Wednesday, July 25, 2012

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 by Robert Burton / USFWS
 
Location:  Island City, OR
Basic Requirements:  
1. High School Diploma or GED and 2 years relevant experience
2. Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing (be able to record data thoroughly and legibly).
3. Able to maintain project equipment in good working order, and report lost and/or damaged equipment to
supervisor.
4. Possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive and meet insurance requirements for government vehicles. Immediate reporting of accidents/damage to GSA or Tribal vehicles.
5. Demonstrate a satisfactory level of productivity and dependability based on previous employer references.
6. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the general public, landowners
and resource agency personnel.
Duration:  Permanent
Application Deadline: 8/7/12

Employer: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Location: Lakeland, Florida
Basic Requirements:
A Bachelor's degree with a major in wildlife science, ecology, natural resources, or similar discipline preferred. Preference will be given to applicants with at least 5 years wildlife related professional experience and experience with wildlife-related education and outreach. Experience providing technical assistance to the public is also necessary. Knowledge of and experience with animal damage control techniques and familiarity with Florida’s native wildlife and exotic species a plus.
Duration: Permanent
Application Deadline: 8/3/12  

Job Title: Project Manager
Employer: WEST, Inc.
Location:  Waterbury, VT
Basic Requirements: The successful applicant will be someone capable of completing high quality, objective environmental consulting contracts.  The applicant will be able to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and regulatory personnel.  A Bachelor’s degree or higher within a natural resource related field is required.  A minimum of eight years of professional experience or five years of experience in environmental consulting is desired. A proven track record in the applicant’s field of expertise is a must and preference will be given to applicants with experience in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.  A proven ability to market clients and obtain environmental consulting contracts is strongly desired. The applicant must be willing and able to travel, have strong interpersonal and communication skills, and possess time management and organizational skills.
Duration: Permanent
Application Deadline: 8/31/12

Employer: University of Missouri
Location: Columbia, MO
Basic Requirements: We are seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct a study of movements and resource use in endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.  The postdoc will synthesize information from locations throughout the birds' range, and use those data to identify conditions associated with robust populations. At a finer scale, movement data will be used to study resource selection and ranging behavior. The research will likely appeal most to candidates interested in demography, movement, conservation, and the synthesis of the three.
Duration: 1 + years
Application Deadline:  8/3/12

Job Title: Keeper (Birds)
Employer: Chicago Zoological Society
Location: Brookfield, IL
Basic Requirements: Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.   A minimum of 2 years of experience working with birds in a captive setting preferred. Successful completion of Assistant Keeper probationary period or equivalent combination of training and/or experience in a zoo or aquarium required.
Incumbent must possess an understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely.  Incumbent must demonstrate the ability to increase knowledge of natural history, zoology, and general animal husbandry of the species and individual animals in area(s) of experience.  
Duration:  Permanent
Application Deadline:  8/5/12



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.


Thursday, July 12, 2012

Only 5 Days Left


I first learned of the Midway Film Project when my far-off Hawaiian writer friend Judy Edwards sent me a link to the trailer. 

Laysan Albatross at Sunset by Brenda Zaun / USFWS

So … did you follow my "trailer" link? Did you watch it?

If so, your heart is at least a little bit broken right now. Your stomach is probably in a knot. You may, like me, be clutching your hands together, unsure of how to lend them.

Wonder no longer. Here's what you can do within the next 5 days:



You can pledge as little as one dollar.

Pledge more, and you'll get various thank-you goodies for your kindness (for $10,000, you get "special credit in the film and two VIP tickets to have dinner with the filmmakers of Midway at the world premiere"). Nice.

But, for just five dollars, you get "cosmic well-wishes from the center of the Pacific Ocean," and that's awesome. 

I pledged today, so I can confirm that it's easy (and it feels darn good). After signing into the Kickstarter site, I was directed to Amazon.com, where I already have an account, making it a snap to pay. There's a Paypal option, too, and Paypal is very simple to use. 

No excuses. 

The Midway project needs about $18,244 more in order to reach their funding goal by the deadline. It will only be funded if at least $100,000 is pledged by Wednesday the 18th. 

If the project succeeds in reaching its funding goal, each backer's credit card will be charged the amount pledged, and the film will go into full-fledged production.

Nesting Laysan Albatross by David Patte / USFWS

If the project falls short, no one gets charged. No film. No voice for the birds. 

Albatross chick died from eating plastic beach debris. Photo by David Wright / USFWS

Let's help Midway, the albatross, and the Pacific Ocean by making this happen. 

Photo by Michael Lusk / USFWS

If you'd like to learn more about Midway Atoll, check out my habitat profile, "Midway Atoll: Paradise and the Garbage Patch," on About.com.