Congrats to Carolyn

Congrats to Carolyn on her hooding!

2015 TAMUG Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) will seek applications for a competitively awarded 2 year postdoctoral fellowship from highly qualified candidates interested in any aspect of marine sciences, oceanography, coastal/ocean engineering, marine policy and management, or maritime affairs. Research focusing on Texas and the Gulf of Mexico will take priority, in particular research that focuses on coastal resiliency and sustainability.   Fellowships will provide 100% salary support for 1 year, with potential for a one-time 1 year renewal upon performance and successful recommendation of the advisor. A small stipend for computer, travel and miscellaneous expenses will also be added to the Fellowship. Each fellowship must be sponsored by a TAMUG faculty member who may only support one research proposal per year.   Each fellow will receive a competitive compensation package. Fellows are expected to elevate the research effort at TAMUG and as such will be expected to publish in top tier journals. Publications in open access journals only (e.g., PLOS One) will receive funds to defer publication costs. Post-doctoral Fellows will be selected by a multi-disciplinary university faculty committee from an applicant pool based on their application materials. Starting salary for the post-docs will be $50,000 per year with applicable university benefits.  All application materials will be due by July 15, 2015.  Expected start date will be around September 1, 2015.

Contact Dr. Armitage if you are interested in submitting an application to this program.

Latest publication from the Coastal Wetlands lab

Mangroves in Texas are expanding, and salt marshes are shrinking...but are they related?

The bottom line: Our research confirmed that mangroves are expanding and, in some instances, displacing salt marshes at certain locations. However, this shift is not widespread when analyzed at a larger, regional level. Rather, local, relative sea level rise was indirectly implicated as another important driver causing regional-level salt marsh loss. 

Download the full text here.

Bird use of mangroves and marshes

Check out Ashley's award winning poster on bird use of mangrove and marsh habitats in Texas. This poster won recognition at the 2015 Texas Bays and Estuaries Meeting and at the 2015 University of Houston Ecology and Evolution Student Symposium.

Environmental Resources Management is hiring in Houston

Several Impact Assessment and Planning (IAP) positions are open in the Houston office as well as others offices around the U.S. The positions are Consultant Level 1. Anyone who might be interested should contact Michael Bell at Michael.bell@erm.com or go to the website http://www.erm.com/de/careers/ for more details and information about who ERM is and what they do. 

Citizen science opportunity!

 Our research team is requesting assistance from Coastal Bend birdwatchers for a citizen science project. Birdwatchers can help us determine differences in bird use between mangrove and marsh habitats. Find out more about the project and how to help here: http://www.tamug.edu/armitage/CitizenScience.html

Thanks from the Coastal Wetland teams at Texas A&M University at Galveston and the University of Houston!

WETLAND SCIENTIST/WILDLIFE ECOLOGIST with Bio-West

WETLAND SCIENTIST/WILDLIFE ECOLOGIST

Description

BIO-WEST, Inc., environmental consultants seek full-time scientist or ecologist. This position requires producing standard wetland documentation and permits and wildlife reports, conducting baseline studies and surveys, leading field teams, participating as a team member, and working autonomously according to project needs. Must be able to travel and perform in extreme weather conditions and difficult terrain while meeting project time and budget constraints.

Submit letter of application, resume, and three professional references to wetlandjob@bio-west.com. No phone calls please.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate must be able to identify flora, fauna, and soils of the south and southwest, assess habitats for wetland and wildlife values, understand and comply with environmental regulations (e.g., NEPA, ESA, CWA), and assist team members and clients with the environmental permitting process. Skills must include written and oral communication, GPS, boat, and ATV experience, data collection, construction monitoring/inspection, and technical writing. Requires 2+ years of experience with: wetland investigations, delineations, and permitting; contributing to biological/environmental documents (e.g., EIS, BA), coordinating with state and federal agencies (e.g., USACE, USFWS); and acting as project manager/lead. Must be familiar with the MS-Office Suite and able to interact professionally with clients. Job requires a BS degree (minimum) in relevant field, demonstrated proficiency with the 1987 Corps Wetland Delineation Manual and its Supplements, and ability to obtain scientific collection permits as needed.

