[ECOLOG-L] Summer Field Opportunities in Forest Ecology in Oregon and Washington: The DEMO Study

2016-01-27 Thread Charles Halpern
Summer field crew positions are available for the Demonstration of 
Ecosystem Management Options (DEMO) Study, a large-scale, long-term 
experiment in structural-retention harvests in the Pacific Northwest.


Overview:  Crews will take measurements in permanent plots to characterize 
overstory structure and understory regeneration 17-18 years after 
experimental treatments. Replicated at five sites in Oregon and 
Washington, the treatments comprise varying levels and spatial patterns of 
overstory retention through timber harvest. Study sites represent diverse 
physical settings and mature forest communities in the Umpqua and Gifford 
Pinchot National Forests. For more information about the study, see: 
http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/research/demo/


Duties:  Field tasks include relocating or reestablishing permanent plot 
markers, tagging or retagging trees, remeasuring trees for diameter and 
height, and taking detailed information on newly dead trees and existing 
snags.


These positions are best suited to mature, upper-level undergraduates or 
recent graduates who are considering advanced study or professional work 
in forest ecology or silviculture.


Logistics:  Housing is provided for most of the summer (USFS facilities), 
but some camping is necessary (USFS campgrounds). Transportation is 
provided during the work week, but personal vehicles are recommended 
during time off. We will work extended periods in the field (8 consecutive 
10-hour days, followed by 6 days off), but may need to adjust work 
schedules based on weather.


Our base locations provide easy access to a wide range of recreational 
opportunities (hiking, climbing, backpacking, rafting, and fishing) in the 
mountains of central Oregon and southern Washington (e.g., High Cascade 
peaks, Crater Lake) and the Columbia River Gorge.


Qualifications:  Previous field experience, familiarity with basic 
vegetation measurement tools and methods, and previous coursework or 
strong interest in silviculture or forest ecology. Candidates must be in 
excellent physical condition; able to work long hours in the heat (and 
occasional rain or presence of mosquitos); and able to climb steep, 
sometimes brushy or log-covered slopes with personal gear and field 
equipment.


We seek individuals who are detail-oriented, able to follow complex 
data-collection procedures, have legible handwriting, enjoy working as 
part of team, and can live cooperatively with others. CPR/wilderness first 
aid training is a plus.


Salary:  $13.50/hour or more, depending on experience/qualifications.

Duration:  mid-June through mid-September (possibly end of September)

Closing date:  March 4, 2016

To apply, send the following materials by e-mail to chalp...@uw.edu:
-  Scan of a HANDWRITTEN letter describing: (1) interests, (2) 
qualifications as they apply to the selection criteria noted above, (3) 
specific dates of availability (and non-availability), and (4) names and 
contact information (phone, e-mail) of two persons providing letters of 
reference.

-  Resume or CV
-  Two letters of reference sent directly by those providing the letters

For more information contact:
Charlie Halpern, Research Professor, e-mail: chalp...@uw.edu, or
Allison Rossman, MS student and Crew Leader, e-mail: akross...@gmail.com

Box 352100
School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
College of the Environment
University of Washington
Seattle, WA, 98195-2100


[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship: Dry Forest Restoration

2013-10-10 Thread Charles Halpern
We invite applications for a Master's level graduate research 
assistantship in forest ecology/restoration in the School of Environmental 
and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington 
(http://www.sefs.washington.edu/).  The assistantship will begin in Autumn 
2014.


The student selected for this position will participate in a study 
exploring the effectiveness of thinning and prescribed burning in meeting 
ecosystem restoration objectives.  The student will play a central role in 
remeasuring and analyzing data from a long-term thinning and burning 
experiment (Mission Creek) in the eastern Cascades of Washington.  This 
project is funded by the Joint Fire Science Program (www.firescience.gov).


