We seek a highly motivated graduate student to participate in a project examining the effects of the post-fire restoration methods in sagebrush ecosystems. Public lands are often re-seeded using seed drills, particularly on Bureau of Land Management lands. Although agencies often monitor vegetation recovery, little is known about soil recovery and the impacts these drills have on soil properties. Thus, we seek a student to partake in a project looking at the effects of two seed drills and fire on soils (and related flora and fauna) in the sagebrush steppe. This experiment compares the effects of the well-known rangeland drill and a newer drill, the minimum-till drill. The student must be interested in taking basic soil physical and chemical measurements and is encouraged to develop further study, which may focus on questions related to plant, soil, microbial or animal responses to restoration techniques.
Funding: The nationally competitive stipend for the research assistantship is $21,600 per year for two years, which includes a tuition waiver. Fees are not included, but the potential exists to compete for further funding, scholarships, and teaching assistantships. Additional years of funding are also possible through these avenues; thus, students potentially interested in a PhD are encouraged to apply as funding may become available. Qualifications: BS degree in biology, ecology, geology, or related field Familiarity with plant, soil and fire ecology Interest in community and ecosystem ecology in arid and semi-arid regions Desire to interact with land managers and have an interest in helping improve land management decisions Previous research experience and good experimental and field skills are desired Strong verbal and written communication skills Evidence of statistical knowledge, laboratory analytic skills, and ability to publish research results in refereed journals is highly desired. Personal Qualifications: The candidate should be self-motivated, focused, and able to work independently and as part of a team. You should be capable of driving to remote sites on 4WD roads, hiking several kilometers, withstanding harsh field conditions, and willing to camp in primitive areas. How to Apply: Please email the following to Beth Newingham at [EMAIL PROTECTED]: (1) your resume or CV (including GRE scores and percentiles); (2) a letter of interest, including research interests, professional goals and prior experience, and (3) contact information for three references. Further questions can be directed to Dr. Newingham at 208-332-4402 or via e-mail at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Information about the University of Idaho and College of Natural Resources can be found at www.cnr.uidaho.edu. Applications will be considered starting January 26, 2009 and will continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is Summer 2009 but Fall 2009 is negotiable. NOTE: I will be at the "Wildfires and Invasive Plants in American Deserts" meeting December 9-11 in Reno, NV, and the American Geophysical Union meeting December 15-19 in San Francisco, CA. Interested students at these meetings should contact me by e-mail and we can set up a time to meet.