Project Description: This project examines the effects of fall and spring prescribed fire and mechanical treatments on knobcone pine regeneration in the northern California Coast Range. Specifically, this study investigates the impacts of these treatments on 1) seedling establishment and density, 2) shrub & herbaceous plant response and 3) fuel loading. The goal of this research project is to provide valuable information to land managers about the ecological effects of these land management strategies. Study sites are located at the Bureau of Land Management Cow Mountain Recreation Area and the University of California Hopland Research & Extension Center in Mendocino County.
Job Description: One to two field technicians are needed to assist a research assistant in post-treatment forest structure measurements and installation of experimental structures. Field tasks will include but are not limited to: 1) typical forest structure measurements, 2) detailed plant inventories, and 3) installation of wire exclosures for seedling experiemtns. Field work will be conducted in dense knobcone pine stands often surrounded by chaparral. Technicians are needed for up to 4 months of work and start dates are flexible. The weekly work schedule will be four ten-hour days with an early morning start. Additional Qualifications: Applicants with strong botany interest and the ability to identify plants using keys are encouraged to apply. This job can be physically demanding and will require the ability to work on steep slopes in hot sun for long periods. Applicants must also be willing to work in dense brush and in buggy conditions. Likely exposure to poison oak, ticks, bees, rattlesnakes and other chaparral and knobcone pine surprises. Technicians must be comfortable living in a bunkhouse or other shared living facility during the work week. See http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/stephens-lab/students.htm for contact information and other summer field technician positions.
