Arctic Research Opportunity Research Field Assistants, Vegetation Surveys, Toolik Lake, Alaska
With the US Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry The International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF) is looking for 3-4 field assistants to conduct vegetation surveys at long term permanent plots at the University of Alaska Toolik Field Station on Alaska’s North Slope. The work is part of the Arctic Observing Networks collaborative research project: Sustaining and amplifying the ITEX AON through automation and increased interdisciplinarity of observations. This sampling effort is part of a long term monitoring effort that began in 1989. The work will add to a valuable data set of plant responses to both experimental manipulation of growing season temperatures as well as ambient climate change over the last 25+ years. The work involves identifying and recording plant, bryophyte and lichen species within small 1-m grids at a set of four permanent plots located at the Toolik Lake Field Station. Field Assistants will be expected to work outdoors at least six days a week under conditions that may be cool, rainy, hot, and with insects such as mosquitoes. Expertise in the arctic flora, including vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens preferred. Opportunities for work on analyses of the data and participation in research publications are available. The field crews will work in pairs with an experienced crew leader leading the sampling effort. The positions will be contracted with the US Forest Service and will report to the Director of the Caribbean Climate Hub, International Institute of Tropical Forestry in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The field work will be July 2 through August 4, 2018. Accepted applicants will report to Fairbanks Alaska with transportation arranged to the Toolik Field Station. Meals, lodging and a stipend will be provided. This is an opportunity to have an adventurous time while gaining valuable research experience in the Arctic! If you are interested in this position and want to receive more information, please call William Gould, Research Ecologist, at (787) 764-7790 or E-mail at wgo...@fs.fed.us.
