[ECOLOG-L] Summer Field Opportunities: Yosemite, CA, Gifford Pinchot, WA, and Cedar Breaks, UT

[Jim Lutz]

The Western Forest Initiative is hiring five field staff for the Summer of 2019.

Forest Demography and Fire Effects: These positions will involve examining 
forest research plots for mortality and recruitment, mapping down woody debris, 
and undertaking ancillary tasks such as seedling surveys, soil and leaf 
collection, and dendrometer measurements. One staffer will spend three weeks 
assisting a PhD student taking increment cores of very old trees in a 
high-elevation Utah forest. Work will begin in the Yosemite Forest Dynamics 
Plot (Yosemite National Park) and continue to the Wind River Forest Dynamics 
Plot (Gifford Pinchot National Forest), and end in the Utah Forest Dynamics 
Plot (Cedar Breaks National Monument). At Yosemite, the crew will work with and 
train students. We seek five field crew members to join our field lead and team 
of scientists.
Duration: Mid-May through mid-August. The work schedule is four, ten-hour days 
per week. Because we do not work under inclement conditions, the crew will need 
to be flexible.
Pay: $12.50 per hour. Campground and field station accommodations are provided 
(camping at Yosemite and Cedar Breaks, field station at Wind River). Actual gas 
expenses (with receipts and mileage log, submitted according to schedule) for 
travel between the crew’s residences and each of the field sites will be 
reimbursed.
Qualifications: Candidates must demonstrate previous experience taking 
vegetation data for research purposes, working safely in challenging 
environments, and following complex protocols. Candidates should demonstrate 
the ability to solve problems, and to work both independently and in teams of 
two or three. Work will involve moving through sometimes rough terrain carrying 
delicate and expensive equipment, as well as carrying up to 10 kg of additional 
gear. Knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and forest insects is 
helpful, as is solid experience with outdoor living. Applicants must have a 
valid driver’s license, good driving history (no recent DUI or reckless 
driving), and a Wilderness First Aid certification valid for the season 
(Wilderness First Responder preferred; urban first aid/CPR not enough).
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, specific dates of availability (including 
any planned mid-summer absences, or a statement that you plan none), and 
confirmation of your first aid certification, 2) a resume, no longer than two 
pages, 3) unofficial transcripts, and 4) names, phone numbers and email 
addresses of three references. The application deadline is January 31, 2019, 
but applications will be reviewed beginning immediately. We try to make 
staffing decisions by early February. Exceptional candidates will be selected 
earlier.
Additional information and background at: http://westernforestinitiative.org, 
http://yfdp.org, http://wfdp.org, and http://ufdp.org. Each of the research 
plots also has a Facebook page with general photos of the work sites and 
activities.

[ECOLOG-L] Data Analyst, Fire Ecology, Utah Forest Institute at Utah State University

[Jim Lutz]

The Utah Forest Institute at Utah State University is seeking applications for 
a full-time technical analyst to start July 1, 2018. Applications will be 
reviewed starting May 18, 2018, with applications being considered until the 
position is filled. The person hired for this position will serve as the 
principal fire analyst for the Utah Forest Institute reporting to the Director, 
Utah Forest Institute. Responsibilities will include:

  *   Generating Landsat-derived fire severity maps for fires in the state of 
Utah.
  *   Hiring, training and managing part-time technicians to assist with this 
work.
  *   Managing ancillary data in MySQL databases running on the Amazon.com 
commercial cloud.
  *   Preparing summary statistics and analyses from remote sensing and numeric 
data.
  *   Updating and maintaining the project website.
  *   Communicating with forest and fire managers from the Utah Department of 
Natural Resources, the US Forest Service, the BLM, and other land managers, as 
well as technical staff from the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity program.
  *   Designing and implementing field sampling (first field season 2019) to 
calibrate satellite-derived metrics with actual on-the-ground conditions in all 
Utah forest types.

Some travel will be required to train field crews (camping required) and 
coordinate with other Institutes and agencies. The Utah Forest Institute is 
housed in the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources at Utah 
State University.


Minimum Qualifications:

  *   Bachelor's degree in natural sciences, physical sciences, math, or 
engineering.
  *   Experience with R and ESRI software.
  *   Two full summers of field work in vegetation research or management.

Preferred Qualifications:

  *   MS in natural sciences, physical sciences, math, or engineering.
  *   Employment experience with R, ESRI, MySQL, Dreamweaver, and Amazon.com 
cloud services.
  *   Experience with pre-fire and post-fire vegetation and fuels sampling.
  *   Experience managing field crews.
  *   Knowledge of spectral remote sensing.

This is a full-time position with benefits.


Apply through the USU Human Resources portal at:  
http://usu.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobid=3389

[ECOLOG-L] Summer field positions in old-growth forests of the West

[Jim Lutz]

FOREST DEMOGRAPHY AND FIRE EFFECTS: These positions will involve examining
forest research plots for mortality and recruitment, mapping down woody
debris, and undertaking ancillary tasks such as seedling surveys,
dendrometer measurements, and soil work. Work will begin in the Yosemite
Forest Dynamics Plot (Yosemite National Park) and continue to the Wind River
Forest Dynamics Plot (Gifford Pinchot National Forest), and end in the Utah
Forest Dynamics Plot (Cedar Breaks National Monument). At Yosemite and Wind
River, the crew will work with and train volunteers (students and
citizen-scientists). We seek two field crew members and one field crew lead
to join our team of scientists.

