Forest Ecology Internship Opportunity Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology
University of Wisconsin - Madison The Forest Landscape and Ecosystem Ecology Laboratories invite applicants for an internship program for a long-term, large-scale field experiment located in the Flambeau River State Forest, northern Wisconsin. The Flambeau Experiment is a collaborative forest ecosystem study evaluating how coarse woody debris (CWD) and canopy gaps influence the long-term productivity, biodiversity and carbon and nutrient cycling of the northern hardwoods forest. The study site is in the beautiful Flambeau River State Forest in Rusk Co., WI, along the Flambeau River. Canoeing, fishing, and wildlife watching opportunities abound. For more information about the project and our lab visit: http://landscape.forest.wisc.edu. Beginning in April we will be measuring numerous forest attributes that we hypothesize to exhibit both short- and long-term responses to the canopy openings and addition of dead wood. This is funded as a one-time educational experience in applied ecological research for undergraduate students and recent graduates. Participants will gain experience on numerous topics but will be encouraged to focus on one specific area of interest in order to accomplish a small research project. Potential topics include: * Understory vegetation (herbaceous and seedling) dynamics * Plant resource environment * Soil and CWD respiration * Microclimate and soil moisture responses to gap openings * Forest productivity responses to gaps * Sapling growth dynamics We seek candidates that are reliable, enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and work well in a group as well as independently. A background in ecology, biology, soil science, forestry, or biogeochemistry is preferred. Some experience with field ecology is ideal, but training will be provided. Positions focusing on understory vegetation sampling will require more specialized experience in plant species identification. Applicants should also be prepared to live and work in rural north-central Wisconsin. Since our emphasis will be on field work, applicants should be capable of vigorous physical activity and tolerant of working in all weather conditions. Appointments are fulltime (40 hrs/wk). Though not based in Madison, Interns will be agents of UW-Madison during research on the Flambeau - this status provides liability protection and a tax-free monthly stipend of $700. Housing will be provided. Preference will be given to undergraduate and newly graduated students that can commit for a three month period within April-October, but we will also consider some applicants only available for shorter time periods. To apply, please send: 1) a cover letter describing prior experience/skills, topic preferences, and dates available; 2) resume, and 3) contact information for three references by email to: [email protected] or by mail to: Jodi Forrester, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1630 Linden Dr., 120 Russell Labs, Madison, WI 53706. Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled.