We encourage applications from students with strong interests in plant 
community ecology, fire ecology, ecological restoration, or quantitative 
analysis.  The successful student will have:


-  An undergraduate degree in forestry, biology, ecology, natural 
resources management, or a related field
-  Proven ability to conduct ecological field work, with a broad grounding 
in the natural sciences
-  Strong quantitative skills and willingness to learn appropriate 
statistical techniques
-  Experience with field equipment and techniques relevant to the project 
(e.g., map and aerial photo interpretation or use of global positioning 
units)
-  Experience with standard vegetation sampling methods and plant 
identification
-  Competent computer skills including proficiency with word processing, 
spreadsheet, statistical, and database management software

-  Excellent organizational and communication skills
-  Proven ability to set and attain goals, work independently, and give 
acute attention to details and deadlines
-  Ability and willingness to conduct field work under diverse conditions 
that include frequent or extended periods of travel, primitive housing, or 
camping in remote settings

-  Ability to drive a vehicle on and off road

The student will be co-supervised by Drs. Jonathan Bakker 
(http://faculty.washington.edu/jbakker/) and Charlie Halpern 
(http://faculty.washington.edu/chalpern/).  She/he will have opportunities 
to collaborate with post-doctoral and federal (US Forest Service) 
researchers and land managers contributing to this project.


Inquiries should be sent to Drs. Jonathan Bakker (jbak...@uw.edu) or 
Charlie Halpern (chalp...@uw.edu).  Applications should include a CV and a 
statement of research interests that articulates how the applicant meets 
the expectations of this position.


Information about the SEFS graduate program and application materials can 
be found at 
http://www.sefs.washington.edu/academicPrograms/graduate/applicant.shtml


[ECOLOG-L] NSF-REU Opportunity: Andrews LTER/Bunchgrass Ridge

2013-01-12 Thread Charles Halpern

NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Opportunity

HJ Andrews Experimental Forest LTER and Bunchgrass Ridge (Oregon)

An NSF-REU position is available at the HJ Andrews Long-term Ecological 
Research (LTER) Site to participate in ecological field studies at 
Bunchgrass Ridge in the Cascade Range of Oregon.  NSF's REU program is 
designed to engage highly motivated students in ecological research in 
preparation for graduate study and a career in the environmental sciences.


The student selected will spend the summer with a team of researchers 
(faculty, field staff, and intern) studying the ecology and restoration of 
high-elevation, conifer-invaded meadows.  Descriptions of past and ongoing 
research at Bunchgrass Ridge can be found on our web site: 
http://depts.washington.edu/bgridge


The student will have an opportunity to train with field staff early in 
the summer and to develop an independent research project under the 
supervision of the principal investigators.  Possible topic areas include: 
plant community dynamics, species-environment relationships, invasive 
species ecology, dynamics of conifer establishment, tree-herb 
interactions, plant phenology (including flowering and seed production), 
plant rooting and regenerative strategies.


Applicants must be:
 - in an undergraduate program in a 4-yr institution (through 2013 fall 
term); preferably Junior/Senior standing

 - in good academic standing (3.0 GPA)
 - enthusiastic, motivated, and responsible
 - able to work in a team or independently
 - capable of working long hours in the field

Preference will be given to students with interests in plant ecology or 
restoration ecology.


Dates:  10-week period between June and August 2013 (dates flexible)

Stipend and others benefits:  A stipend of $5,500 is provided for the 10 
week period.  An additional $1,125 is available to cover lodging costs at 
HJA ($13/night) or miscellaneous research expenses (e.g., field supplies). 
Transportation to the field site will be provided during the work week. 
Additional information about the Andrews LTER program and field station 
can be found at: http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/


Applications should include:
 - cover letter describing interests, experiences, and qualifications
 - resume
 - copy of college transcripts
 - names and contact information of two individuals who will write letters 
of reference

 - two letters of reference sent directly to chalp...@uw.edu

Application should be sent by email to:

Charlie Halpern, Research Professor, School of Environmental  Forest 
Sciences, Box 352100, University of Washington, Seattle, WA  98195-2100, 
chalp...@uw.edu


Application deadline:  10 March 2013


[ECOLOG-L] Summer Field Positions: Restoration of Montane Meadows in the Oregon Cascades

2013-01-12 Thread Charles Halpern

Summer Field Positions: Restoration of Montane Meadows in the Oregon Cascades

Description:  Field positions are available to assist with vegetation 
measurements for a large-scale meadow-restoration experiment.  We are 
studying whether tree removal, with or without fire, can reverse the 
effects of decades to centuries of conifer encroachment of montane meadows 
in the Oregon Cascades.  You will join a team of field researchers 
(faculty, students, and summer interns) studying various aspects of meadow 
ecology at Bunchgrass Ridge.


