Latest publication from our lab

"The Interactive Effects of Pulsed Grazing Disturbance and Patch Size Vary among Wetland Arthropod Guilds" by A.R. Armitage, C.-K. Ho, and A. Quigg was just published in PLOS ONE. The full article can be viewed here. 

Conservation Internship in Clear Lake (Houston) for recent graduates

Traveling Naturalist Interns (Local candidates) Harris County Precinct One, Challenger 7 Memorial Park 

SCA Position Order: PO-00400558

Internship Description
Twelve week internship starting September 2013
Seeking two interns (local candidates only due to lack of housing)

Position Description
The Traveling Naturalist Intern will have a variety of responsibilities pertaining to the environmental education of economically disadvantaged children in Harris County Precinct One. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
 Assisting program naturalists in researching topics for in-school and after-school programs and field trips
 Delivery of environmental programs to groups of children ranging in age from 3-13. (Training is provided.)
 Daily cleaning and maintenance of animal lab facility under the supervision of the naturalists.
 Safe handling of program animals. (Training is provided.)
 Participation in our annual Fish Fest, where children are given the opportunity to learn about and experience fishing, first-hand

Due to the nature of our programs, interns must be capable/comfortable interacting with a variety of native and exotic animal species including the following:
 Invertebrates - spiders, scorpions, and a variety of other insects
 Birds
 Mammals
 Amphibians
 Reptiles – turtles, lizards, and snakes

Position Requirements 
An Environmental Science degree or related Education degree is required; candidates currently pursuing an Environmental Science degree or related Education may also apply. Personal vehicle required.

Service Location 
Harris County, TX

Compensation
Living allowance of $75 per week
Commuter allowance

To Apply
Interested candidates please send resumes to Theresa Ramirez of the Student Conservation Association at tramirez@theSCA.org

Job opportunity for recent graduates: Environmental Scientist I

M-I SWACO supports a full service bioassay test lab in the Houston Office.  Information generated by the laboratory is used to support the safe and responsible discharge of waste on a global scale.  To meet the expanding needs of M-I SWACO we are looking for a Level I Environmental Scientist to work in the bioassay laboratory.  The responsibilities will include maintenance of cultures, organizing samples, conducting tests, and writing reports. In addition to routine laboratory work, the environmental scientist will have the opportunity to work with top industry scientists to conduct research concerning marine discharges on a global basis. Core areas of responsibility include maintaining marine cultures for biological testing and setting up bioassay tests.  The position will work with another Environmental Scientist I in the bioassay lab and a more senior scientist that will direct the daily work efforts.  The position reports to the director of Environmental Chemical Services.

Required Qualifications: BS degree in a biological science. 

Experience: General knowledge of chemical, biological, and environmental sciences. Six months – 3 years’ experience conducting assays in a laboratory.  The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience with marine cultures.  Key attributes include; good organizational and planning skills, the ability to handle multiple activities successfully, good attention to detail, good analytical, communication and problem solving skills
Contact Jessie Patterson to apply: (281) 285-3173 or JPatterson5@slb.com 

Research Assistant position in the Coastal and Wetlands Ecology Lab at TAMUG

The Coastal and Wetlands Ecology team at Texas A&M University at Galveston invites applications for a Research Assistant to assist with projects that evaluate the influence of habitat restoration and climate change on coastal wetlands and mangroves. The work performed will help identify ecologically successful marsh restoration techniques, and will compare ecosystem functions between salt marsh and mangrove habitats.

Job description:

The Research Assistant will assist with a two-year project that involves sampling plant and animal communities in restored and natural marshes on the Texas coast. Field work will include deployment of nets and sampling devices from small watercraft, airboats, and pirogues, collecting infauna, plant, and soil samples, and deployment and maintenance of experiments. Laboratory tasks will include sorting and identifying infauna, as well as sorting, grinding, reducing, and analyzing plant, soil, water, and animal samples with a variety of laboratory equipment. Tasks may include soil and water nutrient and pigment analyses. Additional tasks will include performing data entry, reading and recording results in accordance with standard procedures, graphing data, photographic analyses, associated computer activities, and related duties as required. Occasional duties will include assisting with field work in other coastal habitats, including mangroves, on the Texas coast.

The Research Assistant must have the ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

This position may require standing for long periods of time, walking long distances, lifting up to 50 lbs, squatting, kneeling, and bending. Outdoor activities may take place in muddy, hot conditions.

Required education and experience:

BS or higher in biology or related field. A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred education and experience:

Relevant college courses in plant and community ecology. Work experience (1+ year) in coastal habitats, familiarity with marsh ecology; experience with standard protocols for infauna, soil, water, and plant analyses.

Position information:

40 hours/week. Some long field days and occasional weekend work may be required.

Salary: $10.84/hour. Benefits eligible.

Start date: As early as 9/1/13. Review of applications will begin on 8/23/13 and will continue until the position is filled.

For questions, contact Dr. Anna Armitage: armitaga at tamug dot edu. To apply, go to https://jobpath.tamu.edu/ and search for Posting # O00045FY13

TAMUG Internship Opportunity for current students

Click image below to see a larger version of the announcement

Mangroves in Texas

What is this crazy bunch up to?

Find out on our new Mangroves in Texas website: http://www.uh.edu/mangrove/

Coastal and Wetlands Ecology Lab: Drought work featured in the Houston Chronicle

Our lab's work was featured on the front page of the Houston Chronicle yesterday!

 

Original article available to Houston Chronicle subscribers: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/The-state-s-drought-affects-sea-life-too-4646215.php?cmpid=atfpm