DURATION: Mid-May through mid-August. The work schedule is four, ten-hour
days per week. Because we don’t work under inclement conditions, the crew
will need to be flexible. 

SALARY: $12.50 per hour for the crew, $15.00 for the crew lead. Campground
and field station accommodations are provided (camping at Yosemite and Cedar
Breaks, field station at Wind River). Actual gas expenses (with receipts and
mileage log) for travel between the crew’s residences and each of the field
sites will be reimbursed.

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, to work both independently and in teams of two or three, and to
work with students and volunteers. Work will involve moving through
sometimes rough terrain carrying delicate and expensive equipment, as well
as carrying up to 10 kg of additional gear. Knowledge of western flora, tree
pathogens, and forest insects is helpful, as is solid experience with
outdoor living. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, good driving
history (no recent DUI or reckless driving), and a Wilderness First Aid
certification valid for the season (Wilderness First Responder preferred;
urban first aid/CPR not enough). 

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, specific dates of availability (including any planned mid-summer
absences, or a statement that you plan none), and confirmation of your first
aid certification, 2) a resume, no longer than two pages, 3) unofficial
transcripts, and 4) names, phone numbers and email addresses of three
references. The application deadline is January 31, 2018, but applications
will be reviewed beginning immediately. Usually, we have made our staffing
decisions by early February. Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier. 

Additional information and background at:
http://westernforestinitiative.org, http://yfdp.org, http://wfdp.org, and
http://ufdp.org. Each of the research plots also has a Facebook page with
general photos of the work sites and activities.

[ECOLOG-L] Summer field jobs in Yosemite National Park and the West

[Jim Lutz]

The Western Forest Initiative is hiring three field technicians for summer of 
2017.

Forest Demography and Fire Effects: These positions will primarily involve the 
establishment of spatially-explicit forest plots in Yosemite National Park. The 
crew will navigate to areas within or near the footprint of the Rim Fire of 
2013 (wilderness and non-wilderness) and then identify, measure, and map trees 
and snags in ¼ ha plots. The crew will receive training in mapping and 
demography in the Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot and will work with 
investigators from Utah State University, the University of Washington, and the 
University of Montana on this Joint Fire Science Program funded project. 
  
Duration: Late-May through mid-August, with the possibility for some staff to 
extend the season. The work schedule is four, ten-hour days per week. Because 
we don’t work under inclement conditions, the crew will need to be flexible. 

Salary: $12.50 per hour. Campground accommodations are provided. Personal 
vehicle use reimbursed at $0.485/mile.

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, to work both independently and in teams of two or three, and to work 
with students and volunteers. Work will involve moving through rough terrain 
carrying delicate and expensive equipment, as well as carrying up to 15 kg of 
additional gear. Knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and forest insects 
is helpful, as is solid experience with outdoor living. Applicants must have a 
valid driver’s license and good driving history. 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, specific dates of availability (including any planned mid-summer 
absences, or a statement that you plan none), and confirmation of your first 
aid certification, 2) a resume, no longer than two pages, 3) unofficial 
transcripts, and 4) names, phone numbers and email addresses of three 
references. Application deadline: January 31, 2017. Usually, we have made our 
staffing decisions by early February. Exceptional candidates will be selected 
earlier.  

Additional information and background at: http://yfdp.org, 
http://westernforestinitiative.org, and the Facebook Group “Yosemite Forest 
Dynamics Plot”

[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Professor of Fire Ecology at Utah State University

[Jim Lutz]

The Department of Wildland Resources is seeking applications for a full-time, 
9-month tenure track faculty position in fire ecology and management. We are 
seeking a scholar dedicated to basic and applied fire science. The position, to 
be filled at the Assistant Professor level and starting by August 2017, will be 
50% research, 40% teaching, and 10% service. 

The successful candidate will develop a research program investigating the 
effects of fire on forests and woodlands. Research foci might include, for 
example, the effects of fire on plant performance, mortality, regeneration, or 
community composition, the study of mechanisms of fire ignition and spread, the 
interactions between fire and weather/climate, or the interactions among fire, 
other disturbances, and simultaneously acting plant stressors, among others. 
The department welcomes researchers examining scales from individual plants to 
entire watersheds, landscapes, and regions. 

Fundamental to this position is working across disciplinary and institutional 
boundaries, and collaborating with federal and state agencies in matters 
related to fire science. The successful candidate is expected to develop a 
research program that secures extramural funds and achieves national and 
international recognition. The individual will mentor and advise undergraduate 
and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds, 
as well as teach at least two courses, one in fire ecology and management, and 
the other from the department's set of required undergraduate classes.

The candidate's expertise should complement existing strengths in the College 
of Natural Resources. Through collaboration with existing faculty and extension 
personnel who investigate fire as portions of their research programs, the 
candidate will help increase the scope of the fire program at USU. We are 
interested in candidates who can prosper within a collaborative, 
interdisciplinary environment of physical, life, and social scientists. For 
further questions, please contact search committee chair Jim Lutz, 
james.l...@usu.edu, 435-797-0478.

Department and College Highlights: Utah State University is Utah’s land-grant 
university. USU is in Logan, offering the amenities of a college town within 
the Cache Valley metropolitan zone of 115,000 people. Cache Valley is a 
90-minute freeway drive north of Salt Lake City, positioned along the scenic 
Wasatch Mountains and Bear River Range. Logan offers a bonanza of outdoor 
activities within minutes of campus, and is within a day’s drive of seven 
national parks. 

