Boat & Water Safety Outreach Technician at The Great Basin Institute

The Great Basin Institute is working cooperatively with the Lake Mead NRA

(LAKE) to provide outreach to visitors to Lake Mead regarding boat and water safety, and invasive quagga mussels, as well as general information about Lake Mead and the opportunities the NRA provides. Technicians will provide logistic support at boat launches, especially during peak put-in and take-out times, to ensure visitors launch and take-out boats in an orderly fashion and with the hope of reducing wait times and greenhouse gas emissions from idling vehicles and boats. Training to provide immediate response to medical emergencies will also be provided, as well as training opportunities with other resource departments. This full-time position requires an ability to work outdoors during the intense heat of the summer months. The position is 40 hours a week, working weekends and holidays during the months of June, July, and August. Employees will be given two consecutive days off during the week. GBI will be hiring up to twelve (12) positions.

Compensation and Timeline: 

o             Rate of Pay: $11.95/hour

o             15-week appointment beginning May 31, 2011 (or upon availability)

Location:

Lake Mead NRA (Boulder City, NV) - the Hemenway Harbor, Callville Bay, Katherine’s Landing, Cottonwood Cove and North Telephone Cove, Echo Bay, Willow Beach, Boulder Beach and Temple Bar boat launches

Qualifications:

o             Interest in and/or experience presenting information related to

natural and water resources;

o             Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert

conditions, including extreme temperatures;

o             Ability to stand for extended periods of time and maintain a

positive attitude while interacting with the general public;

o             Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with

a diverse audience; and

o             Valid, state-issued driver’s license.

How to Apply:

Applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden at bwalden@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please include where you found this position posted.

This position is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religion. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Field Ecology Summer Research Assistant in Yosemite

Field ecology summer research assistant position in Yosemite National Park

Full-time field technician position through University of California Merced, 1 – 2.5 months approximately July-September 2011 (depending on snowmelt date- approximate start date July 1st)

We are seeking a field technician for a study on conifer encroachment into high elevation meadows.
As Sierran meadows are being encroached by conifers, the loss of these meadows may mean loss of important ecosystem services (such as water storage and release) that they provide. This project incorporates topics in ecology and hydrology on a landscape scale to explore the causes and consequences of meadow encroachment.

Field work will be conducted in Yosemite National Park, will involve significant hiking, and will require the assistant to backpack cross country to remote meadows. The work itself involves carefully searching for tree seedlings in meadows, installation of soil moisture measurement equipment, as well as repeated recording of soil moisture readings. These repetitive but meaningful duties will be offset by the beauty of the surroundings and the fun of hiking to these remote areas.

Education/Experience: Strong applicants will have prior backpacking experience and be comfortable hiking off trail. Applicants must be interested in high elevation plant communities, and should be highly organized, responsible, and attentive to detail.

Conditions: Work schedule is flexible, but will involve spending multiple nights in the backcountry. Backpacking trips will average 3 days – 1 week. Applicant will be expected to provide his/her own backpacking equipment.

Pay: ~$11-13/hour, depending on experience.
To Apply: Complete applications should include a cover letter (indicating available dates), a resume, transcripts (unofficial are ok), and a letter of recommendation. Submit application materials to Kaitlin Lubetkin (klubetkin@ucmerced.edu).
Please contact Kaitlin with any questions. We will begin screening applicants on May 16th, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

City Forester for Elkhart, IN

This position has not yet been posted, but they expect it to post sometime in the next week or two on Elkhart's web page at http://www.elkhartindiana.org/egov/apps/document/center.egov?path=browse&id=7&fDD. Any questions regarding the position should be directed to Mike Lightner (Buildings & Grounds Department Head) at (574) 970-0542, or via e-mail Mike.Lightner@coei.org. Beth Taylor (Office Services Manager) at the same number, or via e-mail Beth.Taylor@coei.org can provide information relevant to the application and hiring process.

CITY OF ELKHART – JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT Public Buildings & Grounds
POSITION City Forester
DIVISION Forestry STATUS Full-time

