posted Apr 15, 2013, 12:23 PM by Erin Burge
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updated Apr 15, 2013, 12:27 PM
]
 APPLICATION DEADLINE IS *APRIL 25, 2013*.
We seek a highly motivated undergraduate to fill a National Science Foundation, Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position in coral reef ecology at Florida International University. The successful applicant will work with Drs. Deron Burkepile ( http://www2.fiu.edu/~dburkepi/Home.html) and Rebecca Vega Thurber ( http://microbiology.science.oregonstate.edu/node/182) to conduct experiments on nutrient exposure and coral disease dynamics in the Florida Keys. This position is for an undergraduate student interested in pursuing a career or graduate studies in Marine Sciences.
The successful candidate will live and work on Key Largo in the Florida Keys and gain basic field and laboratory research skills in coral reef ecology and microbiology. The primary responsibility of the student will be to conduct experiments on how nutrient enrichment affects coral disease states and progression rates, and coral bleaching. There will be ample opportunities to participate in other projects studying herbivore foraging behavior, coral predation, and nutrient dynamics on coral reefs.
Eligibility: Undergraduates in their junior and senior years with interests in biology, microbiology, and environmental sciences are invited to apply. Students cannot have graduated at the time of the fellowship. Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and its possessions. Minorities and underrepresented students are especially encouraged to apply.
Qualifications: Applicants should have a classroom/laboratory background in ecology and marine biology. Experience working on coral reefs and/or with microbiological techniques is preferred. Applicants *MUST* be certified SCUBA divers with at least 20 logged dives. Certification with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) is necessary before field work begins.
This REU position runs June 3-August 23, 2013.
A stipend of $5,500 will be provided to the student for the 12-week full-time program. In addition, the student will be provided housing at no cost. Students from outside the South Florida area also may apply for travel funds assistance. This position is funded by the National Science Foundation Biological Oceanography Program.
Application Procedures: Applicants will need to submit: 1) Cover letter briefly stating background and interests; 2) CV (resume); 3) College transcripts of all completed work (unofficial transcript is fine); 4) Two letters of recommendation; 5) A statement of career goals and research interests; and 6) Evidence of SCUBA diving and/or AAUS certification.
Application materials should be sent as a single PDF file to Dr. Deron Burkepile via email at deron.burkepile@fiu.edu. Please direct any questions to Dr. Burkepile.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS *APRIL 25, 2013*. |
posted Mar 5, 2013, 4:22 AM by Erin Burge
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updated Mar 5, 2013, 4:23 AM
]
posted Mar 5, 2013, 4:17 AM by Erin Burge
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updated Mar 5, 2013, 4:20 AM
]
*Job Title:* Marine ecology research technician *Department:* Institute of Marine Sciences *Posting Position Category:* Marine hard bottom habitat research *Hiring Range:* $10.61 / hr *Proposed Start Date:* 7/1/2013 *Estimated Duration of Appointment*: This is a temporary position not to exceed 24 months. *Posting Close Date:* 3/11/2013
*Description of Work:* We seek a research technician for an applied marine ecology study investigating fish and invertebrate community structure on natural and artificial hard bottom. The two-year study will determine how fish utilize low- and high- relief hard bottom as a function of sedimentation dynamics and benthic community condition, especially in relationship to offshore wind energy development. Technician duties include field surveys and data management. Year-round field surveys will be conducted in North Carolina coastal waters using SCUBA equipment and scientific diving methodology. Data management will involve data entry, video processing and analysis, photoquadrat image processing and analysis, database management, and statistical analysis. This position will be based at UNC-CH Institute of Marine Sciences, 3431 Arendell St., MoreheadCity, NC 28557.
*Education and Experience*: SCUBA experience with minimum of 75 logged dives and Rescue Diver certification. AAUS certification preferred. Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science, ecology, or environmental science preferred. Preference will be given to recent graduates with long-term interest in obtaining experience that will prepare them for success in graduate school and in a marine conservation ecology career. Familiarity with statistical analysis using R or SAS and experience with ArcGIS are a plus.
