^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AWG E-MAIL NEWS No. 2000-53, 29 December 2000 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ CONTENTS: 1) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM SPECIAL UPDATE: 12-22-00 2) NSF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY IN BIOCOMPLEXITY IN THE ENVIRONMENT 3) GSA BOSTON 2001 PROPOSALS DUE 4) POSITION OPENINGS ***Indiana University-Assistant or Associate Professor in Sedimentology/Stratigraphy ***Eastern Kentucky University-Surficial Geologist & Earth Scientist ***USGS-Hydrologic Technician (GS-7, 8, or 9 level) 5) SUBMISSION, ADVERTISING, ADDRESS CHANGE & MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ HAPPY NEW YEAR**HAPPY NEW YEAR**HAPPY NEW YEAR**HAPPY NEW YEAR**HAPPY NEW YEAR ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 11111111111111 1) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM SPECIAL UPDATE: 12-22-00 *** Last Call for 106th Congress: NOAA Bill Completed IN A NUTSHELL: Over two months into Fiscal Year (FY) 2001, five remaining appropriations bills were completed, sending the 106th Congress into the history books. The last-minute negotiations proved to be fruitful for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which received a whopping 35 percent increase over FY 2000 levels. Three weeks before the 107th Congress is to convene in January, the 106th Congress finally adjourned after passing the last of the appropriations bills for FY 2001, which began on October 1st. The annual appropriations end game was complicated further this year by the contentious presidential election. Even as the courts were busy deciding the official president-elect, Congress and the Clinton Administration were negotiating five appropriations bills that had been set aside when Congress recessed a week before the election for a final campaign push. In the interim, the agencies covered by these bills were funded at FY 2000 levels under a string of continuing resolutions (21 at last count). In what has become a Washington tradition, the last days of the appropriations process produced an omnibus bill that included the remaining bills -- Labor/HHS, Legislative Branch, and Treasury-Postal -- and a final version of the joint Commerce-District of Columbia bill. To further confuse matters, the District of Columbia language was taken out of the joint bill and passed as H.R. 5666, a stand-alone bill. Despite the refined budget gimmicks, the omnibus bill (H.R. 4577) and the Commerce Appropriations bill (H.R. 4942) were presented to the President for his approval on December 15th. He has indicated that he will sign. Once all the smoke cleared, core funding for NOAA programs totaled $2.6 billion, a 4.2 percent decrease from the budget request but a 13 percent increase from last year's allocation. Similar to the Land and Water Conservation Fund money that helped boost funding for the U.S. Geological Survey, H.R.4577 provides NOAA with an additional $420 million in a new account for coastal and ocean activities. Also, Congress provided $1 million for the Commission on Ocean Policy, a 16-member commission that will spend 18 months examining federal ocean policy in relation to environmental and economic trends, then recommend a long-term strategy to protect oceans. When these additional funds are included in the NOAA allocation, the agency is marked to receive a total of $3.1 billion, an increase of close to 15 percent over the budget request and close to 35 percent over last year's funding level. Despite a decrease for overall agency core activities, several programs received large increases over the request -- the National Marine Fisheries Service received a 14.4 percent increase and the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) received a 15.7 percent increase. Unfortunately, the National Ocean Service (NOS) received a whooping 28.4 percent decrease from the $406 million request in the president's budget. Within NOS some programs saw decrease of over 60 percent from the requested amounts. The other big loser in the appropriations end game was the Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) program that received $98.7 million, an 11.2 percent decrease from the budget request - including a 49 percent decrease for climate observations and services. The good news is that presidential and congressional pressure for increased land and wildlife conservation helped boost the final NOAA numbers, some of which might go into programs with low core funding. More detailed information about funding for NOAA programs is available from the AGI Update on FY2001 Commerce, Judiciary & State Appropriations at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis106/approps_commerce2001.html. According to the conference report, the additional $420 million for ocean and coastal activities include $150 million for coastal impact assistance, $135 million for ocean, coastal, and conservation programs, and $135 million for agency programs. In addition to these funds, the final consolidated appropriation bill also provided supplementary funds related to the Western Alaskan Steller sea lion, which had been a heated topic between Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) and the Clinton Administration. -Special update prepared by Margaret Baker, AGI Government Affairs Program 22222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222 222222 222222222 2) NSF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR BIOCOMPLEXITY IN THE ENVIRONMENT The National Science Foundation released on December 15, 2000 a Program Announcement describing research opportunities for Biocomplexity in the Environment (BE): Integrated Research and Education in Environmental Systems. This special competition promotes comprehensive, integrated investigations of environmental systems using advanced