Arctic Research | US Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry

Arctic Research Opportunity

Research Field Assistants, Vegetation Surveys, Toolik Lake, Alaska

With the US Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry

The International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF) is looking for
3-4 field assistants to conduct vegetation surveys at long term
permanent plots at the University of Alaska Toolik Field Station on
Alaska’s North Slope. The work is part of the Arctic Observing Networks
collaborative research project: Sustaining and amplifying the ITEX AON
through automation and increased interdisciplinarity of observations.

This sampling effort is part of a long term monitoring effort that began
in 1989. The work will add to a valuable data set of plant responses to
both experimental manipulation of growing season temperatures as well as
ambient climate change over the last 25+ years. The work involves
identifying and recording plant, bryophyte and lichen species within
small 1-m grids at a set of four permanent plots located at the Toolik
Lake Field Station. Field Assistants will be expected to work outdoors
at least six days a week under conditions that may be cool, rainy, hot,
and with insects such as mosquitoes. Expertise in the arctic flora,
including vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens preferred.
Opportunities for work on analyses of the data and participation in
research publications are available. The field crews will work in pairs
with an experienced crew leader leading the sampling effort. The
positions will be contracted with the US Forest Service and will report
to the Director of the Caribbean Climate Hub, International Institute of
Tropical Forestry in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The field work will be July 2 through August 4, 2018. Accepted
applicants will report to Fairbanks Alaska with transportation arranged
to the Toolik Field Station. Meals, lodging and a stipend will be
provided.

This is an opportunity to have an adventurous time while gaining
valuable research experience in the Arctic!

If you are interested in this position and want to receive more
information, please call William Gould, Research Ecologist, at (787)
764-7790 or E-mail at wgould@fs.fed.us.