*Special Physical and Mental Requirements: *This work will require the ability to lift at least 50 lbs., to work in cold/hot, wet conditions, as well as during some early-morning and late-night shifts. Applicants must be willing to conduct offshore diving fieldwork while operating off of small boats and must hold a valid driver’s license.
* *Special Instructions: * Please direct specific inquires to Avery Paxton (project investigator), abpaxton@live.unc.edu. The numerous marine research facilities and institutions in the Carteret County area usually allow opportunity for cost-efficient housing options.
*Temporary Employment Policies:* http://hr.unc.edu /policies-procedures-guidelines/spa-employee-policies/temporary-staffing/ INFOFORTEMPS
* * *Required Documents:* 1. Resume/ Curriculum Vitae 2. Cover Letter 3. List of References (minimum of three references, at least one of which can testify to dive experience) Interested candidates must click on the following direct link URL from any internet browser to apply for the position: http://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/13623 |
posted Feb 3, 2013, 6:13 AM by Erin Burge
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updated Feb 3, 2013, 6:16 AM
]
Position title: scientific diver, reef restoration Context: Nature Seychelles, a leading environmental NGO in the Western Indian Ocean, has potential openings for 1-3 scientific divers to help to implement a 3-years USAID-funded project on coral reef restoration around Cousin and Praslin island, Seychelles (for more information refer to www.natureseychelles.org).
The post holder will learn innovative techniques and methodologies for reef restoration, participate in coral collection, rope nursery construction, filling and maintenance, transplantation of nursery-grown colonies and monitoring. He or she will be able to work long hours on a boat, fragmenting coral fragments and filling ropes, and conduct up to two dives a day, notably transplanting nursery-grown colonies onto selected degraded reef and monitoring transplantation success. The post holder will also be required to help with dive equipment and boat/engine maintenance, data analysis and scientific report writing, communication (website, tool kit).
Skills and requirements - MSc in conservation or marine science - Certified diver (minimum Dive master or equivalent) with strong scuba diving experience - Boat license (RYA powerboat level 2 or equivalent) and significant practise of boat driving - High physical fitness and ability to work in harsh conditions - Previous experience working in tropical marine conservation/research (coral and fish monitoring an asset) - Statistical packages, scientific data analysis and reporting - Practically oriented and problem-solving skills - Diving equipment check-up and basic maintenance - Underwater photography and video - Communication - Ability to learn, appreciate and operate effectively in multi-cultural teams
Contract conditions - 3 months temporary placement, starting mid-February or March 2013 - Location: Praslin Island, Republic of Seychelles - Allowance of SCR7,000/month (about US$538 or £340) - Shared accommodation - Dive insurance (DAN or equivalent) to be provided by the volunteer
To apply: send *cover letter, passport size photo, CV, copy of** highest scuba diving and boat driving certificate* by email to david@natureseychelles.org |
posted Jan 30, 2013, 4:56 AM by Erin Burge
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updated Jan 30, 2013, 4:56 AM
]
Sea Grant Marine Education
Internships for 2013 - 2014
The University of Georgia's
Marine Education Center
and Aquarium (MECA) offers annual post-baccalaureate internships in marine
education. Interns train and work for 50 weeks at MECA, near Savannah, Georgia.
Four interns will be selected for the period of September 4, 2012 - August 15,
2013. Salary is $8.14 per hour. On-site housing is required. Marine Education
internships salaries are supported through the
Georgia Sea Grant College Program .
The Marine Education
Center and Aquarium is located on the
north end of Skidaway
Island on a 1,718-acre
tract owned by the University System of Georgia. This property lies along the Skidaway River
and Intracoastal Waterway and is composed of
nearly 700 acres of maritime forest and open field, 1,000 acres of salt marsh,
and 18 acres of freshwater ponds. MECA serves as the education arm of the
Marine Extension Service and a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia. Our mission is to develop the
public's understanding and appreciation of coastal marine environments in the
state of Georgia,
and to foster respect for the beauty and complexity of these environments. Our
user groups are PK -12 students and teachers, undergraduate/graduate students,
and the general public.
