Positions Available: Ecology Field Research Interns
B4WARMED (Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) is a manipulative experiment that warms plants and soil in the field to examine tree seedling response to warming with respect to physiology, phenology, growth, and survival. For more information: http://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/Research/B4WARMED/. Position overview: We seek one independent and mature field assistant with a background in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field for a paid field research internship ($10/hr). The season starts in early April and runs into early August, start dates are flexible around these weeks. Typical work days are eight hours Monday through Friday, however tasks will require early morning, evening, or weekend work. A valid driver’s license is required. The intern will work and travel mostly independently and occasionally in a pair or small group. Maturity to work autonomously and for long hours is required. Responsibilities: • Work independently to collect biotic and abiotic data in field and lab settings in accordance with established protocols • Measure seedling growth, germination, physiology, and phenology • Measure soil characteristics and microbe activity • Routine maintenance of field sites and research equipment. • Data entry using Excel and Google Drive • Travel frequently between sites • Employ experimental drought treatment • Aiding principle investigators and graduate students as needed. Desired qualifications: 1) Eagerness to work hard in an outdoor setting. 2) Capacity to collect data following established protocols. 3) Familiarity with plant and tree species of northern Minnesota. 4) Willingness to work well and live with alone and with others in a remote area. 5) Demonstrated ability to work under changing weather conditions and with large swarms of insects. 6) Ability to adapt to a frequently changing schedule with frequent travel. Research sites: Field work will be split between research sites at the Cloquet Forestry Center in Cloquet, MN (http://cfc.cfans.umn.edu/) and the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, MN. Both research sites are in beautiful forested settings and provide access to the natural areas of northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. An individual’s home base will be at either of these locations, though travel between sites will be required depending on project needs. University vehicles are used for such travel. On-site housing with furnishing and a kitchen will be available for $150/month. Contact: Please send cover letter (including available working dates), one-page resume, and contact information for two references electronically to: Karen Rice [email protected] University of Minnesota 1530 Cleveland Ave N. St Paul, MN 55108 USA Highest priority will be given to applications arriving by April 1.
