Plant Ecology field/lab volunteer position with USGS, Hawaii. This

volunteer position starts June 19, 2017 and lasts 5 months; housing and

per diem are provided. We are looking for a motivated and independent

intern with field/lab experience to work on a project in mid-elevation

mesic forest on Hawaii Island relating to invasive plants, native birds,

and ecosystem restoration. In particular, the work focuses on how plant-

soil interactions and bird dispersal of native seed affect native

understory regeneration in Acacia koa reforestation projects, therefore

previous experience with plant/soil sampling and labwork is desirable.

Field responsibilities include: collecting plant survey data, maintaining

and collecting seedrain traps, outplanting experimental plants, collecting

plant foliar and litter samples, soil coring. Field sites are in Hakalau

Forest National Wildlife Refuge at 5000-7000 ft elevation and may be cold

and wet OR hot and dry depending on time of year. Must be able to work

outdoors in all weather conditions, hike over rough terrain long distances

carrying field gear, navigate using GPS/compass, and drive a 4×4 automatic

vehicle on unpaved roads. Lab responsibilities include: grinding plant

material, soil sieving, soil extractions, data entry, processing seed rain

samples, processing bird fecal samples for seed. Compensation is

$1040/month per diem and housing is provided in Hawaii Volcanoes National

Park, or at Hakalau depending on field schedule; transportation provided

to and from work and to Hilo for supplies. Airfare is only provided from

Oahu to Hilo.  To apply, please send AS A SINGLE DOCUMENT 1. brief cover

letter highlighting relevant experience and why you are interested in the

position, 2. resume, and 3. name, address, phone number, and email address

of at least 3 references to Dr. Stephanie Yelenik, USGS Pacific Island

Ecosystems Research Center, syelenik@usgs.gov. Applications will be

considered as they are received to fill the position quickly, and priority

given to those who can start in June.

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