Assistant Field Crew Leader
The Impacts of Bird Extinctions on Pacific Island Forests
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 and the
field crew leader (note: we are currently hiring for this position as well),
the assistant field crew leader will work with 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 assistant field crew
leader) move between Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota to conduct research
activities. The assistant field crew leader will participate in research
while in the field or lab, and assist the crew leader with tasks like: i)
ensuring field teams carry out assigned daily tasks; ii) training and
orienting new crew members and iii) communicating and coordinating closely
with the project manager as the project evolves. 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, data entry etc).
Job Requirements (and beneficial skills): We are seeking exceptionally
motivated applicants with strong backgrounds in field ecology (beneficial
skills include experimental field ecology, plant propagation and care) and
strong communication skills. Leadership experience is desirable, but not
required. 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 assistant 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 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. 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: 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 employees involvement. In addition, the assistant
crew leader will receive free housing on all four islands, transportation
within and among islands, and an annual salary of $24,000 - 26,000. The
assistant 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. 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 (some flexibility in this)
End date: June 30, 2010, with possibility of a 1-year extension
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 54159.
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 any 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 work with, motivate,
and lead a group of students / employees from a diverse background.
Deadline: Primary consideration will be given to applications received
before Wednesday, May 13st.
********************IN ADDITION***********************
Applicants are strongly encouraged to email the following information (as
attachments) to the project leader, Haldre Rogers ([email protected])
starting immediately and before May 13th, 2009.
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
those 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 any 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 e-mailed 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.