Sea Grant Marine Education internships are
designed for recent college graduates (with a BS in Biology) who would like
some teaching experience in marine science and coastal ecology. The internships
provide a transitional period between college and permanent professional
positions or graduate work. Interns live on site for 50 weeks in studio
apartments provided rent-free by MECA. Meals are available without charge in
the cafeteria whenever visiting groups are on campus. The internship includes a
variety of teaching opportunities: in the salt marsh and maritime forest, on
the beaches of developed and pristine barrier islands (Tybee and Wassaw), on
research vessels, and in well equipped plankton, fish and invertebrate labs.
Interns begin to teach after a 6-8 week training period. They are also
responsible for maintaining touch tank animals, working in the aquarium 1-2
Saturdays a month, and assisting staff in other areas of operation where
necessary. During the winter months, each intern also completes an education
project.
MECA provides year-round
residential and day programs. Student groups (grades 5-college) make
arrangements for half, full, or multi-day experiences at the MECA facility.
Two-hour day programs provide hands on lessons for grades PK-4. The facility
also offers outreach to schools and provides public programming on site and at
coastal festivals. Summer months are filled with marine science camps for ages
4-15 and teacher/graduate workshops. All MECA education programs are
described with more detail elsewhere on this website.
The MECA facility is
unique. Although the outdoor classroom is our most important teaching space,
the main building houses a small public aquarium containing indigenous fish,
invertebrate and reptile species, teaching laboratories, multipurpose
classrooms, an auditorium, and flow-through touch tank rooms. The small public
aquarium is used daily as a teaching classroom, but does not house marine
mammals or marine mammal research activities. Although we spend a great deal of
teaching time on the water, we do not SCUBA or snorkel. The rest of MECA's
facilities include nature trails and observation platforms, docks and vessels
(43 ft trawler and skiffs), an 88 bed dormitory, and a full service cafeteria.
Other institutions sharing the campus include the UGA Shellfish Research
Laboratory, UGA Marine Science Library, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, NOAA's Gray's
Reef National Marine Sanctuary, and Georgia Southern University Applied Coastal
Research Laboratory.
Application
deadline for the 2013- 2014 academic year is 4:00 pm EST April 5, 2011. Early
application is encouraged, since applications received after the deadline will
not be considered.
Internship Qualifications:
Please read the
following information thoroughly. If you do not meet the following requirements
your application will not be considered. Strong applicants will demonstrate to
the intern selection committee that she/he has the following qualifications:
- An undergraduate degree in biological science or
science education, from an accredited college or university, awarded since
May 2012. Degree must be awarded before internship begins on September 3,
2013. Applicants with graduate degrees or previous multiple internships
are not eligible for this program.
- Training or experience in marine science courses (e.g.
biology, marine biology, marine science, ecology, invertebrate zoology,
and ichthyology) is required.
- Some previous experience teaching or working with
children/students is required.
- Physical ability to carry out internship duties to
include teaching outdoors during hot summers and cold winters and lifting
objects up to 50 lbs.
- Fluency in English - bilingual applicants
(English/Spanish) are encouraged to apply.
- U.S. citizenship or U.S. work visa. If selected,
MECA will provide intent to employ documents for visa application.
Background checks are required for University of Georgia
employment.
Application Packet
Instructions:
Emailed, faxed, incomplete,
or late applications will not be considered. Complete application packets must
arrive by mail no later than 4:00 pm EST on April 5, 2012.
Mail complete application packets to:
Intern Search Committee
UGA Marine
Education Center
& Aquarium
30 Ocean Science Circle
Savannah, GA 31411
A complete application
packet must include (with no exceptions):
- A one page cover letter (12 point font, 1 inch margins)
briefly describing your past experience as it relates to the internship
qualifications and your future goals.
- A full résumé describing your academic background and
work experience. Include contact information for three
personal/professional references. Be sure to include email addresses and
an alternate phone number where you may be reached easily.
- An official transcript of your college/university work,
including courses in progress (if applicable). If your college or
university is not in the U.S.,
an explanation of the grading system must be included. Any material not in
English must include a translation.
