The Cedar Creek Natural History Area of the University of Minnesota has opportunities for students to work as research interns. Positions are full or part-time and run from now through at least early November, possibly through December or longer. Most of the work will happen at CCNHA, however there is potential for work on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota as well. Pay is $10.00 per hour. If you are an undergraduate or a newly graduated student with a background in biology, ecology, environmental sience, soil science, or related field and want to start a career in one of these fields, or if you have a strong background and interest in flora of the Great Plains, we encourage you to apply. Much of our current work examines the ecology of our changing planet. Around the globe, humans are inducing extinctions, changing the atmosphere, increasing nutrients, transporting invasive species, altering fire frequency—all of which may alter the stability and functioning of ecosystems worldwide. At Cedar Creek we try to understand such impacts on ecosystems through long-term experiments and observations. In our largest experiment, we examine the effect of biodiversity on nutrient retention, productivity, invasion, pathogens, and other ecological properties. Numerous other projects study such topics as the effects of fire, herbivory by insects, bioremediation, and microbial communities. Research is headed by Drs. Mark Davis, Sarah Hobbie, Linda Kinkel, Jean Knops, Clarence Lehman, Peter Reich, David Tilman, and others. Programs are funded by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Andrew Mellon Foundation, and other sources.
The Cedar Creek Natural History Area itself is a nine square mile experimental ecological reserve 35 miles north of the Twin Cities. Because of its fortunate location in mid-continent at the triple meeting point of three great biomes of North America, it carries much of the continent's biological heritage. Cedar Creek is endowed with a diverse mosaic of prairie, savanna, sedge meadows, bogs, open water, forests, and even abandoned agricultural fields. Its large size, great natural diversity, and uniform soil substrate make it ideal for ecosystem studies, and also makes it a nice place to work. As a research intern, you would contribute to our ongoing experiments by collecting field data (i.e. estimating plant abundances, monitoring environmental conditions such as light availability and soil moisture, gathering and processing soil samples), installing new environmental monitoring equipment, maintaining experimental areas, prescribed burning, and so forth. Typical work days are eight hours, with occasional weekends possible. On-site dormitory housing is available for approximately $300 per month. This is hard work and mostly outdoors, though a few jobs have indoor laboratory or computer components. You have the opportunity to initiate your own research and interact with graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members. In addition, your department may be able to approve this internship, with an appropriate independent project, for any field biology requirement of your major. To apply, please: (1) send a letter describing a) how this position would help you achieve your career goals, b) your work experience, c) dates you are available at full or part-time status, d) minority status (optional), e) email address, f) where you heard about this opportunity, (2) include a resume (maximum of two pages), (3) send a copy of your transcript (unofficial), (4) have two letters of recommendation sent. Applications are being accepted now, with the deadline for completed applications being August 31, 2007. You will receive an email regarding your status when your application is complete. Send all materials to: Dr. Jeff Corney Cedar Creek Natural History Area Attn: Internship Program 2660 Fawn Lake DR NE Bethel, MN 55005 Please direct inquiries to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more information visit: http://cedarcreek.umn.edu/interns/
