Wetlands lab in the news: mangroves and whooping cranes

As mangroves expand on the Texas coast, they may be displacing marshes that are used by endangered whooping cranes. I discuss this ecosystem shift in the Houston Chronicle article linked here.  

A whooping crane foraging near a newly-recruited mangrove tree (photo credit Dr. Lee Smee).

The research mentioned in this article is supported by grants from Texas Sea Grant and NASA.

Undergrad Internship in Waterbird Ecology at TAMUG

WATERBIRD ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

Two Undergraduate Internship Opportunities (484 credit possible)

Spring 2013

Being offered in conjunction with Audubon Texas:

Preference will be given to students with strong interests in:

·       Coastal Ecosystems

·       Waterbird Ecology

·       Wildlife Management

·       The majority of work will be directly related to management/surveys of Audubon’s coastal rookeries, interns 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   Spring 2013 work will include coordinating and helping with a TPWD grant to install signage at major boat ramps to educate the public on rookery islands

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

o   GIS work documenting management activities

o   Occasional 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

·       Applicants must be able to work in challenging field conditions- areas prone to mosquitos and rattlesnakes; be able to lift 40 pounds; be able to work independently; be available to work hours other than 8-5 Monday- Friday as needed

To apply: email Dr. Kim Reich, reichk@tamug.edu.  Write “waterbird” in the subject of your email, attach a brief statement of interest, your resume, and include relevant course work and your current G.P.A.  Please respond NO LATER THAN 13 NOVEMBER 2012;  a time and location for an informational meeting to be held the evening of Nov. 15th and 16th will be sent to all who respond by the deadline.  Interviews will be scheduled at the informational meeting.

Peer-reviewed humor

Do you feel like this after a paper has been rejected?

http://researchinprogress.tumblr.com/post/33946389387/we-regret-to-inform-you-that-your-paper-has-not-been

And do you feel like this after a paper has been accepted?

http://researchinprogress.tumblr.com/post/33884075941/we-are-pleased-to-inform-you-that-your-paper-has-been

Expedition Sewee Instructor/Naturalist, South Carolina

Clemson University’s Youth Learning Institute

Job Description

Title:                             Expedition Sewee Instructor/Naturalist

Work Dates:                 January 2013 – May 2013 (summer opportunities available)

Location:                      Awendaw, SC

Description:

The program combines a unique opportunity to work in varied curriculums and educate children in natural resources and marine biology. We are hiring to work at the Sewee Coastal Retreat Center in Awendaw, SC, where we teach our Expedition Sewee program (marine science).  We work with students from 2^nd to 8^th grade and instruct in day and night programming.  In addition, we also facilitate team initiatives and games.

Principal Duties:

·       Regularly teach all marine science and natural resource components of the core curriculum- (training provided).

·       Create and master lesson plans for six marine science classes including marine life, salt marsh and barrier island beach studies.

·       Lead students in daily program activities (wake-up, , meals, canteen, and campfire).

·       Be actively involved in all program activities, leading and participating in evening recreational and instructional times as scheduled.

·       Assist with routine clean up and set up of program areas.

·       Perform direct supervision of children while involved with activities.

·       Facilitate groups utilizing adventure activities.

Qualifications:

·       BA or BS in Environmental Education, Natural Sciences, Geology, Education, Marine Biology or related field is preferred.

·       Must have the patience, understanding, flexibility, and a lot of energy.

·       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 an objective.

·       Must be physically able to perform the tasks required to teach outdoors.

·       Must be willing to work long hours.

Pay Scale:

Twice a month pay of $550-$500 plus room, board, and a sickness/accidental insurance plan.  EOE.

Contact: 

You can send resumes to Shannon Repokis via email Repokis@clemson.edu

Mangrove work featured on local NPR station

A story about our work on mangrove expansion on the Texas coast was broadcast this morning on KUHF, the local NPR affilitate station. The audio is here:

http://app1.kuhf.org/articles/1350057213-What-Are-The-Mangrove-Trees-Telling-Us-About-The-Texas-Coast.html

And the print version is here:

http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2012/10/15/what-are-the-mangrove-trees-telling-us-about-the-texas-coast/#more-19645

The work in these stories is funded by the NASA Carbon Science Program with additional support from Texas Sea Grant.

WETLAND SCIENTIST/WILDLIFE ECOLOGIST with Bio-West in Houston

Agency

BIO-WEST, Inc.

Location

Houston, TX

Job Category

Full time Positions

website

http://www.bio-west.com

Salary

TBD

Start Date

11/01/2012

Last Date to Apply

10/15/2012

Description

BIO-WEST, Inc., environmental consultants seek full-time scientist or ecologist for the Houston, TX, office. This positions requires producing standard wetland documentation and permits, 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 wetlandsjobs@bio-west.com. No phone calls please.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate must be able to ID 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 USACE Wetland Delineation Manual and its Supplements, and ability to obtain scientific collection permits as needed.

Contact Person

Dyer Schlitzkus

Contact eMail

wetlandsjobs@bio-west.com

Volunteer opportunity: Dune restoration

Artist Boat is conducting a dune restoration event on October 19 from 10am-2pm at Galveston Island State Park. They are in need of volunteers to help with a variety of tasks. Contact Kari Howard (khoward@artistboat.org) if you would like to participate.