Monday, September 27, 2010

Internship in Public Policy

American Society of Animal Science
Zimbelman-Hafs Public Policy Internship Call for Applicants
We are pleased to announce that the ASAS Foundation through the Zimbelman-Hafs Appreciation Club will fund the second Zimbelman-Hafs Public Policy Internship in the summer of 2011.Zimbelman-Hafs Public Policy InternshipPurposes:
1) Provide experience regarding Washington, DC activities that affect animal agriculture.
2) Assist Washington, DC legislative, regulatory, or administrative activities to improve support for animal agriculture.

About the 2010 Zimbelman-Hafs Intern: Carolyn Gravatte of the University of Kentucky was selected as the 2010 Zimbelman/Hafs Scholarship recipient. After selection, Carolyn completed her internship in the Washington, DC offices of the American Meat Institute (AMI). As part of her internship, Carolyn attended Congressional hearings and followed legislative actions important to the meat industry. Carolyn also played a major role with the logistics for the annual AMI Hotdog Luncheon which brings members of Congress and their staffs together to interact with important players from throughout the agriculture industry.

Applicant Eligibility: 1) Enrolled at the date of the application in a BS or MS program closely related with animal agriculture in an accredited college or university in the United States. 2) US citizen
Amount of Award: $3500

Term of Internship: 60 to 90 days, during the academic summer session.

Application Process:
Applications should include email the following to Meghan Wulster-Radcliffe at MeghanWR@assochq.org. All completed materials must be received by November 5, 2010.
1) Resume or curriculum vitae.
2) A 1-page description of the applicant's interest in the internship and plans for their future.
3) A writing sample: 1 page issue statement
4) Two letters of reference
Following receipt of all materials, materials will be reviewed and phone interviews will be scheduled in November for the top four candidates.

To help define scope of the internship, the following are the methods we will use to place an intern in a D.C. office:

The FASS Washington representative shall be principally responsible for placement of the Intern in a Washington office. The priorities for placement shall be; 1) A congressional committee with jurisdiction over agriculture, food safety or the environment. 2) The office of a congress person who is intimately involved with or a member of a congressional committee relating to animal agriculture issues. 3) An administrative office closely involved with animal agriculture such as USDA, EPA, or FDA.
Potential placement offices shall be asked to assign Interns to jobs that use their academic background such as; 1) Issues literature searches and research. 2) Draft briefs on an issue. 3) Identify scientists to provide expert testimony. 4) Attend hearings and provide reports.

2010 BOARD OF REGENTS’ SUPPORT FUND

PROPOSAL PACKETS ARE AVAILABLE

All information on Board of Regents LEQSF programs are available on the Research Services website: http://www.mcneese.edu/research/news.asp

Board of Regents oil spill research conference

November 1 and 2, 2010, New Orleans.

NOAA Mission Log

the new NOAA "Mission Log" -- a blog about the ongoing research and monitoring in the Gulf of Mexico. Federal and academic scientists are at sea to determine the fate of the subsurface oil, from the near shore to the open ocean, from the surface to the seafloor. You can follow their work at http://missionlog.noaa.gov (there's also a link at www.noaa.gov

The Mission Log makes it easy to stay up-to-date with efforts to track the fate of the oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill. Scientists and crew members on the missions write the posts, and anyone can leave a comment.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Gulf of Mexico Research Plan Survey

Subject: Gulf of Mexico Research Plan Survey

The Gulf of Mexico Research Plan (GMRP) is being used in several initiatives that are funding millions of dollars of research in the region. Research priorities may have shifted and additional priorities may need to be addressed due to recent events including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. We are updating the GMRP as a service to the research community.

We are using a survey as one way to collect stakeholder input. The survey will close on October 8th. If you have not yet completed the survey you can at the web address below (click it or paste it into your browser):
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/researchoilspill
The survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete. If you have already completed the survey, we thank you for your time and input. We would appreciate it if you would forward the survey to others within your networks.

A Planning and Review Council provides input and guidance to the GMRP effort, which is coordinated by the four Sea Grant College Programs in the region. For more information you can visit the GMRP website at: http://masgc.org/gmrp/index.htm

The GMRP and associated surveys and workshop results are available to you. I can provide you with customized survey results if it is of interest to you. If you have questions or wish to obtain a paper copy of the survey, please contact me via email (stephen.sempier@usm.edu) or phone.

Sincerely,
Steve Sempier

********************************************
Steve Sempier
Deputy Director, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium
GoMex Regional Research Planning Coordinator, Sea Grant
Phone: 228-818-8830

Friday, September 17, 2010

Research assistant

Mitigating the Threat of Invasive Alien Species in the Insular
Caribbean Project - Caribbean Regional Project

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Management & Control of the Lionfish, Pterois volitans and Pterois miles in
Jamaica

1.0 PURPOSE OF REGIONAL PROJECT

The purpose of the terms of reference is to set out the responsibilities of the Research
Assistant for the Lionfish Pilot over the life of the GEF/UNEP/CABI‐MTIASIC Project.
The overall goal and objective respectively, are:

A. To conserve globally important ecosystems, species and genetic biodiversity
within Jamaica

B. To mitigate threat to local biodiversity and economy from IAS including
terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.


