Month: February 2017

M.S. Research Assistantship in Barred Owl Ecology: Clemson University

The Barrett Lab in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University is accepting applications from prospective MS students. The selected candidate will begin in either summer or fall 2017. The student will work on a fully-funded project designed to understand the influences of urbanization on barred owls in the upstate of South Carolina and human perceptions of wildlife at the urban-rural interface. Drs. Rob Baldwin (Chair, Lloyd-SmartState Endowment in Urban Ecology and Restoration) and Pat Jodice (Unit Leader, USGS South Carolina Cooperative Research Unit) are project collaborators.

Qualifications: The successful applicant will be motivated and have a proven ability to generate high-quality work in an unsupervised environment. S/he should have excellent writing and communication skills and an interest in working cooperatively. Previous experience with field work is required and we are particularly interested in applicants with experience trapping and handling owls or other birds of prey. Minimum academic requirements are a BS degree in wildlife, biology, or related field, a 3.0 GPA, and a combined verbal + quantitative GRE score of 310.

To apply please submit (1) a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and your qualifications, and (2) a CV. Please be sure to include your GPA (undergrad and graduate), GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references somewhere within your CV. Documents should be submitted via email to rbarre2@clemson.edu as a single PDF file with the subject heading =93owl MS application=94. Applications must be received by March 20, 2017 to receive full consideration.

Additional information about the Barrett Lab at Clemson can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/clemsonbarrettlab/. Clemson University is ranked nationally as a top-25 public university. Clemson is situated in the Piedmont of South Carolina, and offers easy access to many outdoor recreational opportunities. Please visit the University=92s website (www.clemson.edu) for more information. Clemson University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran=92s status, genetic information or protected activity (e.g., opposition to prohibited discrimination or participation in any complaint process, etc.) in employment, educational programs and activities, admissions and financial aid.  This includes a prohibition against sexual harassment and sexual violence as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Field technician for sagebrush vegetation monitoring

The University of Washington is advertising two positions to assist with vegetation monitoring from April-June 2017 in central WA as part of a multi-

agency project evaluating long-term vegetation dynamics in the sagebrush-

steppe. The project is a collaboration between the University of Washington, The Ohio State University, Department of Defense, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Fieldwork will take place in and around the Yakima Training Center and the Arid Lands Ecology Reserve (Hanford Reach National Monument). The position is best suited to mature, upper-level undergraduates or recent graduates who are considering advanced study or professional work in plant ecology or range management. Details on the position, requirements, and application instructions are available here:

http://blogs.uw.edu/ecolsage/files/2016/12/Technician_position_description_d

raft_170214.pdf

Job Posting Northern California Summer Field Technicians

Based in Susanville, CA

Working in Lassen and Modoc Counties (primarily)

These positions (2-3 positions available) will provide technical field assistance for a team of UC Cooperative Extension Advisors and UC Cooperative Extension Specialists (UC Davis) on multiple ongoing research projects in Lassen and Modoc counties, including:

*         Post-fire grazing management of intermountain rangelands. Evaluate post-fire grazing management and other associated land treatments on long-term effects on rangeland health.

*         Assessment of seeding and rangeland restoration practices in the intermountain and Great Basin regions of northeastern California. Evaluating effects of site characteristics, weather variables, and seeding methods on current plant community metrics and wildlife habitat values.

*         Assessing effectiveness of juniper control treatments and understanding site effects, treatment methods, and time-scale on subsequent habitat values for sage grouse and other sage brush affiliated species.

Responsibilities

*         Conduct plant surveys, rangeland health monitoring protocols, and photo plots

*         Collect various types of data including GPS data

*         Enter data and perform data management

*         Work under close or infrequent supervision

Technical requirements

*         Completed or pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences, such as Range Management, Natural Resources Management, Agriculture, or a related subject

*         Course work in plant taxonomy or experience identifying plants in the field using a dichotomous key and/or ability to quickly learn native and invasive plants of the sampling area and associated natural resource issues

*         Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn vegetation sampling methods including line point intercept and nested frequency

*         Experience navigating and collecting coordinates with hand-held GPS units, performing basic functions with GIS software (ArcMap), and navigation using topographic maps to locate plot locations in remote rangeland settings

