Summer Field Crew Member | University of Washington

Summer field crew positions are available for the Demonstration of
Ecosystem Management Options (DEMO) Study, a large-scale, long-term
experiment in structural-retention harvests in the Pacific Northwest.

Overview:  Crews will take measurements in permanent plots to characterize
overstory structure and understory regeneration 17-18 years after
experimental treatments. Replicated at five sites in Oregon and
Washington, the treatments comprise varying levels and spatial patterns of
overstory retention through timber harvest. Study sites represent diverse
physical settings and mature forest communities in the Umpqua and Gifford
Pinchot National Forests. For more information about the study, see:
http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/research/demo/

Duties:  Field tasks include relocating or reestablishing permanent plot
markers, tagging or retagging trees, remeasuring trees for diameter and
height, and taking detailed information on newly dead trees and existing
snags.

These positions are best suited to mature, upper-level undergraduates or
recent graduates who are considering advanced study or professional work
in forest ecology or silviculture.

Logistics:  Housing is provided for most of the summer (USFS facilities),
but some camping is necessary (USFS campgrounds). Transportation is
provided during the work week, but personal vehicles are recommended
during time off. We will work extended periods in the field (8 consecutive
10-hour days, followed by 6 days off), but may need to adjust work
schedules based on weather.

Our base locations provide easy access to a wide range of recreational
opportunities (hiking, climbing, backpacking, rafting, and fishing) in the
mountains of central Oregon and southern Washington (e.g., High Cascade
peaks, Crater Lake) and the Columbia River Gorge.

Qualifications:  Previous field experience, familiarity with basic
vegetation measurement tools and methods, and previous coursework or
strong interest in silviculture or forest ecology. Candidates must be in
excellent physical condition; able to work long hours in the heat (and
occasional rain or presence of mosquitos); and able to climb steep,
sometimes brushy or log-covered slopes with personal gear and field
equipment.

We seek individuals who are detail-oriented, able to follow complex
data-collection procedures, have legible handwriting, enjoy working as
part of team, and can live cooperatively with others. CPR/wilderness first
aid training is a plus.

Salary:  $13.50/hour or more, depending on experience/qualifications.

Duration:  mid-June through mid-September (possibly end of September)

Closing date:  March 4, 2016

To apply, send the following materials by e-mail to chalpern@uw.edu:
–  Scan of a HANDWRITTEN letter describing: (1) interests, (2)
qualifications as they apply to the selection criteria noted above, (3)
specific dates of availability (and non-availability), and (4) names and
contact information (phone, e-mail) of two persons providing letters of
reference.
–  Resume or CV
–  Two letters of reference sent directly by those providing the letters

For more information contact:
Charlie Halpern, Research Professor, e-mail: chalpern@uw.edu, or
Allison Rossman, MS student and Crew Leader, e-mail: akrossman@gmail.com

Box 352100
School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
College of the Environment
University of Washington
Seattle, WA, 98195-2100