Field Assistant: The role of a declining amphibian consumer in maintenance of producer diversity in alpine lake communities in the Sierra Nevada
We will hire one field assistant for the summer of 2010. As a member of a research team investigating the effects of declines and extinctions of Mountain yellow-legged frogs on alpine lake communities throughout Californias Sierra Nevada, the assistant will live at a field station near Mammoth Lakes, CA and work in the Sierra backcountry (Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks and the John Muir Wilderness). The assistant will work/live closely with a graduate student from the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology at University of California, Santa Barbara. The objective of projects planned for summer 2011 is to examine the effect of tadpole-generated resource heterogeneity on the diversity of periphyton (algae) within and between alpine lakes. Successful candidates will meet or exceed the following criteria: Eligibility: 1. At least 3 years of college education, currently enrolled 2. Coursework in life sciences and/or environmental sciences 3. Availability for the dates specified: approximately July 1 through late September (12 weeks) 4. Experience handling amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, or conducting field research is beneficial 5. Extensive experience traveling/working in the backcountry 6. Enthusiasm for working outside in all conditions 7. Provide own backpacking equipment 8. Pluses: wilderness medical training, car Duties: Complete IACUC training in the care and use of amphibians in research Extensive backpacking and backcountry scientific collecting: 1. Hike up to 17 miles in one day at high elevation (9,000 to 12,000ft) 2. Hike on trail and on difficult cross country routes (forest, talus; requires basic orienteering and map skills) 3. Carry backpack weighing up to 70+ lbs. 4. Frequently work and travel alone and without supervision in the backcountry 5. Spend up to 12 days/nights working/living in the backcountry 6. Spend hours working with legs and arms submerged in cool water 7. Collect samples of algae from experimental plots and from whole lakes 8. Collect water samples 9. Conduct amphibian surveys, collect and handle amphibians 10. Possibly collect freshwater benthic invertebrates 11. Collect quality data, and communicate data and observations to supervisor 12. Hike and perform in backcountry AND collect reliable samples/data AND enjoy the experience. Work at field station: 1. Experimental maintenance and sampling of algae microcosm experiments, indoors 2. Preparation and maintenance of sampling gear and data entry Interested students are encouraged to apply by 15 May 2010, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be currently enrolled in a college or university. A monthly stipend will be provided at the end of each month. Applications should be sent to [email protected] and should include: 1. unofficial copy of transcripts, 2. contact information for three references (e.g. employers, TAs, faculty), 3. CV / resume, and 4. one page statement that describes your interest in the position, previous research experience, and especially backcountry experience. Please confirm in your statement that you meet each eligibility requirement above (e.g., citizenship, enrolled in college, available July through late September). Thomas C. Smith [email protected] 805-893-2888 Ph.D. student Dept of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology University of California, Santa Barbara
