Position Opening: Field Technician (immediate opening): Longleaf pine restoration ecology
We seek a field technician for an experiment involving landscape scale restoration of longleaf pine forest understory plant communities. The Technician will join a team of three principal investigators (Ellen Damschen and John Orrock at University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Lars Brudvig at Michigan State), a postdoc (Chris Habeck), and Project Manager (Joe Ledvina) as part of a collaborative project with the USDA Forest Service – Savannah River. Research will focus on the effects of experimental manipulations (thinning/burning), herbivory, and competition on the spread of restored communities at large spatial scales. The successful candidate will assist in all facets of the project including plot construction/maintenance, vegetation sampling, small mammal trapping, and conducting experiments to evaluate the spatial dynamics of plant-animal interactions within the experimental landscapes. Technicians will be exposed to numerous research questions and approaches, as well as participate in actively restoring the imperiled longleaf pine ecosystem. Opportunities for independent research projects exist for highly motivated individuals. The Position will begin immediately (June 2010), and will last for 3-6 months. Pay rate will be $10-12/hr, depending on experience. The technician will work at the Savannah River Site, near Aiken, SC and will be responsible for their own housing. Successful candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, or a related discipline and must be able to endure hot, humid conditions and long hours in the field. Previous field research experience is mandatory; botanical and/or small mammal trapping experience is preferred. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. *Because the research sites are highly secure areas run by the federal government, non- United States citizens may have difficulty gaining clearance to work there. To apply, please email a CV or resume and letter describing past experience, why this position is interesting or important to you, dates of availability, and contact information with email addresses for two references to Chris Habeck [email protected]. Consideration of applicants will begin immediately. Applications received after June 15, 2010 will not be considered.
