UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO - RIO PIEDRAS INSTITUTE FOR TROPICAL ECOSYSTEM STUDIES
TROPICAL FOREST RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES June 7th through September 2nd, 2011 Complete applications must be submitted by April 22, 2011 RESEARCH DESCRIPTION: The Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies (ITES) of the University of Puerto Rico will carry out a tree census in the 16-ha Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot (LFDP), in El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. The LFDP is a member of the Center for Tropical Forest Science network. We anticipate that the entire census will take about 9 months to 1 year to complete, and will be taking on volunteer interns in several phases. For this first phase, we are seeking the help of five volunteers. After training in census protocol and database management, the volunteers will work in the forest identifying and measuring and mapping trees in marked grids. Data will then be entered using database software. Volunteers work together in teams under the supervision of a field technician, spending long hours in the field (8am until 4 pm, Mon-Fri, with weekends free), often in wet and muddy conditions. While in Puerto Rico volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about diverse aspects of tropical ecology from scientists involved in the Luquillo Long-Term Ecological Research Program. PERIOD: Minimum commitment from June 7th through September 2nd, 2011, with the opportunity to stay and continue for additional phases of the census. STIPEND: $600 per month to cover food and general living expenses. ACCOMMODATION: Free accommodation at El Verde Field Station in Puerto Rico. Housing is communal using shared resources. The field station is relatively isolated and transportation is available on a limited basis. TRAVEL: Refund of up to $750 towards a round-trip plane ticket from mainland USA, if not already living in Puerto Rico. NOTE: We are unable to provide any medical insurance. REQUIREMENTS: College graduates with background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, preferably with field-work experience, knowledge of plant identification, and excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Tropical experience useful, but is not required. We are currently only considering US citizens and permanent US residents for these opportunities. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested applicants must fill out the online LFDP Application Form (see http://sites.google.com/a/ites.upr.edu/el-verde-field- station/internships/luquillo-forest-dynamics-plot-internship- opportunities/lfdp-internship-application). The following additional materials must also be submitted via email to Christopher Nytch (chris.ny...@ites.upr.edu): 1) A letter of interest indicating why you wish to work in the tropical forest and describing your relevant experience. Include a statement that you understand your application is for a volunteer position; 2) Full resume; 3) University transcripts (scanned unofficial transcripts are fine). All email attachments must include the name of the applicant as part of the file name. Please email further inquiries to chris.ny...@ites.upr.edu. Following phone interviews, we will inform successful applicants in early May, 2011. For more information, please see http://luq.lternet.edu/research/projects/forest_dynamics_description.html, http://luq.lternet.edu/, and http://www.ites.upr.edu/EVFS/.