- Three letters of recommendation from the individuals
listed in your résumé. Letters should either be mailed directly to the
selection committee by these individuals, or if included in your
application packet, placed in a sealed envelope signed by the referring
individual. Emailed or faxed letters will not be accepted.
NOTE: The three letters of recommendation must arrive by the April 5
deadline.
Members of the intern
selection committee will contact finalists for telephone interviews. The
interview process will be completed and internship positions offered by late
May, 2012. |
posted Jan 8, 2013, 10:21 AM by Erin Burge
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updated Jan 8, 2013, 10:24 AM
]
The Hogan Lab in the Department of Life Sciences at Texas A&M – Corpus Christi has opportunities for 1 or 2 graduate student positions to start in Summer or Fall 2013. We are looking for enthusiastic and highly self-motivated students at either the M.S. or Ph.D. level interested in working in coral reef ecology in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
Potential areas of research include: 1) connectivity among populations of reef fishes; 2) the effects of invasive Lionfish (Pterois) on native reef fish populations; and 3) reef fish population dynamics.
Our approach to research is multi-disciplinary and involves advanced population genetic analyses, biogeochemistry (including otolith microchemistry) as well as intensive field-based observational studies using SCUBA.
We seek conscientious and energetic students that can work independently as well as participate in a highly collaborative lab environment. We are particularly interested in applicants that have experience with microsatellite fragment analysis and/or with basic genetic laboratory techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis. SCUBA certification is highly desirable.
Texas A&M – Corpus Christi offers competitive graduate teaching assistantships, and in-state tuition rates for out-of-state and international graduate students. We highly encourage students to apply for fellowships such as NSF, EPA Star and others and expect students to collaborate in small grant writing to fund their projects. Research assistantships may also be available.
TAMUCC (The Island University) is an Emerging Research institution, located on its own island surrounded by the waters of Corpus Christi and Oso bays and only miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The Department of Life Sciences boasts a number of research facilities, including a state of the art genomics facility. Corpus Christi is in the heart of the South Texas Gulf Coast region, which offers a rich blend of culture, nature and entertainment. The city is only miles from the South Padre Island National Seashore, and miles of beautiful beaches. Corpus Christi is also home to world class windsurfing, kite surfing and recreational fishing.
To apply, please submit (1) a letter of interest describing your career goals and research interests, (2) CV, including past research experiences and prior publications, and (3) contact information for three references to Dr. J. Derek Hogan; email: James.Hogan@tamucc.edu, website: http://derekhoganresearch.wordpress.com/. |
posted Nov 16, 2012, 11:33 AM by Erin Burge
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updated Nov 16, 2012, 11:34 AM
]
Course Announcement: An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology GIS In Ecology will be holding an introductory training course on using GIS for marine biological research in Glasgow on the 22nd to 24th of January 2013. It will be taught by Dr. Colin D. MacLeod, the author of ‘An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology’ (Pictish Beast Publications). It is aimed at those just starting to use GIS in their research and who have little or no existing knowledge of this subject area. More information about this course can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Glasgow_January_2013.htm. All the practical exercises will be done using a standard data set so you do not need to have your own data to do this course. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 12 people. The course will cost £395 per person (£300 for students on production of a valid student card). To book a place, or for more information, contact info@GISinEcology.com. At the end of the course, all attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and completion. Each certificate is embossed with the GIS In Ecology official stamp to prevent its fraudulent reproduction. In addition, each certificate has its own unique identification number that we will record, along with your name, meaning that we can verify the authenticity of the certificates we issue (and the course you have completed) on request. To attend this course, you must bring your own laptop computer and have a fully licensed copy of ArcGIS 9.3, 10 or 10.1 software (ArcGIS 10.1 is the preferred software), and a licence for the ArGIS Spatial Analyst extension pre-installed on it. You can find information about how to get this software package by clicking here. It addition, you will also need to have spreadsheet software, such as Excel, on your computer. Glasgow has great transport links and is within half a days travel by car or by fast train links from most cities in the UK. For example, it can be reached in as little as 4h 30mins from London by train. It can also be reached by direct flights from many European cities and the flight time is generally under four hours. The course will be held in central Glasgow at the IET Glasgow Teacher Building (14 St Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4DB, UK). Attendees will be responsible for their own accommodation. However, Glasgow provides a wide range of accommodation options to fit most budgets. Information on hotels and hostels in Glasgow can be found by visiting the webpage for the course. |
