Kari Veblen’s rangeland ecology lab at Utah State University has a lot of projects going on this summer and we’re looking for 2 hard-working, rad techs who can help us out! We’re doing plant, soil, and biological soil crust monitoring, as well as assessing planting survival and using instrumentation for plant physiology work across the Intermountain West. Positions run from early May to July 2019, with possibility of an April start date and extension through September.
Technicians will be expected to do a variety of tasks including, but not limited to: identify grasses, forbs, and shrubs to species level, dig and characterize soil pits, identify basic cryptobiotic soil cyanobacteria, lichens and mosses, and follow lab protocols. Expect to deal with wide-ranging climatic conditions, intense sun, and long days in the field. Applicants must work well in a team and will be expected to live in close quarters with other researchers.
Field technicians will typically work under the supervision of researchers in the field but will be expected to be independent and reliable at collecting field data. Ideal candidates will have field experience, some plant and/or soil classification experience, a strong academic background, and will work well in groups and have enthusiasm for fieldwork. Long workdays are expected, and technicians need to be flexible with schedules.
Work is based in Logan, UT with work sites spread throughout Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington. Work will primarily consist of 8 days on and 6 days off, including some 10+ hr work days, depending on work needs. Expect to camp during work at field sites. Technicians will need to provide a tent and sleeping equipment; kitchen equipment will be provided. Transportation between Logan, UT and field sites will be provided. Technicians should have a valid driver’s license and are responsible for their own housing between work periods and while conducting lab work in Logan, UT.
Interested? Send your cover letter/CV/3 references to skoutzoukis@aggiemail.usu.edu