Tag: ecology

Lead Research Technician, Boston-Area Climate Experiment (Waltham, MA)

We are seeking applicants for the position of lead research technician at the Boston-Area Climate Experiment (BACE). This is a full-time position based at the BACE site in Waltham, Massachusetts (approx. 9 miles from Boston). The successful applicant will maintain the BACE and conduct and assist with ecological research at the site. S/he will be responsible
for maintaining a well-organized research environment, maintaining and organizing lab records, equipment, and supplies, analyzing experimental data and presenting results, helping to coordinate activities of undergraduate researchers, troubleshooting problems, ensuring that safe research practices are followed in the lab and in the field, and performing other assigned duties. The technician will work occasional odd hours and weekends as dictated by field or lab work schedules, and will sometimes work outdoors in inclement weather. The technician will spend about 70% of their working hours outdoors.
The position is open immediately (pending paperwork at Purdue), with an
immediate start preferred.
Applicants should have an educational background (bachelor¹s or
preferably M.S.) that includes coursework in ecology or environmental
science. We would be particularly interested in candidates with previous
experience as a technician in plant ecology labs, experience working on
outdoor experiments that simulate climate change in natural or managed
ecosystems, experience working with large datasets, managing student
employees, and/or working in old-field ecosystems of the northeastern
United States. The initial appointment will be for a period of six
months, with a one-year extension of the position contingent upon
satisfactory performance. Further extensions will depend on performance
and future funding. Salary will be commensurate with experience. The
technician will be employed by Purdue University (an equal access/equal
opportunity university), but will be based in the Boston area, with
little or no travel to Purdue.
For more information on the experiment, see the BACE website.

Application Deadline: N/A
Potential applicants should email Jeff Dukes (jsdukes[at]purdue.edu) a statement of interest and resume (or CV) with contact information for two or more references, using the subject line “BACE technician.” Applications will be considered as they are received.

Internship, Nature’s Valley Trust & Univ. of Cape Town (South Africa)

LOCATION: Southern shore of South Africa.

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 3.

DURATION: 3-5 months; Breeding season runs Sept. to April, with flexibility for internship timing. Preferably N. Hemisphere Fall 2015 semester, summer in S. Hemisphere. You will have most field time from Sept. to Jan.; if you choose an internship from Jan., there is less field work, but carries the benefit of datamanagement & analysis.

DUTIES:

•  On-foot beach surveys for breeding, nest/brood monitoring, other observations of predation, disturbance, and tourism use.

•  Collecting scientific field notes.

•  Data entry, checking, and analysis; other administrative tasks.

•  Producing various documents, educational & awareness materials, participation in related events.

•  5-6 working days per week, including weekends and public holidays.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•  Self-motivated, flexibility, work independently & with others, while following methodology & procedure.

•  Trustworthy, show integrity & dedication, sense of responsibility/accountability.

•  Observational skills, with particular attention to detail & accuracy.

•  An interest in birds and coastal conservation research.

•  Physical fitness, willingness to spend long hours in the field, in potentially averse conditions (i.e. up to 12 hrs walking in soft sand & some rock scrambling, in summer heat with salt spray & wind, carrying pack).

•  Ability to engage with the public regarding research & conservation.

•  Preferably have or be studying toward a qualification in a related biological field, such as: Zoology, Ecology, Ornithology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Nature Conservation, Wildlife/Natural Resource/Integrated Coastal Zone Management, etc.

•  Some field experience with birding, nest searching, band re-sighting, animal tracking, and/or bird handling is advantageous, but not necessary. Your willingness to learn & actively participate is most important!

•  Some experience with GPS/GIS technology & software beneficial, but not required.

PERKS:

•  Residing in Nature’s Valley, on South Africa’s Garden Route, a stunning location surrounded by beautiful beaches, forests, mountains, & breathtaking landscapes, with plenty of exciting activities available during off time.

•  Working with a fantastic environmental NGO on a highly impactful project, affiliated with the TOP university & leading academic institute in Ornithology on the African continent!

•  You will get much individual support & hands-on training in the field.

•  This experience is highly applicable to many shorebird conservation programs conducted around the world, particularly the United States (i.e. Snowy & Piping Plovers).

•  Opportunity for involvement in other projects (bird banding, education programs, etc.).

•  The Nature’s Valley Trust is willing to discuss requirements with your university for study credits.

COST:

•  R4,000 per month (±300 US$), which covers shared housing/utilities, field transportation, office space (including WiFi), program participation, & mentoring.

