Graduate program, Earth System Science and Policy, U. of North Dakota

Positions are open for graduate students seeking a Master of Science or Ph.D. Degrees in Earth System Science and Policy at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND with research interests in environmental change and impacts related to climate change and water resources using remote sensing and GIS techniques combined with field work.
The primary area of research involves studying changes in North American glaciers and how these changes relate to climate fluctuations, as well as the impacts on downstream water use. This study involves the use of remote sensing and GIS techniques in which ENVI remote sensing and ESRI GIS software will be utilized in analyzing ASTER and Landsat images, Aerial Photography, and Digital Elevation Models. Knowledge of either software and/or the above data types is desirable, but not necessary. Field work is likely to occur during the late summer months and some experience in wilderness travel is desired but also not necessary. Field work will consist of using high accuracy GPS, laser range finder, ice penetrating radar, stream flow meter, and meteorological equipment. These topics can be tailored to fit a M.S. or Ph.D. degree. Tuition waivers are available and funding in the form of Research Assistantships may be available in the future. Students from a wide range of fields are encouraged to apply, such as Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Climatology, Hydrology as well as many others in environmental majors.
Earth System Science and Policy at the University of North Dakota is an interdisciplinary department which focuses on environmental sustainability. Three degrees are offered through the department:
Master of Environmental Management (M.E.M.), M.S., and Ph.D. If the above research topics is of interest, please see the UND Graduate School website (www.und.edu/dept/grad/) for application instructions, or contact Dr. Jeff VanLooy of the Department of Earth System Science and Policy at the University of North Dakota at (701) 777‐4755, or by
e‐mail: jvanlooy@aero.und.edu Recommended deadline for application is June 1st however, early applications will receive top priority for admission.
For more information, see the following websites:
The University of North Dakota: www.und.edu Past preliminary glacial field work: http://essp.und.edu/About/VanLooyBio.aspx
The UND Graduate School:
http://www.und.edu/dept/grad/
UND Earth System Science and Policy: http://essp.und.edu/
Grand Forks Visitors Bureau:
http://www.visitgrandforks.com/main.php

M.S. Graduate Assistantship in Community Ecology at the University of Alabama

The Howeth Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama invites applications for a M.S. Graduate Assistantship in community ecology beginning Spring or Fall 2013. A highly motivated student is sought to study metacommunity dynamics of zooplankton among forest ponds in different stages of succession. The research will include observational studies of pond communities in the Talladega National Forest and pond mesocosm experiments at the University of Alabama Tanglewood Biological Station. Interested students should send an e‐mail to Dr.
Jennifer Howeth (jghoweth@as.ua.edu) with "MS Graduate Assistantship" in the title, and include their CV, statement of research interests, writing sample, GRE scores (if known), unofficial copies of undergraduate transcripts, and contact information for two references by December 1, 2012. Qualified applicants will be invited to apply to the Graduate School and the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama.
The Department of Biological Sciences offers Graduate Teaching Assistantships and competitive fellowships to support admitted students.
Relevant Links:
University of Alabama: www.ua.edu
Department of Biological Sciences: http://bsc.ua.edu/ Howeth Laboratory: http://bsc.ua.edu/jennifer‐howeth/ Center for Freshwater Studies: http://as.ua.edu/cfs/
Tuscaloosa, Alabama is a vibrant university community with numerous cultural and recreational opportunities available. The newly constructed Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, located on the banks of the Black Warrior River and just minutes from the UA campus, brings a variety of shows and musicians to the city. Recreational activities such as canoeing and hiking are quite popular in the nearby Black Warrior and Sipsey River natural protected areas, and the Talladega National Forest.
The University of Alabama complies with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status in employment or in any program or activity offered by the University. For further information, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, 171 Rose Administration Building, Box 870300,
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487‐0300, 205‐348‐5855.