CATEGORY Salaried FLSA Non-exempt

REPORTS TO Public Buildings & Grounds Department Head DATE May 2011


JOB SUMMARY
Functions as head of the forestry division, responsible for the maintenance of street trees, City nursery, and trees on other City properties.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
• Oversees and schedules subordinate personnel. Establishes work priorities.
• Develops and implements departmental procedures.
• Maintains and updates City tree inventory using databases, GIS, and GPS equipment.
• Oversees landscaping projects on City properties.
• Transplants trees, shrubs, and other plant material.
• Operates equipment to maintain and transplant trees from City tree nursery.
• Responds to inquiries from City residents concerning street trees and other forestry responsibilities.
• Must be able to identify common trees and shrubs for inventory and work orders.
• Must be available 24 hours a day seven (7) days a week to remove fallen trees and limbs from street and property.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• May be assigned to plow snow.
• May be assigned to assist in Public Buildings & Grounds.
• Maintains equipment and tools.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor of Science in Forestry or closely related field.
• Class “A” commercial driver’s license according to the Indiana Bureau of motor vehicles by end of probationary period.
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist preferred.
• Indiana Commercial Pesticide Applicator license for R-O-W or similar preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to guide people and provide basic directions.
• Ability to select and order materials, tools, and other supplies.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and practices used in the tree care industry.
• Knowledge of high voltage electrical power lines.



PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS
• Solves practical problems with a variety of variables and limited standardization.
• Ability to perform arithmetic calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Ability to carry out detailed written and verbal instructions independently.
• Good mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to operate front-end loader, skid steer loader, brush chipper, stump grinder, axe, chain saws, hand saws, pruners, pole pruners, saws, and all other forestry related equipment.
• Body agility is emphasized using feet, legs, hands, arms, and body.
• Maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling, the amount of and kind of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary maintenance of body equilibrium.
• Vision requirements (with or without correction): clear vision at arm’s length and distances up to 100 feet. Excellent depth perception and ability to observe up or down, to the right and left while eyes are fixed on a given point.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Works indoors and outdoors year-round. Temperature extremes are: summer 95+ degrees and winter -10 degrees. There is exposure to dirt, dust, snow, rain, and noise, equipment movement and vibrations, hazardous chemicals and electrical shock. Work is performed in a 40 hours per week.

DRUG TEST REQUIRED
The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, a post offer, pre-employment drug screen is required. Random drug testing may be conducted after employment.

POLICY STATEMENT
• The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and “other” duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
• This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employee holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

Grad Assistantship in Plant Ecology at Florida Atlantic University

We are inviting applications for a graduate research position (M.Sc. preferred) in the Plant Ecology Lab at Florida Atlantic University (www.science.fau.edu/biology/faculty_staff/benscoter.htm). We are seeking a highly motivated student for a Joint Fire Sciences Program-funded research project with broad focal areas in forestry, fire ecology, wetland ecology, remote sensing, soil science, and biogeochemistry. This research is part of a collaborative project by researchers at FAU, Michigan Technological University, US Forest Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service investigating fire dynamics in wetland ecosystems.

Research will focus on examining spatial patterns of wetland soil conditions and fuel moisture influence on soil combustion using a combination of laboratory and field experiments, prescribed burning, and remote sensing.
The project will be based at Seney National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR), located in the east-central portion of Michigan's Upper Peninsula (www.fws.gov/midwest/seney/about_us.html ). The Refuge encompasses 95,238 acres of wetland and upland forest ecosystems, including the Seney Wilderness Area and the Strangmoor Bog National Natural Landmark.
Opportunities exist for synergistic activities with other current research programs in Michigan, western Canada (www.uoguelph.ca/peatfire/Peat_Fire/Home.html), Alaska (www.uoguelph.ca/Apex/APEX/Home.html), and the Everglades.

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in ecology, forestry, or a related field. Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this position. Successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to work independently and conduct rigorous fieldwork in remote settings, as well as willingness to travel and work for extended periods at the research sites, occasionally under adverse weather conditions. A valid U.S. driver’s license and good driving record is preferred, as is prior experience in field research or prescribed burning.

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program at FAU in Dr. Benscoter’s lab on the FAU-Davie campus.
Student support includes monthly stipend and tuition as well as travel and accommodations at research sites and scientific meetings. The Biology and Environmental Science programs at FAU have partnerships with a number of research institutions, including Max Planck, Scripps, USGS, and Everglades National Park. Visit the FAU Environmental Science Program website for information on the graduate program and application requirements (www.science.fau.edu/biology/envirosci/).

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled, with a target enrollment date of January 2012.
Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV or resume, a written statement of research background and interest, and names and contact information for two references via email to Dr. Brian Benscoter (Brian.Benscoter@FAU.edu).

Forestry Research Technician

Research Technician. The Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University Carbondale invites applications for a full time professional researcher position on a funded project assessing soil and water quality associated with cover crops and tillage practices in agricultural watersheds near Decatur, Illinois.

The position will involve: independent field work, supervision and direction of field teams of graduate and undergraduate students, database management, soil quality analysis, water quality analysis, and helping to manage a water quality laboratory. The position requires significant overnight travel and field work in all weather conditions; must maintain a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications (Required): M.S. or B.S./B.A. degree with equivalent experience in Forestry, Soil Science/Agronomy, Environmental Science, Hydrology, or a related discipline. (Preferred): Experience in soil quality characterization, surface and ground water quality monitoring, hydrologic assessments, and geographic information systems.

