Graduate Internships with TCWP

This summer the Texas Coastal Watershed Program (TCWP) will be hiring several graduate student interns. TCWP is a program of Texas A&M University that works on projects related to planning, water quality, public education, and environmental management. The program is located in Houston, TX. Graduate students in planning, coastal science, environmental management, and geography programs are encouraged to apply. Interns will assist the office in developing the Highland Bayou Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) and other projects as needed. Task assignments will depend upon the skill set of the intern. WPP tasks will involve writing, research, and work in GIS, excel, and access. Public outreach tasks will involve working directly with stakeholders and volunteers, event coordination, social media, website updates, and meeting support. All positions requires solid organization and writing skills. The position begins in May with a flexible start date, and the position ends in late August.  Compensation is hourly, and positions can be part time or full time. Employment will be at the office in Houston. Applicants should submit a resume, a 1-page cover letter, and a 2-page (max) writing sample. Application packets or questions about the positions can be sent to smikulencak@tamu.edu, subject line: tcwp internship. Website: www.urban-nature.org, http://mokabayousalliance.org/

Research Assistant position in the Wetlands Lab

Research Assistant position in the Wetlands Lab

The research assistant will coordinate laboratory analyses and field sampling of plant and animal communities in restored coastal marshes in Galveston and Port Arthur, TX. Field work will include deployment of nets and field experiments from airboats and pirogues. Laboratory tasks will include sorting, grinding, reducing, and analyzing of plant, soil, water, and animal samples. Sample processing will include some analytical procedures using a variety of laboratory equipment, such as nutrient and pigment analyses. Additional tasks will include reading and recording results in accordance with standard procedures, data entry and associated computer activities, writing reports, supervising student workers, and performing related duties as required.

Occasional duties will include assisting with field work in other coastal habitat on the Texas coast.

Physical requirements necessary to perform essential duties:

Standing for long periods of time, long periods of walking, lifting 50 lbs, squatting, kneeling, bending. Outdoor activities may take place in muddy, hot conditions.

Education qualifications/training required:

Related college courses in plant and community ecology. BS or higher in biology or related field required; M.S. desired. Work experience (two years) in coastal habitats, familiarity with marsh ecology; experience with soil, water, and plant analytical protocols.

 

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

Salary: $2100/month

Start date: Immediate

To apply, go to https://tamujobs.tamu.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1333991292851 and search for NOV# 120935

Armand Bayou volunteer orientation

NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION for Armand Bayou Nature Center: April 21 and April 28 

Volunteers are critical to the ABNC education and stewardship mission. They need volunteers for a wide variety of fun and important jobs, from teaching to maintenance, from science to administration, indoor, outdoor, regular assignments, special projects...there is a job for you. Find out how your talents and skills can be applied. No skills? No problem. They'll train you. Find out about training and the benefits of volunteer service. Join them for Orientation on Saturday April 21 from 9:00AM to 2:00PM (they'll even provide lunch!) and Basic Training on Saturday April 28 from 9:00AM to 2:00PM.

Please let them know you are coming. Pick up a Volunteer Application at ABNC or reserve your seat by calling 281-474-2551 x 10.

Post-doctoral position in Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Propagation Research in Ocean Springs, MS

A post-doctoral position is immediately available at The University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, located in Ocean Springs MS, in the Center for Plant Restoration and Coastal Plant Research (CPR), headed by Dr Patrick Biber (http://www.usm.edu/gcrl/cv/biber.patrick/cv.biber.patrick.full.php). Our research group is interested in developing protocols to propagate Vallisneria and Ruppia in a nursery setting, for future restoration projects in the Northern Gulf of Mexico related to the 2010 oil spill. Existing facilities include 4 incubation chambers, a laminar-flow hood, a large dedicated wet-lab with aquaria and high-output growlights, as well as extensive outdoor mesocosms for large scale growout.

Candidates require a PhD with a strong background in plant ecology or reproductive biology in aquatic systems, and proven experience in one or more of the following fields: plant propagation, SAV restoration, micropropagation, or plant biology. He/she will be responsible for leading a team of scientists and technicians in all aspects of the state-funded project including: the experimental data collections, the analysis and synthesis of this data with other ongoing projects, and the publication of findings in leading research journals.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please upload your application to https://jobs.usm.edu.

Documents must include your CV, a cover letter outlining your research experience and interests, and contact information for 3 references. Please also forward a copy of your completed application by e-mail to patrick.biber@usm.edu  Closing date is May 30, 2012 or when the position is filled.

Field tech position with Audubon in the Florida Keys

 Audubon of Florida’s Tavernier Science Center is seeking a Field Research Technician to fill a full time position monitoring prey base fish populations in the mangrove zone of Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and the Florida Keys.  Scientific responsibilities include collection and analysis of fishes and physical data, and maintaining a data base. Fish populations are monitored using a 3M2 drop system, throw traps, and seines.  Field data will be collected from, powerboats, row boats, canoes and kayaks.  Other job responsibilities include maintenance of vehicles, boats, and all field equipment including nets. 

In addition to the duties described above, technicians will be expected to assist with other on-going projects at this research center which include submerged aquatic vegetation surveys, as well as nest monitoring of roseate spoonbills. Applicants may be required to work long and unpredictable hours alone, in the often-harsh environment of South Florida (e.g., heat and humidity, intense sun exposure, boating in rough seas, unpredictable weather such as sudden squalls and thunderstorms, exposure to myriad biting insects including mosquitoes and flies), capable of working in close proximity to sharks, crocodiles, alligators and snakes, and tolerate project mishaps like broken boats/vehicles, schedule cancellations due to weather, etc. with good humor.

Qualifications

B.S. with a background in marine, estuarine, or wetlands ecology (or similar work experience).

Applicants need to have a valid driver’s license, experience with small boats, and operating vehicles with trailers.

Heavy lifting is required.

A successful candidate will exhibit a strong work ethic, work well in teams and independently in the field.

Individuals who have field experience in Florida’s estuaries, mangrove forests and/or coastal wetlands, sampling and identification of fishes are desired.

Additionally, a basic knowledge of boat maintenance and repair is preferred.

If interested in the position please send a cover letter and resume with 3 references electronically to Michelle Robinson at mrobinson@audubon.org.  Closing Date for this posting is April 29, 2012 and the starting date for the position will be in early June 2012.

Trash bash!

2012 Trash Bash - Clean It Like You Mean It

The Galveston Bay Foundation is back again coordinating the Armand Bayou site for the River, Lakes, Bays, 'N Bayous Trash Bash event. Our main site will be Bay Area Park, but there are several other locations along the Bayou where we will pick up trash. Opportunities also exist for canoers/kayakers to collect trash from their personal watercraft.

Register for Trash Bash, and clean it like you mean it!

Saturday, March 31, 2012

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Armand Bayou at Bay Area Park (map)

National Invasive Species Week

Did you know it's National Invasive Species Week? Learn about invasive plants in the Galveston Bay area - they're everywhere! http://www.galvbayinvasives.org/