Coastal Fisheries Technician I-II

Position Title: Coastal Fisheries Technician I-II (please note: listed on TPWD Jobs website as “Fish & Wildlife Technician I-II”)

Agency: Coastal Fisheries Division, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD)

Job Location: Dickinson Marine Laboratory, Dickinson, TX

Responsibilities: Under the direction of the TPWD Coastal Fisheries Upper Coast Regional Director, this position is responsible for assisting the oyster habitat restoration biologist in collection, recording and editing of fishery-dependent and independent data and sidescan sonar data from Texas' coastal ecosystems and Gulf of Mexico. Operates equipment safely and maintains gear, equipment and facility. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures. NOTE: 10% travel required.

Working Conditions: (1) Required to work hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturday, Sunday and holidays as needed; (2) Required to work overtime as necessary; (3) Required to travel with possible overnight stays; (4) Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions; (5) Required to perform work in water-based field activities, including work aboard seagoing vessels; (6) Required to perform manual labor including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.; (7) Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.

  

Minimum Qualifications:

·         Education: Graduation from High School or GED. Acceptable Substitution: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's, Master’s or PhD degree in Fisheries Biology, Marine Biology or closely related field may be substituted for two years of required experience.

·         Experience: Fish and Wildlife Technician I: No experience required. Fish and Wildlife Technician II: Four years relevant experience.

·         Preferred Experience: Experience working aboard vessels in the Gulf of Mexico or other large bodies of water.

·         License/Certifications: Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Class "C" Texas driver's license. NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining license. 

·         Preferred Licensure: Current Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) certification.

Salary, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, How to Apply, Additional Requirements and full details on this position may be found at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/tpwd/default.cfm and click on “Job # 13-00173”

 Please note:

·         Skills test may be requested at time of interview. For complete list of additional requirements, please see “Additional Requirements” at url listed immediately above.     

Closing Date: 11:59PM CDT November 6, 2012. State of Texas Application for Employment + required forms to apply at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/jobs/   

Questions?: Mr. Lance Robinson at lance.robinson@tpwd.state.tx.us

 

National Park Service positions

Two National Park Service positions
Biological Science Technician vacancy announcement ‐ Colorado River Program in Lakewood ‐ GS‐6 www.usajobs.gov
The BITH Ecologist position is now open in Texas ‐ GS‐11 www.usajobs.gov

Coastal Resilience Networks grant

NOAA’s Coastal Resilience Networks (CRest) is a grant opportunity for the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and West Coast regions. The program funds projects that help communities implement activities that enhance resilience of coastal communities to natural hazard and climate risks through a regional or national network.

·         Letters of Intent must be received by email by 4:59 p.m. Hawaii Time (9:59 p.m. Eastern Time) on November 19, 2012.

·         Full proposals must be received via Grants.gov or at the NOAA Pacific Services Center, 737 Bishop St., Suite 1550, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, no later than 6:59 p.m. Hawaii Time (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time) on January 11, 2013.

The attached information sheet and Full Funding Opportunity (FFO) has further details on the CRest grant program and application deadlines. For answers to questions not found here, you may visit www.csc.noaa.gov/funding or contact Penny Larin at (808) 532-3973 or Penny.Larin@noaa.gov.

 

Graduate Assistantships in Watershed Sciences at Louisiana State University

I am seeking to recruit two students to pursue a PhD degree in Renewable Natural Resources with an area of concentration in Watershed Sciences. The students will conduct soil and water sample collections in Southwest Louisiana over a period of two years, and will analyze petroleum pollution of hydrogen sulfide and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) in various water bodies. The goal of the research is to assess transfer and environmental fate of the toxic chemical compounds in the coastal rivers and estuaries.
Minimal qualifications include a background in water quality or a similar discipline (e.g. soil chemistry, environmental toxicology, hydrology etc.). A strong work ethic, strong academic record, evidence of excellent written and quantitative skills, and the ability to work both as part of a team and independently are critical, in addition to possessing a valid U.S. driver's license.
To apply: Submit the following materials via email to Jun Xu (yjxu@lsu.edu; http://www.rnr.lsu.edu/people/xu/default.htm): resume, unofficial transcripts & GRE scores, a letter describing relevant research experience, and names and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Start date is expected to be in the spring semester of 2013.
Y. Jun Xu
yjxu@lsu.edu

