Full-time Technician – Fire, Climate, and Restoration Ecology

The Newingham Aridland Ecology Lab is seeking a full-time technician to assist in the collection, management, and analysis of field and laboratory data related to fire, climate change, and restoration studies in the Great Basin and surrounding ecosystems. Studies include examining the effects of climate change and grazing on plant invasions and post-fire-restoration; the effects of post-fire restoration on plant invasions, plant community trajectories, fire regimes, and soil properties; and the long-term recovery of ecosystems to wildfire. This position will work with graduate students and technicians in our research group, as well as interact with scientists and land managers from various universities, state and federal agencies, and NGOs. The individual will need a thorough understanding of research plot establishment, soil and vegetation field sampling techniques, general laboratory techniques, maintaining data loggers and other field equipment, use of GPS and GIS, data handling and statistical analysis, and manuscript writing. Additionally, the individual must have prior supervisory experience, including leading field crews. The incumbent must also be willing to travel to remote field sites and camp in primitive settings sometimes for extended periods.

Responsibilities

Field Work:  The candidate will assist in the establishment of study sites, collect field data, and
supervise and coordinate field crews.  Field data collection will require working at diverse and remote locations based out of Reno, NV.  This will require camping or staying in hotels overnight possibly for extended periods.  Data collection may include soil, plant and insect sampling, as well as maintaining data loggers and electronic equipment. Use of a GPS is necessary for field orientation and data collection.

Laboratory Work:  The candidate will process soil, plant, and insect samples in preparation for
further laboratory analysis.  Lab work requires adherence to strict safety and research protocols for sample preparation and careful identification of study samples. This includes organizing, labeling, and sending out samples to other labs for analysis. The candidate will also be responsible for using GIS for field preparation and data analysis.

Data Analysis and Writing:  Enter data into electronic spreadsheets, data management and quality control, statistical analysis, and manuscript and report writing.

Minimum Qualifications

•    Education: BS degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, or closely related field. MS degree
is preferrred.

•    At least four years of field ecology research experience.

•    Previous experience with soil, plant, and/or insect sampling and sample analysis.

•    Experience with field and laboratory safety protocol and procedures, including basic analytical chemistry skills.

•    Experience with data management, graphing, and statistical analysis.

•    Ability to use Excel, as well as other graphing and statistical software packages.

•    Experience using GPS and GIS

•    Willingness and ability to camp and work in varied field conditions possibly for extended periods that may involve: 1) off-road hiking up and down hills, 2) carrying loads up to 30 lbs, and 3) withstanding periods of inclement weather during all seasons.

•    Possess valid driver’s license.

•    Ability to operate 4WD vehicles.

•    Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining accuracy and good organizational skills.

•    Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a group.

•    Strong oral and written communication skills.

•    Supervisory experience, including leading field crews.

Employment and Application Information The candidate will work with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and University of Nevada, Reno.
The position is based in Reno, NV, with a preferred start date in November or December 2015. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please send a resume, list of four references, unofficial transcript, and a letter detailing your skills, experience, and/or interest to Dr. Beth Newingham at beth.newingham@ars.usda.gov. Review of applications will commence October 12, 2015 and remain open until the position is filled. Please contact Dr. Newingham with any questions.