Month: June 2018

PhD position – invasive birds and land use change – Colorado State University

Job Title: Ph.D. Position – Invasive songbirds and land use/land cover in the United States

Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

Closing date:  July 9, 2018

RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful applicant will evaluate 1) how the abundance of introduced birds varies over space and time in the United States, and 2) how spatial and temporal patterns of abundance relate to changes in land use/cover, such as habitat fragmentation and agricultural intensification. This is an exciting opportunity to use long-term datasets on breeding birds to ask novel questions at large scales in close collaboration with ecologists at Colorado State University and the USGS Fort Collins Science Center. There is scope for the successful candidate to help shape the project based on their interests and experience. For example, there is potential for this project to shed new light on the land sparing/sharing debate, advance the theory and practice of landscape ecology, and/or explore the relationship between patterns of introduced bird abundance and impacts on ecological processes, such as pest control, crop damage, and disease transmission. We also anticipate opportunities to contribute to related projects on trans-boundary species conservation.

The successful applicant will complete her/his Ph.D. under the guidance of Dr. Liba Pejchar at Colorado State University. The preferred start date is August 21, 2018, but there is also flexibility to begin the position in January 2019.  The student will have the option of pursuing a PhD in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (GDPE;
http://www.ecology.colostate.edu/) or in the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should have both B.S. (required) and M.S.
(preferred) degrees in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife biology, environmental studies or a closely related field. Strong communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a team situation are required. We seek candidates with strong quantitative skills, including proficiency in R, familiarity with a variety of statistical approaches, experience interacting with large data sets, and the ability to work with spatial data layers in ArcGIS. Relevant field experience, such as surveying for and observing passerine birds is also desirable. A demonstrated ability to publish in the peer-reviewed literature is strongly preferred. Academic qualifications include a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Reflecting departmental and institutional values, applicants are expected to have the ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

COMPENSATION: Salary and tuition for the duration of the project will be supported by graduate research and teaching assistantships. Funds are also available for supplies and travel.

TO APPLY: E-mail a single PDF document that includes: 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position, 2) your curriculum vitae, 3) copies of transcripts and GRE scores (can be unofficial at this stage), and 4) the names and contact information for three references, by July 9, 2018. Please write “Ph.D. position – Introduced birds” in the subject line and e-mail to: liba.pejchar@colostate.edu.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Liba Pejchar
Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
E-mail: liba.pejchar@colostate.edu
Website: https://sites.warnercnr.colostate.edu/liba/

PhD position – invasive birds and land use change – Colorado State University

Subject: PhD position – invasive birds and land use change – Colorado State University

Job Title: Ph.D. Position – Invasive songbirds and land use/land cover in the United States

Location: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

Closing date:  July 9, 2018

RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful applicant will evaluate 1) how the abundance of introduced birds varies over space and time in the United States, and 2) how spatial and temporal patterns of abundance relate to changes in land use/cover, such as habitat fragmentation and agricultural intensification. This is an exciting opportunity to use long-term datasets on breeding birds to ask novel questions at large scales in close collaboration with ecologists at Colorado State University and the USGS Fort Collins Science Center. There is scope for the successful candidate to help shape the project based on their interests and experience. For example, there is potential for this project to shed new light on the land sparing/sharing debate, advance the theory and practice of landscape ecology, and/or explore the relationship between patterns of introduced bird abundance and impacts on ecological processes, such as pest control, crop damage, and disease transmission. We also anticipate opportunities to contribute to related projects on trans-boundary species conservation.

The successful applicant will complete her/his Ph.D. under the guidance of Dr. Liba Pejchar at Colorado State University. The preferred start date is August 21, 2018, but there is also flexibility to begin the position in January 2019.  The student will have the option of pursuing a PhD in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (GDPE;
http://www.ecology.colostate.edu/) or in the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should have both B.S. (required) and M.S.
(preferred) degrees in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife biology, environmental studies or a closely related field. Strong communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a team situation are required. We seek candidates with strong quantitative skills, including proficiency in R, familiarity with a variety of statistical approaches, experience interacting with large data sets, and the ability to work with spatial data layers in ArcGIS. Relevant field experience, such as surveying for and observing passerine birds is also desirable. A demonstrated ability to publish in the peer-reviewed literature is strongly preferred. Academic qualifications include a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Reflecting departmental and institutional values, applicants are expected to have the ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

COMPENSATION: Salary and tuition for the duration of the project will be supported by graduate research and teaching assistantships. Funds are also available for supplies and travel.

