Summer Field Technician: Prescribed burning effects on lowland brush ecosystems

Job Title: Field technician

Location:

Northern Minnesota, USA

Duration: 4-6 months (May 15 =96 August 31)

Job Type:

Seasonal

Application Deadline:

03/31/2017

Job Description:

Two (2) technicians are needed for a study of brushland vegetation response following prescribed burning in northern Minnesota. Our research objective is to examine the effects of season of burning on brushland habitat quality and use. The technicians will join a graduate student researcher to conduct vegetation surveys and fuel assessments. We are looking for applicants who will take pride in collecting high-quality ecological data without supervision, under challenging field conditions (i.e., strenuous hiking in brushy wetlands; long hours of sun, heat, and humidity; ticks, mosquitoes and biting flies galore), with a hard-working, team-oriented attitude, and preferably with a good sense of humor. The season will run from May 15, 2017 through end of August 2017, and there is some flexibility to the start and end dates depending on whether and technician availability. The project will be based out of the UMN Cloquet Forestry Center.

While the primary responsibility of the technicians will be work related to the study of brushland vegetation, other projects and field opportunities will likely be available throughout the summer.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications include a background, or seeking degree, in Natural Resources, Forestry, Ecology, Wildlife or related major or equivalent experience; ability to work in challenging terrain and navigate in the field using GPS; ability to closely follow vegetation survey and fuel assessment protocol and data entering instructions; experience with plant identification in the Lake States; and willingness to spend long days in the field working and hiking through brushy, wet environments. This habitat is difficult to move through, so prior experience working in difficult terrain is a plus. This job requires people who enjoy living and working closely with others, are resourceful and creative, have high attention to detail, are able to follow precise protocol, comfortable going with the flow with a sometimes unpredictable work schedule and possess a positive attitude for long days. Surveys require driving between multiple sites and applicants must possess a valid driver=92s license.

Compensation:

$12/h @ approximately 40/week from May through August. Housing is provided if needed at a minimal cost (~25$/week).

To Apply:

Persons interested in interviewing for a position should email a letter of interest and current CV with names and contact information (phone and email) for two references to Lori Knosalla at knosa003@umn.edu.Please include YOUR LAST NAME and =93BRUSHLAND TECH=94 in the email subject line.

Number of Openings:

2

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expressions.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.