The University of Rhode Island is recruiting a Forest Crew Leader to collect forest health data along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) for selected segments between Connecticut and Maine. The fieldwork will follow well-established protocols developed by the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M). Crew Leader should be capable of organizing the day-to-day field activities of 2 additional crew members, and be able to properly implement the field protocol without direct or continuous oversight. The crew will establish permanent forest monitoring plots and collect data on forest health, structure and composition, regeneration, understory vegetation, coarse woody debris, and soil characteristics. The work may require rigorous hiking on and off trail. Training for data collection will start at the end of May and data collection will be conducted in the summer months of June to August 2010.
Requirements and Responsibilities: Installation of permanent forest sampling plot and conducting field observations of natural resources; including identification of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants on permanent forest monitoring plots. Knowledge of vegetation monitoring and research principles and techniques through work experience or advanced education that includes experience with: standard forest vegetation sampling procedures and monitoring equipment (DBH, crown health, crown class), aerial photos, topographic maps, navigation (map, compass, GPS), and photo documentation. Overnight camping (1-2 weeks at a time) should be anticipated. Ability to communicate orally and in writing for the purpose of documenting and recording field observations. Salary: Determined based on experience Please contact Dr. Y.Q. Wang, Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island at [email protected] with questions.
