Summer Field Opportunities in Plant Ecology and Restoration College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana
The University of Montanas Forest Ecology Lab (http://www.cfc.umt.edu/forestecology/) and Restoration Ecology Lab (www.cfc.umt.edu/nelsonrestorationlab/) seek to hire a crew co-lead and field research technicians to assist with several ecology studies during summer 2012. The crew co-lead will be directly responsible for gathering spatial and structural forestry data with a 2-3 person crew. In addition the crew co-lead will coordinate efficient work schedules with the other co-lead ensuring data on forest spatial patterns and forest overstory structure is gathered in a timely fashion. Co-leads and assistants will work in teams, collecting data on overstory and understory vegetation as well as environmental conditions. Overnight travel and camping will be required. Field vehicles will be provided. For summer 2012, we will be hiring for the following projects: Efficacy and Ecological Impacts of Treatments to Restore Whitebark Pine in the Inland Northwest (Montana, Idaho, and Washington) A three-four person team will collect data on whitebark pine growth, cone production, and survival after restoration treatments. Data on key understory plants will also be collected. Study sites will be located across the inland Northwest and will require extended periods in the field. Efficacy and Ecological Impacts of Restoration Treatments in the Southwest Crown of the Continent (Montana) Three crews of two-four people will collect data on 1) understory plant abundance and fitness (growth, survival, and reproduction), 2) overstory structure and spatial patterns, 3) surface fuels, and 4) soils. This project is part of the Southwest Crown of the Continent Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (http://www.swcrown.org/). Qualifications: Positions are best suited to individuals that: have or are working toward a degree in ecology or a related field; have previous experience sampling vegetation; and are familiar with flora of the interior Northwest. Candidates should have a high aptitude for following complex data-collection protocols, solving problems with minimal supervision, and working both independently and in teams of two or three. Candidates must have the patience to move through rough terrain with delicate and expensive equipment, be in good physical condition and be able to work long hours in adverse weather. Salary: $11.00 - $14.00/hr, depending upon experience. Duration and schedule: Positions will start in June and last through mid‐August or mid-September 2012. The work schedule will vary by project, but in general will either be four or eight consecutive 10-hr days, followed by three or six days off, respectively. Application process: Application review will be on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. To apply, please assemble the following into a single PDF and email to [email protected]: 1) a one-page cover letter describing a) your interests and qualifications for one or more of the positions described above, b) your dates of availability; 2) a resume or CV; 3) copies of either college transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable) or professional work products; and 4) contact information for two references with firsthand knowledge of your work experience and aptitude (please do not send letters of reference). For more information, please contact Ashley Juran ([email protected]).