An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, USU is dedicated to 
recruiting stellar candidates from a diverse pool, including women, minorities, 
veterans, and persons with disabilities. USU is sensitive to the needs of 
dual-career applicants and offers competitive salaries with outstanding 
medical, retirement, and professional benefits.

Minimum Qualifications 
An earned Ph.D. in fields such as, but not limited to, fire, geography, 
forestry, or ecology.  
Working knowledge, experience, and training in the effects of wildland fire on 
forests and woodlands, with a corresponding publication record.
Ability to develop an externally funded research program based on innovative 
and transformative research.
Demonstrated ability to articulate natural resource science within and outside 
the classroom to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work productively with land management agencies and 
various stakeholder groups. 

Preferred Qualifications
Postdoctoral experience is preferred. Demonstrated ability to teach 
undergraduate and graduate level classes in natural resource topics. Preference 
will be given to those candidates who will conduct a portion of their work in 
Utah or the Intermountain West and to those with practical experience in 
prescribed fire, wildland fire management, or fire effects monitoring. 

Apply
Apply on-line at jobs.usu.edu, job requisition number F1600167, 
http://usu.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobid=1484 Review of applications begins 
September 30, 2016. 
  




  

[ECOLOG-L] Tenure-track position in Fire Ecology at Utah State University

[Jim Lutz]

The Department of Wildland Resources at Utah State University is seeking 
applications for a full-time, 9-month tenure track faculty position in fire 
ecology and management. We are seeking a scholar dedicated to basic and applied 
fire science. The position, to be filled at the Assistant Professor level and 
starting by August 2017, will be 50% research, 40% teaching, and 10% service. 

The successful candidate will develop a research program investigating the 
effects of fire on forests and woodlands. Research foci might include, for 
example, the effects of fire on plant performance, mortality, regeneration, or 
community composition, the study of mechanisms of fire ignition and spread, the 
interactions between fire and weather/climate, or the interactions among fire, 
other disturbances, and simultaneously acting plant stressors, among others. 
The department welcomes researchers examining scales from individual plants to 
entire watersheds, landscapes, and regions. 

Fundamental to this position is working across disciplinary and institutional 
boundaries, and collaborating with federal and state agencies in matters 
related to fire science. The successful candidate is expected to develop a 
research program that secures extramural funds and achieves national and 
international recognition. The individual will mentor and advise undergraduate 
and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds, 
as well as teach at least two courses, one in fire ecology and management, and 
the other from the department's set of required undergraduate classes.

Minimum Qualifications: An earned Ph.D. in fields such as, but not limited to, 
fire, geography, forestry, or ecology;   working knowledge, experience, and 
training in the effects of wildland fire on forests and woodlands, with a 
corresponding publication record; ability to develop an externally funded 
research program based on innovative and transformative research; demonstrated 
ability to articulate natural resource science within and outside the classroom 
to diverse audiences; and demonstrated ability to work productively with land 
management agencies and various stakeholder groups.   

Preferred Qualifications: Postdoctoral experience is preferred. Demonstrated 
ability to teach undergraduate and graduate level classes in natural resource 
topics. Preference will be given to those candidates who will conduct a portion 
of their work in Utah or the Intermountain West and to those with practical 
experience in prescribed fire, wildland fire management, or fire effects 
monitoring. 

The candidate's expertise should complement existing strengths in the College 
of Natural Resources. Through collaboration with existing faculty and extension 
personnel who investigate fire as portions of their research programs, the 
candidate will help increase the scope of the fire program at USU. We are 
interested in candidates who can prosper within a collaborative, 
interdisciplinary environment of physical, life, and social scientists. An 
affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, USU is dedicated to recruiting 
stellar candidates from a diverse pool, including women, minorities, veterans, 
and persons with disabilities. USU is sensitive to the needs of dual-career 
applicants and offers competitive salaries with outstanding medical, 
retirement, and professional benefits.

Review of candidates begins on September 30, 2016.  Apply on-line at 
jobs.usu.edu, job requisition number F1600167, 
http://usu.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobid=1484 

For further questions, please contact search committee chair Jim Lutz, 
james.l...@usu.edu, 435-797-0478.
  




  

[ECOLOG-L] Summer field jobs: western Washington

[Jim Lutz]

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”

[ECOLOG-L] PhD Assistantship in Forest Demography at Utah State University

[Jim Lutz]

Utah State University seeks a graduate student in forest demography. The 
successful candidate will work with Jim Lutz and his colleagues to examine tree 
neighborhood, community, pathogen, and climatic correlates of tree recruitment, 
growth, and mortality. The overall project is funded under an NSF Dimensions of 
Biodiversity grant examining the effects of oomycetes on forest plants. The 
successful candidate will work with tree demographic data and data on oomycete 
diversity, distribution, and pathogenicity, and will collaborate with the 
oomycete genetic team to examine the effect of oomycetes on forest composition 
and structure. 

