Plant Ecology field/lab volunteer position with USGS, Hawaii. This
volunteer position starts October 1, 2017 and lasts 6 months; housing and
per diem are provided. We are looking for a motivated intern with
field/lab experience to work on a project in mid-elevation mesic forest on
Hawaii Island relating to invasive plants, native birds, and ecosystem
restoration. In particular, the work focuses on how plant-soil
interactions and bird dispersal of native seed affect native understory
regeneration in Acacia koa reforestation projects, therefore previous
experience with plant/soil sampling and labwork is desirable. Field
responsibilities include: collecting plant survey data, maintaining and
collecting seedrain traps, outplanting experimental plants, collecting
plant foliar and litter samples, weedwacking grass, soil coring. Field
sites are in Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge at 5000-7000 ft
elevation and may be cold and wet OR hot and dry depending on time of
year. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, hike over
rough terrain long distances carrying field gear, navigate using
GPS/compass, and drive a 4x4 automatic vehicle on unpaved roads. Lab
responsibilities include: grinding plant material, soil sieving, soil
extractions, data entry, processing seed rain samples, processing bird
fecal samples for seed. Compensation is $1040/month per diem and housing
is provided in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or at Hakalau depending on
field schedule; transportation provided to and from work and to Hilo for
supplies. Airfare is only provided from Oahu to Hilo. There is no WIFI at
the field site. To apply, please send AS A SINGLE DOCUMENT 1. brief cover
letter highlighting relevant experience and why you are interested in the
position, 2. resume, and 3. name, address, phone number, and email address
of at least 3 references to Dr. Stephanie Yelenik, USGS Pacific Island
Ecosystems Research Center, [email protected]. Applications will be
considered as they are received to fill the position quickly, and priority
given to those who can start in October.
