Position – Undergraduate Research Assistant: Forest Restoration and Fire Management
An undergraduate research assistant position is available in the Silviculture and Applied Forest Ecology laboratory in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU). The undergraduate research assistant will help complete field work for a forest restoration project conducted in the mixed-conifer forest of the Sierra Nevada region of northern California. The general objective of this project is to determine the effective intensity of mechanical thinning treatments to remove shade tolerant competitor tree species and thereby promote the productivity and health of ponderosa pine and sugar pine. The project will also help limit the risk of large-scale, stand- replacing crown fires in this forest region. Field work responsibilities will primarily involve examining post- treatment responses of ecophysiological variables (e.g., leaf water potential, stem sap flow, stable carbon isotopes, automatic dendrometers) and micro-environmental variables (e.g., soil moisture and light) This position will be for about a 4-month period during the summer from May 2016 to August 2016. Work will be on average 40 hrs/week. The salary offered will depend on prior experience. Qualifications: All junior or senior students currently enrolled in an academic program related to forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or similarly related natural resource fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants should be highly self-motivated and possess a strong work ethic. A background or strong interest in conducting field-based research is desirable. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is preferable. Candidates must be willing and able to travel long distances, camp outdoors on occasion, do physically demanding work, and work in hot or otherwise uncomfortable conditions. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license. Please submit a cover letter and resume, and contact information of two references. Applications will be considered immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit material by March 4, 2016. For additional information or to submit application material, please contact Iris Allen (allen...@msu.edu).