TO APPLY: E-mail a single PDF document that includes: 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position, 2) your curriculum vitae, 3) copies of transcripts and GRE scores (can be unofficial at this stage), and 4) the names and contact information for three references, by July 9, 2018. Please write “Ph.D. position – Introduced birds” in the subject line and e-mail to: liba.pejchar@colostate.edu.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Liba Pejchar
Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
E-mail: liba.pejchar@colostate.edu
Website: https://sites.warnercnr.colostate.edu/liba/

Laboratory Technician Position in Wildlife Population Genetics, Genomics, and Disease Ecology

Subject: Laboratory Technician Position in Wildlife Population Genetics, Genomics, and Disease Ecology

Laboratory Technician Position in Wildlife Population Genetics

Looking for candidate to start Sept 2018 or as soon as possible.

Information on position is below and here:
http://www.wildlifegenetichealth.org/opportunities-for-working-with-us/

* Apply as soon as possible, applications will be reviewed as they are
received.*

A laboratory technician position is available to assist research in wildlife population genetics, genomics, and disease ecology. The position will be primarily lab-based within the Ernest Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory in the Department of Veterinary Sciences which has affiliations with the University of Wyoming (UW) Graduate Program in Ecology.

The Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology (Ernest) Lab at University of Wyoming, Laramie, is focused on enhancing wildlife conservation, population health, and management through collaborative research, education, and public outreach in the disciplines of genomics, landscape & conservation genetics, and disease ecology.http://www.wildlifegenetichealth.org/

The technician will be responsible for lab work, including  assisting other lab members with research and responsibilities may include supervising and mentoring undergraduate students.  Lab work may involve genomic (next gen sequence data generation and analysis) and genetic (microsatellite) to examine landscape-level genetic diversity, population structure, and population health/disease of wildlife species in the Rocky Mountain West and California. Projects will involve species of current focus in our lab (see our website). Work will involve processing samples, entering data into electronic data bases, maintaining lab safety procedures, equipment and reagents, and more. This position will contribute to graduate students’ and lab’s research on genomics and population health of pronghorn, mule deer, hummingbird, sea otter, black bear, and/or other species, as well as aspects of wildlife population health and/or disease ecology. Responsibilities may also include contributing to data analysis, manuscript writing for peer-reviewed publication, grant-writing, and development of oral and poster presentations of research. Desire to assist in lab management is a plus.

pdf with details about Postdoc Fall 2018 opening and instructions for application –http://www.wildlifegenetichealth.org/ernestlabtech-wildlifegenomics21june2018/

Apply online at the University of Wyoming Jobs Site: https://goo.gl/RygmSu

or click “academic job listings” here,
http://www.uwyo.edu/hr/prospective/index.html then click on the position ID 9850.

Marine Educator Position

Marine Education Associate 

DeFelice Marine Center, Cocodrie, Louisiana 

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking to fill a full-time position within the education program. The position is based at the DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, Louisiana. The role of the Marine Education Associate is to support, facilitate, and ensure high-quality experiences for all visitors within the LUMCON Marine Education Program. This includes leading field, lab, and classroom activities for a wide variety of audiences at the DeFelice Marine Center and off-site field locations. The Marine Education Associate will also be responsible for some travel to classrooms, festivals, and other community events to educate people about the goals and mission of LUMCON and cover topics about marine science. All activities should be in accordance with the LUMCON Education Mission Statement.

Our purpose is to enable the next generation of marine scientist and ocean literate citizen. We will reach this goal by providing meaningful and relevant place-base and skill-based experiences for all visitors, while aiming to have significant impacts on Louisiana’s diverse citizenry including those populations underrepresented and underserved in marine science.

The Marine Education Associate will assist with the education and outreach programs of the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. The Marine Education Associate will work under the direction of the Associate Director of Education and Outreach. This position requires extensive fieldwork (including on boats), weekends, longer days, and travel to various events around the state.

Job duties (include but are not limited to):

  • Deliver content rich and hands-on activities in a professional and grade-appropriate way
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors to the marine center
  • Enforce all LUMCON Rules and policies
  • Make sure that all classroom and lab spaces are clean and ready for anyone who may need it for other programs
  • Travel and deliver educational activities at off-site events such as festivals, in-school visits, special programs
  • Chaperoning of participates during LUMCON events
  • Assist with program development
  • Work to develop program materials such as posters, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, binders, lesson plans, etc.
  • Assist in data gathering for reports or grant progress reporting
  • Assist with display aquarium maintenance and animal husbandry

Qualifications:

  •  B.S. with teaching experience or M.S. in science with an environmental focus; marine science training preferred.