For more information about this research program, visit our web site: 
http://depts.washington.edu/bgridge


These positions are best suited to mature, upper-level undergraduates or 
graduates who are considering advanced study or professional work in 
ecology or botany.


Qualifications:  Familiarity with the flora of the Pacific Northwest and 
the Cascade Range in particular.  Ability to recognize or use taxonomic 
keys to identify meadow and forest species (including grasses and sedges), 
often from vegetative characteristics alone.  Previous experience with 
vegetation sampling is desirable.


We seek individuals who are interested in learning, detail-oriented, 
responsible, able to spend long hours in the field, and capable of working 
and living cooperatively with others.


Field crews will be based at the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA), 
one of NSF's Long-term Ecological Research Sites: 
http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/.


HJA provides housing, computing, and lab facilities; hosts diverse groups 
of ecological researchers; and offers easy access to an array of 
recreational opportunities in the central Cascades.


Salary:  $13.75 - 15.00/hr, depending upon experience and qualifications

Duration:  mid June through mid August (a longer assignment may be 
possible)


Closing date:  10 March 2013

To apply, send the following via email to chalp...@uw.edu
- cover letter describing interests, experience/qualifications, and dates 
of availability

- names and contact information of those providing letters of reference
- resume
- two letters of reference sent directly to chalp...@uw.edu


For more information contact:

Charlie Halpern, Research Professor
School of Environmental  Forest Sciences
Box 352100
University of Washington
Seattle, WA  98195-2100
chalp...@uw.edu


[ECOLOG-L] Summer Field Positions: Ecology/Restoration of Montane Meadows, Western Oregon

2009-02-08 Thread Charles Halpern
Summer Field Positions: Ecology and Restoration of Montane Meadows, 
Western Oregon


Description:  We are studying the potential for restoration of montane 
meadows that have experienced decades of encroachment by conifers.  Field 
crew positions are available to assist with measurements of vegetation 
response to experimental treatments (conifer removal with and without 
prescribed fire) in meadows of the western Cascade Range, Oregon 
(Willamette National Forest).  For information about the experiment and 
related research see: http://depts.washington.edu/bgridge


These positions are best suited to mature, upper-level undergraduates or 
graduates who are considering advanced study or professional work in 
ecology or field botany.


Qualifications:  Familiarity with the flora of the western Cascade Range. 
Ability to recognize, or use taxonomic keys to identify, vascular plant 
species (the flora includes nearly 150 species of grasses, sedges, forbs, 
and woody plants from both forest and meadow habitats).  Previous 
experience with vegetation sampling is desirable.


We seek individuals who are detail-oriented, responsible, interested in 
learning, able to spend long hours in the field, and capable of working 
and living cooperatively with others.  Housing will be provided at the 
H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest: http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/


Salary: ~$12.50-14.00/hr, depending upon experience and qualifications.

Duration:  mid-June through Aug 2009 (a longer assignment may be possible)

Closing date:  March 10, 2009

To apply, send the following to the address below (e-mail submissions 
preferred):


* cover letter describing interests, qualifications, dates of 
availability, and names and phone numbers of those providing letters of 
reference.


* resume

* copies of either college transcripts or professional work products

* two letters of reference

For more information: Charlie Halpern, Research Professor, College of 
Forest Resources, Box 352100, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 
98195-2100


E-mail: chalp...@u.washington.edu

Phone: 206.543.2789


[ECOLOG-L] Summer Positions in Forest Ecology in the Pacific Northwest

2008-04-29 Thread Charles Halpern
Several field positions are available to participate in studies of 
vegetation response to structural-retention harvests in forests of the 
Pacific Northwest.


