Wetland Research Crew Leader (Research Technician 2 Classification, 2 positions) Chippewa Moraine Ephemeral Ponds Project (University of Wisconsin-Stout)
Two Limited-Term Employment positions 40 hours / week from Mar, 2014 - Oct, 2014 (flexible). Pay: $12/hour (negotiable). 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 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, 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. In addition to interest in fieldwork, candidates should have skill in aquatic macroinvertebrate identification and/or laboratory chemical analysis. 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. * 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, including heat, rain, ticks, and mosquitoes. Desirable Qualifications * Three months professional experience in field or laboratory settings * Supervisory experience - of undergraduates, a plus * Expertise in aquatic macroinvertebrate identification and sampling * 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 on or before March 31 (flexible) and continue into September. 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]><mailto:[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>. Review of applications begins Friday, January 31. Positions are open until filled. Questions about the position can be addressed to Dr. Mandy Little ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]><mailto:[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>) or Dr. Jim Church ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]><mailto:[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. James Church, PhD Lecturer, Department of Biology University of Wisconsin - Stout 234E Jarvis Hall Science Wing Menomonie, WI 54751 Phone: 715-232-1448 http://www.uwstout.edu/faculty/churchjam/
