Ecology Field-Work | Isle Royale National Park

Number of Positions: 2

Duration: May 14 – August 28, 2019 (dates are firm)

Pay: $20.00-$21.00/hour

Description and Duties: The incumbent will be employed by Northland College, but will work directly with, and report to, the Great Lakes Network of the National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program. The goals of the I&M program include monitoring key environmental variables so that ecological change can be detected and addressed in a timely manner.

This is largely a field-based position. The incumbent will assist with the sampling of permanent forest monitoring plots at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. The incumbent will collect extensive data on the herbaceous layer and browse. He/she will be expected to identify at least 350 herbaceous species, and have considerable experience identifying members of the family Poaceae and genus Carex. Field work will be performed in teams of 3-4 people. The incumbent may also spend approximately 5-10% of time performing computer work.

This position operates on an 8 day on/6 day off schedule. During the 8-day sampling periods, incumbent will be expected to carry field equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. He/she will be exposed to high temperatures, stinging and biting insects, including extensive mosquitoes, and poisonous plants. Hikes to and from plots will be as long as six miles, each direction. The position will also involve camping, sometimes up to seven consecutive nights.

The incumbents are responsible for securing and paying for their own housing while at the park. Isle Royale is remote and opportunities for travel to the mainland will be limited. Housing accommodations will be shared with others and employees will be expected to be flexible and accommodating, as well as team players. Logistics will be explained in full, during interviews.

To Apply: Please send a resume, cover letter, references, and unofficial transcripts to Suzanne Sanders (suzanne_sanders@nps.gov) by January 21, 2019. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted shortly thereafter. No phone calls or emails, other than applications, please.