.679.8775 or 928.310.4710. Thanks, Amy E. Kelly, Forensic Investigator , Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office (928) 679-8775 , <mailto:akelly@coconino.az.gov>

2008 JUNIOR SCIENTIST OUTSTANDING PUBLICATIONS AWARD
On behalf of the ESA Biogeosciences section, we are pleased to announce the 2008 Junior Scientist Outstanding Publication Awards.
*Nominations for 2008 awards will be accepted until May 1, 2008.
*Background* The ESA Biogeosciences /Junior Scientist Outstanding Publication / awards were initiated in 2007 to promote young scientists and highlight outstanding work in the field.
Each year, the awards will be presented to the first author of a notable paper in the biogeosciences that was published between January of the previous year and May of the current year.
The *Elizabeth Sulzman Award * recognizes research conducted while a graduate student, and published within two years of graduation.
The *Gene E. Likens Award * recognizes work conducted as a postdoctoral scientist (or equivalent position) within three years of receiving a Ph.D., and published within two years of holding that position.
The winner of each award will receive a modest cash prize and formal recognition by ESA. We also award an honorable mention prize within each category.
Instructions* Nominees should be members of ESA, and are encouraged to be members of the Biogeosciences section. Nominations for each award should include the following (self-nominations are permitted): 1) The paper's citation and a pdf , 2) The first author's current contact information , 3) A statement of eligibility (e.g. current grad student, or postdoc<3yrs from Ph.D.) , 4) A short letter in support of the nomination from a colleague or advisor (sent separately from above materials unless also submitting the nomination itself)
We note that while self-nominations are entirely appropriate, the above process does not require that a potential awardee be a part of the process. This, in part, is why we are asking for a statement in support of the nomination from a colleague or advisor.
A panel of scientists representing a broad array of disciplines within the biogeosciences will then evaluate the submissions and decide upon the winning entries. Award winners will be notified in advance of the San Jose meeting (by June 1, 2008), and the awards will be presented at the section mixer at the annual meeting. Winners of each prize will be encouraged to attend the meeting!
Please direct nominations and any questions to Matthew Wallenstein (matthew.wallenstein@colostate.edu). We encourage members to contribute to the nomination process so that we can have an excellent and diverse pool of entries to consider.
Finally, if you are not a section member, please consider joining, and we hope to see you at the next meeting.
Matthew Wallenstein , Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory , Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1499
http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/~mawallen

38th BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS SIMULATION GROUP
The 38th Biological Systems Simulation Group Conference will be held at the Blackland Research and Extension Center, Temple, TX on 8-10 April2008. The theme of this conference is:
Applying Basic Science to Challenges in Energy Supply and NaturalResources Conservation=20
The link to the conference web site is: http://tti.tamu.edu/conferences/bssg08/
The main topics of the conference/workshop are the simulation of: - biomass production and composition in bioenergy crops, - spatially variable plant and hydrological processes in rangelands, - the interactive effects of climate change: from field to watershed levels.
The role of simulation modeling in addressing issues regarding energy supply and natural resources conservation is difficult to overstate. We expect that this meeting will catalyze productive discussions on modeling biomass composition, complex spatially and temporally
distributed processes in rangelands, and the effects of climate and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration on hydrological processes in fields and watersheds. Invited speakers on the program will include Bruce Kimball, Cesar Izaurralde, and Mark Weltz.
More information is available on the conference website, and by emailing bssg08@brc.tamus.edu. We hope to see you in Temple, TX in April, 2008; we will do everything to make your stay a success.
BSSG Conference Organizing Committee Members: Armen R. Kemanian / Philip Fay / Jim Kiniry

ENVIRONMENTAL & CLIMATE JUSTICE E-CONFERENCE
Environmental (In)Justice: Sources, Symptoms, and Solutions, EcoRes Forum Online E-Conference Series | 11-24 April 2008 . http://www.eco-res.org
As experts call for swift action in response to accelerating climate change, the words "global warming" have become commonplace. Headlines and commentators tout the latest technological developments, politicians focus on greening their platforms, and concerned citizens in MDCs check their house insurance and consider relocating to higher ground. Adaptation is underway.
But what about those who can't make that choice? Those forced to cope with changes they can least afford, changes to which they contributed little? As the data continues to pour in, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer's warning is being confirmed - over and over again: "The most
vulnerable communities in the poorest countries, those who have contributed nothing to climate change, will be the worst affected by its impact."
You are invited to join the EcoRes Forum from 11-24 April 2008 for "Environmental (In)Justice: Sources, Symptoms, and Solutions", the second in a series of online dialogues focusing on the ethical, political and socio-cultural aspects of climate change. The purpose of
this discussion is to raise awareness about environmental and climate justice themes: what these concepts encompass, underlying causes and symptoms of injustice, how these may be rectified, and related aspects ranging from national immigration policy and international contraction
and convergence proposals to xenophobia and racism.
NEW ONLINE PLATFORM!! EcoRes is pleased to introduce its new web-based e-conference structure, which replaces a previous email-based platform. Sneak preview: http://www.eco-res.org/forum
PANELISTS AND SESSION LEADERS: Dr. Maria ADEBOWALE (Capacity Global); Julian AGYEMAN, PhD (Tufts University); Gotelind ALBER (gendercc); Jeremy BENDIK-KEYMER, PhD (American University of Sharjah); Patrick BOND, PhD (University of KwaZulu-Natal); Robert BULLARD, PhD (Clark Atlanta University); Michael DORSEY, PhD (Dartmouth College); Roger GOTTLIEB, PhD (Worcester Polytechnic Institute); Dr. Minu HEMMATI
(gendercc); KALIKASAN - People's Network for the Environment; Joan MENCHER, PhD (The Second Chance Foundation); Dr. Chukwumerije OKEREKE (University of East Anglia); Dr. Ulrike ROEHR (gendercc); Steve SAWYER (Secretary General, Global Wind Energy Council); Shirley THOMPSON, PhD (University of Manitoba). Additional members are being announced
throughout March.
FACILITATORS: Wendy Lynne LEE (Bloomsburg University), Mary LEYSER (EcoRes Forum)
PLENARY AGENDA: http://www.eco-res.org/econf_ej/ej_agenda.html
LOCATION: Virtual / online
COST: Free of charge
REGISTRATION: http://www.eco-res.org/register.html
BREAKOUT SESSIONS: Proposals for discussions on related subjects may be submitted to forum@eco-res.org. Selected sessions will be provided with a stand-alone webpage (template:
http://www.eco-res.org/econf_ej/ej_breakout_template.html), with limited server space provided for presentation materials. Deadline for proposals: 24 March 2008.
The EcoRes Forum e-conference series brings together academics and activists, scientists and social critics, researchers, journalists, community leaders and members from around the world. By crossing cultural, disciplinary and geopolitical borders and removing the financial and logistical barriers to participation often encountered by those whom climate change threatens most, EcoRes continues to encourage wide-ranging stakeholder participation.
For more information or to register for the April event, visit the EcoRes Forum at http://www.eco-res.org. We look forward to sharing this discussion with you!
The EcoRes Forum Team http://www.eco-res.org

