We (Paul Beier and Andy Gregory) need your help to find study sites at which we can assess the ability of big corridors (the sort of corridors typically proposed as conservation interventions) to promote long-term gene flow.

Many studies have demonstrated that short linear features promote animal movement over short distances when the area outside the corridor is relatively natural, but we are interested in corridors over a half-mile long embedded in urban, row crop, or industrial areas. And we don’t want to measure success in terms of movement of individual animals; instead we will measure success in terms of long-term gene flow.

Thus we need landscapes that have been stable for 20 to 50 years – long enough that the pattern of corridors and patches will have affected genetic patterns. We seek about 100 landscapes (each with 1 or more corridors) for our study, and we will study landscapes on all continents. We need many landscapes because doubtless some corridors provide gene flow across human-dominated areas, and other corridors fail to do so. With a large sample, we can identify what traits are associated with successful corridors. 

Although we are highly selective about what landscapes we will study, we will study any reptile, amphibian, mammal, flightless arthropod, or sedentary bird that is likely to be found in the corridor, but not in the human-dominated matrix.

Please suggest appropriate landscapes for this study (and learn more about the study design and rationale) at docorridorswork.org. We are offering finders a small finder’s fee, and immediate access to the genetic data from your site. Please forward this email to anyone you think may be able to help! Thank you.

Paul & Andy  

2 Positions open at OTS

The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) a non-profit international consortium of 64 universities and
other scientific institutions from seven countries and four continents; seeks an outstanding Ph.D.-level
biologist as Director of the La Selva Biological Station, an internationally recognized center for tropical
rainforest research and education located in Costa Rica.

Application deadline: September 1, 2011

The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) seeks two outstanding Ph.D.-level scientists for positions in Costa Rica:  1) Station Director, La Selva Biological Station, an internationally recognized center for rainforest research and education; 2) Director of Education Programs, which include graduate and undergraduate field-based programs.

  Successful candidates will have records of distinction in management, teaching, and research, with an expectation of continued excellence. Applicants should be able to articulate a vision for future growth and development of OTS programs as vibrant and at the cutting-edge of tropical science and education.  Both positions require demonstrated personnel and project management skills; fluency in English and Spanish; demonstrated excellence in teaching and research in the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental science, conservation, or science education.

For complete position description and application information see www.ots.ac.cr/jobs.  

The searches will remain open until the positions are filled.  OTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. OTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

Assistant Research Program Leader in Waterbird and Wetland Ecology and Field Station Director with an emphasis on ecology and management of waterfowl, waterbirds, or wetlands.

Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, http://www.inhs.illinois.edu

Location: Forbes Biological Station / Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center, Havana, Illinois. www.bellrose.org.

The Forbes Biological Station / Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center is located along the Illinois River on Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Research infrastructure and equipment available at the field station include boats, trucks, all terrain vehicles, tractors, and a fully functional laboratory. Excellent collaborative opportunities exist with nearby field stations and offices operated by the Illinois Natural History Survey, The Nature Conservancy, University of Illinois Springfield, Western Illinois University, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service NWRs, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Qualifications: The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in wildlife biology, ecology, or related field with experience in conducting scientific investigations and have a proven history of attracting grant or private funding. Preference will be given to candidates who show ability to expand the field station’s current research program to include wading bird/shore bird ecology, wetlands, or related areas. Experience with agro-ecosystems and farm policy would be

beneficial. Research approaches that can be applied to large rivers, habitat restoration projects, and conservation and management issues in Illinois and the Midwest are preferred. The successful candidate must possess a record of publication in peer-reviewed, nationally recognized, scientific journals; demonstrate abilities to plan, attract funding, and conduct scientific investigations; and have the ability to communicate verbally and interact well with the public, professionals, and staff. An interest and ability to interact with land managers, stakeholders, and the public is desirable.

Salary and Benefits: $65,000 to $70,000/year commensurate with experience; 12 month, state funded, academic professional position; generous vacation and sick leave; State Universities Retirement System; health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.

To Apply: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by July 25, 2011. To apply, all candidates must submit an online profile through jobs.illinois.edu by the close of the posting period. Qualified candidates must upload cover letter, CV, statement of research experience and interest, and contact information for three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete information will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Erica Hanson, Human Resources, Illinois Natural History Survey, 217-333-6897, [email protected]

Technical questions should be referred to Aaron Yetter, [email protected]; or Greg Sass, [email protected].

Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).

Positioning Field Stations and Marine Laboratories for Emerging Initiatives in Scientific Research and Training

This project will position marine laboratories and field stations to meet emerging scientific trends.

As the human population grows and natural resource consumption increases, understanding and managing the environment for sustainability has never been more important. As institutions that foster place-based research, field stations and marine laboratories (FSMLs) are a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure needed to address a wide range of environmental issues.

With over 350 field stations and marine laboratories distributed among all 50 states managing a large amount of scientific equipment, research vessels, laboratories, living accommodations, and land, there is a huge existing investment in the FSML network. Because of the diversity, complexity, and enduring nature of field stations and marine laboratories, strategic planning is critical for ensuring that such institutions are well positioned to meet the dynamic and changing needs of scientists, students, and public they serve.  

Please visit our website to learn more and participate:

Building and Operating the Field Stations and Marine Laboratories of the Future

Please let me know if you have questions.