Wetland Research Crew Leader (Research Technician 2 Classification) University of Wisconsin-Stout Ephemeral Ponds Project
One Limited-Term Employment position 40 hours / week from April 22 – Oct, 2013 (flexible). Pay: $12/hour. Mileage from UW-Stout to field sites will be reimbursed at the state of WI rate of $0.352 per mile. Housing is not provided, but is inexpensive in the Menomonie area. Spend the spring and summer in the beautiful wooded kettles and ponds of the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area and Chippewa County Forest as a crew leader for a four-person crew sampling aquatic macroinvertebrates, amphibians, plants, hydrology, and water chemistry as part of a five-year National Science Foundation-funded research project based out of Menomonie, WI (home to UW-Stout). Crews will travel between wetlands, frequently working four 10-hour days per week. The crew leaders are responsible for assisting PIs in supervising undergraduate students in field sampling, chemical analyses, and lab identifications. Substantial laboratory work and skill in identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates is involved. Duties: · Supervise crew members in sampling aquatic macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and water. · Ensure that detailed an accurate records are kept. · Maintain and troubleshoot field equipment. · Lead undergraduates in fieldwork, including four 10-hour days. · Travel 100 miles per day roundtrip from Menomonie to field sites in Chippewa County. · Navigate to field sites using topographic maps, compass, and GPS units. · Hike through uneven terrain, off-trail. · Adhere to laboratory protocols and ensure chemical laboratory safety. · Use Trimble GPS technology to map wetland boundaries. · Process and identify macroinvertebrates using a dichotomous key and dissecting microscope. · Curate voucher specimen collections of macroinvertebrates and plants. · Supervise and troubleshoot data entry into MSExcel and/or MSAccess, and generate metadata. · Compile and analyze data for annual reports. · Maintain a positive attitude in occasionally difficult field conditions. Desirable Qualifications · Three months professional experience in field or laboratory settings · Supervisory experience – of undergraduates, a plus · Strong attention to detail and reliability · Mature and positive attitude, including during inclement weather and with biting flies · Expertise in aquatic macroinvertebrate identification and sampling · Ability to ride a bike and carry 20 pounds of equipment off-trail · Facility with Microsoft Excel and experience with Trimble GPS and ArcGIS. · Own a vehicle that you can drive 100 miles per day · Knowledge of plant taxonomic terminology and ability to identify plants in the field. · Ability to identify amphibians at different stages based upon sight and calls · Experience with water sampling and quantitative chemical analysis of water · Skilled in scientific writing and data analysis Preference will be given to applicants that can work beginning April 22 (flexible) and continue into October. However, other highly-qualified candidates may be considered. To apply, send cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and the contact information for three references to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Review of applications begins Friday, April 12. Position is open until filled. Questions about the position can be addressed to Dr. Mandy Little ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) or Dr. Jim Church ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>). University of Wisconsin-Stout values diversity of people, ideas and experiences. University of Wisconsin-Stout is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Thank you, Dr. Mandy Little Associate Professor, UW-Stout Biology: 331G Jarvis Hall Science Wing 712 S Broadway Menomonie, WI 54751 715-232-1148
