These two summer positions involve the establishment of the 25.6 ha Utah Forest Dynamics Plot, to be located in the northern portion of the Cedar Breaks National Monument in old-growth, high-elevation mixed conifer forest. Tasks include surveying a grid on 20 m centers with Total Stations and GPS (as possible). Some tree locations will also be mapped with the Total Station and tree information collected. Some overview images are available at: http://www.gigapan.com/profiles/WesternForestInitiative or the Facebook group “Utah Forest Dynamics Plot”.
Qualifications: Previous experience taking vegetation research data, working safely in challenging environments, and following complex data collection protocols is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to solve problems and to work both in teams of two or three. Work will involve moving through sometimes steep, rocky terrain with delicate, expensive, and heavy equipment. Surveying experience is preferred; GIS experience or a GIS course is required. Staff must have a driver’s license and a Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification (or higher) valid until September 30, 2014 (if you are not certified, please include your plans for certification in your cover letter). Other: Practical experience in the operation and maintenance of computer, electronic, and mechanical equipment; familiarity with a variety of software and instrumentation; and experience with periods of outdoor living are all positives. The research site and campground are at an elevation of 3,000 m. Duration: Late-June – mid-September 2014; scheduling depends on when the winter snow melts, and also when our permits are finalized. If circumstances cause delay, staff will be able to work on my other field crews. Salary: $10 to $13 per hour, depending on experience. Camping accommodations (with hot showers) provided. The work schedule is four, ten hour days per week. Apply: Please assemble all of the following into a single PDF file and email it to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> – 1) A one-page cover letter describing your interests, reasons for applying, and specific dates of availability (including any planned mid-summer absences), 2) A resume or CV, no longer than two pages, 3) Unofficial transcripts, and 4) Phone numbers and email addresses of references (please do not send letters of reference). Contact Jim Lutz at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> with questions. Application deadline: February 28, 2014. Decisions: March 31, 2014. Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier. James A Lutz Assistant Professor, Forest Ecology Wildland Resources Department Utah State University 5230 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322-5230 Office: (435) 797-0478