*         Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access)

Additional requirements

*         Ability to work in remote, harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 30 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition

*         Experience in and willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field

*         Provide personal camping equipment including but not limited to sleeping bag, tent, backpack, water bottle, hiking boots, utensils

*         Willingness to work irregular hours (e.g., early mornings, late nights)

*         Valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record

*         Experience operating 4WD vehicles on paved and unpaved roads, often in narrow or rocky areas

*         Ability to operate an ATV over uneven rocky terrain

*         Ability to work productively as part of a team, as well as independently under general direction to accomplish team goals

*         Ability to communicate effectively with team members

*         Excellent organizational skills

Job Details

*         2-3 positions available

*         Position is based on an approximately 40 hour week with irregular work hours and schedule

*         Preferred starting date May 15 through August 19 (dates partially flexible)

*         This is an hourly paid internship ($12.86 – $17.86)

*         Possible shared summer housing available (~$180/month)

To Apply

Go to: http://ucanr.edu/Jobs/Jobs_990/?jobnum=3D1120 (for current students)

Go to: http://ucanr.edu/Jobs/Jobs_990/?jobnum=3D1144 (for non-students)

For questions please contact Laura Snell at lksnell@ucanr.edu<mailto:lksnell@ucanr.edu>

or David Lile at dflile@ucanr.edu<mailto:dflile@ucanr.edu>

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

Graduate position: USouthernMississippi.FishPopulationGenomics

A graduate assistant position (M.S. or Ph.D) is available in our
laboratory to work on population genetics/genomics of reef
fishes exploited in the Gulf of Mexico region. Current lab
projects include exploitation of RAD-Tag sequencing data to generate
linkage maps and/or analyze spatial genetic variation and population
structure with application to the management of aquaculture programs
and fisheries conservation.

The successful applicant will be provided a 12-month full-time Research
Assistantship with a tuition waiver. Candidates should possess a
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Biology, Ecology &
evolutionary biology, Fisheries science, GPA > 3.5) when applying for
this position. Skills in programming/script-writing and experience with
molecular techniques are strong assets. The position is available
starting fall 2017.

Interested individuals should send a CV, GRE scores, and unofficial
transcripts to:

Eric Saillant, Ph.D
Associate Professor
Department of Coastal Sciences
The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
703 East Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, MS, 39564
Tel. (1) 228-818-8007
Fax (1) 228-872-4204
E-mail: eric.saillant@usm.edu

Eric Saillant <eric.saillant@usm.edu>

Graduate position:U_Pittsburgh.Evolutionary_Ecology

PhD positions in Evolutionary Ecology

The Turcotte Lab at the University of Pittsburgh is looking for PhD students to experimentally test the dynamic interplay between rapid evolution and community ecology in the field. Using various plant and insect study systems and complementary approaches, including experimental evolution, modeling, and genetic analyses, we test cutting-edge hypotheses in Evolutionary Ecology. We are especially interested in testing how rapid phenotypic changes, both plastic and evolutionary, impact concurrent ecological dynamics and species interactions. The aim of the lab is to disentangle and quantify how ecological and evolutionary processes reciprocally impact each other and understand their importance in nature.

Please visit the lab webpage for more information:        www.martinturcotte.net

The University of Pittsburgh is a leading research university and the Department of Biological Sciences is a dynamic and growing team of enthusiastic researchers and educators. The department also runs the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology, which is equipped with lab space and housing to facilitate field-based research in northwestern Pennsylvania. The City of Pittsburgh is a vibrant and beautiful place to live. It is often voted the ‘Most Livable city in the U.S.’. All graduate students in the department are provided with a competitive stipend and benefits for 5 years through a combination of fellowships, TAships, and research assistantships. Although funding from the lab itself is available, I expect all prospective students to apply for external funding.

Prospective students should email me  (turcotte@pitt.edu) with a short paragraph stating why you are interested in the lab and describe your past research experience. Please include your C.V., any publications, and contact information for a few references.

