We seek a full-time Research Assistant at the MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (MAERC) at Buck Island Ranch, Lake Placid, Florida. Deadline to apply is May 9, 2014. Preferred start date is mid-June.
MAERC is a Division of Archbold Biological Station located at a 10,500-acre commercial cattle ranch, and is dedicated to long-term ecological research, education, and environmental stewardship. Archbold is a new member of the Long-term Agro-ecosystem Research Network. The Research Assistant will work in an agro-ecology research lab directed by Dr. Elizabeth Boughton. Current research is focused on community ecology and disturbance ecology (grazing, fire, and flooding) and a large collaborative project on greenhouse gas dynamics. Most research is focused on plant communities in wetlands, wet prairies, and grasslands embedded in low and high intensity ranchland in the Northern Everglades. Duties will include: 1) Managing MAERC's basic Chemistry Lab (main analyses are soil and water nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). Responsibilities include keeping the lab organized, organizing chemicals, being aware of safety protocols and MSDS sheets, and conducting analyses. 2) Managing MAERC's dry lab, including keeping the lab organized, sieving soil, weighing biomass, and organizing equipment. 3) Assisting with ongoing research and monitoring projects at MAERC, including projects in wetland ecology, long-term monitoring of groundwater and water quality, vegetation composition and biomass, collection and analysis of water and soil samples. 4) Data entry and quality assurance/quality check into Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access, including review of flagged values in weather databases. 5) Managing the equipment and vehicle needs of interns and graduate students. The successful candidate should have a B.S or M.S. in biology, ecology or related field, have field research experience, and have experience with spreadsheets and databases (MS Access). Experience with water quality analysis, groundwater wells, vegetation identification, and ArcGIS is a plus. We seek a highly motivated, organized, team player with a strong work ethic who is capable of rigorous fieldwork under hot, humid subtropical conditions, and is willing to live in a remote rural location. Interest in agro-ecosystems is essential. This is a full time position with low-cost housing provided on site. Salary will be dependent on experience, in the range of $26-31,000, plus benefits. Applicants should send 1) a letter of interest, 2) a resume, and 3) two letters of recommendation by May 9 to: Dr. Betsey Boughton at [email protected]. Position will remain open until filled. Contact Betsey Boughton via e-mail or at (863) 699-0242. Elizabeth Boughton Program Director, Agro-ecology Assistant Research Biologist MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center 300 Buck Island Ranch Road Lake Placid, FL 33852 863-699-0242 ext. 2
