Post-Doc in Social and Policy Modeling, Vermont EPSCoR Program, University of Vermont
One multi-year Post-Doctoral Research Associate Fellow position is available at the University of Vermont as part of an NSF-funded research project on Adaptation to Climate Change in the Lake Champlain Basin. We seek a post-doctoral associate with demonstrated expertise in policy and social modeling using complex adaptive systems approaches, especially agent based modeling and system dynamics modeling. The postdoctoral associate will work with interdisciplinary teams of faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and stakeholders to develop agent based models of alternate policy, governance and social behavioral scenarios in the Lake Champlain basin.
Qualifications include a Ph.D. in Public Policy, Computer Science, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources, or a relevant social or engineering science discipline. Experience or interest in developing and applying computational complex systems modeling approaches is also desirable. Proficiency in JAVA programming will be considered a plus.
Individuals selected will be expected to interact substantially across the project. Competitive salary and health benefits are available. Start date: August 1, 2012 or sooner. We will begin reviewing applications immediately. Questions can be directed to: epscor@uvm.edu. Additional information may be found at: http://www.uvm.edu/~epscor/new02/?q=node/30.
To apply: please send CV, names and contact information for three references, and a cover letter outlining research interests, expertise and availability to: Ms. Nora Joyal, Vermont EPSCoR Office, 528 Cook Physical Science Building, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405.
The Gund Institute for Ecological Economics at the University of Vermont (UVM) seeks a Research Coordinator to support our interdisciplinary research and education efforts. We will hire a talented, thoughtful, and organized individual to work closely with the Director in managing all aspects of Institute. Main responsibilities include helping to set strategic directions, working with Institute fellows to develop collaborative grant proposals, coordinating activities among fellows and students, overseeing internal and external communications, and co-managing the Institute’s budget. The Research Coordinator will also have opportunities to participate in Institute projects.
The Gund Institute is an interdisciplinary research center, where faculty and students collaborate widely to understand and help solve complex environmental problems. The institute has a new Director and substantial new resources, so the successful candidate will have an opportunity to shape its future direction. The Institute is part of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at UVM, located in Burlington between the Green and Adirondack Mountains and on the shores of Lake Champlain.
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in ecology, economics, environmental science, or related disciplines, plus at least two years of relevant experience. Expertise in supporting scientific collaborations and managing budgets is required, along with excellent writing, communications, and organizational skills.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references at www.uvmjobs.com (posting #0040285). Review of applications will begin on February 15, 2012 and we anticipate a start date of June 2012. The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applications from women and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged.
Plymouth State University seeks an integrative environmental analyst with expertise in the economics of and policy related to aquatic ecosystem services for its Center for the Environment (CFE) with a joint appointment in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy. Primary duties include, but are not limited to conducting research related to an NSF funded initiative on the interactions among climate, land use, ecosystem services, and society; developing a research program that complements existing strengths in CFE; teaching relevant courses in the MS program in environmental science and policy; mentoring and advising graduate students; and contributing to CFE through service and collaboration. This is a new, tenure-track position to begin in the fall of 2012.
The successful candidate will spend approximately half time engaging with a team of researchers across New Hampshire colleges and universities on a major research project over the next four years. This will provide a unique opportunity for building research capacity at PSU and in New Hampshire around climate, land use, and ecosystem services.
Applications must be submitted via https://jobs.usnh.edu and require a cover letter, CV, research statement, and teaching statement. Review of applications will begin on February 14.
Earth Economics seeks Development Director
Earth Economics, a visionary organization that aims to transform the way our earth is valued, seeks a Development Director who wants to help change our world. If raising money has become “just a job,” join us in our mission and wake up each day excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
This is the perfect role for a strategic thinker who wants to help Earth Economics (EE) apply its transformative vision by crafting and implementing an effective plan to provide necessary long-term funding and engage a broad constituency for effective change. We offer the opportunity for the right individual to work with multi-cultural teams within EE and with partners around the world. Ardent multi-taskers who seek a mission, have upbeat personalities and great sense of humor and limitless energy should apply.
The ideal candidate can successfully:
- develop and implement a national and international funding strategy;
- increase EE’s total funding by 100% over a three-year period;
- develop and manage relationships with new funders including foundations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and private individuals;
- manage and maintain internal and external reporting;
- develop and maintain all proposal materials;
- collaborate with media representatives to develop better public understanding of our mission and our successes;
- contribute to developing fee-for-service business plans;
- represent EE in various public forums as needed.