This is a chance for a student to work with one of the finest forest 
demographic data sets in the world. The Wind River Forest Dynamics Plot 
(wfdp.org), a 25.6 ha permanent plot affiliated with the Smithsonian ForestGEO 
program (forestgeo.si.edu), is the study site for this research. In this 
old-growth (525 yr) Douglas-fir/western hemlock forest, all stems ≥1 cm dbh 
have been identified, tagged, and mapped to a high degree of spatial accuracy. 
The plot was established in 2010-2011, and since that time, annual surveys of 
mortality (including contributing factors) and recruitment have taken place. A 
recensus in 2016 and continuing mortality and recruitment surveys complete the 
demographic data. Woody debris maps, dendrometer data, atmospheric flux data, 
soil properties, and LiDAR data increase our ability to examine drivers of 
demography.

The combination of a large number of trees (30,973) and snags (1,966) in a 
spatially contiguous block and annual mortality data by cause is unique. In 
addition to his or her dissertation work, the successful candidate will 
participate in a variety of other research in other Smithsonian-affiliated Big 
Plots leading to co-authorships.

Requirements: A strong quantitative background, as demonstrated by courses 
taken, programming skills, and GRE scores, is required. A well rounded 
educational and field background in plant pathology, entomology, taxonomy, and 
disturbance ecology is desired. Exceptional candidates with a BA/BS and 
relevant experience will be considered, but an MS is preferred. The position 
will begin in summer 2016 with field work, with the first semester at USU being 
autumn of 2016. 

This position has four years of RA funding (to be finalized by 1/2016). The 
successful candidate will be expected to work on an academic schedule (eleven 
months of work per year, with time off primarily scheduled during academic 
breaks). The stipend is $1,667 per month, on a twelve month basis (plus tuition 
& fees waiver and health insurance). This level of funding goes particularly 
far in Logan, a mountain town in northern Utah.  

Apply using the USU on-line system. Applications must be complete (including 
receipt of references) by December 31, 2015. To begin a dialog, please send, in 
a single PDF document, a cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, GRE scores, 
and examples of publications or posters to james.l...@usu.edu. Prior to 
inquiring, please refer to jamesalutz.com and westernforestinitiative.org. 

[ECOLOG-L] Assistant Professor of Microbial Ecology at Utah State University

[Jim Lutz]

Assistant Professor - Microbial Ecology

Institution: Utah State University

Location: Logan, UT
Category: Faculty - Science - Biology
Posted: 09/11/2015
Application Due: Open Until Filled
Type: Full Time
Notes: included on Affirmative Action email

POSITION SUMMARY: 
The Department of Biology and the Ecology Center invite applications for a 
9-month tenure-track Assistant Professor position (50% research, 40% teaching, 
and 10% service) in Microbial Ecology. We seek an innovative scientist with 
strong computational skills focusing on any level of ecological organization. 
Emphases might include ecology of mutualisms, global change ecology, disease 
ecology, or evolutionary ecology. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 
Candidates will be expected to establish creative, independent, and externally 
funded research programs; form effective collaborations with other faculty; and 
contribute to undergraduate and graduate education in the Department of Biology 
and Ecology Center. Teaching will include participation in appropriate lower 
division courses in Biology. Collaborations with science faculty at USU 
regional campuses and teaching courses via broadcast and online are encouraged. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A Ph.D. is required. Preference will be given to candidates who complement 
existing strengths in the Department of Biology ( www.biology.usu.edu) and the 
Ecology Center ( www.usu.edu/ecology/).
Strong computational skills focusing on any level of ecological organization.
Ability to be an excellent researcher and scholar.
Ability to be an effective university teacher.
Ability to work successfully with students, teachers, administrators and 
faculty.
APPLICATION INFORMATION

Contact: Utah State University
Online App. Form: https://usu.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobid=748
Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified 
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, 
religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, 
among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

[ECOLOG-L] Summer Field Opportunities: The West

[Jim Lutz]

Summer Field Opportunities: The West

The Western Forest Initiative is hiring eight field technicians for summer of 
2015.

Forest Demography: Four positions will involve the establishment of a large, 
Smithsonian-affiliated forest dynamics plot at Cedar Breaks National Monument, 
Utah (elevation 10,500’).  The crew will map, identify, and tag approximately 
40,000 woody stems over the course of the summer, as well as survey monuments 
in steep, forested terrain. The crew will work with and supervise volunteers 
during part of the summer.

Fire Effects: Three positions will involve sampling one-year post-fire 
landscapes throughout the Pacific Northwest (principally Idaho and eastern 
Washington and Oregon). Working in crews of two, field staff will navigate to 
pre-determined locations within fire perimeters and conduct vegetation and fuel 
surveys.

Botany: One position will involve collection, identification, processing, and 
mounting of botanical specimens for the Utah State University teaching 
herbarium.  This field technician will travel with the Western Forest 
Initiative investigators to sites in California, Washington, and Utah.

Prior to the beginning of specific assignments, field staff will receive 
training at the Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot.

Duration: Late-May through Mid-August, with the possibility for some staff to 
extend through September. The work schedule is four, ten hour days per week.

Salary: $10 to $13 per hour, depending on experience. Camping accommodations 
provided.  The Fire Effects staff will receive mileage reimbursement.

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 or three. Work will 
involve moving through sometimes steep, rocky terrain with delicate and 
expensive equipment, as well as the ability to carry up to 15 kg of additional 
gear. Work experience in post-fire forests strongly desired, as is some 
knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and forest insects. Applicants must 
have a valid driver’s license and be considered insurable by Utah State 
University. Applicants must also have a Wilderness First Aid certification 
(Wilderness First Responder preferred) valid for the field season.

