[ECOLOG-L] Northern Rockies Forest Technicians
Location: Field sites across northern Idaho, northeastern Oregon, and northeastern Washington. Based out of Moscow, Idaho. Duration: May-August 2018 (varies by position) Employer: University of Idaho / USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station Number of positions: 3 technicians Project Description: The Northern Rockies of northern Idaho, northwestern Montana, and northeastern Washington and the Blue Mountains of northeast Oregon have some of the highest conifer tree diversity in North America. Common species include western white pine, western larch, Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western redcedar. The region also has diverse land ownership patterns, comprised of private industrial, small private forest landowners, and significant area of state-endowment lands, and national forests. Early stand silviculture: Two technicians will work as a team to evaluate regeneration survival and growth in response to various early stand silvicultural treatments. Idaho alone plants over 20 million tree seedlings per year to meet a variety of management objectives from post- fire rehabilitation to timber production. The often harsh summer conditions characterized by late-season drought and rapid development of competing vegetation often results in high seedling mortality. Therefore, there is high demand for research to better understand the factors influencing seedling survival so silvicultural programs can be adjusted to improve regeneration success. The technicians will travel to various private and state-owned sites throughout the Inland Northwest to work in disturbed stands that have recently been replanted. Specific projects include: evaluating the relationship between nursery-rated seedling quality and outplanting performance, (2) seedling response to different intensities of non-tree vegetation cover, and (3) tree growth, soil moisture, and understory diversity responses of western larch stands thinned to different residual densities with and without removal of the understory. The position will begin mid-May (possibility to start earlier to help with tree planting) through the third week of August. Western white pine restoration: One technician will assist a graduate student to evaluate structural and tree composition complexity of restored western white pine stands on national forests of northern Idaho. The westside of the Northern Rockies is the only region of the US where western white pine was a dominant species across large areas. The introduction of white pine blister rust and the harvesting throughout the 20th century substantially reduced the species across the region. National Forests in the region have prioritized restoration of forests by reintroducing blister-rust resistant western white pine, but little research has been conducted to evaluate success of restoration efforts. The technician will assist in tree data collection in the field. Work on the western white pine project will start in early June and conclude by the end of July. Starting early August through the end of September the technician will assist with data collection of various research projects throughout Idaho on the Deception Creek Experimental Forest (moist western white pine forests) and the Boise Basin Experimental Forest (dry Ponderosa pine forests). The position is 4 months long (June through September). Required Qualifications: (a) Experience measuring tree diameter and height, (b) Ability to work in a range of conditions (hot and sunny to cool and rainy), (c) ability to hike on rugged terrain and camp near field sites (d) ability to carry at least 25 lbs, (e) possess a valid driver's license and provide a 3 year driving record, and (f) ability to pass a criminal background check. Previous forest research experience is preferred. Pay Rate: $12.50/hr @ 40 hours per week (depends on position). Housing is not provided. Application Information: To apply for the position, please send a single pdf document to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu) by April 6 including (1) cover letter outlining discussing your experience and interest in the position, (2) a resume with most relevant previous employment, (3) email and phone numbers of at least 2 professional references.
[ECOLOG-L] Inland Northwest Silviculture Technicians
Location: Field sites across northern Idaho, northeastern Oregon, and northeastern Washington Duration: May-August 2018 (late April for western larch improvement project) Employer: University of Idaho Project Description: Three technician positions are available for silviculture projects across the Inland Empire and northeast Oregon. Forests of the region have some of the highest conifer diversity in North America, including western white pine, western larch, and Douglas- fir. The technicians will be based out of Moscow, Idaho (home to the University of Idaho) but will require significant travel across the region on a weekly basis. Technicians will be exposed to variety of forest habitat types and silvicultural practices. Specific projects include: (1) a western larch tree improvement project that will plant trees in spring 2018 followed by monitoring of growth, survival, and biomass allocation of elite genotypes over the course of the first growing season across a climate and site productivity gradient, (2) a project examining the relationship between rapid seedling quality assessment and initial field performance, (3) conifer response to competing vegetation cover and spring release treatments, and (4) tree growth, canopy openness, and understory composition responses to precommercial thinning and understory management in mid-rotation western larch dominated stands. Duties: One technician will work with a graduate student on the western larch improvement project, while the other two technicians will work in a team with a crew leader on the other projects. Required Qualifications: (a) Familiarity with tree species of the Inland Northwest, (b) Ability to use taxonomic keys, (c) Experience measuring tree diameter and height (d) Ability to work in a range of conditions (hot and sunny to cool and rainy), (e) Ability to carry at least 25 lbs, (f) Possess a valid Driver's License and provide a 3 year Driving Record, and (g) Ability to pass a criminal background check. Previous forest research experience is preferred. Pay Rate: $12.50/hr @ 40 hours per week. Housing is not provided. Application Information: To apply for the position, please send a single pdf document to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu) by March 16 including (1) cover letter outlining discussing your experience and interest in the position, (2) a resume with most relevant previous employment, (3) email and phone numbers of at least 2 professional references.
