·Start Date: approximately April 1^st , 2017 (field season: April 1^st –
Oct 31^st )
o*Will consider hiring for part of field season
·Last date to apply: February 15^th , 2017 (positions open until filled)
·This position provides food and lodging at the Flathead Lake Biological
Station and just outside Glacier National Park. Travel among field
sites, and a monthly stipend starting after the first 4 months will also
be paid.
Description:
As part of an NSF-funded project, The University of
Montana is seeking two highly motivated interns to work on a field crew
on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River near Glacier National Park, MT
and also on the Methow River, WA. *River floodplains are among the most
diverse yet endangered landscapes on the earth, however the
invertebrate* *communities have not been extensively studied* yet. These
interns will assist in collecting data for a new study concerning the
impact of climate change on the diversity among insects, crustaceans and
other arthropods in river floodplains. Data collected during field
activities will be analyzed using novel genomic tools and modeling
frameworks to assess the genetics, populations, and functional trait
diversity among floodplain arthropods. The field crew will at times, be
working together with United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S) and
community members to conduct bioblitz sampling. The interns will have
free time to hike, fish, float the wild and scenic rivers. They will
also be exposed to multiple agency researchers and mangers to help
understand different career options in biology.
The field season will run from the beginning of April
through the end of October with varying duties throughout the season.
Preference will be given to those applicants who can commit to all or
most of the field season. Field sites are located on floodplains of the
Middle Fork of the Flathead River and in Washington’s Methow drainage.
Field sampling will be conducted from April-October both in the main
river and in the hyporheic zone of river floodplains. We will sample
macroinvetebrates in the main river and off-channel habitats using kick
nets, and an extensive network of groundwater wells will be sampled to
remove macroinvertebrates from the hyporheic zone of the river
floodplains. At least once each season we will conduct extensive
bioblitz sampling to collect macroinvertebrates from all habitat types
and floodplains within a 24 hour period.
Applicants will be trained in and participate in macroinvetebrate
identification in the laboratory. Other work may include training in DNA
extraction, respiration experiments, and/or other lab methodology.
Interns will be responsible for keeping all sampling gear organized, and
having the equipment ready on a daily basis.
Interns will also have opportunities to interact with
students and faculty at the Flathead Lake Biological Station. UM’s
Flathead Lake Biological Station is one of the oldest active biological
field research stations in the United States. It was established near
Bigfork in 1899 and moved to Flathead Lake’s Yellow Bay in 1908.The
station conducts multiple college courses, graduate programs, workshops,
and research on genes to landscapes focused on the Crown of the
Continent ecosystem and other systems from Yellowstone to China and
worldwide. This internship is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable
knowledge of river ecology, gain experience in aquatic ecology field
techniques, and to make valuable connections with a diversity of
professionals working in aquatic ecology, conservation biology, and
genetics. It is also a great opportunity to work, explore, and live in
one of the most beautiful areas of the country.
This work is part of an NSF-funded project to study
river biodiversity led by PI Dr. Gordon Luikart, co-PI’s Dr. Jack
Stanford and Dr. Brian Hand, and post-doctoral scholar, Dr. Rachel Malison.
Qualifications:
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Ecology, or a
related field, or be currently enrolled in a bachelors program in one of
these fields. Completion of at least 4 total semesters in biology,
chemistry, environmental science, or equivalent is required. Preference
will be given to students who have demonstrated passion and proficiency
in field-related activities in their major program. Familiarity and
passion for working with aquatic macroinvertebrates is desirable.
Applicant would ideally have his/her own vehicle, and be willing to
drive to locations where help is needed throughout the season. Some
travel can be reimbursed.
Applicants should be mature, hardworking individuals with good
organizational skills and attention to detail. They should work well as
part of a team, and have a positive attitude, a desire to learn, and a
good sense of humor. A good applicant will be in good health, and be
capable of hiking in rough terrain through thick vegetation and be able
to lift up to 75 lbs. Applicants should have experience wading in swift
currents over slippery rocks. They should also be comfortable using
their hands in cold water for extended periods of time. Long hours are
common during seasonal bioblitz sampling events, and fieldwork will be
conducted regardless of the weather. Applicants should be comfortable
working in inclement weather. Mosquitoes can be persistent through
parts of the field season, and fieldwork will be conducted in bear
country. Applicants must be comfortable carrying bear spray and willing
to follow bear safety protocol.
Most of all, *applicants should have a passion for
aquatic ecology, interest in learning about biodiversity conservation,
macroinvertebrates, and river floodplains,* and be confident in their
ability to fit the job description above.
To Apply:
If interested in this position please send the following to Dr. Rachel
Malison, at wilkrach@gmail: An application should include a Cover Letter
describing your interest and qualifications for this position, your
resume, and at least one professional reference, all attached as a
single PDF document. Please include your DATES OF AVAILABILITY in this
email.
--
Rachel L. Malison, PhD
Marie Curie Fellow and Research Ecologist
Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)
P.O. Box 5685 Sluppen
NO-7485 Trondheim, Norway
Phone: +47 404 93 910; Fax: +47 73 80 1401
