The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Forest Ecology Biologist IS 9 ($51,630 per year plus benefits). Biological Technician in Ecology of Forests and Dynamics of Forest Tree Communities 2-year, grant-funded position Applications accepted through 31 April 2010 Based at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, MD, approximately 26 miles east of Washington DC and 7 miles south of Annapolis at a modern laboratory and office complex on 2,800 acres of land in the Muddy Creek Watershed on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay. Visit SERC's website (www.serc.si.edu <http://www.serc.si.edu/> ) for additional information. The Biological Technician will assist a large multidisciplinary grant-funded project to assess the community ecology, spatial interactions and dynamics of woody plants in large, stem-mapped plots. The grant-funded position is offered for a period of 2 years. The primary responsibility of the incumbent will be to assist in the field collection, laboratory processing, and data analysis of forest tree populations to quantify woody plant communities in an array of stem-mapped forest plots at SERC's long-term (20+ yrs) research sites within the Muddy Creek watershed. The position is primarily focused on management of our forest sampling programs, but also supports opportunities to assist with field sampling and experiments for an array of external grants and long-term sampling programs. The position requires working with a team of Principle Investigators, technicians, volunteers, undergraduate interns, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and visiting scientists. Experience and aptitude in data management, computer graphics, statistical analyses and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are especially desirable. Desired Qualifications and Experience: * Masters degree or equivalent experience in forest or plant ecology. * Experience in identification of woody plants of the Mid-Atlantic region or East Coast. * Experience in field sampling of forest trees in stem-mapped plots. * Ability to manage and manipulate data files using software for spreadsheets (esp. Excel), databases (esp. Access), statistical packages (esp. SAS), and graphical presentation (esp. Deltagraph). * Ability to manage a team of volunteers in field sampling of forest trees. * Demonstrated initiative, independence and responsible maturity. SELECTIVE FACTORS: 1. Knowledge or experience in identification of woody plants of the Eastern Deciduous Forest. 2. Knowledge of forest ecology (i.e., evidenced by professional experience or formal education). 3. Knowledge of field sampling techniques. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS: 1. Knowledge of woody plants of the Eastern Deciduous Forest. 2. Skill in field ecology of forests. 3. Skill in scientific data analysis and graphics. 4. Knowledge of use of computer software for word processing, spread sheets, and data management. For consideration, please submit a letter of interest that describes how your experience, education and training relate to the specific selective factors above, photocopies of college transcripts, Curriculum Vitae or resume and names of 3 references to: Dr. Geoffrey G. Parker, Forest Ecologist Smithsonian Environmental Research Center PO Box 28, 647 Contees Wharf Road Edgewater, MD 21037-0028 [email protected] 443-482-2210 Applications will be accepted from April 1 or until filled, but not later than April 31. The Smithsonian is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SERC Home Page: www.serc.si.edu ************************************************************************ *********************************** Daniel B. Stover, Ph.D. Field Director, North America Regional Climate Center Earthwatch Institute Smithsonian Environmental Research Center P.O. Box 28 647 Contees Wharf Road Edgewater, MD 21037-0028 Phone: 1-443-482-2374 www.earthwatch.org <http://www.earthwatch.org/> ************************************************************************ ***********************************
