Summer Field Assistants in Applied Forest Ecology Position description: The University of Minnesota Dept. of Forest Resources is seeking four undergraduate students to assist on a diversity of projects examining the ecological impacts of forest management practices, including biomass harvesting and prescribed burning, and disturbance agents, such as the emerald ash borer, on forest ecosystem structure and function in northern Minnesota. A joint effort between the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota and the USFS Northern Research Station, these projects utilize large-scale manipulative field experiments to assess the response of vegetation communities and soils to management practices and disturbance.
Applicant requirements: Applicants should have a background in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, ecology or biology, and should have previous field experience. A working knowledge of tree and shrub identification and common forest measurements is strongly desired. Applicants must be willing and able to work efficiently in remote forested settings as part of a research team. Applicants must also be able to hike through varied terrain to reach study areas and be willing to work long hours outdoors under various field conditions (heat, humidity, bugs, rain, etc.). Responsibilities: Work will involve extensive field work, including vegetation and woody debris data. These positions begin mid/late May 2013 and end mid/late August and will be located in Grand Rapids, MN. Dormitory-style housing will be available in Grand Rapids, MN at a rate of approximately $300 monthly, including Wi-Fi. Hourly wage will vary from $10-$12 depending on work experience. Application procedures: Please send resumé (including a list of relevant courses taken), short explanation of interest, and contact information for three references to Paul Klockow (klock...@umn.edu) by March 31, 2014. Interviews will commence in early April.