Apply: Please assemble all of the following into a single PDF file and email it 
to james.l...@usu.edu<mailto:james.l...@usu.edu> – 1) A one-page cover letter 
describing your interests, reasons for applying, which position(s) you are 
applying for, and specific dates of availability (including any planned 
mid-summer absences), 2) A resume or CV, no longer than two pages, 3) 
Unofficial transcripts, and 4) Names, phone numbers and email addresses of 
references (please do not send letters of reference).

Additional information and background at: http://ufdp.org, http://yfdp.org, and 
the Facebook Groups “Utah Forest Dynamics Plot” and "Yosemite Forest Dynamics 
Plot". Contact Jim Lutz at james.l...@usu.edu<mailto:james.l...@usu.edu> with 
questions not answered on those pages.

Application deadline: January 15, 2015.  Usually, we make our staffing 
decisions by early February. Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier.

James A Lutz
Assistant Professor, Forest Ecology
Wildland Resources Department
Utah State University
5230 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-5230
Web: http://jamesalutz.com

[ECOLOG-L] Summer field opportunities: Fire Effects in the Pacific Northwest

[Jim Lutz]

These three summer positions, hired out of the University of Idaho, involve 
measuring fire effects throughout the Pacific Northwest (roughly within the 
basin of the Columbia River) to support research into fire refugia and whether 
climate variability and trends affect unburned islands within fire perimeters. 
Tasks include navigating to pre-determined points within fire perimeters, and 
assessing what the effect of fire was on the vegetation and surface fuels.

Qualifications: Previous experience taking vegetation research data, working 
safely in challenging environments, and following complex data collection 
protocols is required. Experience with fire-related data collection strongly 
preferred. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to solve problems and to 
work both in teams of two or three. Work will involve moving through sometimes 
steep, rocky terrain with delicate and expensive equipment while carrying a 
full field pack. Staff must have a driver’s license and a Wilderness First 
Aid/CPR certification (or higher) valid until September 30, 2014 (if you are 
not certified, please include your plans for certification in your cover 
letter).

Other: Practical experience in the operation and maintenance of computer, 
electronic, and mechanical equipment; familiarity with a variety of software 
and instrumentation; and experience with periods of outdoor living are all 
positives.

Duration: Early June  – end-August 2014; some flexibility is possible to cater 
for  the various university schedules.

Salary: $10 to $13 per hour, depending on experience. The work schedule is 
four, ten hour days per week most of the time, but some work periods will 
require 8-days on/6-days off.

Apply: Please assemble all of the following into a single PDF file and email it 
to james.l...@usu.edu<mailto:james.l...@usu.edu> – 1) A one-page cover letter 
describing your interests, reasons for applying, and specific dates of 
availability (including any planned mid-summer absences), 2) A resume or CV, no 
longer than two pages, 3) Unofficial transcripts, and 4) Phone numbers and 
email addresses of references (please do not send letters of reference).

Contact Jim Lutz at james.l...@usu.edu<mailto:james.l...@usu.edu> with 
questions.

Application deadline: February 28, 2014.  Decisions: March 31, 2014. 
Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier.

James A Lutz
Assistant Professor, Forest Ecology
Wildland Resources Department
Utah State University
5230 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-5230
Office: (435) 797-0478

[ECOLOG-L] Summer field opportunities: Cedar Breaks National Monument

[Jim Lutz]

These two summer positions involve the establishment of the 25.6 ha Utah Forest 
Dynamics Plot, to be located in the northern portion of the Cedar Breaks 
National Monument in old-growth, high-elevation mixed conifer forest.   Tasks 
include surveying a grid on 20 m centers with Total Stations and GPS (as 
possible).  Some tree locations will also be mapped with the Total Station and 
tree information collected.  Some overview images are available at: 
http://www.gigapan.com/profiles/WesternForestInitiative or the Facebook group 
“Utah Forest Dynamics Plot”.

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 in teams of two or three. Work will involve moving 
through sometimes steep, rocky terrain with delicate, expensive, and heavy 
equipment. Surveying experience is preferred; GIS experience or a GIS course is 
required. Staff must have a driver’s license and a Wilderness First Aid/CPR 
certification (or higher) valid until September 30, 2014 (if you are not 
certified, please include your plans for certification in your cover letter).

Other: Practical experience in the operation and maintenance of computer, 
electronic, and mechanical equipment; familiarity with a variety of software 
and instrumentation; and experience with periods of outdoor living are all 
positives. The research site and campground are at an elevation of 3,000 m.

Duration: Late-June – mid-September 2014; scheduling depends on when the winter 
snow melts, and also when our permits are finalized.  If circumstances cause 
delay, staff will be able to work on my other field crews.

Salary: $10 to $13 per hour, depending on experience. Camping accommodations 
(with hot showers) provided. The work schedule is four, ten hour days per week.

Apply: Please assemble all of the following into a single PDF file and email it 
to james.l...@usu.edu<mailto:james.l...@usu.edu> – 1) A one-page cover letter 
describing your interests, reasons for applying, and specific dates of 
availability (including any planned mid-summer absences), 2) A resume or CV, no 
longer than two pages, 3) Unofficial transcripts, and 4) Phone numbers and 
email addresses of references (please do not send letters of reference).

Contact Jim Lutz at james.l...@usu.edu<mailto:james.l...@usu.edu> with 
questions.