Resumes due: April 25, 2014

Start date: May 12, 2014

Internship with the Student Conservation Association and the Audubon Society - Galveston area

Position Description

Applicants should have a strong interest in coastal ecosystems, waterbird ecology and wildlife management. Interns will work directly under the Coastal Program Manager and the majority of work will be directly related to management/surveys of Audubon’s coastal rookeries.

The intern will assist with:

o   Rookery surveys and monitoring via boat mainly in the West Bay area, but occasionally at other locations on Galveston Bay or beyond. Accommodations will be provided if an overnight trip is required.

o   Management of Audubon owned or leased islands: fire ant control, vegetation work, predator management, construction of nesting platforms, volunteer workdays, etc.

o   Prep work/ compiling of data for the Texas Colonial Waterbird survey database

o   GIS work documenting management activities and waterbird population trends

o   Occasional work with local partners and their projects Audubon assists with

o   Office work entering data or related tasks

Interns will gain experience in all aspects of colonial waterbird management, boat safety and operation and wildlife research. Previous experience not required- this is an entry level position designed to offer beginners the skills and knowledge to successfully enter the wildlife field. Applicants must be able to work in challenging field conditions- cold and damp in early spring and hot, humid temperatures in the summer in areas prone to mosquitos and rattlesnakes; be able to lift 40 pounds; be able to work independently. Housing is not available.  Applicants must have a reliable mode of transportation to get to the Texas City office for work.

Additional duties:

• Available to help with field work, putting out public informational signs, assessing remote sites, weekly surveys from boat

• Assist with office work- data entry, statistical analysis, GIS mapping and analysis

• Help create the annual TCWS report: compile statistics, map previous year's data, gather information on waterbird population trends

• Assist with creation/ updates for the Audubon Island Atlas- a record of all Audubon owned or leased sites in Texas

• Assist with educational workshops and presentations

• Help coordinate with public and private entities to gain access to waterbird colonies for annual surveys

A successful intern will be given the option of continuing into the next period if they desire.

Service Location Description

Our office is located in Texas City, TX. Intern will be working in both an office setting and in the field with boats and on islands in the bay.

US citizenship required?

Yes

Training Opportunities

Intern will be trained and become proficient in GIS techniques and analysis, Microsoft Access, motorboat operation, boat safety and statistical analysis.

    

Educational/Recreational Opportunities

Galveston Island is appox. 30 minutes to the south and offers a variety of educational and recreational opportunities. Houston lies about 40 minutes to the north and offers a wealth of museums, concerts, shows, athletic events and many more opportunities.

To apply, contact:

Alvi Seda

Recruiting Coordinator for Diversity Initiatives

aseda@thesca.org

240-863-1825

Freshwater Ecology Field Technician/Intern in Clear Lake

TITLE: Freshwater Ecology Field Technician/Intern

CLASSIFICATION: Temporary/Seasonal Position

AGENCY: Environmental Institute of Houston

WEBSITE: http://www.eih.uhcl.edu

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Environmental Protection Agency is conducting a National Rivers and Streams Assessment to assess the condition of the nation’s flowing waters.  The Environmental Institute of Houston at the University of Houston-Clear Lake has been contracted to sample 64 sites across Texas.

We are currently recruiting two to four positions to assist with field sampling from May 1, 2014 to August 31, 2014; flexible dates depending upon school schedule.  All work is conducted in wadeable and boatable rivers and streams across the state.  Applicants will assist in all forms of data collection including physical habitat surveys, water quality assessment and biological collections.