[ECOLOG-L] Northern Idaho Plant Diversity Technicians
Location: Field sites across northern Idaho and northwestern Montana Duration: May-early July 2018, possible extension through August 17 Employer: University of Idaho Project Description: Three technician positions are available to work on a project examining vegetation diversity and pollinator habitat in transmission right-of-ways across the Northern Rockies of northern Idaho and northwestern Montana. ROWs on the westside of the Northern Rockies are often composed of a rich vegetation diversity due to high annual moisture and deep deposits of volcanic ash. Without active management, areas quickly become dominated by conifer trees that can intefere with transmission lines and shade out diverse understory vegetation. These high-light early successional communities are in decline across the region, making ROW corridors prime areas for supporting vegetation diversity and promoting pollinator habitat. Various integrated vegetation management treatments have been applied to promote desirable low-growing shrubs and other vegetation that benefits pollinators and exclude conifers. Duties: Technicians will work in a team to identify all vegetation to the species level and estimate cover by species in vegetation quadrats located across the ROWs. It can still be rainy and cool in May and June across the region, so technicians should be prepared to work in all weather conditions. Required Qualifications: (a) Ability to identify trees, shrubs, forbs, and ferns to the species level in the moist forests of northern Idaho and northwestern Montana (b) Ability to use taxonomic keys, (c) Ability to work in a range of conditions (hot and sunny to cool and rainy), (d) Ability to carry at least 25 lbs, (d) Possess a valid Driver's License and provide a 3 year Driving Record, and (e) Ability to pass a criminal background check. Pay Rate: 1 crew leader @ $16/hr, 2 assistants @ $14/hr Application Information: To apply for the position, please send a single pdf document to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu) by March 16 including (1) cover letter outlining discussing your experience and interest in the position (indicate if interested in crew leader or assistant, (2) a resume with most relevant previous employment, (3) email and phone numbers of at least 2 professional references.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship – Post-wildfire response of restored western white pine forests in northern Idaho
Dr. Andrew Nelson’s Silviculture Lab at the University of Idaho (housed within the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences) is seeking a highly motivated candidate for graduate research at the Ph.D. level, with an interest in silviculture and/or forest restoration. The student will work on a project comparing resistance, resilience, and environmental conditions of restored western white pine forests and naturally-regenerated forests dominated by shade-tolerant species in northern Idaho burned by the 2015 wildfires. The Northern Rockies of Idaho are characterized by high conifer diversity due to relatively high precipitation and deep volcanic ash deposits. Western white pine once dominated northern Idaho forests, but the species was devastated following the introduction of white pine blister rust and extensive harvesting. The result was a dramatic shift in species composition from western white pine to forests dominated by primarily grand fir. This shift in specie composition has decreased species diversity and structural heterogeneity. National Forests in the region have over 50,000 acres of western white pine plantations; some of which burned in the 2015 wildfires. Currently, a partnership with the University of Idaho, Rocky Mountain Research Station, and Forest Service, Northern Region are identifying the fate and fire resilience of these burned plantations. The student is expected to begin 7 January 2018. The student will be based in Moscow, Idaho at the University of Idaho. The student will focus the research within the moist conifer forests of northern Idaho; research options including applying past and new data (collect summer of 2018) to address a variety of research questions associated with evaluating management options that could inform future restoration strategies. This assistantship includes two years of competitive stipend, a waiver of out-of-state tuition for non-Idaho residents, a waiver of in-state tuition and fees, and health insurance. Assistantships require 20 hours per week of work related to research, outreach, and teaching. The student is expected to travel to conferences to present research results, present results to forest managers, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals. Frequent communication with Forest Service partners is required. Required qualifications include a M.S. degree in Forestry, Forest Ecology, or a related discipline. Exceptional candidates with B.S. degrees in the same fields may be considered. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to work both independently and as a team member, and be comfortable traveling and working in the field. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license. The student must be able to pass a criminal background check and become qualified to drive University of Idaho vehicles. Additional qualifications include previous research experience and an interest in working with government agencies and forest landowners to improve forest management. Interested applicants should send a cover letter detailing their interest in the position, their resume or curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional or academic references, unofficial transcripts, scores on the Graduate Record Exam, and examples of past research publications (if available) in a single pdf file to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] Idaho Summer forest field position