Graduate Assistantships at Washington State University Vancouver

Graduate student positions are currently available for the MS and PhD programs in Biology, Environmental Science, and Mathematics at Washington State University's Vancouver campus. Most positions are funded with teaching and/or research assistantships that include tuition waivers. Faculty research focuses on conservation ecology and genetics, marine ecology and oceanography, disturbance ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental physics, environmental toxicology, animal behavior, urban and agroecology, mathematical biology, and neuroscience.
Please see our website for more information about our graduate programs:
http://cas.vancouver.wsu.edu/science‐graduate‐programs
We do not accept students without a faculty advisor so please contact a faculty member in an area of research similar to your own about the potential for admission to graduate school:
http://cas.vancouver.wsu.edu/science‐graduate‐programs/faculty‐research
WSU Vancouver is located in southwest Washington across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon and is close to the Cascades, Puget Sound, and the ocean.
It offers significant opportunities for research, a variety of neighboring institutions and agencies for collaboration, and an excellent quality of life. Degree programs are offered across all WSU campuses and students in Vancouver may participate in activities in Pullman.
Priority applications are due January 10, 2013
Please contact Cheryl Schultz for additional information.
Cheryl Schultz
Associate Professor & Graduate Coordinator Washington State University Vancouver 14202 NE Salmon Creek Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98686
360.546.9525; 360.546.9064 (fax)
schultzc@vancouver.wsu.edu

Stream Ecology Technicians

Classification: Temporary/Seasonal Positions
Agency: Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Website: http://www.coopunits.org/Arkansas/
Job Description: Two technicians are needed for a project examining ecological‐flow relationships in the Ozark Highlands of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. This project entails aquatic community sampling of fish, crayfish, and aquatic macroinvertebrates at sites throughout the Ozark region. Data collected will be used to develop assemblage metrics that can be used as potential flow response variables, facilitating the development of biotic indices. Ultimately, the results of this study will provide the scientific framework for producing environmental flow standards within Arkansas, as well as providing methodologies that can be applied to other regions. The initial round of sampling was conducted in summer 2012. Technicians will work in the laboratory sorting and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates collected during this sampling.
Technicians will also participate in additional fieldwork, including collection of fish, crayfish, and macroinvertebrates. Fieldwork will be conducted sporadically throughout the fall and spring, but will comprise the bulk of the duties beginning in summer 2013. In addition to the lab and field, technicians will be expected to aid a graduate student in the office and perform office duties as assigned, including data entry, maintenance of sampling gear, travel preparations, etc Additionally, technicians may participate in constructing and conducting laboratory mesocosm experiments. Travel expenses during fieldwork will be paid and field gear will be provided. Two full time research positions are available. Start date is November 2012 (flexible) and end date is August
2013 (flexible). To apply, send a cover letter, list of relevant courses and grades, and resume with names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references to dtlynch@uark.edu.
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas Salary: $1300 per month
Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants with experience collecting and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish.
Additionally, work with crayfish is desired, but not a requirement.
Applicants must be willing to travel and spend nights away from home on occasion, and endure long hours in the field and in the lab on a regular basis. Driving long distances will be required at times. Positive attitude, good organizational skills, and strong work ethic are important. Technicians will be expected to work with others regularly in a team setting, but also self‐motivated to work long hours independently in the lab.
Start Date: December 1, 2012 Application Deadline: November 1, 2012 Contact Person: Dustin Lynch
Contact Phone: 479‐575‐6360 Application Email: dtlynch@uark.edu