Application deadline: February 28, 2014.  Decisions: March 31, 2014. 
Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier.

James A Lutz
Assistant Professor, Forest Ecology
Wildland Resources Department
Utah State University
5230 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-5230
Office: (435) 797-0478

[ECOLOG-L] Summer field opportunities: Yosemite National Park (revised - longer employment opportunity)

[Jim Lutz]

These four summer positions involve a complete remeasurement of the 25.6 ha 
Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot, located near Crane Flat in old-growth sugar 
pine/white fir forest.  The plot burned at generally low to moderate severity 
in the 2013 Rim Fire.  Tasks include revisiting each tree and snag; recording 
mortalities, ingrowth, and newly fallen wood; measuring scorch and snag 
heights; and mapping shrub patches, down CWD and areas of the forest floor that 
did not burn. Other tasks include measuring fuel consumption along fixed 
transects, installing and measuring dendrometers, and collecting data from 
associated instrumentation. Mortality checks require hatchet use. Staff will 
supervise students and volunteers.

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 or three. Work will 
involve moving through sometimes steep, rocky terrain with delicate and 
expensive equipment, as well as the ability to carry up to 15 kg of additional 
gear. Work experience in post-fire forests strongly desired, as is some 
knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and forest insects. Staff must have 
a driver’s license and a Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification (or higher) 
valid until August 31, 2014 (if you are not certified, please include your 
plans for certification in your cover letter).

Other: Practical experience in the operation and maintenance of computer, 
electronic, and mechanical equipment; familiarity with a variety of software 
and instrumentation; and experience with periods of outdoor living are all 
positives.

Duration: Late-May – mid-August 2014; there is some schedule flexibility for 
people graduating from ‘quarter system’ universities.  Two employees will be 
able to continue work on my other projects (Fire Effects in the Pacific 
Northwest and the Utah Forest Dynamics Plot) after this one is finished.

Salary: $10 to $13 per hour, depending on experience. Camping accommodations 
provided. The work schedule is four, ten hour days per week.

Apply: Please assemble all of the following into a single PDF file and email it 
to james.l...@usu.edu<mailto:james.l...@usu.edu> – 1) A one-page cover letter 
describing your interests, reasons for applying, and specific dates of 
availability (including any planned mid-summer absences), 2) A resume or CV, no 
longer than two pages, 3) Unofficial transcripts, and 4) Phone numbers and 
email addresses of references (please do not send letters of reference).

Additional information and background at: http://www.yfdp.org, the Facebook 
Group "Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot", and the gigapan.com group 
‘WesternForestInitiative’. Contact Jim Lutz at 
james.l...@usu.edu<mailto:james.l...@usu.edu> with questions not answered on 
those pages.

Application deadline: January 31, 2014.  Decisions: February 28, 2014. 
Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier.

James A Lutz
Assistant Professor, Forest Ecology
Wildland Resources Department
Utah State University
5230 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-5230
Office: (435) 797-0478

[ECOLOG-L] Summer Field Opportunities: Yosemite National Park, CA

[Jim Lutz]

These four summer positions involve a complete remeasurement of the 25.6 ha 
Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot, located near Crane Flat in old-growth sugar 
pine/white fir forest.  The plot burned at generally low to moderate severity 
in the 2013 Rim Fire.  Tasks include revisiting each tree and snag; recording 
mortalities, ingrowth, and newly fallen wood; measuring scorch and snag 
heights; and mapping shrub patches, down CWD and areas of the forest floor that 
did not burn. Other tasks include measuring fuel consumption along fixed 
transects, installing and measuring dendrometers, and collecting data from 
associated instrumentation. Mortality checks require hatchet use. Staff will 
supervise students and volunteers.

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 or three. Work will 
involve moving through sometimes steep, rocky terrain with delicate and 
expensive equipment, as well as the ability to carry up to 15 kg of additional 
gear. Work experience in post-fire forests strongly desired, as is some 
knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and forest insects. Staff must have 
a driver’s license and a Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification (or higher) 
valid until August 31, 2014 (if you are not certified, please include your 
plans for certification in your cover letter).

Other: Practical experience in the operation and maintenance of computer, 
electronic, and mechanical equipment; familiarity with a variety of software 
and instrumentation; and experience with periods of outdoor living are all 
positives.

Duration: Late-May – mid-August 2014; there is some schedule flexibility for 
people graduating from ‘quarter system’ universities.

Salary: $10 to $13 per hour, depending on experience. Camping accommodations 
provided. The work schedule is four, ten hour days per week.

Apply: Please assemble all of the following into a single PDF file and email it 
to james.l...@usu.edu<mailto:james.l...@usu.edu> – 1) A one-page cover letter 
describing your interests, reasons for applying, and specific dates of 
availability (including any planned mid-summer absences), 2) A resume or CV, no 
longer than two pages, 3) Unofficial transcripts, and 4) Phone numbers and 
email addresses of references (please do not send letters of reference).

Additional information and background at: http://www.yfdp.org, the Facebook 
Group "Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot", and the gigapan.com group 
‘WesternForestInitiative’. Contact Jim Lutz at 
james.l...@usu.edu<mailto:james.l...@usu.edu> with questions not answered on 
those pages.

Application deadline: January 31, 2014.  Decisions: February 28, 2014. 
Exceptional candidates will be selected earlier.

