UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO - RIO PIEDRAS INSTITUTE FOR TROPICAL ECOSYSTEM STUDIES
TROPICAL FOREST SUMMER RESEARCH EXPERIENCE-EL YUNQUE CHRONOSEQUENCE PROJECT June 15th through August 15th, 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, together with the Dept. of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology at Columbia University, is seeking to establish large (1 hectare) forest plots and carry out tree measurements in variable- aged forest stands in El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. For this project we need four volunteer summer interns to help establish the plots, map tree locations, and collect tree census data. Data will then be entered using database software. Volunteers will 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: June 15th through August 15th, 2011. 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: Rising college juniors and seniors or college graduates with background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, preferably with field-work experience, knowledge of plant identification, and excellent organizational skills. 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 Application Form (see https://sites.google.com/a/ites.upr.edu/el-verde- field-station/internships/el-yunque-chronosequence-project/el-yunque-forest- chronosequence-project----volunteer-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...@upr.edu. Following phone interviews, we will inform successful applicants in early May, 2011. For more information, please see http://luq.lternet.edu/, and http://www.ites.upr.edu/EVFS/.
