TWO FULL-TIME POSITIONS TROPICAL RESPONSES TO ALTERED CLIMATE EXPERIMENT
The Tropical Responses to Altered Climate Experiment (TRACE; forestwarming.org) is seeking two dynamic, resourceful, and highly organized individuals with a strong scientific background to assist the Principle Investigators in coordinating and maintaining a climate change experiment taking place in the Luquillo Experimental Forest in eastern Puerto Rico. TRACE is an in-situ field warming experiment that aims to study the effects of climate change on tropical forests, particularly effects on carbon and nutrient cycling. Both positions are full-time, contractual positions, based at the Sabana Field Research Station in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. PROJECT COORDINATOR We seek an individual with strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills to work with the Project Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the project. Specifically, the Project Coordinator will be responsible for general project administration, management of volunteers and interns, social media, and educational outreach. Examples of tasks include coordinating intern hiring and volunteer schedules, facilitating outreach activities such as educational tours of the project, engaging in social media, coordinating with contractors and field station staff on day-to-day operations, managing budgets and purchasing, maintaining orderly and detailed records for paperwork, and assisting as needed with field and lab work. Required experience and skills include: 1) Master of Science degree or equivalent work experience in Biology, Ecology, Earth, Environmental Science or related field; 2) excellent written and verbal communication skills with fluency in both English and Spanish to communicate with scientists, the general public, contractors and support staff and to write scientific reports and a blog for the project; 3) experience with project and budget management as well as purchasing; 4) excellent interpersonal and leadership skills to coordinate day-to-day research activities for TRACE and to supervise and schedule with contractors, interns, students, and volunteers; 5) a valid driver’s license; and 6) willingness to occasionally conduct physically demanding field work under climatically challenging conditions. Other highly valued skills include: website design, database management, forestry knowledge, laboratory experience, and experience working in tropical countries. SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN We are seeking a full-time Scientific Technician to conduct day-to-day field and laboratory research as well as general equipment maintenance for the project. The Scientific Technician will report directly to the on-site Project Manager and Coordinator and will occasionally supervise interns and volunteers in day to day research activities. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience measuring gas exchange (i.e., photosynthesis, foliar dark respiration, soil respiration, root respiration) and working with infrared gas analyzers (IRGAs). Required experience and skills include: 1) Bachelor of Science in Biology, Ecology, Earth, Environmental Science or related field; 2) ability to conduct physically demanding field work under climatically challenging conditions; 3) excellent written and verbal communication skills; and 4) a valid driver’s license with a good driving record. Other highly valued skills include: Spanish proficiency, Experience working with and maintaining any of the following instruments: LiCor LI-2000, LI-6400, LI-6800, LI-8100/8150 with automated chambers, Tabletop IRGA, Campbell dataloggers, automated sensors; Tower or tree climbing certification/experience, Data management, Statistical Analysis, Microsoft office, and experience working in tropical countries. HOW TO APPLY Interested applicants should send an email to the TRACE Project Manager, Megan Berberich (megan.berberich.tr...@gmail.com), with the following documents compiled in a single PDF document: a letter of intent including a statement of career goals, curriculum vitae, copy of university transcripts, and contact information for three references. Please also include the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line: “TRACE Project Coordinator Position” or “TRACE Scientific Technician Position” in the email subject line. Review of applications will begin July 23, 2018 and will continue until the position is filled. Expected start date is September 1, 2018.
