Overview: We are hiring up to three students* to conduct research on forest dynamics in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. Employees will traverse very steep slopes to evaluate the conditions and causes of tree mortality in young and old-growth forests impacted by a major snowstorm in 2019. Successful candidates must be capable and comfortable with hiking and navigating off-trail for long distances on steep, unstable slopes. We seek current students who are interested in ecological research, enjoy working outdoors as part of a team, and can live cooperatively with others. This work is part of the Pacific Northwest Permanent Sample Plot Program, one of the longest-running research projects of its kind in the world. For more information:https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpnwpsp.forestry.oregonstate.edu&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Ce4b26796bfbd4671138108d6cd4d40fd%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636922129030012877&sdata=Yy9R1ZQci9MVfjAKCfMfoso3I5p3OQJkDKlpQjnJT5E%3D&reserved=0
Duties: (1) Navigate off-trail in steep, brushy terrain to relocate permanent plots using topographic maps, compass and GPS; (2) identify tree species; (3) assess and document symptoms and causes of recent tree mortality; and (4) record and check data for completeness and clarity.
Logistics: Crew will be based at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest near Blue River, OR where housing is provided at no cost (https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fandrewsforest.oregonstate.edu%2F&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Ce4b26796bfbd4671138108d6cd4d40fd%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636922129030022870&sdata=EM1oKpX6HAWsjQmG8W41qm5ZeW9AVB18hzY7zDQHzvU%3D&reserved=0). Field season begins June 19, 2019 and is expected to last until the first or second week of September.
Minimum qualifications: (1) enrolled in or graduated from a program in forestry, natural resources, environmental science or closely related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience; (2) ability to follow complex data collection procedures; (3) demonstrated ability to work independently and with other crew members in a professional manner while maintaining a positive and safe work environment.
Preferred qualifications: (1) coursework, experience or training in forest measurements; (2) experience navigating off-trail in steep, mountainous terrain using compass, map and GPS; (3) familiarity with tree species of the Cascade Mountains or proven ability to learn them quickly; (4) prior experience conducting field work and collecting data for research; (5) first-aid or wilderness first-aid training; (6) demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Salary: $13-$15/hour
Duration: June 19 to September 6 or 13, 2019
Apply by: May 17, 2019
On-line application instructions (current students only*):
* *You are considered a student if you are enrolled for at least 6 credits in spring and intend to take at least 6 credits in the fall.
* On-line application: https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjobs.oregonstate.edu%2Fpostings%2F75783&data=02%7C01%7Ceric.schultz%40uconn.edu%7Ce4b26796bfbd4671138108d6cd4d40fd%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C636922129030022870&sdata=CTpkaZ7pewGhc6acug%2Fa5olhOCyJHxzkIyGJOBTm18M%3D&reserved=0 (posting # P05116SE)
* Click on “Apply for this Job” and follow the instructions.
FMI: Rob Pabst, Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University (rob.pabst@oregonstate.edu)