The U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station anticipates filling four temporary positions for the summer of 2008 (approximately June 1 to Sept. 1 or beyond (start and end dates somewhat flexible)) at the GS-4 to GS-6 levels to assist with forestry and forest ecology research. Three of the positions will be based at Pinecrest, CA, 35 miles east of Sonora in the Central Sierra Nevada. The fourth position will be based at Bogard, on the Lassen National Forest.
The students we hire will work on three projects: 1. Two studies are being implemented on the Stanislaus-Tuolumne Experimental Forest. The objective of the first study is to evaluate the influence of stand spatial structure on natural regeneration and resilience to wildfire, and the objective of the second study is to develop methods for minimizing mortality of large pines when fire is reintroduced after a long period of fire suppression. Duties will include laying out study units using GPS and GIS (yes, getting paid to hike!). We will also be re- mapping forest stands originally mapped in 1929 to better understand long- term forest development after different types of logging. The Stanislaus- Tuolumne Experimental Forest is in a spectacular location just west of the Emigrant Wilderness and north of Yosemite National Park and contains some of finest remnant old-growth sugar pine mixed conifer forest outside of the National Parks. 2. A study was installed shortly after a 2002 wildfire on the Blacks Mountain Experimental Forest to investigate rate of fuel accumulation following varying levels of salvage logging, ranging from no removal to complete removal. In the summer of 2008, we will be determining how understory vegetation and tree seedling recruitment was affected by salvage logging. For this position, some knowledge of California flora is required. 3. A new study will be initiated in Lassen National Park, east of Redding, CA to determine the historical fire regime in sections of the park currently dominated by shrubs with scattered pockets of large trees. We will be searching for snags and downed trees containing fire scars, and assisting with sample collection for dendrochronology work. This will involve hiking over very rough terrain and carrying heavy loads. These jobs are an excellent opportunity for students interested in gaining field experience. Those hired will likely work on at least two of the above projects. One of the positions at Pinecrest will be for a crew leader; an undergraduate degree is required with some graduate work or experience beneficial. Incoming graduate students looking for thesis/ dissertation research possibilities are especially encouraged to apply for the crew leader position. Pay commensurate with education and experience (GS-4 = $13.53/hr [some undergraduate coursework], GS-5 = $15.13/hr [completed undergraduate degree], GS-6 = $16.87/hr [some graduate coursework and/or experience]). Housing will be provided, but several weeks may be spent camping. Qualifications: o Must be a student or will become a student in the fall o Coursework in forestry or ecology, GIS or GPS skills a plus but not necessary o Some knowledge of California flora required for several of the positions o Interest in being outdoors and capable of hiking long distances over difficult terrain o Able to deal with inclement weather and the occasional mosquito and stinging bee o Capable of living and working closely together with others Please send resume, including the name, title, address, phone number, and email address of at least three references to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] While we will accept resumes as late as March 1, applicants are encouraged to apply promptly. Positions are open until filled. For more information call Eric Knapp (530) 226-2555, or Martin Ritchie (530) 226-2551.