Basic qualifications:
- BA degree and/or equivalent experience;
- 3-5 years of proven ability securing a broad range of funding sources in support of the goals and strategic objectives of an organization or 5-7 years of direct sales experience in a service industry; emphasis on corporate sponsorships a plus;
- Experience meeting the expectations of and exchanging ideas/plans with Senior Level executives in a corporate or non-profit setting;
- Strong verbal and writing skills;
- Proven track record of achieving revenue targets and/or a quota of $1M annually;
- Demonstrated ability to prospect, cultivate, and manage new supporter base;
- Ability to multi-task with an upbeat personality and good sense of humor;
- Experience developing multiple sources of funding including foundations, academic institutions, governmental agencies, private individuals;
- Strong computer skills; and
- Works well in multicultural teams and with diverse constituencies.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Use Salesforce for contact record management.
- Fluent in Spanish, Chinese or French.
- Familiar with human rights, environmental, international, and/or development issues, legal and campaign strategies.
- Use social media to achieve campaign objectives.
Application materials:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Grant application example
- Short (less than 1 page) narrative writing example
- List of 4-5 professional and personal references
To apply, submit application materials in a single email with your name in the subject line to tdickinsin@eartheconomics.org.
About Earth Economics:
Founded in 1998, Earth Economics is a non-profit organization based in Tacoma, Washington USA. Our funding comes from a variety of sources including grants (~75%), contracts (~24%) and individual donations (~1%). New team members become part of multicultural teams at EE and have the opportunity to work with diverse constituencies around the world. Earth Economics is an equal opportunity employer that offers a competitive benefits package, schedule and telecommuting flexibility. For more information, please visit www.eartheconomics.org.
Research Position in Ecosystem Service Valuation
Earth Economics is a visionary organization that aims to transform the way the Earth is valued. We currently provide custom reports, economic analysis, policy analysis and training for a wide range of local, national and international NGOs, businesses, and governments.
We are seeking college through post-doctoral researchers to aid our lead staff with the development of our ecosystem service database. This process will require that the assistant be able to research, identify, and derive information from peered-reviewed economic studies from printed and online environmental, ecological and scientific literature (articles, symposia, books, theses, etc.).
Minimum Qualifications and Education:
- Bachelors’ Degree in Economics or Statistics
- Experience using Econometric / Statistical software (such as Stata, Eviews, Gretl, R, S, SAS, SPSS
- Availability of a minimum of 10 hours a week
- Able to work in a culturally and professionally diverse team
- Attention to detail and devotion to enforcing and maintaining data integrity
- Strong library and online research and analytical skills
- Upbeat personality and strong team player
The ideal applicant will have one or more of the following qualifications:
- Experience performing Benefit-Cost Analysis and working with related tools
- Proficiency with ArcGIS 10 and use of GIS information
- Experience conducting ecosystem service valuation
- Coursework, degree(s) in, or deep commitment to, environmental or earth sciences
Application materials:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- 2-4 Project Examples with a detailed description of your role.
- 4 professional references
To apply, submit application materials in a single email with your name and the position description in the subject line to tdickinsin@eartheconomics.org.
About Earth Economics:
Earth Economics (EE) is a non-profit organization based in Tacoma, Washington USA with an additional office soon to be established in Seattle in January 2012 devoted to a new software development initiative. Earth Economics is an equal opportunity employer that offers a competitive benefits package, schedule and telecommuting flexibility. New team members become part of multicultural teams at EE and have the opportunity to work with diverse constituencies around the world. For more information, please visit www.eartheconomics.org
Graduate Research Assistantship in Ecosystem Service Valuation at Michigan State University
Michigan State University (MSU) announces the availability of a 3-year PhD research assistantship (RA) in ecosystem service valuation and program design in the Great Lakes basin. The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary research team that is designing, testing, and implementing a pilot Payment for Environmental Services (PES) program to compensate farmers for adopting practices that benefit aquatic ecosystems.
The RA will join MSU faculty in contributing to all phases of this research. The time commitment will be 20 hours per week for a period of three years, beginning in summer of 2012. Compensation will include a stipend of least $1860 monthly, plus health benefits and a tuition waiver. Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and progress toward degree.
