The Dehcho Collaborative on Permafrost (DCoP) is seeking highly motivated individuals for PhD and MSc research projects to investigate permafrost thaw-induced changes to the Dehcho’s land and water.
The Dehcho region of the southern Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth. Climate warming in the Dehcho has led to widespread permafrost thaw and land cover change that has disrupted the hydrological cycle and the ecosystems and human activities that depend on it. The patterns, rates, controls and mechanisms of permafrost thaw, and associated feedbacks and land cover transformations across the region remain poorly understood.
DCoP is co-led by the Dehcho First Nations (https://dehcho.org/) and the Scotty Creek Research Station (http://www.scottycreek.com/) and aims to generate a fusion of leading-edge scientific and Indigenous knowledge on permafrost, and to use it as a basis to co-develop new knowledge, predictive decision support tools and innovative risk management strategies to inventory and manage permafrost and adapt to permafrost thaw.
Specific graduate research projects will contribute to one or more of DCoP’s major objectives, including the development and mobilisation of new knowledge on permafrost thaw and thaw-induced changes, and the development and application of new, customised adaptive strategies and predictive modelling tools.

Location:
Research will be conducted at the Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada. Laurier is one of the fastest growing universities in Canada and is internationally-recognised for its expertise in cold regions research and education. The field research sites within the Dehcho will vary among the specific graduate student projects.

How to Apply:
For information on how to apply please contact Dr. William Quinton, Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada: wquinton@wlu.ca, 519-884-0710 (3281). Informal inquiries are always welcome.

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Deadline to apply: 11:59pm on Friday, March 1, 2019

https://www.canada.ca/en/polar-knowledge/jobsatpolar.html

EG-04-EnglishPoster (Application information)

Impacts of wildfire and permafrost thaw on carbon cycling in peatland-rich catchments in boreal western Canada.

Abstract:

Northern peatlands store globally significant amounts of soil carbon, and are located in regions undergoing the most rapid climate change. Two disturbances that are likely to strongly influence the future greenhouse gas exchange of northern peatlands are permafrost thaw and wildfire. Both of these disturbances are common and likely increasing in occurrence in the western boreal forest. Here I will give examples from recent and ongoing research on effects and interactions of wildfire and permafrost thaw on carbon cycling from peatland complexes along a latitudinal gradient from continuous to sporadic permafrost along the Mackenzie valley in western Canada. The studies focus on both peat plateaus, thermokarst bogs and thermokarst ponds, and has found both settings where the carbon storage is inert and vulnerable to future climate change. Our research focuses both on the greenhouse gas exchange of these ecosystems and their downstream export of dissolved organic matter.

Feb26 3:30 PMC WLU

Dr. Miguel Sioui is looking to recruit an MA student to start in fall 2019. He is interested in developing a master’s project on any of the following topics: Indigenous knowledge/traditional ecological knowledge and how it can enhance mainstream environmental management and planning; Indigenous environmental philosophies of the Americas and the impact of environmental change on land-based Indigenous groups; the impacts of extractive industries on Indigenous land use and livelihoods​.

parlee_january29_19_PDF

Geography – Field Research Assistant Position

Summary: We seek a motivated research assistant to work with a graduate student on their research project in the remote Northwest Territories. This research project aims to improve our understanding of permafrost environments in transition. The successful candidate will assist in various methods of fieldwork, data collection and logistical support in the field. This position is ideal for an undergraduate student looking for relevant work experience in their field.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will:

• Document field observations and/or download data from various pieces of equipment in an outdoor setting in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensuring field safety procedures are followed during all work.
• Assist the graduate student in any other task related to data collection as required

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

• S. or M.S. degree in physical or environmental science, geography, or a related discipline
• Experience working remote locations and/or outdoor environments
• Ability to work flexible and sometimes long hours.
• Knowledge and interest in climate change, hydrology or permafrost research.
• Ability to gain or receive additional qualifications prior to field work
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a highly collaborative environment.
• Firearms handling and experience in the safe use of hand and power tools are assets.

Tentative Start Date: Late March to early April 2019

Compensation: Dependent on length of stay in the field.

Appointment: This is a three to two-month appointment depending on start date.

Application Process: Applicants should submit a short Letter of Interest which expresses the applicant’s suitability for the position, accompanied by a resume. Applications may be sent by e-mail to: domi9430@mylaurier.ca

Deadline for applications: February 14^th, 2019

The conference will examine the impact of climate change on Indigenous communities in the North. 

Please find the CRRC Webinar at this link: https://vimeo.com/306932855

For the full news release visit: https://www.wlu.ca/news/news-releases/2018/nov/lauriers-cold-regions-research-centre-hosts-conference-examining-impact-of-climate-change-on-indigenous-communities-in-the-north.html

OR download

2018 (CRRC Conference) PDF

CRRC Day 2018 Agenda with Posters