A couple of applicants pointed out the error on my original posting regarding the starting and ending dates (which read 2012!) for this position. To clarify, those dates should be 2014, as modified below. The fact is that this will be the 3rd field season of a project that began in 2012. I was editing an old version of the ad, but didn't notice the error in dates. ________________________________________
We are hiring 1-2 technicians to serve as Lead or Assistant Crew Leaders and up to 8-10 additional field research assistants for a continuing project assessing the effects of the 2011 flood on floodplain forest vegetation along the Missouri River. Field work will occur this summer and will concentrate on sampling existing cottonwood forests and new recruitment along segments of the Missouri River in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Montana (different crews will be assigned to different areas). LEAD OR ASSISTANT CREW LEADERS ($13-$15/hr depending on qualifications and position) Preferred Qualifications: A BS or MS in ecology, forestry, botany, or a related field; strong skills and experience in identification and sampling of vascular plants in Great Plains riparian communities; experience with using Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS) and Trimble GPS; strong organizational and supervisory/leadership skills; and valid drivers license and clean driving record. Experience operating motor boats on large rivers would also be a plus. Field work will require work for extended periods of time under sometimes arduous field conditions and in remote locations away from campus, and may require camping. Travel expenses (lodging, food) during the field work will be covered for time on the road and for crews based away from Vermillion, SD. Expected start date by early June 2014 or earlier. Expected ending date in late August (although opportunities may exist for some additional work following the field season). FIELD ASSISTANTS (~$12/hr) Preferred Qualifications: A BS or current enrollment in a university program in biology, ecology, forestry, wildlife, or related field; ability to identify (or learn to identify) trees and shrubs within Great Plains riparian forests; experience with field research (particularly vegetation sampling); maturity and good people skills; interest in the work; and attention to detail. Experience using Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS), Trimble GPS, and experience boating on large rivers would also be pluses. Field work will require work for extended periods of time under sometimes arduous field conditions and in remote locations away from campus, and may require camping. Travel expenses (lodging, food) during the field work will be covered for time on the road and for crews based away from Vermillion, SD. Expected start date by mid June 2014. Expected ending date by mid to late August, 2014. Potential applicants for either position should email a letter of interest and a resume or CV that documents relevant experience and skills (e.g., those related to Preferred Qualifications) to Mark Dixon ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) at the University of South Dakota (http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biology/mark-dixon.cfm). Please indicate whether you are applying for a Lead/Assistant Crew Leader or field assistant position (or either), and also indicate if you have a geographic preference for where you would like to work (crew 1: central North Dakota and eastern Montana, crew 2: southeastern South Dakota and northeastern Nebraska, crew 3: eastern Nebraska and western Iowa). Mark Dixon Associate Professor University of South Dakota Department of Biology 414 E. Clark Street Vermillion, SD 57069 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
