Summer Field Technician: Black ash wetland flora research
Position description:
The University of Minnesota Dept. of Forest and Natural Resource
Management is seeking an undergraduate student to assist on a project
assessing the impact of strategies to mitigate the impacts of emerald
ash borer on forest structure and function in black ash dominated
wetlands in northern Minnesota. A joint effort of the University of
Minnesota, University of Vermont, and USFS Northern Research Station,
this project uses a large-scale manipulative field experiment to
assess the response of vegetation communities and hydrology to black
ash mortality due to EAB and forest harvesting treatments.
Applicant requirements:
Applicants should have a background in forestry, ecology, natural
resources, environmental science or biology and should have previous
field experience. An excellent working knowledge of wetland plant
identification 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, insects,
rain, etc.). A valid driver's license issued by any U.S. state is
required and applicants must be able to work independently.
Responsibilities:
This position will involve intensive field work, including an
extensive quadrat survey of wetland forest understory plants and the
use of hemispherical photography to measure leaf area index under
various overstory treatments. Additional tasks may include
identifying and measuring forest trees and seedlings, collecting data
from water-monitoring stations, and data entry. Work will begin in
late May/early June and end in mid-August. Optional, dormitory-style
housing will be available in Grand Rapids, MN at a rate of
approximately $300/mo, including utilities and Wi-Fi. Hourly wage
will range from $10-$12, depending on experience.
Interested candidates should contact:
Candidates should send a short letter of interest, a resume with a
list of relevant coursework and experience, and contact information
for three references to Chris Looney
(<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]) by March 21, 2015.
As an institution committed to demonstrating excellence through
diversity, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource
Sciences is committed to hiring a diverse faculty and staff and
actively encourages candidates from historically underrepresented
groups to apply.
Christopher Looney
Ph.D. student
Department of Forest and Natural Resource Management
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]
