The College of Forestry at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon is recruiting a field technician to assist with a study of historical fire regimes and forest dynamics in mixed-conifer and lodgepole pine forests. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in dendroecology and forest mensuration. Please contact Andrew Merschel at [email protected] if you are interested in this position.
Position Details: •Job Location: Corvallis and Chiloquin, Oregon •Pay: $13.00 per hour up to 40 hours per week •Start date: August 8, 2016 •End date: Flexible based on academic schedule. There is an opportunity for part time work (up to 20 hour per week) when classes resume. •Work Environment: The technician is required to work outdoors in all weather conditions, traverse steep, rugged, slippery, uneven terrain with dense vegetation while carrying up to 40 lbs of materials. Position Duties: •10% - Navigate to and from research sites using topographic maps, compass, and GPS. Record spatial data (sample locations) using GPS and field notes. •20% - Assist with layout and measurement of forest inventory plots. Record data on trees and understory vegetation. •20% - Assist with fire scar sampling: locate fire-scarred trees, package and label samples for storage and transport, and haul samples off-site for analysis. •20% - Collect tree cores and fire scar cross sections from trees, stumps, and logs. •10% - Clean and maintain field equipment daily •20% - Prepare tree cores and fire scar cross sections for analysis. Includes cleaning, gluing, and sanding cross sections. Minimum Qualifications: Two years of college-level courses in biology, ecology, forestry or a closely related field. Must possess good interpersonal skills and be able to work efficiently independently and as part of a team. Must be currently enrolled as a student or enrolled in Spring 2016 and Fall 2016 to qualify. Preferred Qualifications: •Experience with field navigation, measurement of forest inventory plots, collection of tree cores, location and collection of fire scars, and organizing and preparing fire scar cross sections. •Experience working in rugged forest terrain. •Thoroughness and attention to detail and a positive, focused attitude. •First Aid Certification/Training
