Short-Term Field Assistantship in Northwest Montana -- The Bernhardt lab in the Biology Department of Duke University is seeking a technician for the 2010 summer field season, starting June 21. This is a full-time temporary position with a hiring period of 2-4 weeks, and offers an excellent opportunity to learn field techniques employed in ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry research.
The successful applicant will work closely with a graduate student on a study of successional patterns of nitrogen accumulation and fluxes in floodplains forests, with a focus on soil N cycling processes. The research will be conducted on a floodplain of the Middle Fork Flathead River near West Glacier. The research technician’s primary responsibilities will include, but may not be limited to, the following: 1) Access and transport equipment to field sites by foot, ATV, and whitewater canoe 2) Collect soil cores using a slide-hammer corer 3) Collect upper-canopy leaves using a slingshot and/or shotgun 4) Collect tree cores using an increment borer 5) Identify tree species and measure tree heights and diameters 6) Record site locations using a hand-held GPS unit Previous experience with ecological sampling techniques, ability to identify plant species in Montana montane forests, experience with firearms, and experience using a GPS are all desirable but not required. Applicants should be in good physical condition and willing to work long hours in the field under a variety of outdoor conditions. The position requires the ability to work efficiently and with attention to detail. Expected pay is between $450 and $600 per week depending on the experience level and hours worked. Because the research methods constrain the time window of sample collection, up to 60 hours of work per week may be necessary. Field housing and a work vehicle are provided and will be shared with a graduate student. Application materials should include a cover letter of one page or less describing your background and interest in the position, and a resume that documents your relevant experience, skills, and abilities, along with a contact list of references. Please submit these materials through e-mail as a single document to Alison Appling ([email protected]) by June 11, 2010. Earlier applications will be given preference.
