FOREST DEMOGRAPHY AND FIRE EFFECTS: These positions will involve examining forest research plots for mortality and recruitment, mapping down woody debris, and undertaking ancillary tasks such as seedling surveys, dendrometer measurements, and soil work. Work will begin in the Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot (Yosemite National Park) and continue to the Wind River Forest Dynamics Plot (Gifford Pinchot National Forest), and end in the Utah Forest Dynamics Plot (Cedar Breaks National Monument). At Yosemite and Wind River, the crew will work with and train volunteers (students and citizen-scientists). We seek two field crew members and one field crew lead to join our team of scientists.
DURATION: Mid-May through mid-August. The work schedule is four, ten-hour days per week. Because we don’t work under inclement conditions, the crew will need to be flexible. SALARY: $12.50 per hour for the crew, $15.00 for the crew lead. Campground and field station accommodations are provided (camping at Yosemite and Cedar Breaks, field station at Wind River). Actual gas expenses (with receipts and mileage log) for travel between the crew’s residences and each of the field sites will be reimbursed. QUALIFICATIONS: Previous experience taking vegetation research data, working safely in challenging environments, and following complex data collection protocols is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to solve problems, to work both independently and in teams of two or three, and to work with students and volunteers. Work will involve moving through sometimes rough terrain carrying delicate and expensive equipment, as well as carrying up to 10 kg of additional gear. Knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and forest insects is helpful, as is solid experience with outdoor living. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, good driving history (no recent DUI or reckless driving), and a Wilderness First Aid certification valid for the season (Wilderness First Responder preferred; urban first aid/CPR not enough). APPLY: Please assemble the following into a single PDF file and email it to [email protected] – 1) a one-page cover letter describing your reasons for applying, specific dates of availability (including any planned mid-summer absences, or a statement that you plan none), and confirmation of your first aid certification, 2) a resume, no longer than two pages, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) names, phone numbers and email addresses of three references. The application deadline is January 31, 2018, but applications will be reviewed beginning immediately. Usually, we have made our staffing decisions by early February. Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier. Additional information and background at: http://westernforestinitiative.org, http://yfdp.org, http://wfdp.org, and http://ufdp.org. Each of the research plots also has a Facebook page with general photos of the work sites and activities.