Registration and Poster Abstracts continue to be accepted for the 2ND ANNUAL ARTHROPOD GENOMICS SYMPOSIUM: NEW INSIGHTS FROM ARTHROPOD GENOMES
April 11-13, 2008, Muehlbach Hotel (operated by Marriott) Downtown Kansas City
The room block at the Muehlbach/Marriott hotel will expire 3/20/08 (or prior to 3/20 if the block sells out); so make your hotel reservations TODAY! A link for making reservations at the discounted room rate can be found at www.ksu.edu/agc/symposium.shtml or telephone 1-800-228-9290.
The deadline to submit POSTER ABSTRACTS for presentation during two poster sessions has been extended!!! We welcome your presentation of a poster at the Symposium. Abstract Guidelines can be found at www.ksu.edu/agc/symposium.shtml.
REGISTRATION continues to be open! Online registration, a schedule, brochure and additional information are available at www.ksu.edu/agc/symposium.shtml.
SYMPOSIUM WEBSITE: www.k-state.edu/agc/symposium.shtml
SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM: The main symposium sessions will take place on Friday-Saturday, April 11-12. Speakers will present new insights from genomic approaches in arthropods and describe the development of tools for genomic analysis. Optional workshops are scheduled for Thursday and Friday
evenings. An evening of jazz and KC barbeque is planned for Saturday night.
On Sunday morning, participate in a roundtable discussion with the ArthropodBase Consortium. Activities will conclude by noon on Sunday.
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
**John Kenneth Colbourne, Indiana University, Preservation, expansion and invention of crustacean genes with reference to insect genomes.**Christine G. Elsik, Georgetown University, Unusual base composition of the honey bee genome. **Sarjeet S. Gill, University of California, Riverside, Mosquito midgut interactions with bacterial toxins. **Catherine A. Hill, Purdue University, Tick genome organization and evolution. **Thomas Kaufman, Indiana University, The latest news from CNN: What the 12 sequenced Drosophila genomes have told us about rapidly evolving genes and positive selection. **J. Robert Manak, University of Iowa, Empirical annotation of arthropod genomes using tiled genomic microarrays. **Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan, Kansas State University, Functional genomics of insect chitin metabolism.
**Hugh M. Robertson, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, What we've learned about the insect chemoreceptors from arthropod genome projects. **Bruce R. Schatz, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, BeeSpace: Interactive functional analysis of arthropod genomic data. **Jeff Stuart, Purdue University, Avirulence, sex determination, and a physical map of the Hessian fly genome. **Judy Willis, University of Georgia, Insect cuticular proteins: Annotation, proteomics, expression, evolution. **Evgeny Zdobnov, University of Geneva, Medical School, Switzerland, A comparative perspective on insect genomes.
KANSAS CITY JAZZ AND BARBEQUE: Participants are encouraged to stay Saturday night for an optional evening of jazz and KC barbeque in the historic 18th and Vine district.
WORKSHOPS AND ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: On Thursday evening, a workshop on
"Community Contributions to Genome Annotation" will feature a presentation on use of the Apollo Genome Annotation Curation Tool by Dr. Chris Elsik (BeeBase). On Friday evening, Dave Clements (NESCent) and Scott Cain (CSHL) will lead a workshop, "Chado Databases and Integration with GMOD Tools." Throughout the meeting, arthropod genome database and bioinformatics tool developers will be available for individual training on Apollo and database
use as well as BeeSpace, the automated literature annotation system developed by Bruce Schatz and colleagues. On Sunday morning, participate in a roundtable discussion led by members of the ArthropodBase Consortium regarding the generation of integrated arthropod genome databases and tools for genome analysis, and community curation. Symposium attendees are invited to participate in these additional events.
REGISTRATION: The registration fee of $325 ($200 for graduate and undergraduate students), includes a welcome reception Thursday evening, breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday, and light refreshments at the Friday poster session. Additional fees apply for the Apollo Workshop
Thursday evening and Saturday night dinner.
We look forward to seeing you in Kansas City! Please share this announcement with colleagues and students! Susan J. Brown, Professor, Director, Center for Genomic Studies on Arthropods Affecting Human, Animal and Plant Health, by: Doris Merrill, Program Coordinator, K-State Arthropod Genomics Center, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, (785) 532-3482, dmerrill@k-state.edu, www.k-state.edu/agc

SUMMER FIELD COURSE IN THE ROCKIES -RMBL
The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory offers summer courses that take ecological concepts outside of the classroom.Course benefits include small class size and the opportunity to interact with graduate students and renowned scientists while studying in a beautiful alpine setting.
The 8 week courses (June 12 – Aug 10) offered this year are: - The Biology of Climate Change
- Field Ecology - Independent Study/Senior Thesis Option
The 4 week courses offered this summer are: - June 12 – July 11: Animal Behavior & Field Ornithology - July 12 – Aug 10: Field Botany & Plant Animal Interactions
There are a substantial number of full and partial scholarships, so financial need should not stop students from applying. The deadline for scholarships is April 1st. For more information visit: www.rmbl.org/education

GRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONFERENCE ON METABOLIC BASIS OF ECOLOGY
This message is to bring to your attention a Graduate Research Seminar (GRS) this July (5th and 6th) in conjunction with the Gordon Research Conference (GRC), Metabolic Basis of Ecology (July 6th-11th). This year’s conference looks to be outstanding; a list of speakers can be found at:
http://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?year=2008&program=metbasis
The purpose of the GRS is to facilitate interaction among graduate students and postdocs the weekend prior to the GRC. Also, given the high caliber of many of the GRC conferees, grad student and postdoc involvement has been limited in the past. A key goal of the GRS is to prepare young scientists for greater participation during the GRC.
Eight grad students and/or postdocs will give talks during that weekend on topics ranging from dynamics at the cellular, organismal, and population levels to the flow of energy and materials in communities and landscapes in a format identical to the GRC.
Prepare 200-word abstracts and apply before April 1st 2008 to be considered for the eight speaker slots. More information can be found here:
http://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?year=2008&program=grad_metab
We have funds to partly defray the GRS registration fees. Moreover, IF YOU ALSO REGISTER TO STAY ON FOR THE MAIN GRC-METABOLIC BASIS OF ECOLOGY WE CAN
PARTLY DEFRAY YOUR TRAVEL EXPENSES. SPACE AND FUNDS ARE LIMITED – APPLY NOW! There is room for only 35!
We look forward to meeting you in beautiful Maine this summer! Sincerely, Puni Jeyasingh
& Chuck Price

THE 2008 MONTGOMERY AND ASSOCIATES SUMMER INTERNSHIP
*The 2008 Montgomery and Associates Summer Internship at the WRRC for an Environmental/Water Writer*
The University of Arizona’s Water Resources Research Center is offering a summer internship to a student interested in gaining experience in writing about water issues. The selected intern will contribute to the researching and writing of an issue of /Arroyo, /the annual WRRC publication that focuses on a critical Arizona water issue.
Only enrolled students in good standing at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University are eligible. The intern will work 20-25 hours per week at the WRRC during June and July, at a rate of $10.00 to $14.00 per hour depending on experience.
*To Apply:* Complete an application form available at our website under the WRRC News heading: http://cals.arizona.edu/azwater and send the completed form, along with a writing sample and a letter of recommendation, to the WRRC Summer Internship at 350 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719.
The 500-1,000 word writing sample may be on any topic; it should not, however, be a technical report. The letter of recommendation should come from a faculty member familiar with applicant’s writing.
*Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 25.* The selected candidate will be notified by May 5.
Please direct any questions to seden@cals.arizona.edu

RACHEL CARSON INTERGENERATIONAL POETRY, ESSAY & PHOTO CONTEST
2nd Annual Rachel Carson Intergenerational Poetry, Essay and Photo Contest
The EPA Aging Initiative, in partnership with Generations United and the Rachel Carson Council, Inc., is inviting submissions for its Second Annual Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Intergenerational Poetry, Essay and Photography Contest. Carson is considered to be the founder of the contemporary environmental movement through her landmark book, Silent Spring, which is credited with reversing the nation's pesticide policy. Today's press release: http://www.epa.gov/aging/press/epanews/2008/2008_0318_1.htm
The contest's intergenerational approach reflects Carson's desire to have adults and children share a sense of wonder about nature to discover nature's gifts. Entries must be intergenerational involving a team of persons related or unrelated and describe the intergenerational project and how this project brought the team in touch with nature.
A panel of expert judges will select finalists. The winners in each category will then be determined by the public, who will have an opportunity to vote online in July and August for their favorite submission in each category: photography, essay, and poetry. Winners will be announced on the EPA Aging Initiative website in October during Children's Health month.
Carson wrote that she would endow every child with "a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life." However, "if a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in." The deadline for entries is Monday, June 16, 2008. For more information see http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/thesenseofwonder/index.htm
Annemari Kate Romero

STUDENT ECOFILM AWARDS 2008
The ESA is accepting film submissions until April 15th 2008 to compete in the *Student EcoFilm Awards 2008 *(*SEAs'08*). This event is the first-ever ESA contest designed to honor outstanding student contributions to ecological science through film. The contest will culminate in a two-hour film festival at the 2008 ESA annual meeting in Milwaukee, where we will present the best student ecology films. The three most outstanding films will be awarded *FREE REGISTRATIONS* to the 2008 meeting; additionally, the ESA Student Section will choose the *ESA-STUDENT SECTION CHOICE AWARD*:*$200 *! To learn more about the first annual SEAs contest and festival, or to submit a video to the contest, please visit the ESA Student Section webpage (*http://esa.org/students/section/*) or go to the SEAs webpage (*
http://esa.org/students/section/?q=node/51*).
The Student Section would very much appreciate if you could give as much publicity to the SEAs in your program/Institution as possible.
Thanks very much and best luck! Rob Salguero-Gomez, SEAs'08 Co-organizer, ESA Student Section networking officer, PhD candidate, Graduate Group of Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania Phone: 215-898-8608

