Location: Normal,IL, USA
Summary:
The lead researchers of the Paint Rock Forest Dynamics Project (PRFDP) at Alabama A&M University are seeking?a team of forest research technicians for six months beginning in mid-March to collect tree demography data (i.e., quantifying mortality, growth, and replacement rates) on a 20 ha forest plot located on The Nature Conservancy's Sharp-Bingham Mountain Preserve in Jackson County, AL. All trees over 1 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) in a 20-ha plot were mapped, measured and identified to species from 2019-2022 and this work will build upon this data set. The plot is part of the Smithsonian Institution's Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) which is dedicated to the long-term study of forest ecosystems across the world.? Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
* Responsible for remeasuring the dbh of all 27,000 trees in the 20ha with training and guidance from team lead and field coordinator.
* Record mortality and recruitment, and map, tag, and measure all new recruits.
* Additional duties may include?field vehicle and equipment maintenance and data management and entry.
* May receive opportunities to learn dendrology, forest ecology, and hydrology.
Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):
* This position requires a high school diploma and 2 years of related professional experience, or a B.S. in a relevant field (e.g. forestry, ecology, environmental science, biology, etc.).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
* Desire to participate in field research, preferably some experience.
* Enjoy working outside, with an ability to conduct strenuous physical activity for long hours on rocky, rugged terrain, under adverse weather conditions is required. Applicants?must also be comfortable with encountering wildlife, including but not limited to spiders, snakes, mosquitoes, chiggers/noseeums, and various insects.
* Good communication skills, experience working in teams, and be willing to work with diverse colleagues in an equitable and inclusive manner.
* Be able to follow instructions, accurately collect and record data, and pay close attention to detail.??
* Basic computer skills are required.
* The following are desirable skills, but are not requirements: experience with dendrology, geographic information systems (GIS) software experience, and orienteering.
Additional Information:
SALARY: $2,200/month for 40-hour work weeks. As a temporary employee no health insurance is available.
We may be able to assist with finding housing (housing close to the field site at your cost).