Field ecology summer research assistant positions in the Rockies!
Full-time field technician positions through University of California
Berkeley and Merced. Approximately May October 2012
We are seeking field technicians and crew lead in an experiment studying
the effects of global warming on treeline dynamics
(https://alpine.ucmerced.edu/pub/htdocs/index.html). The work will take
place at the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station at Niwot
Ridge, near Boulder, Colorado (http://www.colorado.edu/mrs/). The
successful applicants will monitor subalpine tree seedling germination
and survival in experimental forest and alpine field sites, document
naturally-occurring recruitment and demography patterns, collect and sow
seeds, and assist with other duties such as watering treatments,
infrastructure support, and data entry.
Education/Experience: The positions will provide great experience for
any individual interested in high elevation plant ecology and climate
change. Strong applicants will either be currently enrolled in or have
graduated from a program in forestry, ecology and evolution,
environmental science, botany, or a related field. And they will have
knowledge of Rocky Mountain forest systems and species. Ability to enjoy
long days of repetitive but meaningful work is strongly desired.
Applicants must have proven experience in working and living well with
others, be highly organized, responsible, and attentive to detail. We
require technicians with a high level of physical fitness, who are not
afraid of hard work, and have a sincere interest in ecological field
research.
Conditions: Applicants must be enthusiastic about and capable of
carrying a pack with equipment, working and hiking at high elevations
(up to 11,500). Candidates will be required to provide their own
personal field gear. Successful candidates must be able to be fully
alert and organized by 7am and to work long hours in often inclement
weather. Snow is likely, and rain and high winds are inevitable. Field
work may be cut short by weather on some days, but go longer on other days.
Pay: $12-16/hour depending on experience, plus lodging at the Mountain
Research Station.
To Apply: Complete applications should include a cover letter
(indicating available dates), a resume, transcripts (unofficial ok), and
two letters of recommendation. Submit application materials to Dr.
Cristina Castanha ([email protected]). All application materials should
clearly indicate your name and the position (Niwot Field Assistant).
Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. We expect
that to have selected our crew by end February or early March. Start/End
dates may be flexible. Contact Cristina via email with additional
questions.
To read more about our experiment go to
https://alpine.ucmerced.edu/pub/htdocs/
Please also contact us for information regarding research opportunities
for Graduate Students and Science Teachers, as well as employment with
the infrastructure support crew. Contact Dr. Castanha or any of the
project PIs: Lara Kueppers (UC Merced), Margaret Torn (UC Berkeley and
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab), John Harte (UC Berkeley), Jeff Mitton
(CU Boulder), or Matt Germino (USGS, Boise, ID).
