Field Research Technicians Forest Landscape Ecology Lab Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin Madison
We are inviting applications for 3-4 field assistants to collect data for an ongoing study in northern hardwood-hemlock forests of the Flambeau River State Forest in rural north central Wisconsin. The Flambeau Experiment is a collaborative forest ecosystem study evaluating how coarse woody debris, canopy gaps, and herbivory 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, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities abound. Find out more about the experiment at http://landscape.forest.wisc.edu/projects/flambeau/ Duties will include: 1) Vegetation sampling identifying approximately 200 species of vascular plants, including seedlings, shrubs, herbaceous annuals & perennials, grasses, sedges, saplings and trees. 2) Soil sampling - measuring soil moisture, root biomass and nutrient availability 3) Measuring soil and wood respiration, LAI, and light levels 4) Assist with maintaining deer exclosures and continuous micrometeorological stations 5) Other tasks may include sampling of earthworms, soil microbes, and assisting with collecting other long-term datasets. Qualifications: A background in ecology, biology, soil science, forestry, or biogeochemistry is preferred. Experience with field ecology is ideal, but training will be provided. Desired skills: 1) The ability to work well in a group as well as independently under typical field conditions (inclement weather, mosquitoes, long days, etc.) 2) Excellent communication skills 3) Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to follow field and lab protocols 4) Training and/or experience in plant identification 5) Enthusiasm for ecology and the outdoors 6) Must be able to live amicably with other crew members in field housing. Duration: If possible, sampling will commence early in the spring to coincide with the emergence of spring ephemerals (~ mid-April) and may extend through October. Wage: Commensurate with experience. Housing as well as daily travel to research site is provided. To Apply: Please send a current resume, contact information for 3 references, and cover letter via email indicating your education, experience and interests to Jason Schatz ([email protected]). Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled.
