Research Assistant Position Available, June 25- September 30, with extension contingent on available funding Archbold Biological Station-University of Florida, Long Term Agroecosystem Research
Archbold Biological Station and its partner site University of Florida Range Cattle Research Center (UF RCREC) are part of the Long-term Agroecosystem Research Network (LTAR https://ltar.nal.usda.gov ), a network of 18 agroecosystems across the United States that seek to address the grand challenge of maintaining multiple ecosystem services in food production systems. The Archbold—UF RCREC sites (www.maerc.org; rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu) have a >70-year history of research, conservation, and education programs focused on enhancing agricultural production and preserving natural resources associated with subtropical humid grassland and shrub landscapes in Florida. Interdisciplinary research at the Archbold—UF RCREC address the complex functioning of agricultural and natural lands within the region. Educational programs provide science-based information that supports decision-making strategies to maintain the sustainability of agroecosystems. Climate is characterized by subtropical conditions with an average annual precipitation of ~ 1650 mm (> 65% occurring from June to October) and average minimum and maximum daily temperatures ranging from 16.9 to 28.2o C. http://www.maerc.org/html/research/ltar.html#.WxaDT0xFyM8 We are in search of one motivated individual to fulfill a research assistant position located at Archbold’s working ranch, Buck Island Ranch. The research assistant will join the MacArthur Agroecology Research Center, led by Dr. Elizabeth Boughton, consisting of a diverse and fun team of post- docs, environmental scientists, research assistants and interns. The Archbold-UF LTAR Research Assistant will collect and manage data in support of LTAR activities. General Tasks: • Responsible for collection and processing of plant, soil, and greenhouse gas samples. • Responsible for plant aboveground biomass collection and processing on a monthly schedule. • Responsible for drying, sorting (live and dead biomass), and weighing biomass and entering data into excel spreadsheets in an organized manner. • Responsible for assisting with plant diversity and composition data within different grazing land types: improved pasture, semi-native pasture, and native rangeland. • Prepare samples and documentation for shipping samples and ships to the analytical laboratory, • Responsible for assisting and/or performing laboratory analysis of soil, plant, and gas samples • Maintains excellent records of all activities and data files. • Performs other reasonable duties in cooperation with the LTAR Research Scientists, as needed. It is expected that the research assistant will be able to perform most tasks independently as needed after initial training. The research assistant will be willing to collect data in the field, drive field trucks between data collection sites, organize data into required formats, and perform all task in a highly professional manner. Travel between the cooperating sites is expected. Minimum Requirements: 1. A bachelor degree in science, biology, agro-ecology, agriculture or equivalent. 2. A valid driver license 3. Willingness to work long hours in the field in sub-tropical Florida environment 4. Must have authorization for US employment. Start-Date: On or around June 25 To apply send cover letter, a resume, and contact information for three references to Dr. Elizabeth Boughton at ebough...@archbold-station.org. Competitive salary with full benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. Applications due by June 18th.