scientific and engineering methods. The concept of biocomplexity stresses the richness of biological systems and their capacity for adaptation and self- organizing behavior. By placing biocomplexity studies in an environmental context, this competition emphasizes research with the following characteristics: (a) a high degree of interdisciplinarity; (b) a focus on complex environmental systems that include interactions of non-human biota or humans; and (c) a focus on systems with high potential for exhibiting nonlinear behavior. Four interdisciplinary areas will be emphasized and supported in this competition during the next five years depending on available funding. These topical areas are: 1. Dynamics of Coupled Natural and Human Systems (CNH), emphasizing quantitative understanding of the short- and long-term dynamics of natural capital and how humans value and influence ecosystem services and natural resources, including consideration of landscapes and land use and the influences of uncertainty, resilience and vulnerability in complex environmental systems on societal institutions. 2. Coupled Biogeochemical Cycles (CBC), focusing on the interrelation of biological, geochemical, geological, and physical processes at all temporal and spatial scales, with particular emphasis on understanding linkages between cycles and the influence of human and other biotic factors on those cycles. 3. Genome-Enabled Environmental Science and Engineering (GEN-EN), encouraging the use of genetic information to understand ecosystem functioning and the adaptation of organisms to ecological roles. 4. Instrumentation Development for Environmental Activities (IDEA), supporting the development of instrumentation and software that takes advantage of microelectronics, photonics, telemetry, robotics, sensing systems, modeling, data mining, and analysis techniques to bring recent laboratory instrumentation advances to bear on the full spectrum of environmental biocomplexity questions. The goal of this program is to encourage research in these emerging areas by integrating quantitative approaches, educational elements, and global perspectives. The Deadline/Target Dates for full proposal submission are March 16, 2001 (Deadline for CNH and IDEA) and March 29, 2001 (Deadline for CBC and GEN- EN). Details and a copy of the program solicitation (NSF 01-34) are available on the NSE web page at the Internet address: "http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2001/nsf0134/nsf0134.htm" Researchers interested in submitting proposals, or for additional information, are encouraged to contact the cognizant program officers listed in the announcement. Enriqueta Barrera Director, Geology and Paleontology Program Division of Earth Sciences National Science Foundation 33333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333 333333333333333333333 333333333 3) GSA BOSTON 2001 PROPOSALS DUE This is just a friendly reminder that there is less than two weeks to submit a proposal for the GSA 2001 Annual Meeting being held in Boston on November 5-8. Deadline for submission isJanuary 8, 2001. The link to the proposal form is located on the GSA home page. Proposals received to date, can be viewed at: http://gsa.con fex.com/gsa/2001AM/listsessions.cgi. 44444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 444444444444444444444 44444444 4) POSITION OPENINGS ***Indiana University-Assistant or Associate Professor in Sedimentology/Stratigraphy The Department of Geological Sciences at Indiana University, Bloomington invites applications for a tenure-track position at the assistant- or associate-professor level, or a tenured position at the associate-professor level in the general area of sedimentology/stratigraphy. Candidates applying at the assistant-professor level should have post-doctoral experience. Applications should include a personal statement of teaching and research interests, a detailed curriculum vitae, and names and addresses (including e- mail) of five referees. Appointment could begin as early as August, 2001. Applications should be submitted by March 1, 2001 to Chair, Sed/Strat Search Committee, Department of Geological Sciences, Indiana University, 1001 E. 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405. Information about the Indiana University Department of Geological Sciences can be found at: http://www.indiana.edu/~geosci . Indiana University, as an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, encourages the candidacies of women and minorities. ***************************************************************** ************************************* ************** ***Eastern Kentucky University-Surficial Geologist & Earth Scientist The Department of Earth Sciences (www.earthscience.eku.edu) invites applications for two full-time positions, both to begin August 15, 2001. 1. Surficial Geologist/Geoscientist (Assistant Professor, tenure-track). We seek a colleague with academic training and practical experience in surface active geological processes and their consequences, who will complement the department=s existing strengths in hydrogeology and environmental science. Candidates must exhibit a commitment to excellence in teaching, and will be responsible for general education science courses, courses for undergraduate and graduate geology majors, and will supervise masters degree candidates. We expect the incumbent to involve students in his/her research. Ph.D. preferred; ABD required. 