The successful candidate must be accepted for admission to the PhD program in either the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE) or the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation & Resource Studies (CARRS) at Michigan State University.
Qualifications: Candidates must meet the qualifications for admission to one of the participating PhD programs. For AFRE, required qualifications and application information can be found here. For CARRS, application details can be found here. RA candidates are expected to be motivated, interested in the role of economic institutions in environmental policy, and committed to interdisciplinary research.
Applicants should apply to one of the two PhD programs following the relevant instructions. Applications must be submitted to the Graduate School. In the academic statement, please indicate interest in this research project, along with details about your relevant experience and abilities. Review of applications will begin February 1, 2012 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. For more information, contact in AFRE: Scott Swinton (swintons@msu.edu) or in CARRS: John Kerr (jkerr@msu.edu) or Robert Richardson (rbr@msu.edu).
Release of book entitled What’s the Economy For, Anyway?
David Batker, organizer of the 2005 USSEE Conference and co-founder of Earth Economics, has just released a book with John de Graaf entitled What’s the Economy For, Anyway? Why It’s Time to Stop Chasing Growth and Start Pursuing Happiness (Bloomsbury Press, $25). Based on the 2010 film of the same name, this highly accessible and humorous book is intended for university students, professors, lay audiences and policy makers alike. It has already received a number of positive reviews! The book is available for purchase through booksellers listed on this page (and only $15.88 though Amazon for a limited time!).
Americans are working longer hours for lower pay, fewer benefits, less time for loved ones and no vacation. We’re postponing retirement or ditching it altogether. We’re told the best thing we can do for the economy is to work, borrow, spend and consume. Corporations keep raking in record profits; the one percent keep getting richer. You’re working for the economy – it’s not working for you. How did we get into this mess? How do we get out of it?
John De Graaf and Dave Batker provide fresh and convincing answers. This one-of-a-kind economics book is not only a fun read, it makes a compelling case for new economic goals, measures, and policies, and provides solutions at the scale of the problem.
De Graaf, a writer and filmmaker, and Batker, an economist and environmentalist, take on our wrong-headed obsession with growth at all costs. They show how our chief economic measure, Gross Domestic Product, is an outdated tool. It counts cigarettes and lung cancer costs as positive. It recorded the sale of toxic mortgages that sank banks and picked taxpayers’ pockets as an economic boon. It does not count the value of nature, of good health, of friends and family or that most important measure of success, happiness.
WTEFA? began as a film. De Graaf and Batker are funny, insightful and much-sought-after public speakers. They teamed up to make a 40-minute film that could be described as Econ 101 meets Jon Stewart. The film has been viewed online thousands of times, and on DVD has proved particularly popular in college classrooms, so they expanded its ideas into a book.
“It’s time for a solidarity economy, one that recognizes we’re all in this together,” they write. “You could call it capitalism with a human face.” What’s the Economy For, Anyway? succeeds brilliantly at putting a human face on the most pressing issue of our time.
More information about the book and its authors can be found in the official Press Release.
The Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation & Resource Studies (CARRS) at Michigan State University (MSU) announces the availability of a research assistantship (RA) in Agri-Food Systems: Consumer Research beginning Fall Semester, 2012. This two-year project will focus on consumer perceptions of bird control techniques in agriculture, and involve the following research components: 1) focus groups, 2) a nationally representative online survey utilizing a conjoint format, and 3) experimental auctions. The results will characterize consumer willingness-to-pay for potential methods for limiting bird damage to specialty fruit crops, such as grapes, apples, blueberries and cherries. It will thus give producers information to make more informed decisions to adopt bird control techniques, and has the long-term potential to inform the development of more consumer-responsive ecolabels.
The research assistant will contribute to all phases of this research, including design, implementation, analysis and public outreach, in collaboration with faculty members Dr. Phil Howard and Dr. Chi-Ok Oh. The time commitment will be 20 hours per week throughout the academic year, with the potential for summer employment. Compensation will be at the standard RA rate based on degree and workload, as well as health benefits and a tuition waiver.
CARRS is an interdisciplinary department committed to engaged scholarship within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. Our teaching, research and public outreach address critical issues at the interfaces of agriculture, natural resources, recreation, and communities. The graduate program is very flexible, with opportunities to design a program of study that includes courses from many other departments.