ESA TRAVEL GRANTS FOR STUDENTS
The ESA Student Section is awarding travel grants for students to attend the meeting of the Ecological Society of America in Milwaukee! The meeting will take place Sunday, August 3 - Friday, August 8, 2008.
We will award grants to graduate and undergraduate students presenting posters or oral presentations at the meeting. We have awards for students from within and outside of the US.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY, MAY 2nd.
For the student travel awards application and instructions, go to the ESA Student Section website, http://esa.org/students/section/. If you have questions, email Jenny Talbot (jtalbot@uci.edu) or Matthew Whiteside (mwhitesi@uci.edu). Sincerely, ESA Student Section , Jenny Talbot, Chair
Matthew Whiteside, Vice Chair, Johanna Delgado-Acevedo, Secretary

MOJAVE APPLIED ECOLOGY NOTES
The first issue of Mojave Applied Ecology Notes is available online at http://faculty.unlv.edu/abellas2/unlv_desert_mgt_research_group.html .
Notes is a quarterly newsletter of the University of Nevada - Las Vegas, Desert and Dryland Forest Research Group.
Mojave Applied Ecology Notes is designed to report on ecological research and land management activities occurring within the region’s desert and dryland forests.
If you would like to receive notices of future issues of the newsletter please email jill.craig@unlv.edu with “request newsletter” in the subject line.

SEEKING REGIONAL META-ANALYSIS OF FLOW REGINES & RIPARIAN RELATIONSHIPS IN SWEST US
We seek data for a regional meta-analysis of relationships between flow regimes and riparian vegetation in the southwestern U.S. We are looking for riparian vegetation maps of portions of the following river systems: Bill Williams, Escalante, Gila, Green, Hassayampa, Humbolt, Kanab Creek, Paria, Rio Grande, San Pedro, San Juan, Verde, Virgin, and the Yampa.
Maps that delineate patches or describe relative cover of riparian woody species to the genus level would be useful for us. If you are aware of data that may be relevant to this project, please
contact Susan Mortenson at mortens7@unr.nevada.edu . Your assistance is most appreciated.
Susan G. Mortenson, Ph.D. Student , Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology , University of Nevada, Reno E-mail: mortens7@unr.nevada.edu

SEEKING FORESTED EXPERIMENTAL FIELD SITES
I am looking for experimental field sites, preferably forested, where the amount of precipitation is being manipulated through additions and/or diversions and where there are also control plots. Unfortunately, the PrecipNet webpage for the US does not provide this information. I am already familiar with Will Pockman and Rob Jackson's sites. If you know of others, I'd appreciate hearing about them. Any forest type anywhere in the world would be of interest. Please contact me at: tobygass@warnercnr.colostate.edu
Thank you., Toby Gass, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Department of Forest, angeland, and Watershed Stewardship Warner College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University

*CALL FOR ABSTRACTS and ABSTRACT* * SUBMITTAL **FORM*
AIPG-AHS-3rd IPGC 2008 Symposium
Call for Abstracts and Abstract Submittal Form <http://www.aipg.org/2008/AIPG-AHS-IPGC_2008_CFA-AF.pdf> http://www.aipg.org/2008/AIPG-AHS-3IPGC.htm
Cathy Duran, AIPG Professional Services Manager , cld@aipg.org
American Institute of Professional Geologists, National Headquarters, 1400 W. 122nd Ave., Suite 250 , Westminster, CO 80234 , (303) 412-6205, Fax (303) 253-9220
www.aipg.org, aipg@aipg.org
*AIPG-AHS-3rd IPGC Conference: September 20-24, 2008 in Flagstaff, Arizona - Online Registration Available soon!*
The information contained in this communication is confidential and is intended only for the use of the addressee. Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately at (303) 412-6205, or by reply e-mail, and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you.
Abe Springer, Ph.D. , Professor, Department of Geology , NAU Coordinator, Arizona Water Institute , Northern Arizona University , ph (928) 523-7198 , e-mail: abe.springer@nau.edu

DORIS DUKE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION SURVEY
You may be aware that the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has asked The Keystone Center to conduct a national listening project on the future of conservation philanthropy, which includes an online survey aimed at answering the following question:
"What are the major challenges to biodiversity conservation over the next 5 to 10 years and beyond, and what might be the most significant opportunities for philanthropic impact?"
Although we have disseminated the link to the survey widely (and we sincerely apologize if you are not seeing this request for the first time), we are seeking to expand our outreach in order to double the number of responses we have received. So far about 1,000 individuals have completed the survey.
Your participation in the survey will have a direct impact on future philanthropic investments in biodiversity and wildlife habitat protection in the near future.
When you copy, paste and enter the link below in your browser, you will find a 10-minute survey with a series of questions in a simple electronic format. There is also a discussion forum in which you may participate. Once you complete the survey, you will be able to access the rolling results and return to the forum page.
http://keystone.org/spp/env_DDCF.html
After completing the survey, we would ask that you forward the survey and discussion link to others in your networks or organizations, and post it on websites to which you may have access, or refer your content administrator to our program staff below.
If you are interested in knowing more about the project, we can provide a brief article on request that is suitable for publication. Also, don't hesitate to contact Ed Moreno, of the project staff, whose contact information is listed below.
Thank you for your interest. Ed Moreno , The Keystone Center - Southwest 505-466-2006
emoreno@keystone.org

BICYCLE FACILITIES DESIGN WORKSHOP 4/7 – 4/8
Reminder! There are still seats available for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Bicycle Facilities Design Workshop, which will be held here in Flagstaff on Monday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
The workshop will be conducted by Michael Ronkin, former bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for the State of Oregon, and Roger Geller, current bicycle coordinator for the City of Portland.
This is fantastic opportunity to learn how to make our little town comfortable and appealing for bicycles, and it's right here in Flagstaff.
Remember that we do not do bicycle planning just for lycra-clad guys who go really fast on 18-pound bikes. We do it so kids can ride to school or the Aquaplex, for a man who wants to get back in shape, a woman who likes to take her bike for errands for the sheer joy of it, a family who can better afford housing if they only have one car ... you get the idea. When we make things better for bicycles (and pedestrians and transit) we make the community a better place to live. So sign up for the workshop.
Registration is free; just fax a course enrollment form (attached and available on-line at http://www.azltap.org/ to 602-712-3007. If you want to participate in the bicycle tour that will be part of the course you will also need to complete and return the attached waiver.
Let me know if you have any questions. Hope to see you there! Martin Ince, Multi-Modal Planner, Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Organization/City of Flagstaff, 928.226.4850

JOBS -- JOBS -- JOBS

POST-DOC, COLORADO STATE
Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship Colorado State University
Position Description: Innovative, independent, and highly motivated
candidates are sought to conduct postdoctoral research as part of a NSF
funded, international, multidisciplinary research team focusing on
ecosystem and herder vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events on the Tibetan Plateau. We are using experimental, observational, and modeling approaches in this project. The postdoctoral candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to on-going efforts, such as establishing a multi-factorial experimental manipulation (warming, snow addition, grazing), as well as to develop new research related to the project, depending on the candidate’s skills and interests. The candidate will design, conduct, analyze and publish innovative research and is expected to interact closely with scientists and other project participants. If time permits, the candidate can also participate in or initiate grant writing and conduct research related to climate change in high elevation regions of Colorado.
Qualifications: A Ph.D. in ecology, environmental science, or a related
field completed by time of appointment is required. Candidates should have experience in ecosystem ecology, plant community ecology, soil ecology, biogeochemistry, isotope ecology, or coupled human-natural systems. Candidates should be able to work well both independently and as part of a larger, international, multidisciplinary research team. Experience working/living in developing countries and/or in remote mountainous regions is advantageous. Candidates with excellent written and oral communication skills and who have an established publication record are particularly encouraged to apply.
Term: The position is available for one year with the possibility of extension on a year-to-year basis. Renewal of appointment is contingent on performance. The position is available immediately.
How to Apply: For the full job announcement and instructions for how to
apply for this position, please see the website of Dr. Julia Klein:
http://welcome.warnercnr.colostate.edu/~jklein/

FIELD ASSISTANT, AZ - NM
I am seeking a field assistant for a project working on desert fishes in the Southwest, primarily in Arizona and western New Mexico. The ideal candidate will have experience with standard techniques in stream ecology and with living and working under rugged outdoor conditions, but more important isenthusiasm, creativity and flexibility, and a strong work ethic.
The work will start in May (start date is negotiable) and likely end by the beginning of August. All living and travel expenses will be covered (food, housing, transportation), but there is no stipend available. The work will involve camping for most of the summer, and tasks will include: electrofishing, tagging fish with PIT tags, measuring primary production/algal standing stocks/benthic organic matter, and building in-stream enclosures/exclosures. Lots of long days and sometimes tedious work, but I can guarantee it will be in a beautiful place, with cool fish, and likely the opportunity to do a small side project.
An abstract for the project: A species with a strong influence in one
ecological community may have a limited influence under other environmental conditions, but the factors determining the strength of species interactions are often unclear. Fish control important characteristics of many stream systems. Native fishes of the American southwest are ideal for testing the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on species interactions because single species are broadly distributed throughout a heterogeneous landscape of hot deserts and cool mountains. Native fishes are declining in these streams; thus, understanding the effects of their loss is vital. To assess how environmental context affects species interactions in Southwestern
streams, this study will investigate the influence of two related, but
functionally different fish species, Catostomus insignis and Catostomus
clarki, on ecosystem processes along an elevational gradient. This gradient will enable examination of the effects of these species on critical stream processes such as primary production and organic matter generation under conditions ranging from warm water, low desert streams to cool water, high mountain streams. Using large-scale enclosures controlling fish identity in a single stream combined with small-scale fish exclosures in multiple streams, this study will estimate the effects of fish on ecosystem properties, and assess how environmental context modifies them. The project also will track fish habitat use to understand if effects on ecosystem processes are heterogeneous within the stream. Understanding the factors modifying species importance in an ecosystem will provide information particularly important for management agencies, which must develop sustainable practices to use and protect these ecological resources. Please contact Mike Booth at mike.booth@cornell.edu with a CV and at least 2 references.

ENTRY LEVEL AND SENIOR SCIENTISTS, LA BASIN
The URS Natural Resources Division of the Los Angeles Basin is currently seeking both entry-level and senior scientists. The offices of the Los Angeles basin cover a wide area and a diverse number of projects. Please visit https://www.urs.apply2jobs.com/index.cfm and set-up a profile in order to more effectively browse the open positions. To find out more about URS environmental work please visit http://www.urscorp.com/URS_Division/index.php?section=02.
An example of two positions are:
SENIOR PERMITTING SPECIALIST Minimum Requirements : Bachelors Degree in Science, Geography, Environmental, Biology or related field.
Minimum 4+ years of experience.
Proven record of accomplishment with: • Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 and 401 Permitting and Compensatory Mitigation -HMMPs; • CWA Section 404 and California Fish and Game 1600 (et seq) Jurisdictional
Waters/Wetland Delineations
Candidate should have working knowledge and familiarity with the following: • California Endangered Species act (ESA) and Federal ESA (Section 7 and Section 10); • Terrestrial and/or Marine biological habitat assessments; • Impact analysis for programmatic and project specific CEQA/NEPA documentation; and • Microsoft Office
Position Description : Sr. Permitting Specialist (e.g., Clean Water Act Section 404, 401 and Fish and Game Code Section 1600 [et seq] Compliance) within the Los Angeles Basin.
The following briefly outlines the positions roles and responsibilities. This is by no means exhaustive and you will develop your own path as you get a feel for the support URS has to give to you and the types of projects you enjoy pursuing and working on.
As a Sr. Permitting Specialist you will review the work of several staff members. They are mid level permitting specialists. You will report to the Natural Resources Division Manger; which will provide opportunities to coordinate and work closely with the other nine biologists within the Los Angeles Basin.
Briefly, you would be performing the following duties on a regular basis. 1. Supervised marketing and business development related to watershed planning, wetland construction / restoration, and regulatory permitting. 2. You would be a core member of a team of specialists that would work on Wetlands and Stream restoration in the western United States. This team includes a hydrologists/civil engineer, restoration ecologist, wildlife biologist, and fisheries biologist. 3. Support the management of the Natural Resources Division and workload prioritization based on client and company needs. 4. Work with the Division Manager and Senior Staff to forecast workload and plan and implement growth for the Natural Resources Division within the Los Angeles Basin. 5. Establish and maintain client relationships for yourself and project managers you are working with. 6. Assist in marketing our capabilities internally and externally to URS staff and helping the Natural Resources Division grow. 6. Performing tasks associated with your technical field and interests on projects such as delineations, permitting, NEPA / CEQA assessments, and wetland/riparian restoration. 7. Project management on projects related to wetlands, restoration, mitigations, regulatory permitting.
ENTRY-LEVEL SCIENTIST Minimum Requirements : Bachelor's degree in Science, Environmental, Biology or related field and 2+ years of experience. Taxonomy skills (e.g., entomology, botany, herpetology, mammalogy, ornithology, etc.) required. Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Position Description : Candidate will use taxonomy skills (e.g., entomology, botany, herpetology, mammalogy, ornithology, etc.)
This position will be working with department staff and other biologists, ecologists. Must be able to take instruction and be a team player. Please reply to this e-mail (david_carr@urscorp) should you have additional questions once you have accessed the URS web site(s). Thank you, David W. Carr, Ecologist, URS Corporation, Tel: 14.835.6886 david_carr@urscorp.com

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT - RMBL
The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory currently seeks a highly skilled Director of Development to take leadership for all our fundraising efforts. Reporting to the RMBL's Executive Director and working closely with the RMBL's Board of Trustees, the Development Director serves as a fund-raising expert and lead development professional. The Development Director identifies and cultivates major donor prospects, directs our foundation and corporate giving program, and plans and executes special fundraising campaigns. The Development Director also serves as a member of the Lab's senior leadership team and participates actively with the Board and the Executive Director in the Lab's strategic planning and program activities. This is a new position for the RMBL, and the Development Director will establish a Development Office. More information can be found at rmbl.org/jobs. Enquiries should be directed to Carolyn McCormick of Peak HR Consulting, LLC at Carolyn.McCormick@peakhrconsulting.com.
Ian Billick, Ph.D. ,Executive Director ,Rocky Mountain Biological Lab phone/fax (970) 349-7231 www.rmbl.org

3 BIO-TECHS NEEDED, NAU
DESCRIPTION: Northern Arizona University is looking to hire 3 bio-techs to work in Zion
National Park this spring. Technicians will work a crew sampling vegetation within the Dakota Hill Complex Fire. This site was treated at a landscape level with the herbicide Plateau in an attempt to reduce the invasion of Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Duties will include identifying plants to species, collecting unknown species for later identification with the aid of keys (i.e. Utah Flora), performing a variety of vegetation sampling techniques, soil collection, accurately recording data on datasheets, and collection of photo points.A certain degree of fitness and possession of a positive attitude are necessary. Field work will involve long hours of standing, bending, walking and hiking over rugged, steep terrain. Extreme temperatures and weather conditions are possible and exposure is a concern as we will be working in burned areas with little or no canopy cover. Positions open until filled.
COMPENSATION: Pay will be $9-14 per/hr depending upon experience.
TRAVEL AND LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS: Employees will be responsible for travel to Zion National Park. Employee vehicles will be left in a safe location in Zion Canyon, and employees will be transported to a location near the site using a university vehicle. We will then backpack into a backcountry campground in Zion National Park, where we will be camping for the duration of the field sessions. Personal camping gear and food for meals must be supplied by
the individual.
TIMELINE: The work will consist of two to three eight day sessions, with 6 days off in between. The approximate start date for the first session is May 8th and will run through May 15th. The next session will begin May 22nd and run through May 29th. Dependent upon remaining workload, there is a possible extension of the 2nd session or a 3rd session for those interested. This time may include additional field work or office work (data entry, plant id).
QUALIFICATIONS:At least one qualified botanist very familiar with the plants of Southern
Utah. Previous botanical field experience is desired for the additional positions, however this is not a requirement. Due to the backcountry location of these sites, an adequate level of fitness is required for hiking in personal gear as well as some crew equipment. There may be additional days of hiking collected soil, biomass, and equipment out of the field.
CONTACT: If you are interested in working in the backcountry on the Dakota Hill Complex, please send an e-mail to Marybeth at zioncheatgrass@yahoo.com and include a statement of interest and a resume with references.

