B4Warmed Overview: Northern Minnesota is a focal point of potential climate warming impacts because it sits at the transition between boreal and temperate forest biomes. B4WARMED (Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) is a unique manipulative experiment that warms plants and soil in the field to examine tree seedling and germinant response to warming with respect to physiology, phenology, growth, and survival. For more information: http://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/Research/B4WARMED/index.htm
Position overview: We seek undergraduate or newly graduated students with a background or interest in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field for paid field research internships ($10/hr). Interns are needed primarily from the middle/end of August through October/November. Work days are eight hours Monday through Friday, however some tasks require early morning, evening, or weekend work. A valid drivers license is required. Personal vehicles helpful but not required. Variety of tasks to be completed, though tree biometric measurements in the field will be the main focus. Time will be split between data collection, site maintenance, and occasional laboratory work. Responsibilities: Collect biotic and abiotic data in field and laboratory settings in accordance with established protocols Measure plant growth, physiology, and phenology Routine maintenance of field sites, field instruments, and research equipment, including a Licor 6400xt. Lab work includes data entry, biomass assessments and leaf area analysis Aiding principle investigators and graduate students as needed. Desired qualifications: 1) Eagerness to work hard in an outdoor setting. 2) Capacity to collect data following established protocols. 3) Familiarity with plant and tree species of northern Minnesota. 4) Willingness to work well and play well with others. 5) Curiosity and passion for the natural world. 6) Flexibility to adapt to a frequently changing schedule. Research sites: Field work will be split between research sites at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Cloquet, MN (http://cfc.cfans.umn.edu/) and the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, MN. Both research sites are in beautiful forested settings and provide access to the natural areas of northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Travel between sites will be necessary. An individuals home base may be at either of these locations and will be determined by the site management and workload. On-site housing with cooking facilities is available for a small fee. Application: Applications are due June 15, after which they will be reviewed and potential candidates will be contacted for a phone interview. Hiring decisions will be made by the end of June or early July. Please send cover letter (including available working dates), one-page resume, and contact information for two references electronically to: Karen Rice [email protected] Department of Forest Resources University of Minnesota St Paul, MN 55108 USA
