An undergraduate research assistant position is available in the Quantitative Forest Management laboratory in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University.
The undergraduate research assistant will assist a master’s student with completing field work for a forest restoration project. The field work will be conducted in the mixed conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada in Northern California, with majority of time spent in the Eldorado National Forest. The main objective of the project is to evaluate post fire restoration efforts made after the 2004 Power Fire. This project will help identify successful restoration techniques to reestablish open, old growth conditions in the Sierra Nevada. Field Work responsibilities will include collecting forest inventory data, soil samples, vegetation surveys, basic ecophysiological data, and micro-environmental variables. A variety of equipment will be used including, basic field work items (clinometer, d-tape, etc.) and potentially more advanced machines (ceptometer, gas exchange analyzer, etc.). Experience with more advanced equipment is appreciated, but not necessary. This position will be for about a 3-month period during the summer from May 2017 to August 2017. Work will average 40 hrs/week. The salary offered will depend on prior experience. Travel to California, along with housing and a small food stipend will be provided. Qualifications: All junior or senior students currently enrolled in an academic program related to forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or similarly related natural resource fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants should be highly self-motivated and possess a strong work ethic. A background or strong interest in conducting field-based research is desirable. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is preferable. Candidates must be willing and able to travel long distances, camp outdoors on occasion, do physically demanding work, and work in hot or otherwise uncomfortable conditions. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information of two references. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by February 24, 2017. For additional information or to submit application material, please contact Iris Allen (ica0...@mix.wvu.edu).