posted Oct 28, 2012, 12:10 PM by Erin Burge
[
updated Oct 28, 2012, 12:28 PM
]
Coral Reef Monitoring Biologist
LOCATION: Office of the Governor, Coastal Resources Management Office (CRMO)
OVERVIEW: This position will serve as Coral Reef Monitoring Biologist at the Coastal Resources Management Office. She/He will be responsible for leading implementation of the CNMI Marine Monitoring Team (MMT) coral monitoring research, data collection and analysis. The Coral Reef Monitoring Biologist will also be responsible for certain grants management tasks regarding MMT funding.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: - Write, submit and manage the CNMI annual US Coral Reef Initiative (USCRI) Coral Reef Ecosystems Monitoring Grant and coordinate with NOAA Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA) to assure the requirements of this grant are met in a timely manner. - Submit semi-annual reports, as required by the USCRI Coral Reef Ecosystems Monitoring grant including information on completed activities, conditions of surveyed coral reefs and management recommendations for identified problems in the marine environment. - Coordinate actions between the CNMI local regulatory agencies including Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) and the Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in support of the CNMI Long-Term Marine Monitoring Program. - Establish new monitoring sites and develop appropriate sampling or survey methodology as necessary. - Maintain and update a marine monitoring database for sharing with NOAA and other members of the US All-Islands Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF). - Develop accurate maps indicating the location of monitoring sites and areas of special concern for reef health or biodiversity. - Supports CRMO with other marine biology-associated tasks including, but not limited to, permit review, site damage assessment, permit site inspection, or research to address management issues. - Conducts other related duties as assigned by the CRM Administrator.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: Master’s Degree or higher from an accredited university in marine biology or related field, plus four (4) years of experience in tropical marine biology including field research, lab work and knowledge of local biota and culture.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: - Advanced dive experience, seamanship, and ability to carry out monitoring methods (including equipment set-up) in a marine environment - Experience in interagency coordination, project management and grants management - Excellent writing, verbal, and computer skills - Willingness to travel as required - Must be a citizen of the United States
For questions or clarifications, contact Fran Castro, CNMI Coral Reef Point of Contact by email at: <francastro@deq.gov.mp> Tel No. (670) 664-8525.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Rita Chong, Administrator, CNMI Coastal Resources Management, P.O. Box 10007, Saipan, MP 96950.
|
posted Oct 18, 2012, 10:40 AM by Erin Burge
[
updated Oct 18, 2012, 10:41 AM
]
Field Intensive programs:
1 week sessions in Puerto Rico! Announcing Fall 2012 program schedule
&
Winter 2013 Humpback Whale Research
Field Intensive registration
The
Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center (MCERC) began as a means of funding
PhD dissertation research focused on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering off Puerto Rico. The concept of very affordable field programs
in one week “shorty” format has been received so well by students of marine
biology, ecology, and management, the list of programs has been expanded to
include 16 fully developed specialized experiences. The program fees continue
to fund PhD dissertation research of humpbacks near Puerto Rico with an eye on
future projects while opening doors for total submersion into data collection
for field biology majors.
MCERC is excited to announce our November and
December 2012 schedule. Fall programs
will be in the typical MCERC field intensive format keeping costs affordable
for a week that includes developing field skills while enjoying the tropics.
Many of our students have received undergraduate and graduate credit hours at
their university as an independent study with their adviser or by participation
in an MCERC program run as a collaboration with a university.
All
programs begin with arrival on a Sunday and finish with a travel day the
following Saturday. MCERC instructors will provide pre-course resources for
preparation in advance of landing in Puerto Rico, USA. We typically leave for
field excursions before sunrise and end the day well after sunset. Round table discussions are designed to
interject management, policy, and conservation issues encountered by field
biologists and marine/natural resource managers. The cost of each field intensive program is
$1100.00USD and includes food and a bunk at the base station, transportation to
all field sites, the cost of all field excursions, and program instruction. The
program fee for the Humpback Whale Field Intensive is $900.00USD. The program
fee does not include the cost of airfare to and from Puerto Rico, USA.