•  The Nature’s Valley Trust unfortunately cannot offer assistance with travel costs or other living expenses. Cost of living is comparatively low in South Africa.

•  For more information on the Nature’s Valley Trust, see naturesvalleytrust.co.za. For a preview of what you’re getting yourself into, see: gardenrouteshorebirds.tumblr.com, and for information on the Percy FitzPatrick Institute, see: fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za.

Application Deadline: June 30th, 2015 (positions filled as qualified applicants selected)

 If interested, please send CV & short motivation letter, or any other enquiries via e-mail with the subject “SHOREBIRD INTERNSHIP” to: selenaflores AT gmail.com .

Summer Ecosystem Program (India, Jordan, Brazil)

Summer Ecosystem Experiences for Undergraduates

The Summer Ecosystem Experiences for Undergraduates (SEE-U) program provides undergraduate students of all majors with a global understanding of ecology and environmental sustainability. The SEE-U program gives you the opportunity to participate in a combination of lectures and labs, while conducting environmental fieldwork in unique natural settings around the world.

Thumbnail_EICES_SEE-U_2014_Brochure_ImageIn the words of one student: “The SEE-U program is a life changing experience.  This program teaches you not only about ecology and sustainable development but also about a new country, its culture, and, ultimately, more about yourself.  SEE-U allows you to bond with your classmates and instructors in a way that is impossible to do in a formal classroom.  These memories will last a lifetime.”

For more information on the SEE-U Program please download our
SEE-U Program Brochure (PDF)

Live and learn in one of these beautiful locations:

India_PhotoIndia | Bangalore & The Western Ghats *New Field Site*
6 credits
May 30 – July 4, 2015
India is globally recognized as a megadiverse country, containing 70% of the world’s biodiversity.  Embark on a journey to explore India’s ecology in the Western Ghats, a unique biologically rich ecosystem home to many of the world’s plants and animals.

Jordan_Photo

Jordan | Amman, Aqaba, Dana, & Ajloun
6 credits
May 24 – June 22, 2015
You will embark in the exploration and appreciation of Jordan’s ecology through coursework and field research. This location is ideal for biodiversity studies, as a wide variety of flora and fauna are found in Jordan’s wetland, marine, freshwater, desert, and forest ecosystems.

Brazil Photo

Brazil | The Atlantic Forest & Serra do Mar State Park
6 credits
Session 1: May 30 – July 4, 2015 or
Session 2: July 11 – August 15, 2015
The Atlantic Forest is one of the most endangered regions in the world. You will work and live in some of the largest remaining tracts of this diverse forest. Tropical flora and fauna abound here, including several endangered primates.

APPLY ONLINE

Short Course: Coral Reef Ecology (Bermuda)

Spring Break Short Course
Wednesday, March 18 – Sunday, March 22, 2015

Bermuda is a world leader in marine conservation and the perfect place to experience the wonder of coral reefs.

Let Columbia University’s Earth Institute Center for Environmental Sustainability (EICES) and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) be your guides to the world of corals through lectures, labs, and fieldwork.

Join fellow students in Bermuda this March where you’ll participate in snorkel tours and trips to Whalebone Bay and Nonsuch Island.

Topics Covered:
– biology of corals
– ecology of coral communities
– anthropogenic factors that impact coral reefs
– coral reef restoration and sustainability

Course Syllabus (PDF) and Course Schedule (PDF)

Accommodations are provided by BIOS, an internationally renowned nonprofit marine research and educational institution in St. George’s, Bermuda.

Cost: $1,550* ($800 tuition + $750 room and board)
* flights are not included.

Anyone may apply.  Limited space is available.

Interested in learning more?  Contact:
Desmond Beirne, Program Manager
E-mail:  djb2104@columbia.edu
Phone:  212-854-0149


Coral Reef Ecology: Bermuda is part of the Earth Institute Certificate Program in Conservation and Environmental Sustainability.

Mar 7-8: Ecological Landscaping Association Conference (Springfield, MA)

Join the ELA for a 2-day conference that will feature one-day of intensive workshops, a full day of educational seminars and an Eco-Marketplace where vendors showcase the latest products and technology. Workshops cover topics from “‘Pro’active Protection of Wetlands” to “Practical Solutions for Deer and Other Pests” to “Native Plant System Design to Increase Habitat Diversity.” Interested?

Register before February 14th and get a discount!
https://www.eventville.com/catalog/eventregistration1.asp?eventid=1008752

See details in the full conference brochure.
http://www.ecolandscaping.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2012-ELA-Conferencce-Session-Descriptions.pdf