This is a 12 month grant-funded position and could be extended dependent upon funding availability and workload needs for at least 6 years.

Application deadline: May 20, 2011, or until filled, with an anticipated start date ASAP.

To apply: submit a letter of application, resume, unofficial transcripts (officials required upon hire), and names and contact information of 3 references to: Dr. Karl Williard, Department of Forestry, Mail Code 4411, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1205 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, IL
62901 Tel: (618) 453-7478, Fax: (618) 453-7475, Email: williard@siu.edu.

SIUC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population. All applications are
welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.

2 vacancies for Peace Corps Environmental Tech Trainers in Paraguay

Peace Corps-Paraguay Environmental Tech Trainer Vacancy(2): DEADLINE, May 13, 2011

Peace Corps/Paraguay, a U.S. International Development Agency,
Seeks 2 Environmental Technical Trainers
(2) Part-Year Positions with possibility of (1) extension to Full-Year Position
Dates of Contract: (August 29th – December 16th, 2011)

Duties: Responsible for assuring that the technical competencies set forth in the Environmental Education, Biodiversity and Climate Change sector Pre-Service Training (PST) program is accomplished satisfactorily.

Qualifications:
Minimum of Bachelor’s degree and two years or more experience living in an international setting, preferably a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.
Experience in leading training in Environmental Education, Bio-intensive Gardening, Forestry, Working with Youth and Small Producers and implementation of Community Development projects.
Ability to develop a training design that incorporates adult education techniques and non-formal education methodology.
Ability to coordinate and facilitate technical sessions based on project competencies.
A team-player with the ability to model cultural integration and professionalism exemplifying the Peace Corps’ Mission & Values.
Ability to prepare all required technical reports and evaluations.
Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English and Spanish.
Basic conversational Guarani is a plus.
Ability to provide guidance and technical support to Trainees.
Knowledge of Paraguayan Culture, institutions and country’s current economic issues.
Possess a valid Paraguayan driver’s license and ability to drive a manual (stick shift), four-wheel drive vehicle and available to travel throughout Paraguay as requested, up to 40% of the time.
Basic understanding of Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook and other basic computer skills.
In order to be considered, applicants must submit a written narrative statement no longer than 2 pages in English with specific responses to each of the qualifications listed above. Include such things as experience that has given you the specific knowledge, skills or abilities and evidence of your successes (such as accomplishments, awards received, etc.)




Submit cover letter, narrative statement, and resume (in English) not later than Friday, May 13th, 2011 via:
Email: info@py.peacecorps.gov

Fax: (021) 606-650 or
Hand-Delivery/Mail:
Peace Corps Paraguay
Chaco Boreal 162 c/ Avenida Mariscal López
Asunción, Paraguay
Attn: Tech Trainer Selection Committee

Organic Farm Internship

Brookwood Farm is a small diversified vegetable farm located in Cherry Valley, Illinois that uses organic growing practices to produce a variety of vegetables and herbs. We grow 2 acres of vegetables and use movable greenhouses to help us extend our growing season. This year we are working with our local Knights of Columbus council to grow a portion of our produce for local food pantries.

We are looking for a dependable and motivated individual interested in learning about local food production to help with our farming operation in 2011. Interns will work in all areas of our farming operation including starting transplants, planting, weeding, irrigation, harvesting, and making deliveries. In addition they will also have the opportunity to help with other projects including developing a farm stand, building a greenhouse, and construction of a walk in cooler. We are open to working with students to establish a for-credit internship. On farm educational opportunities include learning the basics of crop rotation, greenhouse management, composting, planting schedules, cover crops, post harvest handling, and season extension techniques. Brookwood Farm is a member of the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training, or CRAFT network. Interns are encouraged to participate in all field day events. In 2010 field day topics included hoop house construction, permaculture, pest & disease control, farm machinery, and tomato production. To learn more about CRAFT visit: http://www.learngrowconnect.org/what/training/craft

The internship is unpaid, but it is an excellent opportunity to learn about vegetable farming and participate in a community service project. No prior farming experience is necessary. In exchange for approximately 25 - 30 hours per week of farm work housing is available (non-smoking) plus a weekly share of the farm’s produce. If the applicant chooses to live off the farm a weekly stipend will be provided.

For consideration please email application to j_logli@msn.com

John Logli
Brookwood Farm of Cherry Valley, LLC
www.brookwoodfarm.net