Job Announcement: Seasonal Botanist, Summer 2017
We seek a botanist for research on fire-driven changes to plant communities in the western US.
This position will work with a crew of 2-4 field technicians and the field research lead in fire-affected landscapes in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and possibly Idaho. The botanist will be responsible for ensuring accurate identifications and collection of voucher specimens for all vascular plant species encountered in sample plots, and collect data on vegetation composition and structure.
Required skills include: strong plant identification skills, familiarity with the flora of the interior western US, experience making herbarium-quality collections, experience with basic field vegetation data collection, ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, work long hours, camp, and hike cross-country to plots in topographically rugged burned landscapes. Talented upper-level undergraduates will be considered; Bachelor=92s or Master=92s degree in botany, forestry, ecology, or related field. Other desirable qualifications include knowledge of or interest in fire ecology, wilderness travel, wilderness first aid or first responder, and own 4WD vehicle.
Location: the research team will travel and camp across the southwestern US, working in different 15-20-year-old wildfire-affected landscapes.
Salary: $12 – $18/hour, depending on experience, + $40/day in per diem for personal expenses.
The project represents a collaboration between Western State Colorado University, Oregon State University, the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station, and other partners.
If interested, please email a brief statement describing your interest, a resume, and the contact information for three references to: jcoop@western.edu. For additional information or to answer any questions, please email or call (970) 943-2565. Applications will be reviewed as they are accepted through March 15, 2017.
Contact information:
Jonathan Coop, Assistant Professor of Biology and Environment & Sustainability
Western State Colorado University
Gunnison, CO 81231