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April 22, 2005

FT Position: Lab and Field Work-Bahamas

Here's a great opportunity to do bench work supplemented by the fun stuff--research diving to collect soft coral samples:

A full-time position will become available on May 30 working on a NSF funded project looking at recruitment and population genetics of the gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae in the Bahamas. The work will be conducted in Buffalo with biannual field trips. The technician will conduct microsatellite analyses of gorgonian tissue samples. Tasks will include DNA extraction, PCR, gel quantification and genotyping using a LiCor DNA sequencer. The work also will include general laboratory tasks such as maintaining stock supplies, record keeping, ordering supplies, and supervising undergraduate work-study students. Applicants should have a Master's degree or equivalent experience. Fieldwork will involve research diving from research vessels or small boats, and the work will include collecting samples, population surveys and monitoring recruitment experiments. The assistant must be able to meet University at Buffalo and AAUS standards for certification as a research diver and have a minimum of 25 logged open water dives. (In addition to SCUBA certification applicants should have current certification in CPR, first aid, oxygen delivery and be able to pass a medical exam for diving.) Applicants should have documentation of valid U.S. work authorization.

The Research Foundation of the State University of New York is an AA/EOE
employer.

Applicants should mail or email applications (letter of application,
resume and names and contact information of two references) prior to May
20, 2005 to:

Dr. Howard R. Lasker
Department of Biological Sciences
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260

email: hlasker@buffalo.edu
phone: (716) 645-2363

x184

Posted by Dida at 6:47 AM

April 18, 2005

ReefBall: Call for Expert Reef Restoration Volunteers

I just got this annoucement re: opportunities to get involved in tsunami-damage reef restoration work in Thailand. ReefBall (based in Georgia, USA) needs volunteers for the entire month of April. Check their site for details. Note: Like many "volunteer" efforts, a donation of about $2000 is requested, unless you have a highly desirable skill set.

Conduct your own due diligence and contact the organizers directly by phone, if possible, to discuss the working conditions and expectations. (If an international call is necessary, I suggest using OneSuite, which I've been using for years without problems. They offer great international rates [and 2 cent domestic calls] with no connection fees. I have no affiliation with them other than being a loyal customer.)

Good luck!

Posted by Dida at 2:52 PM

April 14, 2005

Coming in July! REEF's Great Annual Fish Count

Here's a great chance to learn about local species and meet other dedicated fish counters. This annual event, which last year spawned 80 separate worldwide afforts, allows any certified recreational diver or snorkeler to participate in fish surveys. If you are an experienced diver or snorkeler, and know your local fish (or are dedicated to doing so), consider organizing a local event. Participation is free.

For more information, including schedules by location, visit the GAFC's official website.

Posted by Dida at 5:23 PM

April 1, 2005

American Samoa Memorial Coral Reef Conservation Internship Award-Deadline April 15

Another funding opportunity:

Contact: Shane Guan, Shane_Guan@fws.gov, (703) 358-2457

UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE
2ND ANNUAL GOVERNOR TAUESE P.F. SUNIA MEMORIAL
CORAL REEF CONSERVATION SUMMER INTERNSHIP AWARD

The United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual American Samoa Governor Tauese P.F. Sunia Memorial Coral Reef Conservation Summer Internship Award, in recognition of the late Governor's outstanding leadership in and contribution to U.S. coral reef conservation.

The late Governor Sunia is most remembered for being an eloquent and impassioned advocate for coral reef protection and management at the local level, not only in American Samoa, but throughout the U.S. The results of his efforts and dedication can be seen in the many accomplishments at the local, national, and global levels, making the late Governor a true world leader in coral reef protection. The second annual Governor Sunia Internship Award will be sponsored by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and is intended to continue the Governor's legacy by providing two outstanding college or university students the chance to develop professional coral reef management skills to be applied in their local jurisdiction.

This is a competitive award, in which two excellent students from Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawai'i, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands will be selected to receive a three-month, expenses-paid summer internship working on coral reef conservation and management issues with an agency/office of the Department of the Interior. The winners will start their internship in June 2005.

Eligibility

In order to be considered for this award, applicants must meet the
following minimum requirements:

+ Have an associate's degree in marine policy or science with emphasis
on coral reefs; OR be currently enrolled in and have successfully
completed the sophomore year of a four-year program in marine policy or science with emphasis on coral reefs;
+ Demonstrated interest in, and work on, coral reef issues; and
+ Be a legal resident of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Hawai'i.

Application Selection Timetable:

Applications deadline: April 15, 2005, 5:00 PM, EDT

Award winner notified: April 22, 2005

Application Material

All applicants wishing to be considered for the Award should submit the following material:

+ Unofficial copies of all college and/or university transcripts
+ Resume
+ One letter of recommendation from a professor or relevant employer
+ A 750 word essay (maximum) on the importance of managing coral reefs in your island jurisdiction and nationally; and how this internship will benefit your career goals related to coral reef management in your island.

Application material may be sent by mail, fax, or email and must be
received no later than April 15, 2005, 5:00 PM EDT, to the following:

USCRTF Governor Sunia Award
c/o Shane Guan
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Fisheries & Habitat Conservation Program
Arlington Square, Suite 840G
4401 N. Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22203

Email: Shane_Guan@fws.gov

Phone: 703-358-2457
Fax: 703-358-2487

For more information contact Shane Guan at the above address

Posted by Dida at 11:25 AM