Botanist (Seasonal Position) Soil Scientist (Seasonal Position) Several positions are available for the field season 2008 to inventory vegetation and soils of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness as part of the Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory (TEUI) of the Custer National Forest in Montana. A considerable portion of the field work will be located in the upper subalpine and alpine zones of the Beartooth Mountains which contain the largest continuous alpine area in the lower 48 states.
Botanist will work with soil scientist to locate sampling site with GPS, topographic maps and/or aerial photos, inventory plant community, characterize landforms and complete soil survey. Applicants must be in excellent physical condition, able to hike in rugged, mountainous terrain, carry heavy loads, dig one meter deep soil pits in rocky substrates, and be enthusiastic about working and living outdoors in variable weather. Due to the remote location of many sampling sites, jobs require living in the backcountry for 4 to 8 consecutive days with appropriate time off between trips. Field work will start in late May and continue to the end of August/beginning of September 2008. Shared housing will be provided either in Cooke City or Red Lodge, MT. QUALIFICATIONS: For botanist position course work and/or field experience in botanical sampling methods, plant taxonomy or related field, familiarity with Rocky Mountain flora. For soil scientist position course work and/or field experience in soil classification or related field, familiarity with NRCS soil survey standards. Applicants should be highly motivated and able to work long hours as team members in remote settings. COMPENSATION: $10-$13/hour depending on qualification, ~40 hrs/week with irregular hours, May/June - August 2008 TO APPLY: Please send a resume, unofficial copies of transcripts and list of three references to Sabine Mellmann-Brown, Montana State University, Department of Ecology, 310 Lewis Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717-3460. Inquiries may be addressed to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Review of applications will begin on March 15, 2008.