Summer Field Positions in Idaho The lab of Dr. Andrew Nelson in the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences at the University of Idaho is seeking qualified applicants for 1 crew leader ($12-13/hour) and 2-3 technicians ($9-10/hour) for 40 hours per week during summer 2017. In general, the Nelson lab focuses on silviculture and applied forest ecology. Our research explores the effects of forest management on stand dynamics and tree growth, specifically forests of the Inland Empire (northern Idaho, northeastern Washington, and western Montana) and the greater Northern Rockies and Inland Northwest. Expected start date May 22, 2017 and expected end date August 18, 2017. Employee will be responsible for arranging their own housing in Moscow, Idaho or surrounding area during the term of employment. Technician Qualifications: • Knowledge of Inland Northwest vegetation or ability to learn quickly • Knowledge of forest measurements and tools • Be able to work in the field in all weather conditions • Be able to camp as needed (applicants must provide their own supplies) • Be able to hike in rugged terrain • Be able to carry 50 lbs • Pass a criminal background check • Possess a valid driver’s license • Be able to drive University of Idaho vehicles (cannot have suspended license in the past three years, cannot have alcohol or drug- related offense) Crew Leader Qualifications: • All the qualifications for the technician positions, plus: o At least one year experience as a field technician o Ability to communicate with forest managers and coordinate field activities Interested applicants should submit a resume or CV, brief statement of interest and experience, and contact information (name, affiliation, phone number, and email) for 2 professional or academic references in a single PDF document to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately. Deadline for application is January 31, 2017. Brief Project Overview 1. Western Larch Thinning and Understory Vegetation • Location: Private and state forestland throughout northern Idaho and northeastern Washington – camping required • Long-term study of young, nearly pure western larch stands managed with three thinning densities (unthinned, 12 ft spacing, and 16ft spacing) and two understory management treatments (complete removal, no removal) • Duties include installing new trial sites and measuring treatment effects on tree growth, canopy structure, understory diversity, and soil moisture 2. Western Larch Genetics × Environment Interactions • Location: Private forestland in northern Idaho, northeastern Washington, and northeastern Oregon – camping required • Long-term study to examine the performance of superior western larch clones in response to non-tree competition across a climatic gradient in the Inland Empire. 7 superior larch families in pure family blocks plus a standard orchard bulk seed mix block with and without complete control of non-tree vegetation. • Duties include assisting with greenhouse measurements of seedlings, locating study sites, and laying out planting blocks in the field in cooperation with forest managers. 3. Douglas-fir and Western Larch Competition Thresholds • Location: Private and state forestland throughout northern Idaho, northeastern Montana, and northeastern Oregon – camping required • Study will examine the amount of non-tree competition surrounding Douglas-fir and western seedlings required to cause a substantial decline in growth and survival across a climate gradient in the Inland Empire. Experiment will consist of two tree species with different areas of non-tree vegetation control around each seedling (no control, 1 ft control, 3 ft control, 5 ft control). • Duties include locating field sites, applying treatments, and initial seedling measurements. 4. Western White Pine and Douglas-fir Responses to Site Preparation • Location: Priest River Experimental Forest in the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho – housing provided • Study will examine the long-term effects (32 years post- planting) of site preparation treatments (no management, scalping, bedding, bedding + non-tree vegetation control) on the diameter and height growth, and growth efficiency of western white pine and Douglas- fir. • Duties include tree felling, detailed field measurements of tree branches and stems, laboratory measurements of leaf area and stem growth.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc - UIdaho tree seedlings
Postdoctoral Fellow – Tree Seedling and Seedling Research A postdoctoral fellow position is available in the University of Idaho Silviculture Lab and Center for Forest Nursery and Seedling Research (http://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/cfnsr) at the University of Idaho with an anticipated start of early January 2017. The postdoc will be supervised by Dr. Andrew Nelson in the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences, and will collaborate with scientists at UIdaho, the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, private stakeholders, and other public agencies. The postdoctoral Fellow will conduct data analysis, field and lab research, and publish journal articles in collaboration with lab members. Research will focus on Inland Northwest tree and forest responses to (1) seedling production practices, (2) altered light, temperature, and moisture regimes, and (3) early- and mid-rotation silvicultural treatments. Other responsibilities include managing and analyzing data and disseminating results at conferences and to regional and national stakeholder groups. The postdoc will have the chance to work with staff at the CFNSR Pitkin Forest Nursery and contribute to growing crops of conifers and native vegetation and conducting operational seedling quality assessment. The Pitkin Nursery is one of the only operational forest nurseries managed by a university in North America, producing about 300,000 trees and shrubs every year. Interested individuals must have a Ph.D. in forestry or related discipline, experience with forest field data collection and analysis, be able to perform statistical analysis with R and/or SAS, have a demonstrated ability to publish in peer-review journals, strong written and oral communication skills, and possess a driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment and become certified to drive University of Idaho vehicles. Preferred qualification include a familiarity working with large forest inventory datasets and advanced statistical modeling skills with R and/or SAS. Funding is available for 1 year, with the potential for continued funding based on satisfactory performance. Starting salary is $50,000/year plus benefits. Interested candidates should fill out an application for the position at https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/15582. In addition to uploaded the required CV and Cover Letter, also include copies of publications published in the last 3 years and contact information for 3 professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately with highest priority given to those that apply by 31 October 2016. Contact Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu) for additional information.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantship in forest regeneration at University of Idaho
