I’m looking for two field assistants to help me conduct my dissertation research in the Patagonian-Andean Region of southern Chile (Aysén Region) between the first week in March and mid-April 2018.
We’ll be investigating the regeneration ecology of Pilgerodendron uviferum (ciprés de las Guaitecas), as well as the ecological differences between burned and unburned forests and peatlands in the La Junta and Tortel areas of Chile, respectively. This will involve long days in the field collecting tree cores, in addition to data pertaining to stand structure, vegetation composition, and environmental conditions (e.g., light levels and water table depth).
In the La Junta area, we’ll stay in a small rented cabin (or possibly with a local family). In the Tortel area, we’ll be staying in town at a hostal, thus sharing space with other visitors. Lodging, food and fieldwork-related travel expenses will be provided. However, you will need to cover your round-trip travel to Coyhaique, Chile.
Preferred qualifications include experience conducting biological/ecological field work in remote, rugged terrain; a positive, flexible attitude, and ability to get along with others in close quarters; a willingness to hike, scramble (and even crawl) through extremely dense (and sometimes very wet) temperate rainforest; and moderate Spanish comprehension. Ideal qualifications include experience with plant identification and/or familiarity with the common plants of Chile’s temperate rainforests, and Spanish fluency.
I expect that the majority of our time will be spent conducting fieldwork, but we’ll also have opportunities to drink mate and participate in asados with local folks, as well as to enjoy the magnificent Baker and Palena Rivers. Assistants will be strongly encouraged to arrange to do some exploring of Patagonia on their own after the field season.
To apply, please email me with some details about yourself and why you’re interested in the position, as well as your resume and contact information for three references to: KZaret@pdx.edu.
Saludos,
Kyla