JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Summer Ecology Field Tech
Dates: Mid May through Mid/Late August, 2010
Location: Tongass National Forest, Juneau, Alaska
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 15th, 2010
The position advertised is for one (1) full-time field technician to assist a
Colorado State
University graduate student in data collection. This project is designed to
study the hydrologic
processes and plant species characterizing the wetland to upland forest
ecosystem gradient in
Southeast Alaska. We will be specifically focusing on determining the
ecological characteristics
driving the distribution of shore pine (Pinus contorta var contorta) and
western hemlock (Tsuga
heterophylla) across this gradient, including landscape genetics, forest
productivity, hydrologic
variability, soil chemistry, seed availability, and decomposition rates.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties include conducting vegetation surveys (identifying
plants, abundance,
species composition, and cover estimates), collecting soil and seed samples,
counting seeds,
running laboratory analyses, digging water wells, and taking bi-weekly site
measurements.
QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess a four-year degree or be currently
enrolled at a
college or university pursuing a degree in ecology, natural resource
management, range
management, forestry, or related major. Candidates should be able to
successfully work
independently and accomplish tasks at hand. Candidates must be in good physical
condition -
able to hike in 50 lbs of equipment and capable of working long days in the
field on rugged
terrain and under poor weather conditions. Digging wells will be hard, manual
labor. Ability to
work under these conditions is essential. Candidates should be comfortable in
the backcountry;
we may spend multiple nights camping in the field. Skills in the following
areas are valuable:
working well in an isolated team setting, wilderness safety and first aid
training, and experience
with backcountry travel. Experience with relevant fieldwork and plant
identification skills are
desirable, but not necessary. A valid drivers license and safe driving record
are required.
SALARY: $375/week plus housing at Tongass NF USFS Bunkhouses in Juneau, AK
APPLICATION PROCESS: Email a cover letter, a 1-2 page resume, and references
(including both
telephone numbers and email addresses), to the contact information below.
Please indicate
availability, as dates are somewhat flexible.
CONTACT: Sarah Bisbing, PhD Student
Graduate Degree Program in Ecology
Department of Forest, Rangeland, & Watershed Stewardship
Colorado State University
email: [email protected]