Each
program has a maximum of 6 students working with two field biologists. Waiting lists are created and additional
sessions may be opened if the interest exceeds the opportunities for the
current 2012 schedule.
Now that we have introduced ourselves…come join us and support research and education while
gaining field skills with a total submersion into the ecology, biology, and
challenges of the Caribbean habitats! Please share this announcement with your
students and peers so we are able to offer students a means for getting out in
the field without disrupting schedules and tight budgets.
The following
programs are scheduled for fall 2012:
Tropical Marine and Coastal Ecology – November 4-10, 2012 (6
students/2 scientists)
snorkeling, tidal pools, beach combing, and
kayaking excursions to identify flora and fauna exploring the ecology and
management challenges of marine and coastal habitats.
Invasive Species: Origins and Impacts – November 11-17, 2012 (6
students/2 scientists)
field excursions to marine, coastal,
mountains, rain forest, and other terrestrial habitats to investigate the vectors and impact of
invasive species on local flora and fauna.
Wildlife Ecology –
November 18-24, 2012 (6
students/2 scientists)
A
field course designed to explore the relationships of species and their marine,
coastal, and terrestrial habitats. Emphasis is on the impact of pressures on
species in ecosystems, including anthropogenic impacts.
Wildlife Photography
– December 9-15, 2012 (6
students/2 scientists)
A field course designed to introduce and elevate
photography skills aimed at collecting data using digital SLR cameras. Each day
(or night) includes an excursion to one or more field sites acquiring images
and receiving instructor feedback at the field site. This provides an
opportunity to retake images immediately and improve skills quickly. Professional
ethics and software selection are discussed to round out the information
valuable to field biologists.
Humpback
Whale Field Intensive: winter 2013
The Humpback
Whale Field Intensive is now open for enrollment for the 2013 field season.
This is the third year for this popular program where students fill the role as
a critical member of the field team collecting data from boat and land based
platforms designed to explain the relationship of this smaller humpback whale
winter habitat to the larger aggregation off Dominican Republic. There are only
3 spots available for participants each week from January through April 2013.
The weeks of spring break fill first and all weeks fill very quickly. More
information is available upon request and separate announcements are being
distributed to appropriate professional message boards and lists via the
Internet.
The
Humpback Whale Project is the focus of PhD
dissertation research of Mithriel MacKay, Ph D Candidate, in Dr. Bernd
Würsig’s Marine Mammal Behavioral Ecology Laboratory at Texas A&M
University Galveston. Last season
Mithriel was joined by 29 interns and students from around the world interested
in the structured curriculum designed to support undergraduate & graduate
students excited to collect acoustic, photographic, and land based data as part
of the research field team.
For
details or to register for an MCERC program, please email MCERC.mail@gmail.com or visit our website at www.Marine-Eco.org. Please note that
our new website is still under construction and may have periods of inactivity
while the webmaster is adding photos and program information.
|
posted Oct 18, 2012, 5:25 AM by Erin Burge
[
updated Oct 18, 2012, 5:29 AM
]
 T
March 3-9, 2013, at its new location at the Keys Marine Lab in Long Key, Florida.
The NMFS RTR Program, located at the University of Florida, is holding its tenth annual Marine Resources Population Dynamics Workshop. This workshop will introduce fifteen outstanding undergraduate students from around the country to the field of population dynamics using high-profile examples from harvested fish species and protected species (such as sea turtles or marine mammals). The program will cover all costs for the students selected to participate. The workshop is designed for US Citizens who have strong math skills and enjoy math, who also have an interest in ecology. For more information and application materials, please visit www.popdyrtr.com or http://fishweb.ifas.ufl.edu/rtr/index.shtml
Extended deadline for receipt of applications is November 26, 2012 by 12:00 AM EST
If you have any questions on the Undergraduate Workshop please contact Mendy Willis, Administrative Assistant at (352) 294-0886 or mendywillis@ufl.edu |
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