The University of Idaho Silviculture Lab (housed within the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences) is seeking a highly motivated candidate for graduate research, preferably at the M.S. level, with an interest in silviculture, forest regeneration, or tree improvement. The student will work on a National Science Foundation, Center for Advanced Forestry Systems (CAFS) funded project examining the performance of genetically superior western larch (Larix occidentalis) families in the nursery and in a field experiment testing the interacting effects of pure versus mixed-family plantings, site quality, and competing vegetation intensity. The student is expected to begin January 2017. The project is a collaboration between the Inland Empire Tree Improvement Cooperative and the Intermountain Forestry Cooperative at the University of Idaho. Members of these cooperatives included numerous private, state, and federal organizations that the student will interact with through attendance and presentations at annual meetings. Seedlings will be grown at the University of Idaho Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery, which grows more than 400,000 seedlings per year. The Nursery is conveniently located near the University of Idaho main campus in Moscow, Idaho. Outplanting field sites will be located across the Inland Empire (northeastern Washington to the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains). This assistantship includes a stipend for up to 2 years, a waiver of out-of-state tuition for non-Idaho residents, a waiver of in-state tuition and fees, and health insurance. Assistantships require 20 hours per week of work related to research, outreach, and teaching. The student will attend the CAFS annual meeting to present project updates. Required qualifications include at least one degree in Forestry, Ecology, or a related discipline, and an interest in improving regeneration success and forest productivity. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to work both independently and as a team member, and be comfortable traveling and working in the field and greenhouse. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license or ability to obtain one soon after their initial appointment. Additional qualifications include previous research experience and an interest in working with forest landowners and agencies to improve forest management. Interested applicants should send a cover letter detailing their interest in the position, their resume or curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional or academic references, unofficial transcripts, and scores on the Graduate Record Exam in a single pdf file to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship - Western Larch Regeneration
The University of Idaho Silviculture Lab (housed within the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences) is seeking a highly motivated candidate for graduate research, preferably at the M.S. level, with an interest in silviculture, forest regeneration, or tree improvement. The student will work on a National Science Foundation, Center for Advanced Forestry Systems (CAFS) funded project examining the performance of genetically superior western larch (Larix occidentalis) families in the nursery and in a field experiment testing the interacting effects of pure versus mixed-family plantings, site quality, and competing vegetation intensity. The student is expected to begin January 2017. The project is a collaboration between the Inland Empire Tree Improvement Cooperative and the Intermountain Forestry Cooperative at the University of Idaho. Members of these cooperatives included numerous private, state, and federal organizations that the student will interact with through attendance and presentations at annual meetings. Seedlings will be grown at the University of Idaho Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery, which grows more than 400,000 seedlings per year. The Nursery is conveniently located near the University of Idaho main campus in Moscow, Idaho. Outplanting field sites will be located across the Inland Empire (northeastern Washington to the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains). This assistantship includes a stipend for up to 2 years, a waiver of tuition and fees, and health insurance. Assistantships require 20 hours per week of work related to research, outreach, and teaching. The student will attend the CAFS annual meeting to present project updates. Required qualifications include at least one degree in Forestry, Ecology, or a related discipline, and an interest in improving regeneration success and forest productivity. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to work both independently and as a team member, and be comfortable traveling and working in the field and greenhouse. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license or ability to obtain one soon after their initial appointment. Additional qualifications include previous research experience and an interest in working with forest landowners and agencies to improve forest management. Interested applicants should send a cover letter detailing their interest in the position, their resume or curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional or academic references, unofficial transcripts, and scores on the Graduate Record Exam in a single pdf file to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship - Western Larch Regeneration
