Project Description: The invasive brown treesnake reached Guam in the mid-1940's. The snake caused the island-wide removal of virtually all avifauna by the 1980s. Our research examines the effects of this ecosystem-level bird loss on the future of the tropical forest trees that dominate the native limestone forests of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. This work focuses on two key roles that birds play: the dispersal of seed, and the top-down control of insect herbivores. We are using inter-island comparisons of seed dispersal, insect herbivory and seed and seedling survival in the forests on Guam (where birds are absent) and the forests on Saipan, Tinian and Rota (three nearby islands where forest birds remain). Research activities include field observations of seed dispersal patterns (measured with seed traps in mapped stands), field experiments using seedling plantings, insect surveys and bird exclosures, and greenhouse experiments examining the implications of reduced seed dispersal distances and the loss of top predators in the food web.
Job description: Under general supervision of the project manager, the field crew leader will coordinate activities of a 5-8 person field crew consisting of short-term interns (3-6 months) and full-time field technicians. Members of the field crew (including the field crew leader) move between Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota to conduct research activities. The field crew leader will help the project manager coordinate and supervise the field crew, including tasks like: i) determining daily tasks for crew members (who may be on different islands) to meet monthly goals; ii) coordinating (and participating in) research while in the field or lab; iii) training and orienting crew new crew members and communicating and coordinating on new tasks as the project evolves, iv): and regularly providing feedback to assist with evaluation of crew members; and v) communicating regularly with project leaders based in Seattle, WA. Field and lab tasks include a) establishing forest stands by mapping and identifying trees as well as making, deploying and emptying seed traps; b) setting up field experiments by building cages and planting seeds and seedlings on all four islands; c) collecting data by emptying and sorting through seed trap contents as well as monitoring and harvesting seedlings; and d) miscellaneous other tasks (plant seeds, videotaping bird behavior, etc). This is a 2 year position. Job Requirements (and beneficial skills): We are seeking exceptionally motivated applicants with strong backgrounds in field ecology (beneficial skills include experimental field ecology and plant propagation and care), with demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to motivate others. A BS in a related field and 3 months of relevant experience are required. Additional requirements include excellent communication skills and cultural sensitivity, and a high level of organization and attention to detail. The crew leader will be an integral member of the field team, and thus applicants should be extremely comfortable working long hours in high heat and humidity, walking over rough karst terrain carrying awkward loads (rolls of chicken-wire, flats of seedlings), tolerating tedious and at times monotonous work (e.g. sorting through leaves and seeds), and rapidly learning how to accurately identify plants and seedlings. These skills will be essential, as the crew leader will be responsible for leading and inspiring the crew as they complete these tasks. If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high at some of our sites. Payment and benefits: This is a leadership position in ecological research and conservation science. For those interested in pursuing graduate school in the future, there will be opportunities to participate in (or lead) independent research projects. We will provide a round-trip ticket from the candidate's current place of residence to the Mariana Islands for the beginning and end of the project. In addition, the crew leader will receive free housing on all four islands, transportation within and among islands, and an annual salary of $28,000 - 30,000. The crew leader will also receive a full benefits package from the University of Washington. This is an 11 month position with 1 month unpaid leave each year. You will also accrue paid sick leave, annual leave, participate in a retirement program and have medical benefits. Details of the benefit program are available at: http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/benefits/forms/ben-summaries/prostaff.pdf. Start date: June 30, 2009 End date: June 30, 2011 To apply: To apply, go to http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/jobs/apl/index.html to enter your profile which will include pasting in your resume, a cover letter and completing additional application questions. You may then apply for job number 53849. Please ensure that your resume includes your experience in the following areas: a. Field Research Experience. List jobs, internships, independent research or volunteer positions you have had with a significant field research component. Include the length of time you were involved in each (designate full-time vs. part-time), whether or not it was an independent research project, and briefly describe the major activities you engaged in. b. Leadership Experience. List those activities or jobs in which you had a significant leadership or mentoring role. Include the length of time you were involved in this activity, the number of people you led or mentored, and the nature of your responsibilities in this leadership role. c. References. List the names and contact information for two references that can comment on the following: i) your scientific research skills; ii) your organizational skills; and iii) your ability to motivate and lead a group of students / employees from a diverse background. Deadline: Primary consideration will be given to applications received before Wednesday, May 13th. ********************IN ADDITION*********************** Applicants are strongly encouraged to also email the following information (as attachments) to Haldre Rogers starting immediately and before Wednesday, May 13th, 2009. ([email protected]). 1) A one page cover letter explaining your interest in the position. 2) A two page resume including relevant educational, research and job experience. Include specific information in the following categories (with these headers) on the first page: a. Field Research Experience. List jobs, internships, independent research or volunteer positions you have had with a significant field research component. Include the length of time you were involved in each (designate full-time vs. part-time), whether or not it was an independent research project, and briefly describe the major activities you engaged in. b. Leadership Experience. List those activities or jobs in which you had a significant leadership or mentoring role. Include the length of time you were involved in this activity, the number of people you led or mentored, and the nature of your responsibilities in this leadership role. 3) Two letters of reference emailed directly to Haldre Rogers. Your reference writers should comment on the following: i) your scientific research skills; ii) your organizational skills; and iii) your ability to motivate and lead a group of students / employees from a diverse background.