Martin Turcotte, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
University of Pittsburgh

www.martinturcotte.net
turcotte@pitt.edu

Position Available: Roads Monitoring and Restoration AmeriCorps Intern

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLO=

G&req=3D2017-ACI-001

In cooperation with The National Park Service and Lake Mead National

Recreation Area (NRA), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Roads

Monitoring and Restoration Intern. The Intern will support roads monitoring

and restoration of disturbances within Lake Mead NRA.  The Intern will be

responsible for assisting our Roads Specialist with reporting and managing

conditions along backcountry roads.  The Intern will assist with the

management of the division=E2=80=99s backcountry road condition reporting s=

ystem

and database and will assess and report off-road activities and

disturbances, including road barrier conditions, missing or damaged signs,

desert dumping, graffiti, and road conditions.  Work will include the use

of a GPS unit and camera to document disturbances and restoration actions

performed.  The Intern will work to restore off-road tracks using

hand-tools such as rakes and McLeods; remove graffiti using chemical

remover, chisels, and brushes; and install or repair barriers and signs

using necessary tools and equipment. For certain backcountry disturbance

projects, the Intern may help install plants, watering tubes, or rodent

cages.  The Intern will be responsible for assisting with backcountry data

management including GIS, Access, and photo data.  The Intern will also be

responsible for helping to manage the backcountry road monitoring volunteer

program including work schedules and data collection.

Other duties may consist of checking backcountry traffic counters, checking

weather stations, picking-up trash. This position will also support

operations at the Lake Mead native plant nursery which includes irrigation

setup and repair, plant propagation, seed collection and processing, weed

removal, and plant plot monitoring.

Compensation and Timeline:

o Living Allowance: $18,700 (allocated biweekly)

o Education Award: $5,775 (May be used for past, present or future

educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans=

)

o No-cost medical, dental and vision benefits provided

o January 2017-December 2017, full time, 40 hours per week including

occasional holidays and weekends

Location:

o Lake Mead NRA (Boulder City, NV).  Lake Mead National Recreation area is

located in the Mojave Desert so Intern will be required to wear appropriate

attire to work in an outdoor setting in extreme weather conditions and very

little shade.  Outside temperatures can range from below 32=C2=B0F in the w=

inter

to over 120=C2=B0 in the summer. Intern may be exposed to poisonous or

irritating plants that may cause skin irritations. Intern may come in

contact with spiders, lizards, scorpions, insects, and other hazardous

wildlife. Intern will be required to wear all necessary safety equipment to

perform duties.  Work will occur in remote areas on uneven terrain and

various elevation gains. Intern may be exposed to direct sun, wind, dust,

and rain.

Physical Demands

o Lift up to 50  pounds of material or power equipment;

o Bend, lift, pull, and push;

o Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time ;

o Walk for long periods of time on uneven surfaces carrying equipment; and

o Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending upon the season).

Qualifications:

o Bachelor=E2=80=99s degree in recreation/wilderness management, natural re=

sources,

or related field desired;

o Ability to drive 4×4 vehicle, and navigate in the backcountry using maps

and GPS units;

o Ability to use ArcGIS software such as ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcToolbox,

ArcMobile, and ArcPad;

o Ability to use GPS units such as Garmins, Mesas, and Trimbles to collect

data;

o Ability to use Microsoft Office Programs;

o Ability to do physical labor in the backcountry;

o Motivated to learn about the park=E2=80=99s resources;

o Ability to communicate with park staff in an appropriate manner in

written and verbal form;

o Must pass a federal background check; and

o Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal

resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education

Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time

education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW)

and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules,

regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service

Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the

Member Service Agreement.

How to Apply:

Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal:

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=3DECOLO=

G&req=3D2017-ACI-001

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal

employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage

women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to

all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all

qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without

regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender

identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information &

Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other

characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against

individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the

employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or

participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose

discrimination.

Positions Available: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Outreach Lead and Technicians

For complete position descriptions and to apply, follow the links below.

*Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Outreach Lead Internship*

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2017-ACI-004

Working collaboratively with Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA),

the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a lead intern to learn about and

participate on multiple projects including resource management and

education at LMNRA. During the main boating season (May-September), the

intern will lead a team in educating the boating public about aquatic

invasive species (AIS) and water safety, as well as gain skills and

knowledge of natural and cultural resources in the LMNRA.

