Dr. Newingham’s Aridland Ecology Lab is seeking research technicians to assist with the collection and management of field data related to fire, climate change, and restoration/rehabilitation studies in the Great Basin and surrounding aridland ecosystems. This is a great opportunity to learn about natural resource issues and land management in collaboration with universities, state, and federal agencies.
Studies include: • Effects of climate change on plant invasions and reestablishing native plants after fire. • Evaluating how grazing after fire affects plant recovery and rehabilitation. • Effects of post-fire rehabilitation treatments on plants, biological soil crust, and soil properties. • Quantifying post-fire wind erosion and interactions with post-fire rehabilitation treatments. Job duties include: • Collecting plant and soil data in the field, sample organization, and sample processing in the lab. • Data entry and management in Excel. • Use of a GPS and ArcGIS. • Willingness to travel to remote field sites and camp in primitive settings. • Willingness and ability to work in varied field conditions that may involve: 1) off-road hiking up and down hills, 2) carrying loads up to 30 lbs, and 3) withstanding periods of inclement weather during all seasons. • Working with graduate students and other technicians in the lab. • Interacting with scientists and land managers from state and federal agencies, such as the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Department of Wildlife, UNR, and other universities. Minimum qualifications: • Education: Pursuing or attained a BS degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, geology, hydrology, or closely related field. • Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining accuracy and good organizational skills. • Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a group. • Strong oral and written communication skills. Preferred qualifications: • Plant identification, soil sampling and processing, proficiency in Excel and with GPS units. Please send a resume, unofficial transcript, a letter detailing your skills, experience, and/or interest, as well as contact information for three references to Beth Newingham at [email protected]. Full-time employment May – August with possible full or part- time work into fall and beyond pending funding. Review of applications will begin April 15, 2018 and continue until positions are filled.
