The U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station (www.fs.fed.us/psw/redding/) anticipates filling four temporary positions for the summer of 2009 (approximately late May or mid June through late August or mid September - start and end dates somewhat flexible) at the GS- 4 to GS-6 levels to assist with forestry and forest ecology research. The duty station for the positions will be at Pinecrest, CA, 35 miles east of Sonora in the Central Sierra Nevada.
Job description: Successful applicants will assist with forestry and fire- related research projects in the Stanislaus-Tuolumne Experimental Forest, near Pinecrest, CA. The objectives of the studies are 1) to evaluate the influence of stand spatial structure on natural regeneration and resilience to wildfire, and 2) 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 plots using GPS, GIS, and compass, and taking data on forest structural attributes. We will also be collecting tree cores using increment borers to investigate tree growth rates in changing competitive environments over time. These jobs are an excellent opportunity for students interested in gaining field experience. One of the positions will be for a crew leader; for this position 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 = $13.18/hr [some undergraduate coursework specifically relating to the position], GS-5 = $14.74/hr [completed undergraduate degree, or one year of experience at the GS-4 level], GS-6 = $16.44/hr [some graduate coursework and/or experience]). Employees are paid for federal holidays and accrue vacation time (4 hours per two week pay period). Housing in a nearby community and daily transportation to and from the work locations will be provided. Qualifications: o Must be a student or will become a student in the fall. No exceptions. o Coursework in forestry or ecology; GIS or GPS skills a plus but not necessary o Must be physically fit and capable of hiking long distances over difficult terrain o Enjoys being outdoors, and can deal with inclement weather and the occasional mosquito and stinging bee o Capable of living and working closely together with others 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. Please send resume, along with 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 February 20, applicants are encouraged to apply promptly. Positions are open until filled. For more information call Eric Knapp (530) 226-2555.
