Job Title: Field Assistant (Temporary) Agency: Purdue University - Dept. of Forestry & Natural Resources Closing Date: February 27, 2015 or until filled Job Duration: May 1- November 30, 2015 (approximate) Compensation: $11.00 per hour and housing* The Field Assistant will help carry out research on the effects of silvicultural treatments on the ecology of managed forests as part of the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE). The primary duties of this position will include conducting breeding bird surveys (May-June), small mammal trapping (July-August, October), and woodland salamander surveys (Sept.-Nov). This position will have additional responsibility for assisting with acorn surveys, data collection for prescribed fire treatments, and other tasks as assigned. The field assistant will, under the direction of the HEE field crew supervisor, oversee a field crew of up to 7 people from May-August with responsibilities including planning daily activities, ensuring safety protocols are followed, preparing and maintaining equipment and vehicles, ensuring data quality, and communicating with the HEE field crew supervisor and project coordinator. This position will serve as the facility manager for the HEE housing facility during the summer field season.
Field work will be conducted at Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood State Forests near Martinsville, IN and Bloomington, IN (respectively). This position requires the ability and willingness to work outdoors in remote locations, rough terrain, and potentially inclement weather conditions. Applicants should be comfortable working both alone and as a part of a team. Work weeks will generally consist of five 8-hour days. Work will not exceed 40 hours in a week. The successful applicant will be subjected to a comprehensive background check managed by Purdue University's Human Resources department. The final hire is contingent upon clearance of this background check. Desired qualifications: Bachelor's degree in wildlife ecology, biology, forestry or related natural resources field preferred Experience conducting auditory and sight based bird surveys Experience with small mammal trapping and handling techniques Strong bird and mammal identification skills Experience with hand-held GPS units, maps and compass Valid driver's license and a good driving record Experience or training in the safe operation of ATVs First aid certification, red card certification and chainsaw safety training preferred Please contact Dr. Barny Dunning ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) for questions related to bird surveys or Dana Nelson ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) for questions related to small mammal trapping. General questions regarding the position may also be directed to Dr. Mike Saunders ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>). To apply, please complete a HEE field crew application, available for download at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/programs/hee/Pages/jobs.aspx or by contacting the HEE field crew supervisor (information below). Send this application along with a current resume including references and a brief letter of interest by email to: Jeff Riegel, HEE Field Crew Supervisor, [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>, (812) 340-1255 *Bunkhouse/camp style field housing is provided from May-August, and may be available earlier. Residents will be required to pay a $300 refundable security deposit prior to beginning work in addition to a $20 non-refundable cleaning fee. Residents will also be required to help with regular cleaning and general upkeep of the facility. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer, fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.
