Field Crew Leader
Impacts of Bird Extinctions on Pacific Island Forests
Project Description: The invasive brown treesnake reached Guam in
the mid-1940's. The snake caused the island-wide removal of
virtually all avifauna by the 1980s. This research examines the
effects of this ecosystem-level bird loss on the future of the
tropical forest trees that dominate the native limestone forests of
Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. This work focuses on two key
roles that birds play: the dispersal of seed, and the top-down
control of insect herbivores. We are using inter-island comparisons
of seed dispersal, insect herbivory and seed and seedling survival in
the forests on Guam (where birds are absent) and the forests on
Saipan, Tinian and Rota (three nearby islands where forest birds remain).
Job description: Under general supervision of the project manager,
the field crew leader will work with the field coordinator to direct
the activities of a 5-8 person field crew consisting of short-term
interns (3-6 months) and full-time field technicians. Members of the
field crew (including the field crew leader) move between Guam,
Saipan, Tinian and Rota to conduct research activities. The field
crew leader duties include tasks like: i) determining daily tasks for
crew members (who may be on different islands) to meet monthly goals;
ii) training and orienting crew new crew members, iii): regularly
providing feedback to assist with evaluation of crew members; and iv)
communicating regularly with project leaders based in Seattle, WA, v)
handling receipts, reimbursements, bills etc for the project; vi)
ordering equipment and vii) participating in field research .
Job Requirements (and beneficial skills): We are seeking
exceptionally motivated applicants with strong backgrounds in field
ecology (beneficial skills include experimental field ecology and
plant propagation and care), with demonstrated leadership and
organizational skills and the ability to motivate others. A BS in a
related field and 3 months of relevant experience are
required. Additional requirements include excellent communication
skills and cultural sensitivity, and a high level of organization and
attention to detail. The crew leader will be a member of the field
team, and thus applicants should be extremely comfortable working
long hours in high heat and humidity, walking over rough karst
terrain carrying awkward loads (rolls of chicken-wire, flats of
seedlings), tolerating tedious and at times monotonous work (e.g.
sorting through leaves and seeds), and rapidly learning how to
accurately identify plants and seedlings. If a candidate is allergic
to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use,
as the chances of getting stung are high at some of our sites.
Payment and benefits: This is a leadership position in ecological
research and conservation science. For those interested in pursuing
graduate school in the future, there will be opportunities to
participate in (or lead) independent research projects. We will
provide a round-trip ticket from the candidate's current place of
residence to the Mariana Islands for the beginning and end of the
project. In addition, the crew leader will receive free housing on
all four islands, transportation within and among islands, and an
annual salary of $24,000 - 30,000. The crew leader will also receive
a full benefits package from the University of Washington. This is an
11 month position with 1 month unpaid leave each year. You will also
accrue paid sick leave, annual leave, participate in a retirement
program and have medical benefits. Details of the benefit program
are available at:
http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/benefits/forms/ben-summaries/prostaff.pdf.
Start date: September 1, 2009, or soon thereafter;
End date: August 31, 2010, with option for 1 year extension
To apply
Email the following information (as attachments) to Haldre Rogers
(<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]).
1) A one page cover letter explaining your interest in the position.
2) A two page resume including relevant educational, research and job
experience. Include specific information in the following:
a. Field Research Experience. List jobs, internships, independent
research or volunteer positions you have had with a significant field
research component. Include the length of time you were involved in
each (designate full-time vs. part-time), whether or not it was an
independent research project, and briefly describe the major
activities you engaged in.
b. Leadership Experience. List those activities or jobs in which you
had a significant leadership or mentoring role. Include the length
of time you were involved in this activity, the number of people you
led or mentored, and the nature of your responsibilities in this
leadership role.
3) Two letters of reference emailed directly to Haldre Rogers
([email protected]). Your reference writers should comment on the
following: i) your ability to motivate and lead a group of students /
employees from a diverse background; ii) your organizational skills;
and iii) your scientific research skills.