Contact Preference: email

LHA Mojave Field Technician

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management Southern Nevada District Office, is recruiting a field technician for a land health assessment team. This team will consist of three members including a GIS Lead. Each team will be comprised of environmental scientists
(ecologists) having diverse areas of training and expertise to work cooperatively in a field based setting. The overall objective of the team is to perform land health assessments through inventory and monitoring of geomorphic, hydrologic and vegetative characteristics of the landscape; wildlife habitat monitoring for Sage Grouse (endangered species candidate) and other indicator species; and assessments of riparian and wetland habitats (proper functioning condition). Data are utilized for adaptive management decisions, restoration projects, and/or to improve wildlife habitat to achieve a healthy and productive ecological condition. The principle purpose of this project is to generate an understanding of the process used to develop land health assessments, including the data capture and evaluation.
Duties:
General field duties include walking long distances over uneven terrain, and will require Field Technicians to collect GPS and photo points, identify vegetative demographics and distribution and/or observe and monitoring wildlife. Office tasks may include assisting with data organization, processing and QA/QC; post‐processing GPS points; and contributing to report writing.
Field Course: Participate in a field‐based environmental methods and field protocols training on the Black Rock NCA and additional BLM trainings.
Compensation:
* $9,000 Living Stipend
* $2,775 AmeriCorps Education Award * Student loan forbearance
* Daily field per diem
Contract length: January 21, 2013 – July 19, 2013
Location: This position will be based out of Las Vegas. Terrain is typical of the Mojave Desert, with wide long valleys bordered by mountain ranges.
Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, and potentially cold, damp winter weather. Resources include big game habitat, Wilderness Study Areas, active grazing allotments, abandoned mine lands, historic and prehistoric cultural sites, and wild horse management areas.
Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree in one of the major natural sciences
* Understanding of basic principles related to field science and data collection, including vegetation identification.
* Ability to navigate and set a bearing using a compass and to read a topographical map;
* Ability to collect data using handheld GPS units, preferred;
* Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
* Willingness to work collaboratively in a team setting;
* Physically fit to work outdoors, carry personal and field equipment, and withstand working and camping in an arid environment;
* Possess a clean, valid, state‐issued driver’s license and the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads; and

1

* 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), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks.
How to Apply:
Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to GBI at recruitment@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please include where you found this position posted.
These AmeriCorps positions are made possible by a generous grant from the Nevada Commission for National and Community Service. This program is available to all, without regard to race, disability, age, sex. Person with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Internship at Smithsonian Gardens

Smithsonian Gardens accepts current and recently graduated undergraduate and graduate students studying horticulture, landscape architecture, museum studies, or other related fields. Selection is based on both an evaluation of the applicant’s application and available positions.

The deadline for all Winter/Spring internship applications is November 1, 2012.

Internship Details
● Open to all current undergraduate and graduate students who study horticulture or a related discipline and wish to further their knowledge through practical hands-on work experience
● Paid and unpaid internships available
● Ten to sixteen week internships / 40 hours per week
● Opportunities to complete special projects that may relate to the intern’s special area of interest
•     To learn more about SG internship program go online to www.gardens.si.edu. 

How to apply
•     To apply, applicants must register and submit an application online at Smithsonian On-line Academic Application System (SOLAA) at https://solaa.si.edu . 

On SOLAA, you can locate Smithsonian Gardens' internship application under the Office/Museum/ Research Center: OFFICE OF FACILITIES ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS

Next, under "Program that you wish to apply for:" select "Smithsonian Gardens Internship Program."

If you have any questions, call at 202-633-5845.  Thank you so much for your interest in our internship program! 

Coastal Science Assistantship Program

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) continues its support of a graduate assistantship opportunity called the Coastal Science Assistantship Program (CSAP).  This program provides graduate assistant salaries for three years to Master of Science students both enrolled full-time at Louisiana colleges/universities and involved in research relevant to Louisiana coastal protection and restoration efforts (see: THE MASTER PLAN - Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana).  The program will both expose students to CPRA activities and provide a potential avenue for recruitment of new CPRA personnel.

