Ph.D. Student seeks research technician for the summer 2011 field season (tentatively 6/4/11 to 8/20/11, start and end dates flexible) to assist with forest ecology research projects in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of northern Minnesota. The BWCAW has recently experienced a series of severe natural and human-initiated disturbances including a 1999 windstorm (193,000 ha), numerous prescribed crown fires from 2001 to 2005 (13,000 ha) and 2 large wildfires in 2006 and 2007 (40,000 ha). Proposed research will examine how recent combinations of disturbance have altered plant species community composition and structure in the near boreal forest of the BWCAW.
Research Objectives: Assess the combined impacts of the 1999 July 4th blowdown, prescribed fires and the Ham and Cavity Lake fires on the plant community of the BWCAW Test current predictions of disturbance theory on the effects of combined disturbance events on stand structure, species composition and biodiversity. Enhance scientific understanding of disturbance dynamics in the near-boreal forest in order to better predict possible outcomes of increased disturbance frequency on the boreal forest under a warming climate. Field Conditions: Shared field housing will be provided at Wilderness Canoe Base on the end of the Gunflint Trail 50 miles West of Grand Marais, MN. Field sites are located along the shores of Seagull and Saganaga Lakes in the BWCAW in recently burned boreal forest. Most sites will require a combination of canoeing and cross-country navigation over extreme terrain. Field work will be conducted under adverse conditions including biting and stinging insects, hazardous terrain, and inclement weather. Duties: Assist with navigation to and from field sites, correctly identify near-boreal tree species, and collect basic tree measurements (dbh, canopy position, etc.) Desired Qualifications: Previous experience with wilderness travel and canoeing, familiarity with flora of Northern Minnesota and experience with plant identification, demonstrated ability to follow data collection protocols and ability to maintain positive attitude under adverse field conditions. Pay rate is $10/hour. Transportation will be provided. To apply, please contact Elias Anoszko at [email protected] with a statement of interest, cv or resume, and contact information for two references. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educator.