Ideal candidates will have previous field experience and be willing to work in a variety of challenging physical conditions.  This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable field experience in all aspects of physical and biological stream assessment.  At each site, we assess physical habitat, measure stream flow, collect water samples, sample aquatic invertebrates and periphyton, quantify fish assemblage and collect fish tissue samples.

LOCATION:

Houston, TX – Statewide travel

SALARY:

$1,260/month (full-time)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants should be pursuing or possess a Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, fisheries ecology, biology, environmental science or closely related field.  A strong interest in stream ecology and aquatic resource management is desired.  Previous field work experience is a plus but not required.  Applicants must be willing to travel sites located statewide.

Required

·       Travel up to 10 days at a time

·       Work long hours (10+) in the field in adverse conditions

·       Be in good physical condition and able to lift 50 lbs

·       Ability to traverse steep and rough terrain

·       Ability to learn new skills and techniques quickly and apply those skills efficiently

·       Comfortable working from a boat, canoe or kayak

·       Must possess a positive attitude, be self-motivated and willing to work independently and as a member of a team

Preferred

·       Previous scientific data collection

·       Experience conducting physical habitat surveys, water quality collection and measuring flow in stream systems

·       Aquatic invertebrate collection and preservation

·       Fish sampling techniques including boat and backpack electrofishing and seining

·       Texas freshwater fish ID skills

***Housing not provided***

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume with three references to Jenny Oakley

START DATE:

May 1, 2014

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

April 1, 2014

CONTACT PERSON:

Jenny Oakley

PHONE:

281-283-3950

EMAIL:

oakley@uhcl.edu

Summer REU internships - start thinking about it now!

This post is written by astronomy grad students, but much of the advice applies to biology students as well.

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

Student contractor position with EPA in Gulf Breeze, FL

EPA seeking a student or recent graduate to work in Gulf Breeze, FL. 

The Gulf Ecology Division of the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Office of Research and Development (ORD) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking an individual who is at least 18 years of age and who has completed a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, mathematics, statistics, computer sciences or related field of study. 

The student contractor who is selected by EPA will receive hands-on Laboratory experience and shall provide technical support services with EPA scientists under the Sustainable and Healthy Communities Research Program (SHCRP) Puerto Rico Sustainable Communities project. The student or recent graduate will support research efforts directed at developing information to be integrated into decision support tools, including geospatial data layers, ecosystem service production functions, dynamic models for spatially-explicit scenario analyses, and metrics of human well-being.

The details pertaining to this announcement, including application instructions, are available at http://www.epa.gov/oamsrpod/lasc/RFQDC1300075/index.htm. 

The deadline for submitting offers for RFQ-DC-13-00075 is 4:30 PM ET on July 16.

Bio tech positions for whooping crane ecology and field data collection

Opportunity for recent grads!

When: Preferred start date: September 1, 2013

Where: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Texas Gulf Coast=20

Housing provided: Yes

Benefits provided: No

How long: One year

Pay: $1,800-2000/month depending on experience

Do you love to work outdoors?  Interested in contributing to a greater understanding of the ecology of the endangered Whooping Crane?  Interested in the use of remote sensing technology to identify habitat for an endangered species?  If you said yes to all three of those questions, this is the perfect field experience for you! With this position will be involved in collecting and managing data related to the conservation and management of whooping cranes habitat along the Gulf Coast of Texas.  Position will include an initial 1-2 months dedicated to establishment of camera traps for freshwater use by cranes. The remaining 10 months will focused on collecting field validation information for remotely sensed data.  In addition, the successful applicant will be responsible for data entry, proofing and management of collected data.  The successful applicant should be meticulous at collecting detailed and accurate field data as well as proficient in managing data.

The position assists implementing the USFWS Natural Resources Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) effort. Work occurs on and off FWS managed lands.  However, the position will be hired and paid through Blue Heron Consulting Company, a partner with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.  These positions will be supervised by a USFWS ecologist. 

