Field ecology summer research assistant position in the Rockies!
Full-time field technician positions through
University of California Merced. May October 2013
We are seeking one outstanding field technician
to assist in an experiment studying the effects
of global warming on treeline dynamics
(https://alpine.ucmerced.edu/pub/htdocs/index.html).
The work will take place at the University of
Colorado Mountain Research Station at Niwot
Ridge, near Boulder, Colorado
(http://www.colorado.edu/mrs/). The successful
applicant will monitor subalpine tree seedling
survival in experimental forest and alpine field
sites, document naturally-occurring recruitment
and demography patterns, collect and sow seeds,
and assist with aerial vegetation surveys, alpine
plant surveys, seeding physiological
measurements, watering treatments, and infrastructure support.
Education/Experience: The positions will provide
great experience for any individual interested in
high elevation plant ecology and climate change.
Strong applicants will either be currently
enrolled in or have graduated from a program in
forestry, ecology and evolution, environmental
science, botany, or a related field. And they
will have knowledge of Rocky Mountain forest
systems and species. Ability to enjoy long days
of repetitive but meaningful work is strongly
desired. Applicants must have proven experience
in working and living well with others, be highly
organized, responsible, and attentive to detail.
We require technicians with a high level of
physical fitness, who are not afraid of hard
work, and have a sincere interest in ecological field research.
Conditions: Applicants must be enthusiastic about
and capable of carrying a pack with equipment,
working and hiking at high elevations (up to
11,500). Candidates will be required to provide
their own personal field gear. Successful
candidates must be able to be fully alert and
organized by 7am and to work long hours in often
inclement weather. Snow is likely, and rain and
high winds are inevitable. Field work may be cut
short by weather on some days, but go longer on other days.
Pay: $13-17/hour, depending on experience, and
lodging at the Mountain Research Station.
To Apply: Complete applications should include a
cover letter (indicating available dates), a
resume, transcripts (unofficial ok), and two
letters of recommendation. Submit application
materials to Dr. Cristina Castanha
([email protected]). All application materials
should clearly indicate your name and the
position (Niwot Field Assistant). Applications
will be accepted until the position is filled.
The end date will be after all seeds are
collected and sown prior to snowfall and is
usually Oct 31 but may be later. Please contact
Cristina via email with any questions.
Please also contact us for information regarding
research opportunities for Graduate Students and
Science Teachers. Contact Dr. Castanha or any of
the project PIs: Lara Kueppers (UC Merced),
Margaret Torn (UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley
National Lab), John Harte (UC Berkeley), Jeff
Mitton (CU Boulder), or Matt Germino (Idaho State University).
