Summer Field Botanist and Crew in the Black Hills, SD Mid May ? mid August 2012
Job Overview: Colorado State University is hiring two summer field assistants and one botanist/crew leader for two research projects in the Black Hills, SD. One study is investigating the effects of broadcast chipping fuel reduction treatments on trees, soils and understory plants at Wind Cave National Park and Mount Rushmore National Monument. The other study is measuring effects of nitrogen deposition on grassland vegetation at Wind Cave and Badlands National Parks. Pay for crew members will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Crew Member Duties: (1) Travel daily to field sites, plus some overnight camping. (2) Identify tree species, measure diameter at breast height and measure surface fuels. (3) Identify and estimate cover of understory and grassland forbs, shrubs, grasses. (4) Measure biomass of grassland vegetation. (5) Collect unknown plant specimens. (6) Enter data into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets or other databases. (7) Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment, making datasheets, etc.). Additional Botanist/Crew Leader Duties: (1) Serve as a crew leader for a team of three. (2) Independently troubleshoot minor problems encountered in the field. (3) Regularly communicate progress and issues to project leaders. (4) Identify trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses to genus and species from personal knowledge. (5) Collect unknown plant specimens and identify them in the laboratory with dichotomous keys and herbaria collections. (6) Enter plant data into Microsoft Access databases. (7) Check data for accuracy and completeness. (8) Possible option for extended employment after the field season to assist with project data management. Requirements: (1) Enrollment or completion of a bachelor?s degree in forestry, ecology, biology, botany or related field. (2) Previous field experience sampling forest overstory and understory vegetation. Preference given to those candidates with plant identification skills and experience. (3) Experience with computers and Microsoft software packages. (4) Excellent communication skills, flexibility, sense of humor, and ability to work effectively as a team member. (5) Ability to carry a heavy pack across steep, uneven terrain and to work long days in remote areas and in inclement (rainy/cold/hot/buggy) conditions. (6) Demonstrated experience using topographic maps, compass and GPS for navigation purposes. (7) A valid driver?s license and a good driving record. Additional Crew Leader Requirements: (1) Knowledge/experience in identifying understory plants with dichotomous keys and herbaria collections. (2) Previous supervisory experience. (3) Familiarity with the flora of Black Hills ponderosa pine forests and northern mixed-grass prairie is ideal. Housing: Park housing may be available for rent. Area Information: Wind Cave National Park is located in the southern Black Hills of southwest South Dakota, approximately 5 ½ hours north of Denver, CO. Medical and dental services, shopping, restaurants, and churches of most faiths are available in Hot Springs (12 miles) and Custer (20 miles). The full service community of Rapid City, SD, population 60,000, is 60 miles away. How To Apply: If you have any questions about this position, please contact Monique Rocca by phone or email at 970-491-2112, monique.ro...@colostate.edu. Applicants should send a brief cover letter, resume, university transcripts (unofficial okay) and contact information for 3 references to Monique Rocca by email no later than March 31, 2012. -- *********************************************** Monique E. Rocca, Assoc. Professor Dept. of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523-1476 (970) 491-2112 (voice) (970) 491-1965 (fax) ro...@warnercnr.colostate.edu http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/~rocca/ *********************************************** [attachment "2012 crew announcement black hills.docx" deleted by Amy Symstad/BRD/USGS/DOI]