2.0 BACKGROUND TO REGIONAL PROJECT

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are a major threat to the vulnerable marine, freshwater and
terrestrial biodiversity. IAS are a major interest to the Island of Jamaica as they pose a
direct threat to the high level of biodiversity the Island enjoys. Jamaica’s industries are
centred on the country’s biodiversity. As such a decrease in biodiversity threatens the
livelihood of fishers, farmers, and persons employed to the tourism industry. Negative
impact on these industries as a result of IAS will result in a significant reduction in
Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP). The project objective is to mitigate the threat to
local biodiversity and economy from IAS. This will be achieved through five main
initiatives: increasing the national capacity to address potential risks posed to
biodiversity of global significance from invasive alien species; increasing regional
cooperation to reduce risk posed to biodiversity of global significance from invasive
alien species; strengthening access to data and establishment of best practice, and public
awareness of IAS; increasing capacity to strengthen prevention of new IAS
introductions; and increased capacity to respond, control and manage IAS impacting
globally significant biodiversity. The fifth initiative includes the implementation of pilot
projects to control and manage the spread of the Lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois
miles) in Jamaica; protection of the endemic Jamaican Iguana through monitoring and
selective eradication of predators; and control and management of the Melalucea (Paper
Bark Tree) in the Lower Black River Morass.
Amongst the major outputs of the project are:
1. Development of National IAS Strategy
2. Establishment of Caribbean‐wide Cooperation and Strategy
3. Knowledge generation, management and dissemination
4. Increase capacity to strengthen prevention of new IAS introduction in terrestrial,
freshwater, and marine systems
5. Increase capacity to detect, respond, control and manage IAS impacts in
terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems


The Project is being implemented by the National Environment and Planning Agency
(NEPA) through its Strategic Planning, Policies and Projects (SPP&P) Division. A Project
Implementation Unit (PIU) is established in this Division. The PIU works closely with
the officers of the Ecosystems Management and Protected Areas Branches of NEPA for
technical guidance.


3.0 PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The activities being undertaken to meet Project objective and fulfill output requirements
are as follows:
▪ Strengthening the enabling policy and institutional environment for crosssectoral
prevention and management of invasions
▪ Implementing communication and prevention strategies that emphasises
pathways and an ecosystem approach to managing invasions
▪ Developing and implementing appropriate risk analysis procedures for nonnative
species importations
▪ Early detection and rapid response procedures for management of nascent
infestation
▪ Managing priority alien species invasions in pilot sites to ensure conservation
and sustainable use of biodiversity


PILOT PROJECT /TARGET AREAS

The Lionfish Pilot Project

The objective of the Pilot is to control and manage the spread of the Lionfish
(Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) in Jamaica. This will be achieved through
mapping of island‐wide distribution of the species; determining prey preference;
development of a passive trapping mechanism; public education and training;
and development of a Lionfish Management Plan. The Lionfish Pilot activities
will focus on 6 sites:
▪ Discovery Bay ▪ Portland
▪ Montego Bay Marine Park ▪ Port Royal
▪ Negril (along 7 mile strip) ▪ Pedro Cays


4.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The Research Assistant for the Lionfish Pilot will carry out the following tasks:

1. Assist with SCUBA surveys on lionfish populations
2. Assist with field and laboratory experiments on the lionfish
3. Update database with accurate information regularly
4. Maintain live lionfish specimens in the laboratory’s aquaria
5. Coordinate field logistics
6. Perform any other related duties applicable to such portfolio as assigned
by the Project Coordinator or Pilot Project Manager


5.0 EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

a) Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology, natural resource
management, ecology, zoology, or any other related discipline
b) Be SCUBA Certified
c) Be of good health to SCUBA Dive and able to manage in the field for long
hours
d) Have a valid Driver’s Licence
e) Be able to use efficiently Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Access)
f) Have strong writing skills and oral communication skills
g) Skills with underwater photography as well as GIS are desirable

6.0 LEVEL OF EFFORT


The Research Assistant is expected to provide the required services to the project over
thirty six (36) months.


7.0 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The Lionfish Pilot Research Assistant will report to the National Project Coordinator of
the GEF/UNEP/CABI‐ MTIASIC Project.


8.0 Duty Station

It is expected that the Research Assistant spends extended periods of time at the
UWI Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory and Field Station (DBML‐St. Ann) –
Marine Invasive Species Lab under the supervision of Dr. Dayne Buddo.

