POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Ecology Field Assistants Forest Ecology Lab, University of Minnesota
Two graduate students are looking for field assistants, roughly from June 1 to August 30 (start and end dates are flexible). The overall research project examines whether there are characteristics of northern hardwood forests that make them more or less resistant to invasion by nonnative plants (e.g., buckthorn, garlic mustard). Sites will be established across Minnesota in forests that have experienced a range of recent disturbances, including timber harvests and invasive plant removal. Light levels and soil characteristics will be measured and a survey of all native and nonnative plant species present at each site will be conducted. This research will be used to support management guidelines to restore or maintain healthy forests so they can better resist invasion. Field assistants may have the opportunity to be involved in two different sub-projects, one focused on assessing whether and how white-tailed deer facilitate invasions by nonnative plants and the second on assessing how different invasive species removal methods affect the environmental conditions that regulate invasive plant colonization. Field work will take place on public lands such as state parks, wildlife management areas and scientific and natural areas, some of which may be remote. Working conditions can be challenging, and ticks, poison ivy, and biting insects are common. Working rain gear and quality footwear (waterproof hiking boots) are essential. It is preferable (but not essential) that the field assistant has his/her own tent/sleeping bag. Trips to field sites will include day trips based out of St. Paul, MN, and camping trips throughout the state (3-10 days). Responsibilities include assisting with identification of plant species and collecting and recording data in the field. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 1) familiarity with plant identification (especially knowledge of Minnesota flora), 2) willingness to work hard in an outdoor setting, 3) enthusiasm and curiosity. Pay rate is $10.00/hour. Duration: June through August 2011 TO APPLY: Please email resume and short cover letter as soon as possible to Sascha Lodge at lodg0...@umn.edu. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer.