James A. Lutz
Assistant Professor, Forest Ecology
Utah State University

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate assistantship: Forest Ecology

[Jim Lutz]

Forest Demography 
I am seeking applications for a graduate student at either the MS or PhD level 
looking to work in large forest demography plots - the Yosemite Forest Dynamics 
Plot, the Wind River Forest Dynamics Plot, and the naissant Utah Forest 
Dynamics Plot, all affiliated with the Smithsonian CTFS global network of 
forest plots. This position can involve studies of woody species demography, 
diversity, productivity, vertical and horizontal structure, or disturbance. 
This opening is at Utah State University, where I will be joining the faculty 
in autumn of 2013. Andrew Larson (University of Montana) is a collaborator on 
this project.

Qualifications
When enquiring, please include sufficient information to begin a dialog (at a 
minimum, your CV, an unofficial transcript, and GRE scores). Please also read 
some of my publications and those of my collaborators on related topics. The 
minimum GRE scores required for admission to Utah State University are the 40th 
percentile. But because our work in fire ecology, landscape ecology, and 
community ecology is computationally and quantitatively intense, I prefer 
students with good quantitative backgrounds (science, math, or engineering), 
and quantitative GRE scores above the 85th percentile (although that is 
certainly not a requirement). Our work environment includes R for statistics, 
MySQL for database work, ESRI for GIS and remote sensing, ENVI for spectral 
remote sensing, FUSION for LiDAR remote sensing, and Trimble and Leica for 
surveying. Any experience with those tools is great but not required. 
Paradoxically, field experience is not a requisite for application, but you 
will !
 probably be doing a lot of it (I provide considerable in-the-field training 
for my students). My objective is to work as a partner with students to produce 
significant work, publishable in high quality journals. 


>From autumn semester: 
James A Lutz
Assistant Professor, Forest Ecology
Utah State University 

Current email: jl...@uw.edu 

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate assistantship: Fire Ecology

[Jim Lutz]

Fire Severity
I am seeking applications for a graduate student at the MS level to join an 
ongoing project examining patterns of fire severity and their relations to 
climate variability ("Disappearing refugia: identifying trends and resilience 
in unburned islands under climate change"). This opening is at Utah State 
University, where I will be joining the faculty in autumn of 2013. Crystal 
Kolden (University of Idaho) is a collaborator on this project.

Qualifications
When enquiring, please include sufficient information to begin a dialog (at a 
minimum, your CV, an unofficial transcript, and GRE scores). Please also read 
some of my publications and those of my collaborators on related topics. The 
minimum GRE scores required for admission to Utah State University are the 40th 
percentile. But because our work in fire ecology, landscape ecology, and 
community ecology is computationally and quantitatively intense, I prefer 
students with good quantitative backgrounds (science, math, or engineering), 
and quantitative GRE scores above the 85th percentile (although that is 
certainly not a requirement). Our work environment includes R for statistics, 
MySQL for database work, ESRI for GIS and remote sensing, ENVI for spectral 
remote sensing, FUSION for LiDAR remote sensing, and Trimble and Leica for 
surveying. Any experience with those tools is great but not required. 
Paradoxically, field experience is not a requisite for application, but you 
will !
 probably be doing a lot of it (I provide considerable in-the-field training 
for my students). My objective is to work as a partner with students to produce 
significant work, publishable in high quality journals. 


>From autumn semester:
James A Lutz
Assistant Professor, Forest Ecology
Utah State University

Current email: jl...@uw.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Advice for 36 year old trying to get into M.S. program

[Jim Lutz]

Sean,

These days there is sometimes a preconception that older graduate students are 
the exception.  But recent statistics from University of Washington and Oregon 
State University show that older (or 'non-traditional') graduate students form 
a true silent majority in ecology programs.  As someone who quit a job in 
another field to pursue graduate studies in ecology after the age of forty, and 
who seems to be making a go of it, I would advise you to persevere.  It is 
certainly no picnic taking classes with all those intellectually hot 
20-somethings.  But you can make it work.  And there are a lot of 
non-traditional graduate students out there.  Just don't expect it to be as 
easy for you as it may appear to be for the more traditional graduate students.

Lutz, J. A., J. A. Freund, R. K. Hagmann, V. R. Kane, A. J. Larson, and J. F. 
Franklin. 2008. Mid-career graduate students in ecology. Frontiers in Ecology 
and the Environment 6(7): 392-393.

-Jim

James A Lutz, PhD
University of Washington
College of the Environment
http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz Ph:(206)616-3827

[ECOLOG-L] Summer field job opportunities: Yosemite and Wind River

[Jim Lutz]

Summer Field Opportunities: Yosemite, CA and Wind River, WA

These four summer positions involve tree mortality surveys in two 25.6 ha 
forest dynamics plots, one in Yosemite National Park (old-growth sugar 
pine/white fir) and one in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA (old-growth 
Douglas-fir/western hemlock). Tasks include revisiting each tree and recording 
mortalities, ingrowth, and coarse woody debris recruitment. Mortality checks 
require hatchet use. Staff will supervise students and volunteers. Two weeks of 
on-the-job training in late-June/early-July at the Yosemite Forest Dynamics 
Plot. 