Required Skills:

  • Above average communication skills (written and oral)
  • Ability to work in the field, lab, and classroom situations with large groups of people · Good people skills and classroom management
  • First Aid/CPR knowledge
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds
  • Good swimming skills
  • Teamwork

Duration and Start Date:

  • The position is available immediately. This is a permanent appointment. Location: The position will be based at the DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA.

Application:

  • A letter of interest, curriculum vitae and three relevant references to Murt Conover, LUMCON Associate Director of Education & Outreach (mconover@lumcon.edu) Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Salary:

  • Compensation commensurate with experience.

 Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium 8124 Highway 56 | Chauvin, LA 70344 | 985-851-2800 A division of the Louisiana Board of Regents

Job announcement: Aquatic Ecology Technician – USGS

Aquatic Ecology Technician
 
The USGS Leetown Science Center, Kearneysville, WV USA (https://www.lsc.usgs.gov/) seeks a full-time contractor for 1) supporting fish and stream habitat assessments at remote field locations within Shenandoah National Park, Virginia; 2) supporting research at our experimental stream laboratory; and 3) providing data input and summary assistance. This is a one-year term appointment scheduled to begin in July or August 2018. The USGS Leetown Science Center is within the scenic and historic Potomac and Shenandoah River valleys, and located near Shepherdstown, WV, about 70 miles west of Washington DC.

The position includes a benefits package. Interested applicants should send their resume and a letter of interest to Dr. Craig Snyder, 
csnyder@usgs.gov, by 10 July 2018.

Restoration Ecology Apprenticeship – Healthy Forest, Healthy Wildlife

The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world, offering diverse training programs for early career professionals.  The Wilds has nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine land and remnant forest patches which present opportunities for ecological restoration and research.

Six month positions start August 27th and continue through February 2018, flexible upon request.

Apprentices gain hands-on experience, participate in vegetation and wildlife studies and receive field training on a variety of ecological studies in wetland, forest, stream & grassland habitats.
*       Focus: the focus of this particular apprentice position is
monitoring survival and growth rates of recently planted native herbs, shrubs, and trees in our Healthy Forest, Healthy Wildlife site. The selected candidate will conduct an independent research project including field work monitoring the planting, with a final presentation to Wilds employees at the end of their term.
*       Typical tasks: implementing habitat improvements and monitoring
ecosystem recovery through invasive plant management, vegetation and wildlife surveys, environmental monitoring, photo point collection, data analysis and report writing.
*       Training: field methods (species identification, survey
protocols, research methodology), GPS & GIS applications/map making, biological monitoring and application of land management and restoration techniques, Wildlife ecology basics and techniques, landscape genetics.
*       Position requires hiking and some physically demanding tasks,
including outdoor work throughout the seasons.  This may include hot, buggy, cold or otherwise challenging conditions.  Participants should be prepared with appropriate field gear / foot wear.
*       Candidates should be eager for learning opportunities and
willing to practice new skills independently.  Apprentices must be responsible, flexible, self-motivated and able to work effectively with limited supervision, as well as in a team setting.
*       Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to lift at least
45 lbs.

Schedule is typically M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. While no monetary compensation is offered, on site housing will be covered. The position is ideal for acquiring practical career experience in conservation, natural resource management, land stewardship or ecological studies, and is particularly well suited to prepare participants for graduate school or work in a conservation organization.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by June 15th here:
https://columbuszoo.org/job-details/wilds/internship?job=9e26cd32-bd2f-
67d7-bdc2-ff0000bf4b43

In your cover letter please mention that you are specifically interested in the Healthy Forest, Healthy Wildlife position – other positions are available as well but do not cover housing costs. Outline what you would hope to gain from the position and how your past experience makes you an ideal candidate.  All training programs at The Wilds are competitive and we value placing individuals in programs that suit their career goals.