The University of Idaho Silviculture Lab (http://nelsondrew.wixsite.com/silviculture) (housed within the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences) is seeking a highly motivated candidate for graduate research, preferably at the M.S. level, with an interest in silviculture, forest regeneration, or tree improvement. The student will work on a National Science Foundation, Center for Advanced Forestry Systems (CAFS) (https://research.cnr.ncsu.edu/cafs/) funded project examining the performance of genetically superior western larch (Larix occidentalis) families in the nursery and in a field experiment testing the interacting effects of pure versus mixed-family plantings, site quality, and competing vegetation intensity. The student is expected to begin January 2017. The project is a collaboration between the Inland Empire Tree Improvement Cooperative (http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/ietic/mainbody.htm) and the Intermountain Forestry Cooperative (https://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/ifc) at the University of Idaho. Members of these cooperatives included numerous private, state, and federal organizations that the student will interact with through attendance and presentations at annual meetings. Seedlings will be grown at the University of Idaho Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery (http://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/cfnsr), which grows more than 400,000 seedlings per year. The Nursery is conveniently located near the University of Idaho main campus in Moscow, Idaho. Outplanting field sites will be located across the Inland Empire (northeastern Washington to the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains). This assistantship includes a stipend for up to 2 years, a waiver of out-of-state tuition for non-Idaho residents, a waiver of in-state tuition and fees, and health insurance. Assistantships require 20 hours per week of work related to research, outreach, and teaching. The student will attend the CAFS annual meeting to present project updates. Required qualifications include at least one degree in Forestry, Ecology, or a related discipline, and an interest in improving regeneration success and forest productivity. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to work both independently and as a team member, and be comfortable traveling and working in the field and greenhouse. Applicants must have a valid U.S. driver’s license or ability to obtain one soon after their initial appointment. Additional qualifications include previous research experience and an interest in working with forest landowners and agencies to improve forest management. Interested applicants should send a cover letter detailing their interest in the position, their resume or curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional or academic references, unofficial transcripts, and scores on the Graduate Record Exam in a single pdf file to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] MS Assistantship - Long Term Effects of Disturbance on Northern Rocky Forests
I am looking for a highly motivated M.S. student to participate in a project examining long-term trends in growth and growth efficiency in response to soil disturbance and forest thinning in northern Idaho. The student will be supervised by Dr. Andrew Nelson (University of Idaho). The position will begin January 2016 and is based in the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences at the University of Idaho. This project will examine the response of western white pine and Douglas-fir to mechanical and chemical soil and vegetation treatments applied in the early 1980’s in the moist western white pine forest type of northern Idaho. Long-term data will be combined with dendrochronology and destructive measurements to explore height and diameter growth, and growth efficiency (stem growth per unit of leaf area) to the initial treatments and subsequent thinning. The study will be conducted at two sites on the Priest River Experimental Forest in northern Idaho in collaboration with scientists at the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station. The student will be expected to contribute to project implementation, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. At least one degree in Forestry, Forest Ecology, or equivalent field is required. Prior field work and research experience are preferred. The student will also have the opportunity to assist with other projects on the University of Idaho Experimental Forest, Forest Service Experimental Forests, and private forestlands in the region. If interested, send a copy of your CV, undergraduate transcripts (unofficial is fine for initial application), and contact information for 3 professional references, to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu).
[ECOLOG-L] MS Assistantship - Northern Rockies Forest Seedling Survival
I am looking for a highly motivated M.S. student to participate in a project examining conifer seedling performance in relation to site quality in northern Idaho under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Nelson (University of Idaho). The position will begin January 2016 and will be based in the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences at the University of Idaho. Seedling mortality in northern Idaho can often exceed 30% within the first two years after establishment. Numerous factors influence survival, including herbivory, soil moisture, competing vegetation, and seedling vigor. This project will examine seedling survival of three commercially-important tree species (western larch, Douglas-fir, and grand fir) on sites with contrasting moisture and nutrient availability. The student will examine monthly changes in size and biomass allocation, and overwinter survival of the different species in relation to vigor, site quality, soil moisture, and soil temperature. The student will be expected to contribute to project implementation, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. At least one degree in Forestry, Forest Ecology, or equivalent field is required. Prior field work and research experience are preferred. The student will also have the opportunity to assist with other research on the University of Idaho Experimental Forest and Forest Service Experimental Forests in the region. Interested applicants should send a copy of your CV, undergraduate transcripts (unofficial is fine for initial application), and contact information for 3 professional references, to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnel...@uidaho.edu).
