JOB TITLE: Summer Field Technician 40-50 hours/week. A second year grad student in the Knapp Lab at Colorado State University needs summer field work help in South Dakota.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project addresses the ecological impacts of nitrogen deposition on native plant communities and soils in the mixed prairie grasslands of Wind Cave and Badlands NP, South Dakota. Critical thresholds of N input will be determined using experimental plots with a range of N fertilization levels comparable to ecological and rangeland studies (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 20, 45, 68 and 100 kg N/ ha /yr) with and without water treatments in one vegetation type at Badlands National Park and two vegetation types at Wind Cave National Park. JOB DESCRIPTION: Position Duration: (12 weeks) June-mid August, approximately 40 hours a week, 40+ hours during the 4 vegetation sampling weeks. There is flexibility in the schedule but you must commit to long hours during the vegetation sampling weeks in late June and mid-August. The technician will perform a variety tasks related to vegetation and soil sampling. A large part of the position will be the bi-weekly watering of the plots. Technician must be able to hike short distances over rough terrain and inclement weather repeatedly with backpack sprayer on. The technician will learn and perform soil sampling, data retrieval from sensors, biological crust identification and of course, vegetation sampling. The Black Hills region is a beautiful area with unique geology, forested hills with elevations up to 7000ft and rolling grasslands supporting bison, elk and other wildlife, with major cultural and historical interest as well. The technician has two housing options: low-rent housing in Hot Springs with the researcher and other park staff or tent camping with a free site in Wind Cave NP with access to shower and kitchen. Camping is required when working at Badlands NP( approximately 1/3 of the time) with access to shower and kitchen. REQUIREMENTS: Attention to detail and good record-keeping skills. BS / BA, or significant progress toward, in biology, ecology, range science, environmental science, or a similar degree. Field experience preferred, at least some experience working outdoors required. This is a physically demanding position! Previous plant identification experience, plant taxonomy or field botany class required, though advanced identification techniques will be taught . A positive attitude, desire to work hard even in difficult conditions and gain field experience. A car would be helpful, though not required, as Hot Springs, SD is a small, isolated town. We will not be working on the weekends. COMPENSATION: Valuable plant identification and field experience. Pay is $10.00/hr and in sunsets. Potential for other paid opportunities in the fall for vegetation sample sorting. CONTACT INFORMATION: To apply please email a cover letter, resume, and list of references by April 1st for first consideration to Anine Smith, MS student, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, [email protected]