Restoration Ecology Americorps Project Member

Skills and Qualifications: Understanding of ecological issues and a concern for improving the environment is necessary; some knowledge of plant identification or restoration ecology techniques preferred. This position requires the ability to work both independently and in a team setting. Excellent organizational and communication skills, the ability to work under deadline pressure and the ability to handle multiple tasks are paramount to succeeding in this position. Knowledge of MS Office software packages and general computer skills are required with experience in GIS preferred. Must have high school diploma or GED, B.S.
in ecology or related field preferred. AmeriCorps member must possess the ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, insects, etc.), be able to carry 40 pounds and to walk extended distances over rough terrain. Ability to speak in public setting is required. Must have own transportation and valid drivers license. Usual hours of service will be M-F during regular office hours of 8:00-5:00pm.
The ability to serve flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, is needed. Hours may fluctuate, increase or decrease, in consideration of seasonal changes such as inclement weather or other extended activities.

Location:
The Wilds, Cumberland, OH.
The Wilds is North America’s largest conservation center and consists almost entirely of reclaimed mining land. It is managed jointly as a zoological park for the maintenance and captive breeding of globally imperiled species and as a conservation site for native plants and wildlife. Therefore, one of our major objectives is restoration of native ecosystems on site. Our restoration work focuses on establishing native prairies and planting forests, maintaining and improving existing ecosystems through invasive species removal, prescribed burns, and planting native species. Furthermore, we monitor ecosystem responses to restoration, which include survey and monitoring for a wide variety of species including plants, butterflies, grassland birds, amphibians, mesocarnivores, and in ecosystems such as wetlands, streams, forests, and grasslands.

Duties and responsibilities of the AmeriCorps Member:
1. Implement habitat improvements through activities such as invasive plant management, native plantings, and prescribed burns.
2. Monitor ecosystem recovery through vegetation and wildlife surveys, environmental monitoring, photo point collection.
3. Track riparian restoration through macroinvertebrate and fish surveys, identification, and calculation of IBI scores.
4. Organize, research, and process survey data, write reports summarizing findings.
5. Participate in project planning and implementation through meetings and field studies.
6. Use GPS & GIS to make maps and assist with monitoring efforts.
7. Enhance skills and knowledge applicable to position through participation in workshops, conferences and training 8. Complete 2 activity reports monthly, required timesheets and monthly reports in The OnCorps system online system 9. All other duties as assigned within the limitations of this member description.

Additional Information:
No public transportation is available.
Position requires hiking and some physically demanding tasks, including outdoor work throughout the seasons. This may include hot, buggy, cold or otherwise challenging conditions. Participants should be prepared with appropriate field gear / foot wear.

For more information, visit: http://ruralaction.org/get- involved/americorps/

How to Apply to OSRC
1. Go to my.americorps.gov; Click “Apply to Serve” (bottom of screen) 2.
Build an application; you will need two references. Allow time for their response before submitting.
3. Search Listings for Rural Action or Ohio Stream Restore Corps 4.
Click the OSRC name and Apply!
5. You will get a confirmation email with further instructions.

Funded MSc position in Desert Amphibian Ecology

Funded MS Opportunity in Desert Amphibian and Disease Ecology to start Fall 2018 or January 2019

Deadline for applications August 1st

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to employ as a MSc Student conducting research on amphibian and disease ecology in ephemeral waters in the Sonoran Desert south-central Arizona.

The student will examine how water quality affects amphibian development and determine the extent to which water sites constructed for wildlife function as disease reservoirs. The work will consist of checking and maintaining data loggers, setting up field enclosures with amphibian embryos and monitoring until hatching, measuring recently hatched amphibians, sampling water quality, collecting and preserving water samples, and environmental DNA (eDNA) collection and analysis.

Qualifications: We are looking for a highly motivated and creative individual. This position requires hard work, problem solving, and a tolerance for desert heat. Hired individuals will encounter venomous snakes and invertebrates. This is a physically demanding job which requires hiking into remote sites, odd hours and extended hours during monsoonal rains, driving a 4wd on unmaintained roads, and coordinating with military security. Rock climbing or scrambling experience helpful but not required. Experience with amphibians and/or genetics is desirable, but not required. Preference will be given to motivated candidates with excellent communication skills and who are willing and able to function in the summer desert environment.

The graduate student will be co-advised by Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle and Dr. Matthew Barnes. The position is funded for $16.5K/year plus a tuition waiver and opportunities for additional fellowships.

We encourage applications from everyone, including ethnic and gender minorities. Texas Tech University is one of four major state supported universities in Texas and is designated as an emerging research university by the State of Texas.

