Job for biology graduates: biologist at PUB (by 28 Jul 2015)

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Apply at webpage: http://careers.pageuppeople.com/mob/688/cwlive/en/job/498166/biologist

Agency: PUB , The National Water Agency
Job no: 498166
Work type: Permanent/Contract
Location: Singapore
Categories: Sciences (e.g. life sciences, bio-technology etc.)

Responsibilities

As a biologist in PUB, you will be involved in the following:

• Working with a team to resolve and propose solutions for chironomid challenges faced at the reservoirs . You will learn to identify the different nuisance and potential nuisance chironomid species (adults). You will also work on improving chironomid monitoring and monitoring methods in the reservoirs.
• Working with another division to provide advice on larvae monitoring, BTI dosing and fogging operations.
• Investigating and reviewing fish-kills issues at the reservoirs or waterways.
• Working closely with external parties on aquatic ecology and biodiversity related research projects in the reservoirs. Thereafter you will assist to implement the findings of the project on the ground.

Requirement

• Degree in biology or life science equivalent
• Relevant work experience is preferred
• Highly motivated candidate who is able to independently carry out field work and multi-task
• Experience in the field of aquatic ecology local aquatic fauna preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong conceptual and analytical thinking skills

Advertised: Jul 14 2015
Application close: Jul 28 2015 

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Biodiversity of Singapore Symposium IV on Sat 01 Aug 2015 @ NUS

NUS Toddycats Interns have been preparing for the fourth Biodiversity of Singapore Symposium which will be held at NUS University Town’s Auditorium 2 on Saturday 01 Aug 2015: 8.00am – 4.30pm.

The symposium will feature 24 presentations by researchers, educators, and managers. In rapid five-minute talks, the community can look forward to be updated and appreciate the role of youth in biodiversity and the environment in Singapore in four sessions: “Conflict and Reconciliation,” “Education & Communication,” “Species biology,” & “Ecosystem studies and new initiatives”.

The talks emphasise terrestrial and freshwater projects as the marine science community have already communicated their efforts at the meeting in May.

Two hefty teas will be provided for time to examine posters and to mingle, and everyone will be well fed! Early morning coffee is provided for early birds from 8am.

To defray costs, the symposium registration fee is $10/person and $6/student. You can register here to join us.

Webpage for BoSS IV is at biodiversitysg4.wordpress.com.

Cycling from Holland Village to Marina Bay – without traffic!

Last week, I woke up a from a deep snooze and took a lovely early morning bicycle ride from Holland Village to Marina Bay. I visited the smooth-coated otter family of six there, and all without battling traffic. Wasn’t that lovely?

The male smooth-coated otter at Gardens by the Bay
(30 Jan 2014; photo by Phira Unadirekkul)

To the rescue from morning peak hour traffic were lovely park connectors, some pavements and a couple of pedestrian crossings. Sharing paths with pedestrians is pleasant as I travel at their speed when needed and never need to ring a bell at anyone – and I greet people along the way. I keep safe at traffic crossings, in case of errant vehicles, by staying alert and following traffic rules to the letter.

From Holland Village, I avoid the busy Commonwealth Road by cycling through Commonwealth Crescent through back roads and then ride the pavements down and up Queensway to reach the quiet Margaret Drive, an interesting area locked in time for now at least.

Next, the canal PCNs provide me relief from the traffic of Alexandra Road, Ganges Avenue and Havelock Road – I join Alexandra Canal Linear Park from Margaret Drive and that links to the Alexandra Park Connector. In the final reaches of the river, I am using the wide walkways at Zion Road, Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay.

Then it is a hop, skip and jump (a few options are available) to reach the barrier-free path at Gardens by the Bay and time to say hello to the otter family in the bay and the avocado milkshake at the hawker centre (Satay by the Bay).

Click for the Runkeeper map (return trip).

The ride traces the Alexandra branch of the Singapore River, as you can see in this PUB watershed map:

If you are living in the neighbourhood, do explore the Alexandra PCNs. There are interesting and developing features along this canal. The maps below link to the relevant webpages.

Alexandra Canal Linear Park

Alexandra Park Connector