This position is assigned to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area

(Kathrine Landing). This position will be performing a variety of duties

including (1) facilitating visitor contacts to create understanding of park

resources, aquatic invasive species, and boater safety and responsibility;

(2) collecting data on water quality (e.g., water sampling); and (3)

encourage visitors behavior to uphold the mission of the National Park

Service.

*Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Outreach Interns*

http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2017-ACI-005

Working collaboratively with Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA),

the Great Basin Institute is recruiting interns to learn about and

participate on multiple projects including resource management and

education at LMNRA. During the main boating season (May-September), the

intern will educate the boating public about aquatic invasive species (AIS)

and water safety, as well as gain skills and knowledge of natural and

cultural resources in the LMNRA.

This position is assigned to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area

(Kathrine Landing). This position will be performing a variety of duties

including (1) facilitating visitor contacts to create understanding of park

resources, aquatic invasive species, and boater safety and responsibility;

(2) collecting data on water quality (e.g., water sampling); and (3)

encourage visitors behavior to uphold the mission of the National Park

Service.

Job: Wetland Field Technician, Wisconsin

Position: Seasonal Field Technician =96 2 positions

Employer: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resour=

ces

Classification: Wildlife Technician (90660)

Duration: March 2017 =96 July 2017

Pay range: $12.00/hr

Work Location: Stevens Point, WI (will travel to Columbia, Dodge, Fond du=

Lac and Winnebago counties)

Position Description: The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is seekin=

g a

seasonal wetland field technician to assist with a project examining

water-bird abundance and ecological functioning of wetlands and their

adjacent uplands in the Glacial Habitat Restoration Area (GHRA) of

Wisconsin. Selected wetlands will occur on state, federal and private lan=

ds.

Technicians will report to Stevens Point, WI but extensive independent

travel to the GHRA will be required. Main duties will include following

secretive marshbird protocols (call-response surveys), conducting visual

surveys of waterfowl pairs and broods, identifying other wetland dependen=

t

birds (point counts), and taking various measurements to assess wetland

condition (including wetland rapid assessment methods). Other duties will=

include recording and managing data, data entry, contacting landowners,

driving university vehicles, and interaction with state and federal

conversation partners.

Department/University Description: Through the discovery and disseminatio=

n

of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point stimulates intellectual growth, provides a=

liberal education, and prepares students for a diverse sustainable word. =

The

university is committed to creating a safe, inclusive learning community =

for

all faculty and staff from a variety of backgrounds. Visit www.uwsp.edu f=

or

more information about UW-Stevens Point.

Qualifications:

Required:

-Course work in or completed B.S. degree in wildlife science, natural

resources, or a related field

-Ability to work in adverse conditions such as cold temperatures, snow an=

d

ice, difficult terrain insects, walking miles in waders, irritating plant=

s, etc.

-Strong work ethic

-Interpersonal skills

-Ability to work independently and with a partner or group for long hours=

Preferred:

– Previous field experience identifying wetland dependent birds and wetla=

nd

plants

– Previous field experience working in wetlands and/or working long shift=

s

– Previous field experience with ATVs

-A satisfactory driving record as defined by UW-Stevens Point Transportat=

ion

Services policy 6.1-6.3

(an unsatisfactory record includes, but is not limited to three or more

moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two years, an

Operation While Intoxicated (OWI)/Driving Under the Influence (DUI) citat=

ion

within 12 months, or suspension or revocation of driver=92s license)

Appointment Date: March 15, 2017 or shortly thereafter

Terms of Employment: This position will require frequent, independent tra=

vel

and the ability to pass a driving record check as prescribed by UW System=

Administrative Policy 615 is required. Applicants must be able to pass a

background check, and exhibit a willingness to work an unpredictable sche=

dule.

Deadline: End of the day, 11:59pm, February 28, 2017. Review will begin

March 1, 2017.

