*Project Description* Biodiversity, or the number of species present in a given place, safeguards essential ecosystem functions and is important for production of goods and services valuable to humans. How species sharing a limited number of resources are able to live in the same place at the same time is a fundamental scientific question. Because these species share common resources, their ability to coexist is sensitive to environmental conditions, and any change in their interactions with the environment and each other could result in extinction. Specifically, warming temperatures are causing plants to begin blooming earlier in the season for some species, while others are actually blooming later than in the past. If all of the species in the community respond differently to the same environmental cue, certain plants might now flower at the same time and thus compete for the same pollinators. This research project examines the relationship between timing of life cycle events and the ability of two plant species to coexist.
*Location* The field technician will live in a cabin with other researchers at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory located in southwestern Colorado. *Benefits and pay* This job pays $9-11/hour depending on experience. The employee is responsible for parking fees at RMBL. Transportation from RMBL to all field sites will be provided (car or hiking). The technician will be required to pay for their own food expenses, but all other costs (housing from now until July 9th and station fees) will be covered. *Dates* As soon as possible until July 9th, 2016. *Expectations* The field assistant will be asked to aid in data collection, entry, and analysis. This includes pollinator observations, assisting in demographic data collection on perennial plants, and assessing phenology of plants in pre-existing plots. Previous field experience of any kind is preferred, but we are willing to accept students who have a strong interest in ecology. The technician will be expected to attend weekly seminars at RMBL, participate in a weekly meeting to discuss journal articles, and work five days per week in the field (approximately 40 hours per week). Field work can be strenuous (hiking at high elevations) and often involve long days in the sun. *Application* Please send a cover letter and resume to Rebecca Dalton ([email protected]) as soon as possible. Application is open until the position is filled. Check the link below before applying to make sure the job is still available. Applicants must be male due to previously arranged housing accommodations. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]. https://docs.google.com/document/d/10716-YolPoDh4vycLujIUisvO5mmZs6rYO4BiNepfyQ/edit? usp=sharing Rebecca M. Dalton [email protected] University Program in Ecology, Duke University Box 90338 Durham NC 27707 http://rebeccadalt.weebly.com
