Summer Field Research Positions: Effects of 2011 Floods on Missouri River Floodplain Forests
We are looking to hire 2 crew leaders and up to 12 additional field assistants for a project assessing the effects of the 2011 flood on floodplain forest vegetation along the Missouri River. Field work will occur this summer and will concentrate sampling existing cottonwood forests and new recruitment along segments of the Missouri River in South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Montana (different crews will be assigned to different areas). CREW LEADERS ($12-$15/hr depending on qualifications) Preferred Qualifications: A BS or MS in ecology, forestry, botany, or a related field; strong skills and experience in identification and sampling of vascular plants in Great Plains riparian communities; experience with using Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS); strong organizational and supervisory/leadership skills; and valid drivers license and clean driving record. Experience operating motor boats on large rivers would also be a plus. Field work will require work for extended periods of time under sometimes arduous field conditions and in remote locations away from campus, and may require camping. Travel expenses (lodging, food) during the field work will be covered. Expected start date by June 1, 2012 or earlier. Expected ending date around August 31, 2012 (although opportunities may exist for some additional work following the field season). FIELD ASSISTANTS ($10-$12/hr, depending on qualifications) Preferred Qualifications: A BS or current enrollment in a university program in biology, ecology, forestry, wildlife, or related field; ability to identify (or learn to identify) trees and shrubs within Great Plains riparian forests; experience with field research (particularly vegetation sampling); maturity and good people skills; interest in the work; and attention to detail. Experience using Geographic Information Systems and experience boating on large rivers would also be pluses. Field work will require work for extended periods of time under sometimes arduous field conditions and in remote locations away from campus, and may require camping. Travel expenses (lodging, food) during the field work will be covered. Expected start date by June 10, 2012 or earlier. Expected ending date by mid to late August, 2012. Potential applicants for either position should email a letter of interest and a resume or CV that documents relevant experience and skills (e.g., those related to Preferred Qualifications) to Mark Dixon ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) at the University of South Dakota (http://www.usd.edu/arts-and-sciences/biology/mark-dixon.cfm) (particularly for positions in South Dakota) or to Dr. Michael Scott ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) (for positions in North Dakota and Montana). All hiring will be done through the University of South Dakota. Please indicate whether you are applying for a crew leader or field assistant position, and also indicate if you have a geographic preference for where you would like to work (eastern Montana, central North Dakota, southeastern SD/northeastern Nebraska). Mark Dixon Assistant Professor University of South Dakota Department of Biology 414 E. Clark Street Vermillion, SD 57069 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