Qualifications: Previous experience taking vegetation research data and ability 
to follow complex data collection protocols is required. Candidates should 
demonstrate the ability to solve problems and to work both independently and in 
teams of two or three. Work will involve moving through sometimes steep terrain 
with delicate and expensive equipment, as well as the ability to carry up to 15 
kg of additional gear. Knowledge of western flora, tree pathogens, and western 
forest insects is desirable. Staff must have a driver’s license and a 
Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification (or higher) valid until October 31, 2012 
(if you are not certified, please include your plans for certification in your 
cover letter). 

Other: Practical experience in the operation and maintenance of electronic and 
mechanical equipment, familiarity with a variety of software and 
instrumentation, and experience with periods of outdoor living are all 
positives. 

Duration: Mid-June – mid-October 2012 (2 positions); mid-June – September (2 
positions). 

Salary: $12 to $15 per hour, depending on experience. Camping accommodations 
provided during training in Yosemite. Bunk accommodations provided in Wind 
River. The work schedule is four, ten hour days per week. 

Apply: Please assemble the following into a single PDF file and email it to 
jl...@uw.edu – 1) A one-page cover letter describing your interests and reasons 
for applying, 2) A resume or CV, no longer than two pages, 3) Specific dates of 
availability (including any planned mid-summer absences), 4) Unofficial 
transcripts, and 5) Phone numbers and email addresses of references (please do 
not send letters of reference). 

Additional information: http://www.wfdp.org and http://www.yfdp.org. Contact 
Jim Lutz (jl...@uw.edu) with questions not answered on those pages. 

Application deadline: February 29, 2012. 

A PDF job flyer is available at: 
http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz/share/Jobs/Summer_2012_YFDP_WFDP_20120104.pdf
 

James A Lutz, PhD
University of Washington
College of the Environment
http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz Ph:(206)616-3827 

[ECOLOG-L] Summer field positions at the Wind River Forest Dynamics Plot

[Jim Lutz]

Three summer positions are available at the Wind River Forest Dynamics Plot, 
located at the Wind River Canopy Crane facility in southwest Washington.  These 
positions involve establishing a 25.6 ha forest dynamics plot in an old-growth 
Douglas-fir/western hemlock forest.  Half of the plot was established in 2010.  
The 2011 crew will finish establishing the plot.  Tasks include; completion of 
the survey of the 20-m reference grid using Total Stations, locating trees and 
shrubs in reference to the grid using handheld lasers, identifying and tagging 
all woody stems ≥ 1 cm dbh, mapping large woody debris, managing project data, 
and working with student volunteers.  Two weeks of on-the-job training will 
occur in late-June/early-July at the Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot, a companion 
coniferous forest plot in California.  

Compensation: $13-$15 per hour.  Housing is provided at Wind River, camp 
accommodations at Yosemite.  

For more information on the positions and for application instructions, 
download the flyer at: 

http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz/share/Jobs/WFDP_Summer_Job_2011.pdf

-Jim

James A Lutz, PhD
University of Washington
College of the Environment
http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz Ph:(206)616-3827

[ECOLOG-L] Summer field positions in Yosemite National Park

[Jim Lutz]

Two field positions are available for summer of 2010 doing forest measurement 
in the Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot, http://www.yfdp.org

A job flyer is available at: http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz/share/Jobs/

James A Lutz, PhD
University of Washington 
College of the Environment 
http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz Ph:(206)616-3827

[ECOLOG-L] Summer field positions in the Cedar River Watershed, Washington

[Jim Lutz]

Two field positions are available for summer of 2010 doing forest measurement 
in the Cedar River Watershed, near North Bend, Washington.

A job flyer is available at: http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz/share/Jobs/

Details of this interdisciplinary research project (silviculture and snow 
hydrology) can be found at:
http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz/index_TreesAndSnow.htm
http://faculty.washington.edu/jdlund/research/trees.shtml

James A Lutz, PhD
University of Washington 
College of the Environment 
http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz Ph:(206)616-3827

[ECOLOG-L] Research Scientist/Assistant position in forest and fire ecology

[Jim Lutz]

I am advertising an entry level research scientist/assistant position in forest 
and fire ecology.  We encourage applications both from people who are available 
now and from those who will soon be graduating from a related BA, BS, MA, or MS 
program.


Full Time Position
School of Forest Resources
College of the Environment
University of Washington

Research Scientist/Assistant
UWHIRES Position ID: 61226

Position Description: The successful candidate will support two research 
projects collectively investigating climate, fire, and carbon dynamics in 
western North America.  The position entails preparing and analyzing climate 
data, satellite-derived burn severity data, fire perimeters, and vegetation 
biomass data.  Most work will support research on climate impacts on burn 
severity in Yosemite National Park, Glacier National Park, and Yukon Charley 
National Preserve.  The remaining work will support research into fire/carbon 
dynamics in Yosemite and Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks.  Work will 
primarily involve manipulating large data sets with ESRI software or Excel.

Requirements:  Some experience with GIS gained through classes or work 
experience, some experience with Microsoft Excel and one statistical package 
gained through classes or work experience, the ability to move through 
sometimes rough terrain carrying delicate equipment and a 10 kg pack, and a 
valid drivers license.  Desired:  Understanding of spectral remote sensing, 
flora of California, and forest mensuration.

Research summaries:
http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz/index_ClimateImpactsOnBurnSeverity.htm
http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz/index_CarbonSequestation.htm


James A Lutz, PhD
University of Washington College of the Environment
http://faculty.washington.edu/jlutz Ph:(206)616-3827