The Western Forest Initiative is hiring four field technicians for summer of 2016.
These four positions in forest demography will involve the re-measurement of a large, Smithsonian-affiliated forest dynamics plot at Wind River, Washington, about 10 miles north of the town of Stevenson. The crew will re-measure all the approximately 35,000 woody stems over the course of the summer, as well as conduct extensive mortality surveys, map shrubs and woody debris, measure dendrometers, and assist with the installation of seedling and vegetation plots. The crew will work with and supervise volunteers during part of the summer. Duration: Mid-June through August, with the possibility for some staff to extend the season. The work schedule is four, ten hour days per week, but because we don’t work under inclement conditions, the crew will need to be flexible. Pay: The wage for these positions is $12.50 per hour. Accommodations at the field station (a Forest Service house) are provided. Qualifications: Previous experience taking vegetation research data, working safely in challenging environments, and following complex data collection protocols is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to solve problems and to work both independently and in teams of two. Work will involve moving through rough terrain carrying personal items as well as up to 15 kg of additional gear, some of which is delicate and expensive equipment. Knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and forest insects is helpful. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and a driving history sufficient for Utah State University requirements. Applicants need a Wilderness First Aid certification (Wilderness First Responder preferred) valid for the season. Apply: Please assemble the following into a single PDF file and email it to james.l...@usu.edu – 1) a one-page cover letter describing your reasons for applying and specific dates of availability (including any planned mid-summer absences, or a statement that you plan none), 2) a resume, no longer than two pages, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) names, phone numbers and email addresses of references. Application deadline: January 31, 2016. Usually, we have made our staffing decisions by early February. Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier. Additional information and background at: http://wfdp.org, http://westernforestinitiative.org, and the Facebook Group “Wind River Forest Dynamics Plot”
