Fire ecologist in the Kimberley region. My role is to conduct research to support the implementation of prescribed fire management in the Kimberley region. Research will show the effects on biodiversity, ecosystem function and plant and animal abundance, of current uncontrolled fire regimes compared to areas where controlled prescribed burning has been implemented. The aim is to provide evidence that prescribed burning operations can be used to improve biodiversity status in Kimberley rangelands.
Volunteer field assistant: Fire Ecology of North Australian Mammals, 2013
A volunteer field assistant is needed to help Ian and Richard with a project investigating fire and mammal ecology in the Kimberley, northern Australia. This project relates to recent declines among native mammals across much of northern Australia. Field work will be conducted in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and based out of Kununurra from May to Sep 2013 (specific dates may vary). Volunteers will be involved with trapping, identifying, handling and measuring a range of mammal species from small rodents up to larger marsupials including possums, bandicoots and quolls (5 g - 5 kg). There will be significant involvement in measuring/identifying vegetation, habitat assessment and data entry. You will need to be prepared for early mornings, long hours in tropical conditions (e.g. long walks carrying traps over rocky terrain, high humidity and temperatures >35oC), sharing cooking duties and living and working in a small team. You will need to have a good work ethic and you must be easy to get along with as field work under arduous conditions can bring out both the best and worst in people! Desirable qualifications include experience with animal handling and ecological methods for undertaking vegetation survey. Accommodation, food and travel associated with field work within Australia will be covered (about half of the time), however the volunteer will provide their own food while based in Kununurra and all their international travel costs. Some accommodation costs may be covered while in Kununurra.
If you would like to apply please email Ian Radford outlining your suitability for the role, relevant experience and two references.
Deadline: April 20th 2013
My main research interests are in fire ecology, plant invasion ecology, restoration of degraded landscapes and biological control. A broad perspective on environmental impacts associated with fire and plant invasive species has been gained through work across climatic zones from the dry tropics in northern Australia, through the coastal plains and ranges in NSW, to the cool temperate subalpine environments of New Zealand. Current work involves the impacts of fire regime on tropical biota in the Kimberley region of far north western Australia. My most recent work investigated the relative roles of plant functional traits, competition, disturbance and soil fungal mycorrhizal facilitation of alien plant (Hieracium lepidulum) invasion of south island New Zealand high country environments. Previous studies included the use of fire in restoration of tropical riparian ecosystems invaded by rubbervine (Cryptostegia grandiflora), research into invasion processes associated with Acacia nilotica in the Mitchell grasslands, and use of fire and biocontrol agents for the control of woody weeds in Queensland. I have also conducted studies into comparative ecology and invasive traits among closely related Senecio species, and genetic and taxonomic differentiation in variable species complexes.
Academic Qualifications
Research Experience