Interested applicants should email Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle
(kerry.griffis-kyle@ttu.edu) and have “Graduate opportunity” in the subject line. Please include in the email:

1. How this position will help you fulfill your career goals and why I should hire you 2. Resume or CV including pertinent work experience 3. Unofficial transcripts 4. GRE scores 5. Contact information for three references 6. Address, phone, and email

Position contingent upon funding. Texas Tech University requires a background check of all new employees. For additional information on the
Department: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/nrm/

PhD position – combining fishery surveys for North Atlantic groundfish- Memorial Univ of Newfoundland, Canada

One PhD position: combining research surveys for North Atlantic groundfish assessment

Successful fisheries management depends on reliable stock assessments. The project primarily involves statistical analysis of research surveys conducted over different regions and by different countries for a few groundfish species in the North Atlantic region. The student is encouraged to develop their own projects from this starting project. The student will be part of the Centre for Ecosystems and Fisheries Research at the Marine Institute’s School of Fisheries PhD Program at the Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Desirable candidates will have some familiarity with strong scientific credentials in ecology, fishery science, statistics or another relevant field. Preference will be given to applicants 1) with demonstrated expertise in quantitative skills in ecology or stock assessment 2) who can code efficiently in R or other programming languages 3) who have a publication record.

The position comprises a graduate assistantship and tuition scholarship. It is available to begin in the fall semester 2018. Funding is guaranteed for the entire length of the program (4 years).

Applicants with a relevant master’s degree are required. To apply for this position: send a current curriculum vitae and letter of interest/career goals, unofficial transcripts of all college course work, and the names and contact information for two professional references to:

Dr. Jin Gao (Jin.Gao@mi.mun.ca). Please contact Dr. Gao directly with any questions about this position. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

M.S. Assistantship – Invasive Earthworms, Mycorrhizal Fungi & Plants in Tallgrass Prairies

An M.S. assistantship is available in Oklahoma State University’s Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, to be co-advised by Drs. Gail Wilson and Scott Loss. The research project will include both field and greenhouse components, and will include both observational and experimental investigation of associations between non-native earthworm invasions, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and plant communities in Oklahoma tallgrass prairies.

Earthworms and AMF play critical roles in mediating plant health, productivity, and biodiversity in prairie ecosystems. Invasive Eurasian earthworms have become ubiquitous across North America, causing substantial harmful impacts to plants that are mediated by interactions with AMF. Despite the importance of invasive earthworm-AMF interactions, few studies have investigated how they affect plant growth and community composition, and none have done so in prairies. This project will include field sampling of earthworms, soil, AMF, and plants in Oklahoma tallgrass prairies, as well as a greenhouse study where earthworm and AMF communities will be manipulated to evaluate plant responses. There is also the potential of integrating a side field project looking at whether invasive earthworm-caused changes in vegetation affect wildlife (e.g., birds, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and/or other).


The position will begin in January of 2019, and full student support is available for 24 months, including a stipend of $1,292/month ($15,504/yr), plus health insurance, tuition waiver, and reimbursement for fieldwork-related travel. Of the 4 funded semesters, 2 semesters will be supported by a research assistantship and 2 will be supported by a department teaching assistantship that will require ~10 hours of work per week. The specific course TA assignments will be determined based on student interests and departmental needs, but will likely include at least one semester in the department’s Applied Ecology and Conservation field lab course.


Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a B.S. degree in Ecology, Natural Resources, Biology, Plant and Soil Sciences, or a related field; a strong work ethic and sense of self-motivation; the ability to work independently and with a small team in a management capacity; a strong interest in the ecology of invasive species, natural resource ecology and management, soil ecology, plant ecology, and/or conservation ecology; a strong desire to lead efforts to publicly present and publish the research; and a valid US driver’s license.


Preferred qualifications: Applicants will be especially competitive if they have one or several of the following skills and experiences: conducting, presenting, and/or publishing mentored research; coordinating and supervising field projects and crews; conducting soil, invertebrate, and/or vegetation sampling, greenhouse experiments and laboratory processing of soil and/or plant samples; and working with statistical analyses.


TO APPLY: send (by August 24th, 2018) applications consisting of a zip file or merged pdf file that includes: (1) a cover letter outlining how they meet the above required and preferred qualifications, (2) CV, (3) unofficial academic transcripts, (4) GRE Scores, and (5) contact information for three references to BOTH Dr. Gail Wilson (
gail.wilson@okstate.edu) and Dr. Scott Loss (scott.loss@okstate.edu).

For more information, see the following sites:
Gail Wilson’s microbial ecology lab – http://nrem.okstate.edu/faculty/gwilson
Scott Loss’s global change ecology lab – 
http://scottrloss.wixsite.com/losslab
OSU Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management – 
http://nrem.okstate.edu/