EDUCATION:

 Preferably a BS in biological sciences, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a related field of science underlying wildlife management, zoology, botany, ornithology or avian ecology.

EXPERIENCE

 Required:

-Familiar with navigation by maps, compass and GPS

-Critical-thinking skills, attention to detail and a positive attitude

-Valid drivers license with a good driving record

Desired: Experience with collecting and compiling field data into a database structure, application of software (such as Excel or Access), in order to populate biological databases.  Experience using handheld GPS for navigation and data collection is desirable.  Ability to implement scientific inventory and monitoring protocols. Attention to detail for data collection.  Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with diverse individuals and groups.

Ability to safely operate light trucks and off-road utility vehicles (e.g., ATVs, Kubota, Polaris Ranger,etc.) and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Competent in the safe use of watercraft ranging from kayaks to twin engine cabin boats. Proficiency with driving an airboat is a huge plus.  Experienced with towing, backing, loading and unloading of boats. Strong plant identification skills, ideally pertaining to the coastal and wetland plants of the Texas coastal bend is desirable.  Experience with developing and maintaining partnerships with local, state, and/or federal agencies/contacts. Comfortable working as part of a group or individually to accomplish tasks.

This position will be located at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, however travel will range from 2-5 days /week.  Aransas is a beautiful wildlife refuge located on an undeveloped portion of the Texas coast. It is the primary wintering ground for the only wild migrating population of whooping crane but also boasts a number of other wildlife species.

Housing will be provided on Aransas NWR. This will be shared housing in either a trailer or bunkhouse located on the Refuge.

Please send 1) cover letter addressing your qualifications and your fit to this position, 2) resume, and 3) name and contact information for three references who can verify your qualifications electronically to kris_metzger@fws.gov with the SUBJECT: Aransas Bio position

Please submit by June 10, 2013.

Tech and volunteer positions in tidal marshes on Sapelo Island, Georgia

Research Technicians, Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long-Term Ecological Research Program.

The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER program seeks a Research Technician to be based at the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, Georgia. The selected individual will work as part of the field crew supporting the GCE LTER project (http://gce-lter.marsci.uga.edu/).. He or she will be primarily involved in maintaining and monitoring a large experiment focusing on sea level rise and effects on freshwater tidal marshes. This includes helping to maintain permits and comply with appropriate regulations, maintaining boardwalks and a water delivery system, measuring salinity in plots, and monitoring soil, plants and invertebrates in plots. The position will occasionally require strenuous physical activity and irregular hours. Applicants must be able to hike through mud, marsh grass and other difficult terrain; lift and carry heavy gear in the field; and assist in light construction.

The position is based out of the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, GA (http://www.uga.edu/ugami/). The selected individual may either live on the Island (in UGAMI housing at a subsidized cost) or on the mainland. The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in an appropriate field; small boat piloting experience; first aid certification; field research experience; basic computer skills, including experience with email, word-processing and spreadsheet programs; and the ability to work harmoniously with a wide variety of people.

The salary range for the position is $22-30,000, and includes full benefits. Applicants should be willing to make at least a 2-year commitment to the project. Apply online at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/ posting number 20130726. Applications will be considered starting May 27 and until the position is filled. Inquiries may be addressed to Dr. Steve Pennings (scpennings@central.uh.edu). The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Volunteer opportunity in salt marsh ecology

We are looking for volunteers to assist with two large experiments examining links between crab ecology and tidal creek morphology in Georgia salt marshes. The project will involve strenuous physical activity outdoors at the University of Georgia Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, GA. We will provide reasonable transportation to Sapelo Island, housing and food expenses.  Vacancies are available now. This is a great opportunity to gain experience with salt marsh ecology and meet a wide variety of salt marsh scientists working at the institute.  If interested, please send a letter of interest, your resume, and contact information for 3 references to Huy Vu (hdvu4@central.uh.edu) and copy Steve Pennings (spennings@uh.edu). We will consider applications as they arrive.