The Louisiana Sea Grant (LSG) College Program will administer these assistantships with funding provided by CPRA.  The assistantships will be available to all faculty pursuing appropriate coastal protection and restoration-related research at Louisiana colleges/universities to recruit new, outstanding graduate students.  Up to four new students will be funded each academic year based on evaluations of applications submitted by faculty members.  The annual student salary is $25,000 for three years; however, CSAP funds may also be used to defray costs for graduate assistant benefits and graduate assistant tuition as necessary under the policies and procedures of the various institutions.  The total award (salary plus benefits) will not exceed $25,000 per year for up to three years under any circumstances.  CSAP funds may not be expended on travel, supplies, equipment, or other such budget items.

Applications from faculty must be delivered (electronic submission preferred) to David Nieland (see below) by 14 December 2012; decisions on award of the assistantships will be made by CPRA before 30 January 2013.  Funding should be available 1 June 2013.  Complete information on CSAP plus program requirements and application procedures are available at Louisiana Sea Grant - Coastal Science Assistantship Program   For additional information, please contact either:

Jacquelyn A. H. Johnson Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority 420 Laurel Street, Suite 1200 Baton Rouge, LA  70804-4027 225-342-4676, jacquelyn.johnson@la.gov

David L. Nieland Louisiana Sea Grant College Program 233 Sea Grant Building Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA  70803-7507 225-578-6373, dniela@lsu.edu

 

GIS Program Specialist

Position Title: Program Specialist V / (GIS Specialist)

Agency: Wildlife Division, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD)

Job Location: Tyler, TX. NOTE: 40% Travel required.

Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Region 3 Wildlife Director, this position provides database, Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing support to Wildlife Division Regions 3 and 4 (Regions 3 and 4 include Districts 5, 6, 7 and 8 on the map found here: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/land/technical_guidance/biologists/ ) for the Texas Wildlife Information and Management System (TWIMS). Responsible for field collection, compilation, editing, and QA/QC of tabular and spatial data for inclusion into TWIMS. Responsible for implementing computer technologies, GIS, spatial databases, and web-based mapping and database technologies to provide intranet and internet access to historical and current data collected by department biologists. Responsible for coordination with field data collectors and biologists to ensure data standardization, accuracy and integrity. Assists with imagery analysis and ground-truthing techniques using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Assists in various other database, data analysis, research design, and cartographic needs of Wildlife Regions 3 and 4. Trains staff in latest data collection needs and use of GIS/GPS technologies. Performs additional duties as assigned. Complies with all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

·         Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Geography, Natural Sciences or a closely related field with coursework in GIS and remote sensing.

Preferred Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree or PhD in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology or closely related field in Natural Resource Management.

·         Experience:

·         Five years professional experience, not associated with the pursuit of undergraduate or graduate degree programs, as a wildlife biologist, ecologist, GIS specialist or as a closely related natural resource scientist.

Acceptable Substitution: (1) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree may substitute for one year of the required experience; (2) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. may substitute for two years of the required experience.

Preferred Experience: Experience in GIS and ArcView applications.

·         License/Certifications:

·         Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid Class "C" Texas driver's license.

NOTE: Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license.

Working Conditions, Salary, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, How to Apply, Additional Requirements and full details on this position may be found at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/tpwd/default.cfm and click on “Job # 13-00135; Location Tyler, Texas”

Closing Date: 11:59PM CDT October 29, 2012. State of Texas Application for Employment + required forms to apply at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/jobs/   

Please note: Skills demonstration may be requested at time of interview. For complete list of additional requirements, please click on url listed above under “Working Conditions, Salary…Requirements”  

Questions?: Mr. Corey Mason at corey.mason@tpwd.state.tx.us

TPWD is EOE