Research Technician Position Available for Spring 2018 Prescribed fire effects in pine barrens restoration
Department of Plant, Soil & Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University and USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station The Department of Plant, Soil & Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University, in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, is seeking a motivated seasonal research technician for Spring 2018, to assist with a fire effects study in the ecologically unique Moquah Barrens, located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin. The overall project is focused on investigating soil heating processes and the effects of soil heating on soil carbon, nutrients, seedbanks and hardwood regeneration. The technician will be responsible for completing plot preparation activities and performing vegetation, soil and fuels field measurements and sampling (near Ashland, WI) in partnership with other field personnel. Some travel between Ashland and other project facilities in Rhinelander, WI and/or Grand Rapids, MN may also be required, with timing depending on weather and phenology. A summary of the overall project is available here: http://www.firescience.gov/JFSP_advanced_search_results_deta il.cfm?jdbid=%24%26J3%3CW%40%20%20%0A <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.firescience.gov_JFSP-5Fadvanced-5Fsearch-5Fresults-5Fdetail.cfm-3Fjdbid-3D-2524-2526J3-253CW-2540-2520-2520-250A&d=DwMFaQ&c=nE__W8dFE-shTxStwXtp0A&r=ez5Z6MtsuXOFUdB7DuaqPg&m=yyDWF2yCE9WGqzlbaqdetGkwuEJLCTxJjXinO00Evas&s=agxkbtphpa_wgfow4H52uirtbDpFkl3W-ebe6AaQ-f0&e=> Dates: This position will be available between early/mid-April through mid/late June 2018. The actual start and end dates are flexible, so please specify the dates of your availability in your application. Qualifications: The successful applicant will have the following knowledge, skills and abilities: 1) previous research or monitoring experience in one or more of the following areas: soil sampling and/or analysis, ecological monitoring, fuel inventories, or similar; 2) excellent organization and communication skills; 3) demonstrated ability to work well independently and in a team environment, and to be comfortable navigating frequently changing daily/weekly project priorities individually and in a team; 4) demonstrated commitment to completing work with a high level of initiative, skill, and professionalism; 5) a high aptitude for outdoor physical activity, including ability to navigate on- and off-road using maps, compass, and gps units; and 6) ability to operate field vehicles and possession of a valid US driver’s license. Working conditions: The position will be largely field-based, although work in a greenhouse and/or sample processing lab will occasionally be required. Field conditions may include exposure to inclement weather, full sun, biting insects, and poison ivy. Responsibilities will require walking over uneven terrain; lifting and carrying field packs weighing up to 40 lb.; bending, squatting, kneeling, sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; operating measurement or sampling equipment with a strong level of fine motor skills; performing repetitive tasks with a high level of precision and accuracy; maintaining project records and communicating regularly with the project investigators. Personal protective equipment necessary for performing the position will be provided. Technicians will be responsible for providing their own personal field gear (appropriate field clothing, footwear, daypack, etc.). Salary: Hourly wage commensurate with experience, for 40 hours/week during the duration of employment. Location: The field site is located near Ashland, WI. Housing is not provided; however, options for shared housing with other project personnel may be available. Occasional overnight travel to assist with other project activities may be required. To Apply: Applicants should email *as a single PDF*: 1) a letter of interest detailing (a) your qualifications for the position, (b) the dates of your availability; 2) resume/CV with list of relevant coursework; and 3) a list of three professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number), to Dr. Kathleen Quigley at quigl...@msu.edu. Please name your file as: LastnameFirstname_Application_YYYYMMDD. Application deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis beginning February 12, 2018 so you are encouraged to apply as early as possible. For more information: Email questions to Dr. Kathleen Quigley (Postdoctoral Associate and field crew supervisor) at quigl...@msu.edu and Dr. Jessica Miesel at miese...@msu.edu. -- *Jessica R. Miesel, PhD*Assistant Professor Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Michigan State University 1066 Bogue St., Room A286 East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Office location: PSSB 560 Office phone: 517-353-0485 <(517)%20353-0485> Lab location: Natural Resources 103 Email: miese...@msu.edu Google voice (mobile): 920-341-3473 <(920)%20341-3473> Website: http://www.for.msu.edu/people/jessica_miesel
