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
