Quick Carbon at Yale University is hiring a Field Crew Lead for the summer. This is a full-time, paid position.
*About Quick Carbon* Quick Carbon is a research initiative led by the Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. The Quick Carbon team has developed a low-cost method for rapidly measuring soil carbon across large landscapes at fine spatial resolutions using field spectrometers. These affordable, pocket-sized devices estimate soil carbon using the reflectance of soils in the visible and infrared spectra. The inexpensive nature of this methodology lends land managers the ability to look at impacts of management decisions on below-ground carbon at broad extents and frequent time intervals. This summer, in collaboration with Noble Research Institute, Our Sci, Point Blue Conservation Science and partner ranches, the Quick Carbon team will further calibrate the device across three regions in the western US, including Montana and Wyoming. Find out more about Ucross and Quick Carbon at quickcarbon.org. *About the Position* Quick Carbon is seeking a Crew Lead to oversee the field technician team as it collects field measurements at select ranches in WY and MT. The position will be based out of Sheridan, Wyoming; however, the tasks involved will take place almost exclusively in the field, requiring extensive travel within and between ranches in WY and MT. The Crew Lead will lead a team of two field technicians. Quick Carbon will provide onsite training for sampling protocol and spectrometer usage during the first week of June. The sampling season will last three months, from June through August. The Crew Lead and technician team will work 10-hour days for four days a week, totaling 40 hours per week. The Crew Lead will be paid at a rate of $17 per hour. *Duties & Responsibilities* -The Crew Lead will ensure that the field team follows the sampling protocol and stays on schedule throughout the sampling season. -The field team will collect field measurements including: soil samples, spectrometer readings, and vegetation percent cover measurements, among other data. -Collected data will be entered onsite using a mobile application with bluetooth capabilities and synced to the spectrometer. -The field team will be responsible for traveling to sample sites and conducting fieldwork in a timely manner, following the summer sampling timeline. -The Crew Lead will be responsible for daily communication with ranch managers to ensure that research activities are not harming ranch operations. -The Crew Lead will report any delays or issues to the Quick Carbon project manager. *Preferred Qualifications* -Pursuing or have obtained a B.A. or B.S. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. -Experience with environmental fieldwork, including soil sampling, vegetation identification, accurate data collection procedures, and data entry. -Able to hike long distances, withstand summer weather conditions for long periods, and lift heavy items (50 lbs.) if needed for field safety. -Able to navigate in remote locations using maps, GPS units, etc. -Good time management, project management, and organizational skills. -Able to follow sampling protocols, stay on task, and work well under time constraints to meet sampling deadlines. -Strong interpersonal and communication skills. -A track record of maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, managers, landowners, and clients. -Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have a clean driving record. -Must pass a background check. *Deadline* Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to jaclyn.kachelme...@yale.edu. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 18th.
