Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Have you seen this movie?

I was looking for a good character flick recently, and I stumbled upon The Hunter, starring Willem Dafoe. It's a smaller-budget Australian film that, at first, looked a little dark for my taste, but I rented it anyway.


It was, indeed, dark - but, then again, extinction isn't really a subject suited to comedy (unless you're talking about Ice Age, which romps recklessly through prehistory with no accountability whatsoever).  

In The Hunter, we find ourselves on the trail of the extinct Tasmanian tiger, rumored to still haunt remote reaches of Tasmania's mountain country. The journey is rife with malice, blood, and also unexpected tenderness. Though there is never a clear declaration of right and wrong, we're left pondering our species' place in the grand scheme.

Intrigued?

Read my full review on About.com.



Wild Wednesday Jobs Post


Scouting for work involving endangered species, wildlife, and the environment?

Stick around. You've reached a vantage point. 

As a former field biologist who has worked her way around the country, I know where to "go for the goods" when it comes to employment opportunities, and I'd love to help you land a job you love. I'll round up new announcements each week, and I'll post 5 findings here every Wednesday. 

Whether you're a newbie looking for an internship or a seasoned professional seeking a permanent position, you're likely to find a lead worth following. 

Photo courtesy of NOAA
 
Job Title: Biologist
Employer: CSS-Dynamac
Location:  Dededo, Guam
Basic Requirements:  Minimum requirements in education are a BS/BA with training in biology, ecology, environmental education or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for a degree. Valid driver’s license and a good driving record are required.  
Duration:  1 year +
Application Deadline:  7/23/12

Employer: The Nature Conservancy
Location: Delmont, New Jersey
Basic Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally. Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, Web browsers, etc. Experience performing physical work.
Duration: Permanent
Application Deadline: 8/26/12  

Location:  Wyoming - Varied
Basic Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, range management, biology, zoology or ichthyology, including at least 20 hours of coursework in these fields as evidenced on transcripts, are required.
Must have a valid driver’s license. If you have not currently completed college coursework at the baccalaureate level in wildlife management, biology, zoology or other closely related field, you must submit a letter from your college authority stating you are expected to receive your degree by December 31, 2012.
Duration: Permanent

Job Title: Passerine Bird Bander (Experienced)
Location: Gering, Nebraska   
Basic Requirements: Prior experience and proficiency in mist-netting, safe extraction and proper handling, and efficient banding and processing of birds. Must be able to identify, age, and sex a variety of bird species captured, primarily, but not limited to, passerines. Knowledge of both western and eastern NA bird species desired. B.S. in biology, ecology, zoology, or related field preferred. Knowledge of avian biology and bird migration, and the ability to effectively communicate to education program participants at the banding station.
Duration: 8/27 to 10/5 (6 weeks)
Application Deadline:  8/10/12

Employer: Waikiki Aquarium
Location:  Oahu, Hawaii
Basic Requirements:  Minimum sophomore standing in college/university. Must be able to speak and comprehend English. Ability to work unsupervised. Ability to follow instructions. Able to work in outdoor climate. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Detail oriented. Team player. Strong interest in monk seals and other marine mammals – husbandry, care, training. Able to work 20 hours/week for the chosen semester, will include weekend and holiday work; also will include a variety of schedules (5 days/week; AM 7-11; weekly pool cleaning Wed 4-8pm on alternating weeks)
Duration:  Fall (mid August – mid January)
Application Deadline:  9/15/12

Monday, July 16, 2012

YOU did it! And now they can make it ...

This promises to put Midway on the map in terms of conservation consciousness:
 
The Midway Film Project met (and actually surpassed) their goal of $100,000 - thanks to everyone who donated through Kickstarter, an incredibly cool resource for funding creative projects.

Laysan albatross on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
David Patte / USFWS

For a project update,check out this morning's message from MIDWAY's Director, Chris Jordan. 

And, FYI, there is still time to pledge. Every dollar makes a difference in the filming process, the hope for Midway's future, and the protection of endangered species.

I'll keep you posted as the project prepares to take flight.