*Forest Ecology Field Research with B4WARMED* B4Warmed Overview: Northern Minnesota is a focal point of potential climate warming impacts because it sits at the transition between boreal and temperate forest biomes. B4WARMED (Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) is a unique manipulative experiment that warms plants and soil in the field to examine tree seedling and germinant response to warming with respect to physiology, phenology, growth, and survival. For more information: http://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/B4WARMED.html.
Position overview: We seek undergraduate or newly graduated students with a background or interest in biology, ecology, physiology, environmental science, biophysics, forestry, or a related field for paid field research internships ($10/hr). Interns are needed primarily from June through August but some workers are needed as early as March and as late as November. Typical work days are eight hours Monday through Friday, however some tasks require early morning, evening, or weekend work. A valid drivers license is required. Personal vehicles helpful but not required; mileage accrued for work purposes will be reimbursed at official UofMN rate. Responsibilities: -Biotic and abiotic data collection in field and laboratory settings using high-tech equipment (e.g. Licor 6400 photosynthesis systems) -Assess physiological traits and phenological events for woody and herbaceous species -Routine maintenance of field sites, field instruments, and research equipment. -Aiding principle investigators and graduate students as needed Desired qualifications: 1) Eagerness to work hard in an outdoor setting. 2) Capacity to collect data following established protocols. 3) Familiarity with plant and tree species of northern Minnesota. 4) Willingness to work well and play well with others. 5) Curiosity and passion for the natural world. Research sites: Field work will be split between research sites at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Cloquet, MN (http://cfc.cfans.umn.edu/ and google map) and the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, MN. Both research sites are in beautiful forested settings and provide access to the natural areas of northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Travel between sites will be necessary. An individuals home base may be at either of these locations. On-site housing with cooking facilities is available for a small fee. Contact: Please send cover letter (including available working dates), one-page resume, and contact information for two references electronically to: Kyle Gill [email protected] Department of Forest Resources University of Minnesota 1530 Cleveland Ave N. St Paul, MN 55108 USA (612) 624-4916