Deadline for submission is Friday, September 24, 2010 at 4:30pm

While we appreciate all applications, only short-listed applicants will be contacted

Applications must be submitted by email to:

HRM@nepa.gov.jm or in writing to

Manager, Human Resources Management and Development Branch
National Environment & Planning Agency
11 Caledonia Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica WI


--
Regards
Dayne

Dr. Dayne Buddo
Marine Biologist
Lecturer & Academic Coordinator
Discovery Bay Marine Lab
Centre for Marine Sciences
University of the West Indies
Jamaica WI
Tel: 973-2241/973-2946
St. Line: 973-9220
Cell: 379-6148
Email: daynebuddo@gmail.com
Email 2: dayne.buddo@uwimona.edu.jm

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Fort Polk Environmental Scientist

Fort Polk, Louisiana

We are searching for an ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST to support the U.S. Army installation at Fort Polk, Louisiana with environmental documentation, maneuver damage inspections, and field surveys of natural resources (soil, vegetation, water). Qualified candidates will have a two year or four year degree in a natural resources discipline or equivalent work experience. Ability to obtain U.S. Army security clearance is also a requirement.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resumes online in confidence to www.freese.com/careers. Jobs can be identified by requisition number or title. Equal Opportunity Employer

Fall Career Fair

In order for your students to prepare for their participation in our Fall Career Fair, next Monday, Sept 20, 10 – 3, please have them pick up their career fair guide here in career services located in the Old Ranch across from the MSU Bookstore!

We can deliver copies to your dept. office Wednesday a.m.; just email or call 475-5612 or 5613.

Your support of this event is appreciated.

Thanks

Kathy Bond, Director

MSU Career Services

Monday, September 13, 2010

Part time jobs

If you know of any students that need part time work, there are 3-4 positions at the Lake Charles CC golf course. This is a great opportunity for students that are interested in golf course management or horticulture. If you have any students have them contact me and I will get them the contact information at the golf course.

Chip LeMieux

McNeese State University

P.O. Box 92220

Lake Charles, Louisiana 70609

Ph 337-475-5691

USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum

2011 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program

Please read the attached file, and distribute it to your juniors and seniors. The submission deadline for students is October 15, 2010. This program garnered significant visibility and success over the last four years. It seeks to provide an opportunity for students studying agriculture to attend the 2011 Agricultural Outlook Forum in the Washington, DC area.

Please see the following website for more information, as well as details of the past program:

http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/diversity/diversity_program.htm


Friday, September 10, 2010

Gmail - FW: International Internship - wyman.bruce@gmail.com

FROM: Wendy Fink, Associate Director of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources

RE: International Internship Opportunity

Knowing of your interest in providing undergraduate and graduate students international opportunities, I have attached a copy of a pamphlet from the German Academic Exchange Service which offers internships at both the undergraduate and graduate level for students in science and engineering.

Wendy Fink

Associate Director of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources

Association of Public and Land-grant Universities

1307 New York Avenue, NW

Suite 400

Washington, DC 20005-4722

Office: 202-478-6021

Email: wfink@aplu.org

Web: www.aplu.org

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Undergraduate research grants

Subject: GSA Southeastern Section - Undergraduate Student Research Grants, New 2011 Deadline

The Southeastern Section of the Geological Society of America will continue its undergraduate student research grant program, but is making changes to the application deadline.

Applications for the 2010 program are due October 1. These grants will be awarded in December.

Starting in 2011, applications will be due April 1. Although students will be notified by sometime in May, these awards will not be made until July 1.

This change affects undergraduate students only.

Grant applications and details of the application process are available at:http://www.geosociety.org/sections/se/students.htm

Additional information may be obtained from Donald Neal, SE GSA Secretary-Treasurer (neald@ecu.edu or 252-328-4392) or Jonathan Mies (Jonathan-Mies@utc.edu or 423-425-4404).


Jonathan Mies


Friday, September 3, 2010

Volunteers Needed- Beach Restoration on the Cameron Shoreline



From: Coalition To Restore Coastal Louisiana coalition@crcl.org
Date: Fri, Sep 3, 2010 at 10:51 AM
Subject: Volunteers Needed- Beach Restoration on the Cameron Shoreline

Register Now

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Soil and Water Conservation District invite you to participate in a 3-day beach restoration event on the Cameron shoreline at Constance Beach. The beach borders and protects acres of marsh habitat and is being threatened by erosion caused by the Gulf of Mexico. In an effort to restore this area, we will plant 15,000 plugs of bitter panicum and seashore paspalum which will assist in the stability and growth of dunes on the beach.. In addition, the project will also create wildlife habitat, increase species diversity and provide a seed source for natural regeneration.

This project is being completed through partnerships with Cheniere Energy, NOAA’s Community-Based Restoration Program, Restore America's Estuaries, Gulf Coast Soil and Water Conservation District, Louisiana Vegetative Planting Program, and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.


Where: Constance Beach on the Cameron shoreline

(maps will be sent to volunteers prior to the event)


When: September 16, 17 and 18, 2010

9:00 am to approximately 3:30 pm


We are also looking for volunteer 4-wheelers and trailers. If you are able to volunteer this equipment, please email coalition@crcl.org. All planting equipment (gloves, shovels, dibbles, etc.) will be provided. Sunscreen and insect repellant are recommended and will be provided. Lunch and drinks will also be provided to all volunteers.

Note: This project requires outdoor physical activity and volunteers should expect to get dirty. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.


All volunteers must be registered online or call the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana at (888)-LACOAST. Additional information, including directions to the project site, will be provided to registered volunteers via email prior to the event.