2. Earth Scientist (Visiting Assistant Professor, renewable to a maximum of 3 years). We wish to add to our faculty a broadly educated earth scientist capable of teaching interdisciplinary science, as well as geology courses for non- majors and majors. Candidates must be interested in offering courses to pre- and in- service teachers, and be willing to teach a course at one of EKU=s extended campus centers. Ph.D. preferred; ABD required. Eastern Kentucky University is a large, comprehensive, regional university located in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, 25 miles south of Lexington. Candidates should submit a letter of application, clearly identifying the position(s) being applied for; curriculum vitae; statement of teaching and research interests; and contact information for three references (or arrange to have three letters of reference sent) to Dr. Malcolm P. Frisbie, Acting Chair, Department of Earth Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY 40475-3102. Review of applications will begin 1 March 2001; positions will remain open until filled. Address questions to natfrisbie@acs.eku.edu. Eastern Kentucky University is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer and encourages applications from minority and female candidates. ***************************************************************** ************************************* ************** ***Raymond Alf Mueum of Paleontology-Outreach Education Specialist Design curriculum, teach adult and youth classes, organize and conduct teachers workshops, coordinate guest lectures, and lead field trips BA/BS in paleontology, geology or biology; MA/MS preferred. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to teach paleontology required. Deadline February 1, 2001. Send cover letter, resume and list of three rferences to: Director, Raymond Alf Museum of paleontology, 1175 W. Baseline Rd., Claremont, CA 91711 ***************************************************************** ************************************* ****************** ***USGS-Hydrologic Technician (GS-7, 8, or 9 level) Applicants (resume & questionnaire responses) must be received on-line via the USGS on-line Automated Recruitment System (OARS) before midnight Eastern Time on the closing date. Paper applications will not be accepted. OARS can be assessed at http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars Contact Information: Project Chief: Tracy Connell Hancock, 804-261-2618, mailto:thancock@usgs.gov Office of Personnel: 703-648-6131, mailto:bkrishock@usgs.gov ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBERS: Public Non-Status Positions: USGS-2001-0595 (GS-7), USGS-2001- 0598 (GS-8), and USGS-2001-0600 (GS-9) Public Status Positions: USGS-2001-0597 (GS-7), USGS-2001-0599 (GS-8), and USGS-2001-0602 (GS-9) TITLE: Hydrologic Technician (1316A) PAY PLAN, SERIES, AND GRADE: GS-1316-07, GS-1316-08, and GS-1316- 09 NUMBER OF POSITIONS TO BE FILLED: One position will be filled at either the GS-7, 8 or 9 level PROMOTION POTENTIAL: GS-10 LOCATION OF POSITION: Richmond, VA SALARY: $28,482-$37,023 (GS-7), $31,543-$41,004 (GS-8), $34,841- $45,290 (GS-9) TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Permanent WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time OPEN: December 18, 2000 CLOSE: January 31, 2001 Description of Position This position is located in the Water Resources Discipline, Potomac-Delmarva National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project in the Hydrologic Studies Section of the Virginia District, Richmond, VA. The selectee will perform the following duties: Participate in planning and conducting, water quality surveys involving sedimentation, chemical, physical, biological, and bacteriological parameters. Perform routine field measurements such as water temperature, specific conductance, pH, dissolve oxygen and alkalinity selecting the appropriate technique, protocol, and equipment. Collect water, suspended sediment, and bed load samples ensuring that the accepted techniques, methodologies, and protocols are used for the NAWQA Project. Conduct quality assurance review of water-quality records to ensure accuracy, uniformity, and compliance with technical standards. Make stream discharge measurements, using the various techniques, equipment and protocols. Records these measurements on prescribed forms for use in later computations. Observe and make detailed notes of various hydraulic or environmental conditions. Plot and analyze differences in hydrographs by comparing records; make changes to correct inconsistencies in data. Compute and check surface-water records from field data. Perform water-level and discharge measurements from wells and springs. Observe and note various hydraulic and environmental conditions. Compute and check ground-water records from field data. Perform routine phases of statistical and technical analyses of the hydrologic data collected in the field. Perform routine steps in preparing material for publication, including maps, tables, and other illustrative material. Install, maintain and service a variety of sensing, recording and communications equipment and instrumentation. Troubleshoot selected hydrologic instrumentation in the office. Calibrate meters and analytical equipment. Determine appropriate equipment for field or laboratory activities depending upon data collection needs and field conditions. Train and oversee lower grade hydrologic technicians assisting with these water- quality and hydrologic surveys. Incumbent must be able to operate a Government-owned or leased motor vehicle. A valid State driver's license is required. 55555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555 5555555555555555555555555555555 5) SUBMISSION, ADVERTISING & MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION ***Thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue of AWG E-Mail News. For submissions to AWG E-Mail News, contact Editor Joanne Kluessendorf at editor@awg.org. For advertising, contact the Ad Editor at ads@awg.org. PLEASE SEND AD COPY OR OTHER SUBMISSIONS AS RTF FILES OR AS PART OF AN E-MAIL MESSAGE ***For membership information or to join AWG, visit our website at or contact our business office at