CROSS-ORD INTERDISCIPLINARY POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH PROGRAM
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -- Office of Research and Development (ORD)
ORD is accepting applications through April 4, 2008, for several Federal, four-year,
post-doctoral positions. Candidates will engage in cross-cutting research in the following identified areas (details on following page): • Valuation of Ecosystem Services for Decision Support • Systems Toxicology Modeling with Small Fish • Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment Tools for Waterborne Pathogens • Climate and Air Quality Interactions: Global to Regional Linkages • Quantifying Uncertainty in Exposure-to-Effects Models for Pyrethroid
Pesticides • Mapping Toxicity Pathways for Environmental Chemicals
Mentors will be assigned from appropriate ORD Labs and Centers based upon the nature of the cross-ORD interdisciplinary research.
BENEFITS • Salary range of $54,494 - $84,913 • Full four-year appointments • Paid relocation to EPA duty location • Vacation and sick leave • Federal health benefits, life insurance, and retirement program • Travel to professional and scientific meetings • Flexible start date in 2008
REQUIREMENTS • Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae • Letter of recommendation from your research advisor or comparable official • Cover letter indicating research activity of interest from the aforementioned areas, summary of relevant experience, and a paragraph describing the research you would like to conduct • DD-214, if claiming veteran’s preference A preference is given to U.S. Citizens. Detailed information and contacts are posted on the ORD Website at: http://www.epa.gov/ord/htm/jobs_ord.htm. General inquiries can be directed to: Dorothy Carr at
ordpostdocapps@epa.govor 1-800-433-9633.

FIELD ASSISTANT
Project description: I am a graduate student working on the community ecology of mutualistic
ant-plant interactions. I am currently looking for a field assistant to help in determining the structure of species interactions between ants and extrafloral nectar (nectar secreted outside of flowers, generally not associated with pollination) bearing plants. There is a long history of food
web studies examining the structure of predator-prey interactions, with only very recent interest in mutualistic species interactions. Location: Southwestern United States (AZ and/or TX)
Position description: The majority of work will be in the field, during the day and night (but
mostly at night when ants are most active). Lab work will include a small amount of sample processing, and data entry. Field work will include quantifying interactions among ants and extrafloral nectar bearing plants at the community level, and measuring variables that may relate to species interaction structure. Field assistant tasks may include, but are not limited to: recording abundance of ants on plants, measuring plant and ant traits, conducting pitfall trapping of ants, and data entry. A field assistant side project is possible, but I would stress side projects related
to ant-plant interactions at the population or community scale, especially related to the main project, but other ideas can be discussed.
Applicants should be in good physical condition as field work often occurs under the hot desert sun, with moderate amounts of hiking around while collecting data. Applicants should be willing to work long hours each day, but there will be scheduled time off. Work weeks will vary, and will range from ~30-70 hrs/week, depending on research needs. The field season will run
from approximately late April to late July.
Housing and food will be provided at no cost. In addition, I hope to provide a small stipend, depending on funding availability.
To apply: Email a one page letter of interest to the email address below, and contact information for two references, and a CV or resume. Indicate in the letter of interest what dates you can work.
Application deadline: review of applications begins immediately, and will continue until position is filled. Contact: Scott Chamberlain , Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, 707.889.3263 email: schamber@rice.edu

NWF CONSERVATION FUNDING CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR
NWF seeks Conservation Funding Campaign Coordinator: Find a job you’re wild about at the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the nation’s largest member-supported conservation organization, which is at the forefront of global warming issues, reconnecting our children with nature, and protecting America’s wildlife and habitat.
NWF is launching a nationwide campaign to secure large-scale, dedicated federal funding to conserve wildlife and other natural resources threatened by global warming. We seek someone to lead and coordinate this exciting campaign.
Working in collaboration with policy, communications, grassroots and other experts within NWF and its partner organizations, develop a Campaign plan designed to secure federal dedicated funding within three years. Help recruit new partners in the Campaign, and help maintain and strengthen existing partnerships. Continually identify innovative strategies for expanding the scope, visibility and excitement around the Campaign, and help ensure implementation of those strategies.
Advocate before Congress, the media and other key audiences, and coordinate Campaign advocacy by NWF colleagues and affiliates. Facilitate regular and effective communication among NWF staff, volunteer leaders, affiliates and other conservation partners. Provide regular briefings on the progress of the Campaign to NWF staff, affiliates and other conservation partners.
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree; an advanced degree is preferred. A minimum of 5 years experience in conservation policy is required. Excellent research, writing and people skills all are needed.
Do you hear the call of the wild? Apply at www.nwf.org/careergateway and join us in mobilizing Americans to protect our country’s wildlife. NWF offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits and is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.
Please do not respond to the sender of this message with questions.

FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (2) needed for study of acoustic disturbances to bird and carnivore communities in Sierra National Forest, in the central Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Primary responsibilities include establishing study sites, conducting vegetation surveys, installing acoustic monitoring equipment, conducting bird (point count) surveys, and conducting carnivore (track plate) surveys. This project will provide a rich and challenging opportunity to build experience in diverse field techniques, explore the central Sierra Nevada range, and interact with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and environmental professionals.
Qualifications: • Good physical condition • Ability to work independently in remote and rugged conditions • Ability to navigate off-trail using GPS or map and compass • Must possess a valid driver’s license, with a good driving record and experience driving a 4WD vehicle • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail • Ability to maintain complete and accurate datasets
• Bachelor or advanced degree in ecology or a related field is preferred • Prior experience identifying western birds by sight and sound is desirable, but not required
The field project will run for approximately 12 weeks (early May – August). Research assistants will be expected to work full-time, but the weekly schedule (i.e., days off) is negotiable. Housing will be provided in a rented cabin or Forest Service property with access to basic facilities, and some camping may be necessary. A field vehicle will be provided, or research assistants may use their own 4WD vehicle and receive compensation for mileage. Salary is negotiable and will depend on qualifications and experience.
Please send a cover letter and resume, including the names and contact information of three references, by email to: sarah_reed@tws.org. Review of applications will begin on April 2, 2008, and will continue until both positions are filled.
Sarah E. Reed, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Scholar, Center for Landscape Analysis, The Wilderness Society, College of Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley

CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY PLANT ECOLOGIST
Catalina Island Conservancy Plant Ecologist
REPORTS TO: Senior Plant Ecologist
SUMMARY: The Plant Ecologist collects and manages data for multiple inventory, monitoring, and research projects. The position involves a combination of field and office work.
DEADLINE: until filled. We will be interviewing qualified applicants as we receive their resumes.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Tasks include, but are not limited to, the following: Collect and manage data for multiple vegetation inventory, monitoring, and research projects which provide baseline information, track plant community changes, and assess the effects of natural and human-caused processes and events (such as fire or the effect of introduced herbivores and/or their removal) at multiple spatial and temporal scales. - Enter data using appropriate word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs. - Conduct rare plant and habitat surveys and monitoring of selected populations. Design and implement rare plant and habitat protection strategies and research projects as appropriate. - Assist in the preparation of progress reports and final reports for ongoing studies. - Assist in the preparation and submission of manuscripts for publication. - Utilize GPS units to collect field data. Incorporate data into the Conservancy’s geographic information system (GIS). Manage, analyze, and maintain organization of the Conservancy’s plant GIS database to make it readily usable by Conservation (and other) Department staff. - Supervise one or more field assistants, volunteers, and contractors as needed. - Provide assistance and information to visiting researchers, other
island landowners and entities, and other Conservancy staff (including Education, Communications, Development, Trails, and Facilities Maintenance) as appropriate. - Participate in departmental work days including outplanting, invasive plant removal, plant propagation, cleaning, and other organizational functions. - Give periodic presentations to the general public and staff. Compose and gather material for organizational newsletters, publications, and website. Assist in the development of informational pamphlets, signage, and
other materials. - Maintain photomonitoring points. Re-locate historical photograph
sites and assess changes to island vegetation. Contribute to and manage a library of plant, habitat, project, and landscape photographs.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Education: B.A. or B.S. in botany, biology, environmental studies, or equivalent from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience in natural resource monitoring. An educational institution recognized as accredited by the U.S. Department of Education must have issued degrees. Degrees issued by educational institutions outside the U.S. must include documentation validating the equivalency of that degree to the same degree in the U.S. to be considered.
Experience: The successful applicant will demonstrate most or all of the following qualifications: - Experience in implementing diverse natural community and species-specific monitoring and research programs along with quantitative analysis of collected data and report preparation. - Experience identifying plants to the sub-species level using taxonomic keys essential. - Excellent written and oral communication skills. - Familiarity with flora, fauna, natural communities, ecology and natural history of the ecoregion desired. Familiarity with island ecology, conservation biology, ecological restoration, southern California fire ecology and management and impacts of invasive plant and animal species also desired. - Demonstrated organizational skills, ability to set and meet goals and deadlines. Ability to work on several projects simultaneously. Good organizational and time management skills with attention to detail. Ability to resolve complex issues independently, find creative solutions, and make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment. - Ability to effectively communicate complex biological and conservation principles to diverse audiences. - Ability to function flexibly and effectively in a complex organizational environment with a range of different departments and operations. - Ability to work both independently or as part of a team is essential. - Familiarity with federal and state environmental laws and regulations
related to listed species, wetlands and streambeds a plus. - Supervisory experience in managing employees, volunteers and others with varying skills a plus.
Technical skills: Knowledge of basic word processing and database programs needed. Experience with GPS and GIS a plus. Possession of Class C Drivers License required. Four wheel drive experience a plus. Photography skills, particularly macro-scale, desirable. Experience using both manual and power tools and CPR/first aid certification a plus. Careful and conscientious; attention to detail essential. Experience with graphics and design software
such as Adobe Photoshop and Pagemaker a plus.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Position involves functioning in both field and office environments. Field work involves manual labor; hiking long distances over rugged terrain and through dense scrub; and routine handling of plants. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The office environment has moderate noise levels and is a non-smoking environment. Field conditions are strongly weather-dependent and may be hot, dusty, cold, muddy, and/or wet depending on season and degree of exposure. Smoking is allowed only at limited designated field sites. Work may be conducted independently or with groups of staff and volunteers. Hiking conditions include steep, rugged terrain with occasionally unstable rocky substrate and cactus. Wild animals, including bison and rattlesnakes, may also be encountered in the field and
pose some threat. Must be willing to live and work on Catalina.
SALARY LEVEL: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Competitive (non-profit) benefits package may include group medical and hospital insurance, group life insurance, sick leave, worker’s compensation insurance, unemployment compensation, state disability insurance, and customary mileage and travel allowance. Normal 40-hour work week with some limited unpaid overtime. Limited travel required off-island.
TO APPLY: For further details or to submit cover letter and résumé, contact: Lynndy Kennedy, HR Consultant, Santa Catalina Island Conservancy (562) 437-8555 ext. 232
lkennedy@catalinaconservancy.org

SUMMER ECOLOGY FIELD TECHNICIAN
Summer Ecology Field Technician
Dates: May 19 through June 30, 2008 Location: Four corners region
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 18, 2008
The position advertised is for one (1) full-time field technician to assist a Colorado State University graduate student in data collection. The project is to analyze riparian tree communities on rivers in the Four Corners region of the Colorado Plateau. We will spend one month traveling to approximately 15 sites located throughout the four-corners region. At each site, we will spend 1-2 days in each site surveying riparian tree populations.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Primary duties will be estimating canopy cover, counting seedlings and collecting soil samples in vegetation plots. Also, technicians will assist in surveying ground surface elevation at sites in riparian habitat.
QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess a four-year degree or currently be enrolled at a college or university pursuing a degree in ecology, natural resource management, environmental studies, range management, forestry, or other similar area. Candidates must be in good physical condition, capable of working long days in the field under hot, rugged conditions. Ability to
> work under these conditions is essential. Candidates should be comfortable working in the backcountry. We will spend most nights camping in the field, candidates should be comfortable camping for several weeks on end under rustic conditions. Skills in the following areas are valuable: working well in an isolated team setting, wilderness safety and first aid training, and experience with backcountry travel. Experience with relevant fieldwork and plant surveying skills are desirable, but not necessary. A valid driver’s license and a safe driving record are required.
SALARY: $375/week
APPLICATION PROCESS: Email a 1-2 page resume and cover letter, including three references with telephone numbers and email addresses, to the contact information below.
CONTACT: Lindsay Reynolds, PhD Candidate, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Department of Forest, Rangeland, & Watershed Stewardship Colorado State University email: lindsayr@cnr.colostate.edu

SUMMER ECOLOGY FIELD TECHNICIAN, AZ
Summer Ecology Field Technician
Dates: June 27 through August 8, 2008
Location: Canyon de Chelly National Monument, AZ
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 15, 2008
The position advertised is for one (1) full-time field technician to assist a Colorado State University graduate student in data collection. The project is to analyze riparian plant community
> response to the removal of two invasive plant species.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Primary duties include conducting vegetation surveys: identifying plants, abundance, species composition and cover estimates.
QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess a four-year degree or currently be enrolled at a college or university pursuing a degree in ecology, natural resource management, environmental studies, range management, forestry, or other similar area. Candidates must be in good physical condition, capable of working long days in the field under hot, rugged conditions. Ability to
> work under these conditions is essential. Candidates should be comfortable working independently in the backcountry. We may spend some nights camping in the field. Skills in the following areas are valuable: working well in an isolated team setting, wilderness safety
> and first aid training, and experience with backcountry travel. Experience with relevant fieldwork and plant identification skills are desirable, but not necessary. A valid driver’s license and a safe driving record are required.
SALARY: $375/week
APPLICATION PROCESS: Email a 1-2 page resume and cover letter, including three references with telephone numbers and email addresses, to the contact information below.
CONTACT: Lindsay Reynolds, PhD Candidate, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology Department of Forest, Rangeland, & Watershed Stewardship Colorado State University email: lindsayr@cnr.colostate.edu

FIELD ASSISTANTS, YELLOWSTONE
RE: Field Assistants Needed for Conservation/Vertebrate Taphonomy Study in Yellowstone National Park
Field assistants are needed for a continuing NSF-funded study of the ecological information contained within modern, surface bone accumulations (the remains of past generations) in
Yellowstone National Park. This study examines patterns of decay and species representation in different habitats of Yellowstone in order to investigate the utility of modern bone accumulations as additional sources of data for use in conservation and management efforts. In addition,
understanding how ecological information is represented by bone assemblages will enhance interpretations of fossil deposits.
Field assistants will help find and map bones across the Northern Range of Yellowstone National Park. Successful candidates must be able to work long hours (we average 6-day work-weeks with 10 to 12 hour days) in the very rugged terrain of Yellowstone’s backcountry. Participants should be interested in facets of ecology, paleontology, paleoecology, taphonomy, and/or Geographic Information Systems (GIS), though previous field experience is not necessary. Experienced
campers are preferred as we will be camping and preparing our own food. Though no direct financial compensation is available, all expenses (food, camping fees, etc.) will be covered, along with some financial aid for travel to Wyoming. Currently, one, two-week expedition is planned (proposed dates: May 8-22), with the possibility of further expeditions later in the summer (dates to be determined).
This unique experience assures that participants will see a large swath of the beautiful terrain and animals of Yellowstone in areas rarely encountered by tourists. Participants will also gain experience in actualistic taphonomy, field ecology, and fieldwork logistics.
To apply, please send a one-page description illustrating your previous fieldwork/camping experience, how your interests relate to this research opportunity, and the dates you are available. In addition, please send your CV/resume along with two to three letters of recommendation. Application materials should be sent together to the address below or via email (letters of recommendation may be sent separately in that case). Review of applications will begin on April 14, 2008. All levels of experience are welcome (current undergraduates and beyond) and your earliest response is appreciated.
Please email me at millerjh@uchicago.edu with any questions, or for more information about the position. You may also view the website at http://home.uchicago.edu/~millerjh/Field_Crew
Thank you for your interest and I look forward to working with you. Josh Miller, Ph.D. Candidate, Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago email: millerjh@uchicago.edu

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN
Research Technician -- ENSIS Ltd, University College London
If interested please reply to Dr Viv Jones directly - contact details at the end.
Salary £20,830 - £24,330 including London Allowance, depending on experience.
ENSIS Ltd. (http://www.ensis.ucl.ac.uk/) is the consultancy arm of the Environmental Change Research Centre (www.ecrc.ucl.ac.uk) at University College London (www.ucl.ac.uk), specialising in freshwater sciences. We have a wide range of expertise, including specialist chemical, ecological, palaeoecological and taxonomic knowledge (e.g. diatoms, aquatic macrophytes, cladocera and chironomids), and we have worked extensively on problems of eutrophication, acidification, toxic substance contamination, sediment accumulation rates and climate change.