Qualifications: Research assistants are expected to be highly motivated and interested in agri-food issues as part of their graduate study. They are also expected to be committed to interdisciplinary work. Interested applicants should possess exceptional analytic ability, a strong background in statistics, and well-developed writing skills. PhD students preferred, although master’s students will be considered.
Applicants should send a letter of application, resume/CV, copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for three references to the address below. In your letter, please address your reasons for interest in the position and your training in academic research.
Dr. Phil Howard
316 Natural Resources Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824–1222
Employment will begin August 16, 2012. Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and progress toward the student’s degree. Review of applications will begin February 1, 2012 and continue until the deadline of March 1. Graduate program admission must be addressed separately and awarding of this RA is contingent upon acceptance into the graduate program. Graduate program admission and RA applications may be submitted simultaneously. See http://www.carrs.msu.edu for more information. Contact: Phil Howard, howardp@msu.edu , (517) 355-8431.
Post-Doctoral Associate in Ecosystem Services, University of Washington
Post-doctoral Associate in Ecosystem Services and Habitat-suitability modelling
College of the Environment, University of Washington
We are searching for a post-doctoral associate to join a collaborative team including the Natural Capital Project, The Nature Conservancy, Industrial Economics, Stanford University, and the University of Washington, focused on mapping the quantity and value of the ecosystem services in three demonstration Department of Defense (DOD) installations and surrounding landscapes, and illuminating the tradeoffs and implications of land‐management decisions in a way that can be applied to additional installations. This project will estimate the relative benefits, measured in ecological or financial terms, of alternative future patterns of land use and land cover (including restoration and land purchases) on and around demonstration DOD installations. The successful post-doc will work with Josh Lawler and Josh Tewksbury in the College of the Environment, and will interface directly with principle partners in all other institutions.
Responsibilities: This is a highly collaborative position working with academic, NGO, and agency ecologists, conseration biologists, and economists. The primary objective associated with this position is the parameterization and validation of an existing habitat suitability module in the InVEST ecosystem services model for a series of species on and around two DOD instillations, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Washington) and Fort Pickett (Virginia). This modelling exercise involves identifying and mapping habitat susceptibility and threats to a series of threatened and endangered species that include a pocket gopher, a squirrel, two butterflies, and one bird species on Lewis-McChord, and a fish and mussel species on Fort Pickett. In collaboration with the project team, the post-doc will evaluate models and scenarios for future land use on and around these institutions, and the post-doc will have the freedom to explore related questions ranging from InVest model development . more detailed PVA modelling or scenario building for particular species, articulation of dynamic stressors, such as changes in climate, or other, related projects. The post-doc will be responsible for basic deliverables (reports and presentations) and will work with the project team to develop a series of research results for publication.
Employment Details: We would like to start this position before March, 2012, and as early as December 15th. Compensation will be competitive and the position will extend for 2 years, pending successful progress. The position will be open until filled.
Qualifications: A PhD in landscape, community, or population ecology, or conservation or management (or a related discipline) is required. The successful candidate will have a quantitative or modelling background, excellent grounding in population and community ecology, and familiarity with landscape mapping and analysis platforms, including GIS. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
More information about the Natural Capital Project and InVEST can be found here:
http://www.naturalcapitalproject.org/
More information about the Lawler and Tewksbury Labs can be found at the following sites:
http://depts.washington.edu/landecol/index.shtml
http://faculty.washington.edu/tewksjj/
To apply, send a CV, a cover letter, and the names and contact information for 3 references to Josh Tewksbury at tewksjj@uw.edu and Josh Lawler at jlawler@uw.edu. Please use the following subject line: Ecosystem Services Post-doc application.
Portland State University is recruiting students for its interdisciplinary doctoral training program in Ecosystem Services for Urbanizing Regions (ESUR). ESUR is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program. The ESUR program is the first IGERT program to focus on the nexus of the science and management of ecosystem services and their interaction with the processes of urbanization.
Trainees will be selected from qualified Ph.D. students who have been accepted into the following PSU doctoral programs:
- School of the Environment: Environmental Science and Management, Geography, or Geology
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Public Affairs and Policy and Community Health
- Urban Studies and Planning
- Sociology
For more information about the ESUR IGERT program at Portland State University, including eligibility criteria and the application process, see the following brochure:
Portland State University ESUR IGERT Brochure
or the following link to the ESUR IGERT program website:
