1) S-1 MEMBER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

A) SSSA Annual Meeting in Seattle, Oct 31 - Nov 4, 2004 - Online Registration

To register for the SSSA meeting and book rooms please visit http://www.asa-cssa-sssa.org/anmeet/reg.html. International attendees looking for information on visas and travel to the US please visit http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Traveling_to_US.html.

As a reminder, the S-1 Soil Physics Division sponsors the following symposia and sessions:

Symposium 1: Reconciling Measured and Predicted Water, Heat and Solute Transport in Soil: A Tribute to Peter J. Wierenga
Contacts: Bob Horton (rhorton@iastate.edu), Rien van Genuchten (RVANG@ussl.ars.usda.gov), and Jan Hendrickx (hendrick@nmt.edu).

Symposium 2: Landscape Processes: Monitoring, Mapping, and Modeling

One of the highlights of this symposium will be a talk by Raymond Arvidson on "Landforms and Deposits Observed by the Mars Exploration Rovers".

Contacts: Jan W. Hopmans (jwhopmans@ucdavis.edu), Henry Lin (henrylin@psu.edu), Dennis Corwin (DCORWIN@ussl.ars.usda.gov), Gary Kachanoski (gary.kachanoski@ualberta.ca), Chris van Kessel (cvankessel@ucdavis.edu), and Don R. Nielsen (drnielsen@ucdavis.edu).

Session 1: Soil Water Content Sensing Methods: Comparisons and Calibrations
Contact: Steve Evett (srevett@cprl.ars.usda.gov).

Session 2: Advances in the Characterization of Soil Structure
Contacts: Daniel Giménez (gimenez@envsci.rutgers.edu) and Clark J. Gantzer (gantzer@missouri.edu)


B) Vadose Zone Journal (VZJ) - Library Subscriptions:

David Radcliffe, our S-1 Division Chair, recently initiated a project to check with all university, agency, and international libraries to see if they are currently subscribed to the Vadose Zone Journal. Libraries can get the VZJ for free this year as it is "bundled" with a paid subscription to any of the other SSSA journals. We would like to get libraries signed up this year in the hope that they will be willing to pay for the subscription in subsequent years. To start this process, David would like to get a list of universities and volunteers who will contact the library to see if they are subscribed before our annual meeting. If you are willing to participate, please send your name and university name to David Radcliffe (dradclif@uga.edu). Your participation is highly appreciated.

C) Student Recruitment Material

Frank Casey (NSU) recently developed excellent material for student recruitment and K-12 student education. An interactive webpage and a recruitment poster are posted at:
http://www.soilsci.ndsu.nodak.edu/sciencefair/WhatIsIt.html, and
http://www.soilsci.ndsu.nodak.edu/students/whysoils.html. The material further includes a DVD and an extensive recruitment package with information regarding scholarships and the NSU soil science program. As a result of Frank's efforts the NSU soil science program experienced a significant increase in enrollment. For further information please contact Frank Casey at: francis.casey@ndsu.nodak.edu.

D) S-1 Comments on Strategic Plan

The SSSA Executive Committee is reviewing the current strategic plan and asked for comments from Division Chairs on particular topics. David Radcliffe responded as follows:

Certification of Soil Scientists - This is an important service that the Society provides. In Georgia, we have been trying to get a soil licensing bill passed in the legislature, but it is a long and uphill battle. A nationally recognized certification program is a big plus as we make the case for state licensing. This can also be important in certification of soil scientists for developing Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans and there may be opportunities in the future for developing erosion control plans for construction sites and storm water control plans.

New Board Structure - I think it is a good idea to reduce the size of the Board (by eliminating the past division chairs) and providing longer appointments. If we have a more dynamic strategic plan, the Board will need to be more engaged and meet more frequently.

Format of Annual Meetings - I am in favor of less divisional orientation at the meetings and more focus on themes. I think this will give the Society a higher profile and attract more new members. We could start by having one day where sessions are not division based. Then move towards only one day organized by divisions. To keep the oral sessions from overlapping, I think it is very important to give division chairs the authority to decide if a paper is oral or a poster (essentially all papers are "chair decides"). Currently, if an author insists that his paper be oral (and some do!), the chair has no alternative.

Independent Annual Meetings - Our division has argued long and hard for this option. I think it is a real opportunity to meet with other organizations and to increase attendance. It could be every other year that SSSA meets independently from ASA and CSSA.

Seek Formation of a Federation - This is a very good idea, if it can be done. We must have a higher profile in the science and policy arena and we can only do this by combining forces with other societies with similar interests.

Public Policy Initiatives - I think these are all really good ideas and we should purse them. Again, we need a higher profile in the policy arena

2) UPCOMING MEETINGS OF INTEREST (arranged by meeting date)

A) International Conference on "Finite-Element Models, MODFLOW, and More 2004: Solving Groundwater Problems" (Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Czech Republic, 13-16 September 2004).The FEM_MODFLOW conference aims at presenting cutting-edge development and practical application of groundwater models in all aspects of hydrological work. The conference is derived from and continues the productive MODFLOW conferences held by IGWMC in 1998, 2001 and 2003. In many countries, MODFLOW, the USGS modular three-dimensional finite-difference groundwater flow model, has become an important standard for groundwater modeling. Therefore, MODFLOW serves as a centerpiece for the recurring conference. However, the Conference Organizing Committee needs and encourages participation by users of all types of models in diverse applications, including those based on the finite-element technique and other approaches. The conference seeks to encourage understanding and appropriate use of the many widely used models. Most of all, the conference seeks to help solve groundwater problems. The conference includes keynote speakers on diverse topics, and contributed oral and poster presentations. Abstracts are due no later than February 29, 2004. For further information please visit: http://www.natur.cuni.cz/fem_modflow/

B) INRA Environmental and Subsurface Science Symposium (Spokane, WA, 19-22 September 2004). This annual Symposium will highlight research being performed at the INRA institutions, the INEEL, and national and international research in our theme area. As the mission for the INEEL is changing in anticipation of the new Idaho National Laboratory (INL), we have decided on a theme which will continue to highlight capabilities in our traditional environmental and subsurface science areas, but with an eye toward the new INL mission areas. For further information please visit: http://www.inra.org/

C) Symposium on Unsaturated Zone Modeling in Honor of Prof. Reinder Feddes (October 3-5, 2004, Wageningen, The Netherlands). Wageningen UR organizes a symposium entitled 'Unsaturated zone modeling: progress, applications and challenges'. Prominent speakers will present strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to analysis of water flow and solute transport in the soil and shallow groundwater. The discussions should indicate the most relevant and fertile directions for future research. Everyone who feels affinity to unsaturated zone hydrology is most welcome. The symposium will be held in honor of Prof. Reinder Feddes, who will retire from Wageningen University, and takes place from 3 till 5 October 2004 in Wageningen, The Netherlands. Extensive information can be found at site http://frontiscms.co.dlo.nl/cms/web/2004/20041003/info.php3?wsid=1

D) Fifth European Conference on Geostatistics for Environmental Applications geoENV (Centre for Hydrogeology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, on October 13-15, 2004).The Congress will be preceded by a two-day workshop, on October 11-12, 2004. The objective of the geoENV conference series is to bring together scientists from many different areas which share in common the application of geostatistics to environmental problems. A non-exclusive list of topics which are covered includes: Groundwater pollution and hydrogeology; Soil science, site remediation, industrial sites; Air monitoring; Spatiotemporal statistics; Climatology; Ecology, natural resources; Forestry, agriculture; Epidemiology, ecotoxicology; Biometry; and Remote Sensing. For further information please visit: http://www.unine.ch/chyn/geoenv/welcome.html.

E) AGU Fall Meeting 2004 (San Francisco 13-17 December, 2004). The 2004 AGU Fall Meeting is expected to draw a crowd of over 10,000 geophysicists from around the world and provides an opportunity for researchers, teachers, students, and consultants to present and review the latest issues affecting the Earth, the planets, and their environments in space. This meeting will cover topics in all areas of geophysical sciences. For further information please visit http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm04/

3) NEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

To review all announcements from the last six months please visit: http://soils.ag.uidaho.edu/tuller/s-1/jobs.htm

A) EPA - Postdoctoral Program (Posted: 08/04/2004). The National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) of the United States Environmental Protection Agency is seeking candidates to fill approximately 9 federal, four-year post-doctoral research positions. NERL's research encompasses areas such as environmental monitoring and characterization (physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological); computer modeling of the transport, transformation, and fate of pollutants in multiple media and at multiple scales; human and ecological exposure analysis (including the development of exposure biomarkers and bioindicators); remote sensing applications; and landscape ecology. Among NERL's current priorities are exposure of humans to airborne particulate matter and emerging microbial pathogens (bacteria, protozoan parasites, and viruses) in water supplies; exposure of children to pesticides; multi-media, multi-pathway exposure modeling in humans; influence of landscape changes on surface water quality; development of integrated multimedia (atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic) transport and fate models; and assessment of the relative risk of exposure to stressors in regional ecosystems and large watersheds. The NERL post-doctoral positions will be in one or more of the following locations: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; Cincinnati, Ohio; Las Vegas, Nevada; Athens, Georgia; or Washington, DC metropolitan area, depending on the particular disciplinary focus, and will be filled beginning November 2004. These excepted service appointments offer a salary range of $48,947 - $76,261 commensurate with qualifications, and include a full benefits package. For specific job information and application instructions for the NERL post-doctoral program, you may access the NERL Internet site at http://www.epa.gov/nerl. The U.S. EPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

B) Mid-Level Soil Scientist (Posted: 08/04/2004). Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc., an environmental consulting firm based in Chantilly, VA, is seeking mid-level Soil Scientist with BS or MS and at least 5 years experience performing soil surveys and septic field approvals. Ideal candidate will have interest in wetland delineation and wetland mitigation. CPSS preferred. Send resume to mrolband@wetlandstudies.com or 14088-M Sullyfield Circle, Chantilly, VA 20151. No phone calls please.

C) Hydrologist/ Physical Scientist/ Soil Scientist/ Agricultural Engineer (Posted: 08/04/2004). The USDA-ARS Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland is seeking a permanent full-time research scientist to join a team whose research mission is to conduct nationally oriented basic and applied research focusing on water and natural resource issues pertaining to the production of food and fiber and the conservation of natural resources. This position requires experience in one of the following areas: 1) scaling-up from point-based process measurements and models to landscape, watershed and regional scales; and 2) retrieval of agricultural information from remotely sensed data and integrating it into natural and agricultural systems models. For program information see http://hydrolab.arsusda.gov. Ph.D. degree is desirable. U. S. citizenship required. Depending on experience grade level GS 12/13/14 with a salary range $60,638 110,775. For application information see http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/index.html and select vacancy announcement number ARS-X4E-0317. To have a printed copy of the full vacancy announcement mailed to you, call 301 504-1482. Applications must be marked ARS-X4E-0317 and postmarked by the October 4, 2004 closing date. USDA-ARS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

D) Assistant Professor - Hydrology, University of Florida, Tropical Research & Education Center (Posted: 07/29/2004). This 12-month tenure-track position involves 60% research and 40% Extension in the area of surface and groundwater hydrology emphasizing the southern Everglades. A Ph.D. in Soil Science, Hydrology, Agricultural Engineering, or closely related discipline is required. A strong understanding of basic hydrologic and transport processes and knowledge of irrigation, drainage, and water management systems is necessary. More detailed information can be found at http://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/job1.htm. Formal review of applications will begin on September 15, 2004 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and four letters of recommendation directly to Dr. Bruce Schaffer, Chairperson, Hydrology Search and Screen Committee, University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center, 18905 S.W. 280 Street, Homestead, FL 33031-3314. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity, equal access, affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

E) Senior Soil Scientist, Land Application Systems (Posted: 07/27/2004). Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, an established environmental engineering firm for over 85 years, has an opening for a Sr. Soil Scientist in its San Francisco, CA office. Responsibilities include functioning as lead scientist on projects that involve industrial and municipal wastewater management and treatment through use of land application systems. Needed areas of expertise include soil science/ agriculture, soil/unsaturated zone measurements, modeling and analysis, groundwater-surface water interactions, groundwater quality, and wastewater management. Projects will involve winery process water treatment; food industry process water treatment; permitting and regulatory negotiation, development of process water and nutrient management plans; subsurface discharge of treated effluent; unsaturated zone, groundwater, and surface water monitoring and analysis and performance studies for byproduct utilization. A MS degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or closely related discipline is required, a PhD preferred. Experience in the consulting environment is required. Excellent communication skills and keen computer skills required. Some travel will be required as well. We offer a competitive salary and benefits. Learn more about our outstanding firm via our web address: www.KennedyJenks.com. To apply, please email your resume with salary requirements to Ruth Robinson, Director of HR, at RuthRobinson@KennedyJenks.com. EOE/M/F.

F) Assistant Professor - Ecohydrology, Cornell University (Posted: 07/21/2004). Cornell University invites applications for a tenure track faculty position in Ecohydrology. We are primarily interested in applicants at the Assistant Professor level. This individual will investigate and mathematically model the hydrology of ecological systems. Responsibilities for the position include support of the undergraduate and graduate curricula in environmental engineering. Courses taught will reflect her/his areas of expertise and meet departmental needs. Mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students and securing external funding are expected. A Ph.D. with a strong background in quantitative hydrology and/or engineering and the ability to work with ecological systems is required. The candidate must demonstrate proficiency in teaching and have a strong research record. The academic home for this position is expected to be the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Science. Applicants are to submit a letter of application, vita, transcripts and names of three references (including telephone numbers and email addresses) to: Beth Ahner, Co-Chair Search Committee; Biogeochemistry and Biocomplexity Initiative; Biological and Environmental Engineering; 320 Riley-Robb Hall; Cornell University; Ithaca, NY, 14853-5701; We will begin reviewing applications September 15, 2004. For a more details: www.bee.cornell.edu/ABOUT/Position.html. Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and educator.

G) Staff Soil Scientist (Posted: 07/21/2004). Consulting engineering firm specializing in land use planning and design seeks a Soil Scientist with wetland delineation and permitting experience to assume a field leadership role in our environmental department. This position requires field mapping experience, excellent communication and time management skills, and the desire to be part of an integrated team approach to project management. Respond to W.P. Stinson, PE, President, Sebago Technics, Inc., P.O. Box 1339, Westbrook, ME 04098-1339; email wstinson@sebagotechnics.com. Visit us at www.sebagotechnics.com.

H) Assistant Professor -Environmental Soil Physics, New Mexico State University (Posted: 06/28/2004). The Agronomy and Horticulture Department of New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM invites applications for a 12-month tenure track position in soil physics with a 65% Research and 35% Teaching appointment. A Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, Hydrology or related discipline is required. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate Soil Physics, one or more Environmental Science courses, and a rotation in the Introductory Soil Science course; advising undergraduate and graduate students; conducting research in agricultural, natural, or urban environments; and collaborating with colleagues in other departments and colleges. The research focus should be in soil physics and vadose zone hydrology for the purpose of understanding and improving water resources in the arid Southwest. Securing external funding and publishing in refereed journals will be a major responsibility. To apply please send your curriculum vita, letter of application including a statement of your interests, experience, and qualifications for this position, official transcripts, sample publications, and three letters of reference to: Dr. April Ulery, Soil Physics Search Committee, C/O Ms. Paula Ross, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, P.O Box 30003, MSC 3Q, Las Cruces, NM 88003. Application deadline is Oct. 1, 2004 or until suitable candidate is found. For additional information see NMSU website at www.nmsu.edu/~personel/postings/ and http://aghort.nmsu.edu. New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

I) Assistant Professor - Subsurface Hydrology, Washington State University (Posted: 06/23/2004) The Department of Biological Systems Engineering invites applications for a permanent, 9-month, tenure track, 85% research and 15% teaching Assistant Professor/Assistant Scientist. Send letter addressing qualifications, statement of research and teaching interests, detailed resume with list of publications and research grants received, copies of university transcripts, and contact information for three references to Dr. Joan Wu, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, P.O. Box 646120, Pullman, WA 99164-6120, jwu@wsu.edu ; phone 509-335-5996; fax 509-335-2722. Screening begins September 15, 2004. For a complete notice of vacancy listing qualifications for this position, visit www.chr.wsu.edu/old2002/vacancies (search 3638). EEO/AA/ADA.

APPENDICES

A) S-1 Contacts
Chair (04): David Radcliffe dradclif@arches.uga.edu
Chair-Elect (05): Gerard Kluitenberg gjk@ksu.edu
ASA and SSSA Board Representative (04-06) Glenn Wilson: gvwilson@ars.usda.gov
SSSA Journal S-1 Technical Editor: Sally Logsdon logsdon@nstl.gov
Vadose Zone Journal (VZJ) Editor: Rien van Genuchten RVANG@ussl.ars.usda.gov

B) S-1 Working Groups and Committees
S-1 Program for 2004 ASA-SSSA Meetings (Seattle, WA, Oct. 31-Nov. 4): David Radcliffe
Kirkham Conference 2004 (Utah State): Wilford Gardner and Scott Jones
S-1 Early Career Award: Art Warrick, Per Moldrup and Jacob Dane