New NASA project has begun!

We (Patrick Louchouarn, Anna Armitage, Sam Brody, Wes Highfield) recently began a new NASA-funded project that seeks to improve our ability to predict changes in coastal C cycling due to 1) losses of wetland coverage and 2) changes in environmental conditions (i.e. land use) and subsequent shifts in ecosystem type (e.g., salt marsh to mangrove). In addition, the proposed work will seek to establish a “value” of such systems in C sequestration terms at the regional scale. We will focus on contemporary remote sensing, land use, ecological, and biogeochemical processes affecting C sequestration in a series of tidal wetlands along the Gulf of Mexico coastal system. 

 

 Collecting the first soil core in a salt marsh

 The first core!

Removing 1-cm layers of the core for carbon analysis

Student Services Position with USGS in Lafayette, LA

Student Services Position
U.S. Geological Survey National Wetlands Research Center (Lafayette, LA)


The U.S. Geological Survey National Wetlands Research Center (USGS NWRC) seeks a student contractor to work with a team of researchers investigating the ecological implications of climate change and land use change. Specific duties will include, but will not be limited, to: (1) data analysis and the evaluation/application of regional-scale modeling tools; (2) synthesis of literature pertaining to future global change scenarios and the potential vulnerability of priority ecosystems and species; and (3) preparation of written communications that summarize research efforts. The position will likely involve collaboration with federal, state, and non-profit environmental managers and scientists. For general information about the program, please see the project’s fact sheet:
http://www.fws.gov/southeast/LCC/GulfPlains/pdf/DoIGulfCoastPlainLCC.pdf

Level of Education and Knowledge
The student shall have completed a BA or BS degree and at least one year of graduate school. It is important that the student be enrolled or recently enrolled in an intensive degree program (e.g., Biology, Ecology, Geology, Environmental Science, Engineering) with longer-term goals of earning an M.S. or Ph.D. degree. The student shall be familiar with basic computer operations including knowledge of common software applications and database management protocols. The student should also be able to work for long periods of time in the field commensurate with the time project supervisors spend in the field while on travel. Knowledge of ecological research methods as they
pertain to report writing is also preferred.

Working conditions
The official duty station is the USGS National Wetlands Research Center in Lafayette, LA. Most work will be completed indoors within an office; however some laboratory or greenhouse work may also be
necessary. Field work will be uncommon and student-optional, but may involve long hours in forested wetlands, marsh, or coastal barrier islands. Travel, with a duration ranging from day trips to week-long-trips, may be allowed, but is not required.

Estimated number of hours to be performed
40 hours per week for one year

Approximate start date
February 27, 2012

Approximate end date
February 27, 2013

To apply for this position, please send a copy of your resume via email to Mike Osland (email address: oslandm@usgs.gov). Questions regarding the position can also be sent to this email address.  To facilitate the identification of such emails, please include “student
position” in the subject line of your email

Marine Science camp counselor positions

Title: Marine Science Instructor/Counselor
Work Dates: June 3– August 10, 2012
Location: Awendaw, SC (20 miles from Charleston)
Description: To lead, instruct, and supervise campers (ages 8-16) in all areas of Marine Science Curriculum and perform duties that are required by the Camp Director. The camp runs out of a coastal area in South Carolina. It has direct access to the ocean and we take trips out to islands for nature hikes and marine studies. During the week, trips are made to aquariums, water parks, environmental education centers, and creeks for kayaking. At camp we take the campers into the salt marsh, crabbing, cast netting, as well as study dolphins and turtles. Various large and small group games are also led throughout the week.
Principle Duties:
• Teach all components of the Marine Science Curriculum (training provided).
• Lead students in daily program classes and activities (group games, team building, wake-up, meals, canteen, campfire, and rap-up).
• Be actively involved in all program activities, leading and participating in evening recreational and instructional times as scheduled.
• Assist with routine clean-up.
• Set-up and maintenance of site and program areas.
• Perform direct supervision of children while involved in classes and activities (on- and off-site).
• Perform camp counselor duties including staying and attending to campers over night while they are at camp.
Qualifications:
• Pursuing a BA or BS in Marine Science, Biology, Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, Parks and Recreation, or related field is preferred but not necessary to apply (applies to Juniors, Seniors, and College Graduates.)
• Residential camp experience preferred.
• Must have the patience, understanding, flexibility, and energy to work and live with campers and staff.
• Must demonstrate teaching skills and the ability to implement creative “hands-on” teaching methods.
• Must be willing to sacrifice, adapt, and work hard as part of a team pursuing one common goal and objective.
Salary: $440 - $550 twice a month plus room and board and a sickness/accidental insurance plan. EOE.
Contact: If you are interested in the position please send your resume and three references to Chelsey Repokis at ccalzad@clemson.edu.

What do professors do?

From Fred Monardi on facebook

Summer internships in Environmental Sciences with USDA in North Carolina

Summer Internships in Environmental Sciences

USDA Forest Service

Southern Research Station

Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Otto, NC

Summer Intern positions in Biological Sciences are available at USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, located in Otto, NC.  To qualify, students must: (1) be in good academic standing, (2) be currently enrolled in a college or university, and (3) plan on returning to college or university in fall 2012. Interns work with Coweeta scientists and staff on a wide variety of projects.  Current research projects include, but are not limited to: land use effects on water quality; hemlock woolly adelgid impacts on forest processes; southern Appalachian forest carbon, nutrient, and water budgets and cycling; and effects of cation depletion on forest stream water quality.  Projects typically have both a field and laboratory component, and may include some data analysis.  Students may utilize some portion of data collected and/or analyzed to fulfill university intern requirements.  The rate of pay ranges from a GS-03 (approximately $11.95/hr) to GS-04 (approximately $13.41/hr), depending on education and experience.  A limited amount of housing is available on site for approximately $125/month. 

Interested students should send (1) a letter of interest, (2) resume, and (3) college transcripts by March 1, 2012 to:

Chelcy R. Ford

Acting Project Leader

USDA Forest Service

Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory

3160 Coweeta Lab Rd

Otto, NC 29763

crford@fs.fed.us