Wetland Research Crew Leader (Two Positions: Botany or Aquatics) University of Wisconsin-Stout Ephemeral Ponds Project
Experience the beautiful wooded wetlands of the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area in western Wisconsin. We are recruiting two crew leaders for a four-person crew sampling aquatic macroinvertebrates, amphibians, plants, hydrology, and water chemistry as part of a five-year National Science Foundation-funded research project based out of Menomonie, WI. Crews work four 10-hour days per week. The crew leaders are responsible for assisting PIs in supervising undergraduate students in field sampling, chemical analyses, and lab identifications. We are recruiting two crew leaders: • One position requiring additional experience in field plant identification. • One position specializing in water chemistry and/or aquatic macroinvertebrates. Duties: • Supervise crew members in sampling vegetation, aquatic macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and water. • Botany position: Independently conduct botanical surveys in August and September following established protocols. • Aquatics position: Supervise water chemistry and macroinvertebrate data collection and sample processing. • Ensure that detailed an accurate records are kept. • Maintain and troubleshoot field equipment. • Lead undergraduates in fieldwork, including four 10-hour days and occasional camping. • Travel 100 miles per day roundtrip from Menomonie to field sites in Chippewa County. • Navigate to field sites using topographic maps, compass, and GPS units. • Hike through uneven terrain, off-trail. • Adhere to laboratory protocols and ensure chemical laboratory safety. • Process and identify macroinvertebrate samples using a dichotomous key and dissecting microscope. • Supervise and troubleshoot data entry into MSExcel and/or MSAccess, and generate metadata. • Compile and analyze data for annual reports. • Maintain a positive attitude in occasionally difficult field conditions. Desirable Qualifications • Three months experience (bachelor’s degree preferred but not required) • Supervisory experience – of undergraduates, a plus • Strong attention to detail, organization, and reliability • Mature and positive attitude toward work in the field with biting flies, ticks, and rain • Ability to carry 20 pounds of equipment off-trail • Facility with Microsoft Excel and experience with ArcGIS • Own a vehicle that you can drive 100 miles per day • Willingness to occasionally camp in the field • Botany: Experience identifying plants in the field and conducting vegetation surveys • Aquatics: Experience with water sampling and quantitative chemical analysis of water and/or aquatic macroinvertebrate identification Pay: $15/hour. Mileage from UW-Stout to field sites will be reimbursed at the state of WI rate of $0.352 per mile. Housing is not provided, but is inexpensive in the Menomonie area. Dates: Position start date is flexible in April/early May 2017. LTE employment will end in September, 2017 after roughly 22-23 weeks depending on funds. Excellent applicants with limited academic year availability will be considered. To apply or for questions: Address questions to Dr. Mandy Little at [email protected] (715-232-1148). Send a brief cover letter indicating availability dates and resume/CV with contact information for three professional references to Dr. Mandy Little at [email protected] . Deadline: Review of applications will begin Monday, Jan 30, 2017 and continue until positions are filled.
