Ecology Field Research Intern, Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger
Ecology Field Research Interns
B4WARMED (Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) is a manipulative
experiment that warms simultaneously plants and soil and implements summer
rainfall reduction in the field. Main goals of the project is to examine
broadly defined ecological processes in a scope of warming and rainfall
reduction. In particular, our work focuses on: soil processes, tree
seedlings physiology, phenology, growth, and survival and other. For more
information: http://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/Research/B4WARMED/.
Position overview:
We seek independent and mature field assistants with a background in
biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, or a related field for a
paid field research internship ($10/hr). First round of open positions will
start in late March/April; second round will start in midsummer and go
until end of November. Start dates are flexible and up for negotiation. In
general, an internship lasts about 4 months. Typical workdays are eight
hours Monday through Friday; however, tasks may require early morning,
evening, or weekend work. A valid driver’s license is required. The intern
will work and travel mostly independently and occasionally in a pair or
small group. Maturity to work autonomously and for long hours is required.
Responsibilities:
• Work independently to collect biotic and abiotic data in field and
lab settings in accordance with established protocols
• Measure seedling growth, germination, physiology, and phenology
• Measure soil characteristics and microbe activity
• Routine maintenance of field sites and research equipment.
• Data entry using Excel and Google Drive
• Travel frequently between sites
• Employ experimental rainfall reduction treatment
• Aiding principle investigators and graduate students as needed.
Desired qualifications: 1) Eagerness to work hard in an outdoor setting. 2)
Capacity to collect data following established protocols. 3) Familiarity
with plant and tree species of northern Minnesota. 4) Willingness to work
well and live alone and/or with others in a remote area. 5) Demonstrated
ability to work under changing weather conditions and with large swarms of
insects. 6) Ability to adapt to a frequently changing schedule with
frequent travel.
Research sites:
Field work will be split between research sites at the Cloquet Forestry
Center in Cloquet, MN (http://cfc.cfans.umn.edu/) and the Hubachek
Wilderness Research Center (https://cfc.cfans.umn.edu/facilities/hubachek)
near Ely, MN. Both research sites are in beautiful forested settings and
provide access to the natural areas of northern Minnesota including the
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. An individual’s home base will be at
either of these locations, though travel between sites will be required
depending on project needs. University vehicles are used for such travel.
On-site housing with furnishing and a kitchen will be available.
Contact:
Please send cover letter (including available working dates), one-page
resume, and contact information for two references electronically to:
Artur Stefanski
stefa066@umn.edu
University of Minnesota
1530 Cleveland Ave N. | St Paul, MN 55108 USA
Highest priority will be given to applicants possible start date before
April 1.