DESCRIPTION:  Crews will assist with vegetation sampling as part of the 
Demonstration of Ecosystem Management Options (DEMO) experiment, a 
large-scale study of structural-retention harvest in forests of western 
Oregon and Washington.  Information about DEMO and our vegetation studies 
in particular, can be found at our Web site: 
http://www.cfr.washington.edu/research.demo/


Field sites are in the western Cascade Range of Washington and Oregon. 
Crews will sample permanent plots in experimental harvest units to 
characterize changes in vegetation composition and structure. 
Responsibilities will include identifying understory plant species, 
estimating plant abundance, and measuring coarse woody debris and ground 
conditions.


These positions are best suited to upper-level undergraduates or recent 
graduates who are giving serious consideration to advanced study or 
professional work in forest ecology or silviculture.  The nature of the 
work requires extended periods in the field (up to 8 consecutive days).


QUALIFICATIONS:  Previous field experience in sampling forest understory 
or other vegetation; familiarity with the flora of western Oregon and 
Washington; ability to utilize taxonomic keys and to collect and catalogue 
plant specimens.


We seek individuals who can attend to details, have legible handwriting, 
can work long hours under strenuous field conditions (e.g., steep slopes, 
dense vegetation, and inclement weather), and can work and live 
cooperatively with others.


SALARY:  $12.00/hr or more depending on qualifications/past experience

DURATION:  20 June to 19 September 2008

TO APPLY SEND THE FOLLOWING:

  * a HANDWRITTEN cover letter that includes information about your
interests and qualifications; dates of availability; and names, phone
numbers, and email addresses of two references.

  * a typewritten resume

ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SHOULD BE SENT TO:

Shelley Evans, College of Forest Resources, Box 352100, University of
Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-2100

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED], Phone: 206-543-9792


Summer Positions in Forest Ecology in the Pacific Northwest

2008-01-24 Thread Charles Halpern
Summer Positions in Forest Ecology in western Oregon and Washington

DESCRIPTION:  Field crew positions are available to assist with long-term 
ecological research in forests of the Pacific Northwest. Crews will 
participate in vegetation studies as part of the Demonstration of 
Ecosystem Management Options (DEMO) experiment, a large-scale 
investigation of forest ecosystem responses to structural-retention 
harvests in western Oregon and Washington.

Information about DEMO and our vegetation studies in particular, can be 
found at our Web site:  http://www.cfr.washington.edu/research.demo/

Field sites lie in the western Cascade Range of Washington and Oregon. 
Crews will sample permanent plots in experimental harvest units to 
characterize changes in vegetation composition and structure. 
Responsibilities will include identifying understory plant species, 
estimating plant abundance, and measuring coarse woody debris and ground 
conditions.

These positions are best suited to upper-level undergraduates or recent 
graduates who are giving serious consideration to advanced study or 
professional work in forest ecology or silviculture.  The nature of the 
work requires extended periods in the field (up to 8 consecutive days). 
Bunkhouse accommodations will be available for portions of the summer, but 
camping may be necessary at other times.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Previous field experience in sampling forest understory 
or other vegetation; familiarity with the flora of western Oregon and 
Washington; ability to utilize taxonomic keys and to collect and catalogue 
plant specimens.

We seek individuals who can attend to details, have legible handwriting, 
can work long hours under strenuous field conditions (e.g., steep slopes, 
dense vegetation, and inclement weather), and can work and live 
cooperatively with others.

SALARY:  $12.00/hr or more depending on qualifications/past experience

DURATION:  ~15 June to ~15 September 2008

CLOSING DATE:  7 March 2008

TO APPLY SEND THE FOLLOWING:

  * HANDWRITTEN cover letter that includes information about your 
interests and qualifications; dates of availability; and names, phone 
numbers, and email addresses of two references.

  * typewritten resume

  * copies of college transcripts or professional work products

  * two letters of reference

ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SHOULD BE SENT TO:

Shelley Evans, College of Forest Resources, Box 352100, University of 
Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-2100

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED], Phone: 206-543-9792