We seek a research technician to undertake the laboratory analysis of lake sediments and to assist with fieldwork, especially lake-based fieldwork. Ideally, you will have a degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology or Geography. You should also have excellent organisational, communication and inter-personal skills, be able to work to deadlines and work well in a team environment. You will also have a full driving licence, and be eligible to work in the UK. You will participate in ongoing research within ENSIS and you will be fully integrated into UCL’s Environmental Change Research Centre.
For a detailed job description and further information see http://www.ensis.ucl.ac.uk/
The closing date for applications is Friday 4th April 2008 and interviews will be held on the 17th April 2008. We will only contact short-listed candidates.
Dr Viv Jones , Environmental Change Research Centre , University College London , Pearson Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT. UK. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7679 0555 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7679 0565 e-mail: vjones@geog.ucl.ac.uk

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN - CA
Biological Science Technicians - Summer Employment Opportunity!
Sequoia-Kings Canyon Field Station (USGS, Biological Resources Division)
• GG-5 ($15.35/hour)
• Will work out of San Diego, CA.
• Positions will start in early May and will last 2 months, maybe up to 4 months.
• Want people with an interest in plant ecology and who want to work outdoors.
• Several positions will be filled.
• Application deadline: April 9, 2004.
Duties: Evaluate post-fire recovery of chaparral shrublands. Collect field botany data including navigating to sites, laying out plots, and identifying plants to species using keys. Gain knowledge and experience in ecological research and sampling, as well as keying and identification of plants.
For more information, call Anne at (559) 565-3172 or e:mail at ahpfaff@usgs.gov. To apply, fax cover letter, resume, and transcripts (unofficial okay) to Peggy Hamilton at (916) 278-9474 by the closing date. Please list the announcement number on the application: WERC-38-08-02.

SUMMER FIELD RESEARCH, ALASKA
We are seeking enthusiastic undergraduates and recent college graduates who are interested in summer field research in Alaska. The overall objective of our research program is to understand the ecosystem and global consequences of potential future changes in arctic vegetation. Successful applicants will assist with fieldwork in our tussock tundra site and laboratory work
consisting of tasks such as plant sorting and data entry. In addition, successful applicants will attend weekly seminars on the research at the station, will develop their own individual research projects on a topic related to the program and their own interests, and will present their work
at an informal symposium at Toolik Field Station.
The focus of this experiment is to understand the mechanisms by which winter processes affect the summer growth of vegetation, and the consequences of shrub expansion under a warming climate for biogeochemical cycling of C and N. We have set up snowfences in tussock tundra, low shrub tundra, and taller shrub tundra, in order to assess how increased winter snow affects
mineralization of N overwinter and growth and recovery from snow-loading of shrubs and other vegetation in the following summer. We labeled plots on both sides of these snowfences with 15N in summer 2006 to see whether additional snow promotes overwinter mineralization of N, and if so, whether shrubs preferentially take up this N. We harvested plant biomass and soils
from this experiment in 2007, and will harvest again this coming summer. In addition, we will continue measurements of shrub response to, and recovery from, mechanical loading by snow. This project will improve our understanding of land surface changes currently occurring in the Arctic, and their potential impacts on climate. Successful applicants will be based at Toolik Field Station, north of the Brooks Range in arctic Alaska (http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/), which is the focus of research by nearly 100 scientists who work on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecology projects.
For more information, contact Dr. Syndonia Bret-Harte (ffmsb@uaf.edu).
There are 2 positions, each of which pays a stipend of $440 per week (before taxes). These positions are open only to US citizens who are currently undergraduates or have graduated after December 2007. Both positions will begin in June and end in late August of 2008.
Class background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology, statistics, and computer science would be an advantage. Experience in field or laboratory, experience with data analysis, and experience working in a remote field site is preferred. You should have skills with plant
identification, data collecting and recording, data manipulation in Excel, and data analysis. Applicants must be willing to work in the field, occasionally under adverse weather conditions. Competent, careful, emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people desired! We want the work to be both fun and challenging. We encourage applications from women and minorities. A valid U.S. Driver’s license is required, and successful applicants must provide a copy of their social security cards at the time of employment.
You must apply for these jobs on-line. To apply, please go to https://www.uakjobs.com and click on “Create Application” link to select a User Name and Password and to create your application. Then, go to http://www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=62449. You need to submit a cover letter that explains why you are interested in the program and how it fits into your long-term education and career goals. Also, describe your background and include anything that you think would convince us that you are the most appropriate person for this position. You must
also submit a C.V. or Resume and the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. If need assistance, please contact UAF Human Resources at 907-474-7700 or stop by 3295 College Road, Room 108, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7860 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed noon -1 p.m.). Applications will be
reviewed beginning April 4, 2008.

JUNIOR SPECIALIST, UC, DAVIS
Junior Specialist -- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis
This Junior Specialist position is focused on researching the ecology of plant-soil interactions and how they are affected by global change. The research includes how plant-soil interactions play a role in the invasion of exotic plant species and the restoration of native species. The research activities include: field work, lab work, greenhouse work and data analysis. The position can start as soon as a qualified candidate is available. Duration of the position is flexible, with an initial term of 3-6 months, which may be extended depending on funding availability. Please send resume to Valerie Eviner at veviner@ucdavis.edu.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN, CA
Biological Science Technician
Date Opened: 3/26/08 Announcement Number: WERC 42-08-02
Date Closed: 4/8/08
U.S. Geological Survey
Temporary Position: Biological Science Technician, GG-0404-05
Salary: $29,726 yearly, $14.24 hourly actual salary based on hours worked
Type of Appt: Temporary, Not-to-Exceed 180 working days
Work Schedule: Full Time, Up to 4 positions needed
Field Station: USGS, Biological Resources Division, Yosemite Field Station
Duty Station: Bishop, CA
Proposed Start Date: April 14, 2008 or later
Our research focuses on the processes underlying ecosystem recovery following disturbance (i.e. fire), the effectiveness of active restoration of degraded upland and desert habitats versus natural recovery, and long-term trends in Southwestern and Intermountain plant community change throughout the Western U.S. Research integrates observational field studies, long-term monitoring at established sites, as well as designed field and greenhouse experiments to understand the processes driving ecosystem recovery from wildfire, invasion by alien annual grasses, and active ecological restoration activities. We investigate how fluctuating desert climate, granivores such as ants and small mammals, and competition with invasive grasses interact to shape Southwestern and Intermountain western Desert shrubland and upland communities. Field work occurs on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service in southern Nevada, California and northwestern Arizona. Candidates will be asked to work on many different projects for periods of time during employment.
Interested candidates should have a desire to work in a research team and willing to work under arduous desert, upland and/or mountain conditions in the field and in the laboratory/greenhouse. Incumbents will assist in conducting field studies and surveys to collect botanical data and/or specimens to support scientific studies. Incumbents will establish sampling sites, assist in data collection (keying plants, soil sampling, seed bank sampling, vegetation inventory and monitoring, biomass collection, species identification, preparation of herbarium specimens), data management, maintenance of field, laboratory and computer equipment, and occasional library research. The incumbent will collect and organize field and laboratory data, ensuring adequate quality control of data collected and assists in identifying erroneous data. The incumbent will also assist in the lab analysis of soil, plant and seed bank samples.
The work involves large amounts of time outside under a variety of conditions including extreme heat and cold temperatures and will require the incumbent to carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds. The use of global positioning systems (GPS units), computers, personal data assistant (PDA's), digital cameras, on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Only people willing to spend periods of several days (7-14 nights per month) camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on data collection trips throughout the entire spring, summer and fall should apply. Incumbent must be a US citizen.
Qualifications: 9 months specialized experience in a field survey party, or 3 years sub professional experience, or 3 years college study (equivalent 90 semester/135 quarter hours) plus 3 months of lab or field work experience.
Basis of Evaluation: All applicants will be evaluated on the basis of education and experience (including unpaid or volunteer experience). Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
How to Apply: Carefully read all information and instructions. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure the application is completed. The personnel office will not be responsible for soliciting additional information from applicants or from official personnel records, but will consider individuals based on their applications as submitted. Applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement to be considered.
Applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement to be considered.
Submit one of the following forms of application: (a) resume or (b) OF-612, Optional Application for Federal employments, or (c) other written format. Also, please submit college transcript or list of college courses, specifying title of course work, completion date, semester or quarter hours earned by course title, and grade earned.
If claiming 5 point veterans preference, a DD-214 showing character of discharge is required. If claiming 10 point veterans preference, a SF-15 with proof of claim is required.
APPLY TO: Peggy Hamilton, USGS/BRD, 3020 State University Dr East, Room 3006, Sacramento, CA 95819, FAX (916) 278-9474 phamilton@usgs.gov Please list the WERC announcement number on your documents
Steven Ostoja, Ecologist , USGS - Western Ecological Research Center , Yosemite Field Station - Bishop Substation , U.C. White Mountain Research Station Tel. 760.920.8241
Web. www.werc.usgs.gov/yosemite/

