Dear Colleagues, I am writing to share an opening for fire ecology fieldwork this summer in southern Florida. Please feel free to share among your networks--since we can't provide housing, this may be of particular interest to those who live in southern Florida or who will be there during the summer for other reasons.
Summer Field Employment Technician Opening – Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida Employer: Desert Research Institute Anticipated period of employment: late May through mid- or late July One or two positions are available for a Field Ecologist technician to assist with an NSF-funded study measuring the effects of the recent Huckabee Fire in Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida. Studies to be performed will be ground-based fire severity assessments, tree measurements including canopy assessment, installation and monitoring of sensors, and other related ecological data collection. Basic outdoor skills such as the ability to read a map and compass (for navigating in remote areas), some first aid training (just in case), and a positive, safety-conscious attitude are needed. Experience with forest mensuration techniques and familiarity with south Florida ecosystems is a plus. Additional requirements include familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word (for data entry), ability to carry a light backpack load (20 pounds) for long periods, and valid driver’s license with reliable transportation. The fieldwork will be conducted in remote areas of the Preserve, and access to research sites will be on foot through rocky terrain that is often flooded. Conditions common to the site and south Florida in general include summer lightning storms, alligators, poisonous snakes, heat, and mosquitoes. Occasionally weather may cause fieldwork to be postponed, but days are usually long and can include working during inclement weather. For these reasons, previous experience conducting fieldwork under typical Florida summer conditions is preferred. Hours will average 30-40 per week, with some variation and flexibility possible depending on the needs and preferences of the pair of technicians who will work together. The work location is approximately 30 miles from Naples, FL. Transportation and housing will not be provided, but a small transportation allowance may be available to supplement the salary of $11/hour. While the work may be hot and buggy, the experience of working in this environment is unforgettable and will expand your experiences to include some of the most pristine and beautiful environments in Florida. If you are interested in this position, please send a resume or CV including 2 references familiar with your field experience to Adam Watts at [email protected]. Please respond by May 9th and anticipate phone interviews and hiring to occur within approximately one week thereafter. Applicants should be available to meet in Naples for orientation and to begin work on Monday, 20 May. Thanks, Adam Watts, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Ecologist Fire Lab, School of Forest Resources and Conservation University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611 personal mobile: 352-318-2471 e-mail: [email protected]