Files must be complete to be considered. Submission in PDF format is

preferred for all attachments. Please include the following documents:

– Cover letter addressing qualifications and experience (please reference=

WI

GHRA Project in the subject line)

– Resume

– Names and contact information for three (3) professional references

To Apply:

Step 1: Please select the applicable link below:

External Applicants: (NOT currently employed by the University of Wiscons=

in

System)

https://www.careers.wisconsin.edu/psc/careers/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HR=

S_CE.GBL?&

MS Positions in Marine Physiology and Behavior

MS in Biology: The Chabot lab at Plymouth State University is seeking graduate students to fill two funded positions to study the behavior and physiology of horseshoe crabs and other estuarine organisms. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to engage in ongoing funded research=

into the effects of biomedical bleeding and the molecular and physiological control of biological rhythms of horseshoe crabs and other marine species in the lab and field.  Lab work might involve behavioral and physiological measurements, deep sequencing, bioinformatics, westerns=

, in situ, PCR, or immunohistochemistry, while field work will include collection trips and surveys.  The positions include research assistantships and tuition coverage. Research and course work will take place in beautiful Plymouth, NH located in the White Mountains and Lakes Region of New Hampshire as well as on and around Great Bay, NH. Expected outcomes include co-authorship in peer-reviewed scientific papers, presentations, preparation of grant proposals, and preparation for PhD program or positions in your field of interest.

If you are interested in applying for these positions, please send (1) a short introductory email stating your research/career interests, (2) C.V.=

; (3) unofficial transcripts; (4) copies of your GRE scores (if taken); and=

(5) a list of three references who are willing to write letters on your behalf as a single PDF file to Chris Chabot (chrisc@plymouth.edu). Applicants must have a Bachelor=92s degree in Biology or related field. Preference will be given to those who can begin in May or June, 2017. Review of applicants will begin immediately. Official transcripts and GRE=

scores will be required for admittance into PSU.

Summer Course on Invasion Biology at Friday Harbor Laboratories

July 17 – August 18, 2017 (5 weeks) Instructors:

Dr. Daniel Simberloff

Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

University of Tennessee

tebo@utk.edu

Dr. Christy Leppanen

Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

University of Tennessee

cleppane@utk.edu

Thousands of species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes have been

transported by humans to new locations. Yes, without human assistance,

species have always managed to spread, but much less often, much more

slowly, and not nearly so far. This geographic rearrangement of the earth=

‘s

biota is one of the great global changes now underway. Although many

introduced species fail to establish populations or remain restricted to =

the

immediate vicinity of the new sites they land in, other species establish=

populations and invade new habitats, spreading widely and sometimes well

beyond the initial point of introduction.

Many invasions have such idiosyncratic and bizarre effects that they cann=

ot

fail to arouse our curiosity simply as fascinating tales of natural histo=

ry.

For example, who would have thought that=85

=95 Introducing kokanee salmon to Flathead Lake, Montana, and many years

later, opossum shrimp to three nearby lakes would ultimately have led to

population crashes of grizzly bears and bald eagles through a complicated=

chain reaction? =95 Introducing myxoma virus to Great Britain to control introduced rabbi=

t

populations would have led to the extinction of the large blue butterfly =

there? =95 Introducing a particular grass species would lead to hybridization wi=

th a

native congener, subsequent polyploidization, and the origin of a new

vigorous invasive species that would change entire intertidal systems?

Teasing apart such intriguing causal chains is a scientific accomplishmen=

t

of the first order. The variety and idiosyncrasy of effects challenges

biologists to produce general laws or rules to be able to explain why som=

e

introductions have no major impacts, while others lead to huge invasions.=

Being able to predict which species will fall in the latter category if

introduced, and which in the former, is the elusive holy grail of invasio=

n

biology.

Schedule: Class meets daily, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Some Saturday activities=

may be planned to accommodate fieldwork. Lectures/discussions/debates,

laboratory/field work, and individual/group activities will each comprise=

approximately 1/3 of the course meeting time, with the percentage of lect=

ure

decreasing and discussions and practical activities increasing as the cou=

rse

progresses.

Application Web Site:

http://depts.washington.edu/fhl/studentApplicationInfo.html

Although the deadline has passed, applications will be accepted for the n=

ext

three weeks

Financial Aid Available

For more information contact the instructors or Dr. Megan Dethier, Friday=

Harbor Laboratories mdethier@uw.edu