LAND MANAGEMENT, WESTERN US
WE CURRENTLY HAVE EXTRA INTEREST IN BOTANY MAJORS. THANK
YOU!
This is an amazing opportunity for recent and upcoming science graduates to learn about land management while working with a mentor in the western United States. We have current openings in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming beginning in June, 2008. The Conservation and Land Management Fellows Program is a partnership between the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Bureau of Land Management, National Parks Service and the USDA Forest Service.
Travel and lodging expenses are covered for you to travel to Chicago in late May for a one-week training course held at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Training includes: BLM/NPS/FS orientation; Endangered Species Act and associated programs; plant and animal identification and
monitoring; GIS and mapping; and topographical map reading and GPS skills. Field duties may include: plant and wildlife monitoring and mapping; endangered species reintroduction; invasive species management; geographic data acquisition and analysis; biological assessments,
sensitive species lists and conservation plans; fire ecology; land use planning; archaeology-related activities; recreation areas management; rangeland assessments; seed collection.
Compensation is $750.00/pay period (every two weeks)
How to Apply: Applicants must have a visa authorized for employment in the United States of America. Please send a letter of interest, school transcript(s), resume, and three letters of recommendation to: clmfellows@chicagobotanic.org
This opportunity may also be conducted as a research component of a Masters program with Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden. For application information, visit:
http://www.plantbiology.northwestern.edu For more information visit the website:
http://www.clmfellows.org
All expenses are paid for you to travel to Chicago for a one-week training course held in late May at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Training includes: BLM/NPS/FS orientation; Endangered Species Act and associated programs; plant and animal identification and monitoring; GIS
and mapping; and topographical map reading and GPS skills.
Duties may include: plant and wildlife monitoring and mapping; endangered species reintroduction; invasive species management; geographic data acquisition and analysis; biological assessments, sensitive species lists and conservation plans; fire ecology; land use planning; archaeology-related activities; recreation areas management; rangeland assessments; seed collection.
Compensation is $750.00/pay period (every two weeks)
How to Apply: Applicants must have a visa authorized for employment in the United States of America. Please send a letter of interest, school transcript(s), resume, and three letters of recommendation to: clmfellows@chicagobotanic.org
This Fellowship opportunity may also be conducted as a research component of a Masters program with Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden. For application information, visit: http://www.plantbiology.northwestern.edu

ECOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN, NV
Otis Bay Ecological Consultants is looking to hire field and lab technicians with backgrounds in earth and\or ecological science. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to work on various projects related to ecological recovery of western riparian systems. Hired technicians
will develop skills related to understanding river basin hydrology, river channel hydraulics, geology, hyporheic groundwater flow, fluvial geomorphology, habitat use by migratory birds, aquatic invertebrate studies, plant ecology studies, planning and implementing natural
vegetation recovery projects, amongst others. Work will include frequent travel. Applicants are encouraged to apply for both temporary and permanent positions.
Minimum Requirements: B.S. degree or higher in the earth or ecological sciences. Selected
candidates should possess a desire and willingness to perform field work and physical labor, occasionally in remote locations. Technicians should be willing to complete a project from to start to finish with minimal supervision upon being shown an individual task.
Start Date: Immediate and Salary: Depends on Experience
Background on OBEC : Otis Bay Ecological Consultants is a small Reno, NV based environmental consulting firm. We are composed of an interdisciplinary team of scientists devoted to the rehabilitation and conservation of the rivers, lakes, and springs of the Western United States and their supported ecosystems. For more information on OBEC and current as well as completed projects, find us on the web at http://www.otisbay.com
For further questions please contact: Lea Condon , by e-mail: leacondon@yahoo.com, or phone at 775-345-9960

WETLANDS RESTORATION AND AVIAN ECOLOGY RESEARCH, MOJAVE DESERT
Wetlands Restoration and Avian Ecology Research in the Mojave Desert Summer 2008 Internships with the University of California, Santa Barbara We want to determine the availability of applicants for field internships for a regional wetlands and riparian habitat restoration project spanning southern Nevada and portions of three adjacent states. We are researching the success of past habitat restoration efforts and conducting new restoration in Mojave Desert oasis and
riparian habitats, including vegetation inventory, avian and insect communities, GIS, invasive species control, prescribed fire, simulated biocontrol, and native plantings. The overall focus is vegetation and avian community inventory and research to develop more effective control of salt cedar (Tamarix spp.) and its many secondary plant invaders. The research sites are widely scattered across the Mojave Desert region, with the base of field operations in the Las Vegas (NV) area.
DUTIES: Habitat inventory and research tasks emphasize plant and avian ecology, and field and office GPS/GIS applications. For field reconnaissance, interns will use field (backpack) GPS/GIS technology, including a sub-meter Trimble Pathfinder ProXT GPS unit, handheld computer, Windows Mobile 5, and ArcPad GIS software. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS: College undergraduates, recent graduates, and others, are encouraged to reply as to their availability for
summer internships, with minorities especially welcome. A working knowledge and demonstrated experience in vegetation inventory, avian ecology, and/or GIS (ArcView GIS 3.3 and/or ArcGIS 9.2) are required.A background in plant ecology, ornithology, biology, botany, forestry, computer science, statistics, or a related discipline is also required, as well as experience with habitat assessment and bird and/or plant identification. Successful candidates will be expected to be conscientious self-starters capable of independent work and timely
project completion.
CONDITIONS: Potential applicants should be capable of vigorous physical activity (e.g., working long hours outdoors in hot, rainy, and buggy weather; able to hike with a 40-pound pack across uneven terrain). The normal work week will consist of five eight-hour days, though working longer days and weekends may be necessary.
Internship positions are expected to start in May 2008 on either a seasonal or continuing basis, depending on applicant availability. Interns will be provided liability protection, free lodging, a field vehicle, and an hourly wage of $9-$16, depending on experience. Health insurance and other benefits are not included.
PROJECT INVESTIGATORS: Interns will work with several project investigators, including:
Matt Brooks, Ph.D., Principal Investigator and Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Fresno, CA, and Henderson, NV Tom Dudley, Ph.D., Lead Principal Investigator and Research Biologist, UC-Santa Barbara. Tom Hayes, Ph.D., Research Manager, UC-Santa Barbara
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please respond immediately, since internships are expected to start in May 2008 and will have priority in order of receipt. However, additional intern openings will be available throughout the 2.5-year project. Please direct any questions, or requests for further information, to Dr. Tom Hayes (below).
Email inquiries are preferred. To indicate your availability, please send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to: Dr. Tom Hayes. Email: tdhayes3@gmail.com. Telephone: 715-630-4412.

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