Summer 2021 Botany Technician at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

We are seeking an applicant for one summer Botany position at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The position runs from May 26, 2021 to August 25, 2021 (dates are firm), with a compensation of $21.00/hour.

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 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin. The incumbent will collect extensive data on the herbaceous layer and browse. They 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 2-3 people, and the incumbent will act as a crew leader. 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. They will be exposed to high temperatures, stinging and biting insects, including thick mosquitoes, and poisonous plants. Hikes to and from plots will be as long as five miles, each direction. The position involves extensive camping, often up to seven consecutive nights.

The incumbent is responsible for securing and paying for their own housing in the Ashland, Wisconsin area. Beginning June 23th, incumbent will be working (and camping) primarily on the islands during their 8-day sampling periods. Logistics will be explained in full during interviews. Due to the remote nature of the work, difficult logistics with boat transport, and the short sampling window, we are unable to accommodate individuals who wish to take leave during the scheduled 8-day sampling events.

Note on COVID: This position will likely require some combination of mandatory mask use, social distancing, and possibly daily temperature checks, and/or negative test results. Specific COVID precautions will be established prior to the start date.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, detailed resume (no page limit), professional references, and unofficial transcripts to Suzanne Sanders (suzanne_sanders@nps.gov) by January 31, 2021. Include a phone number and email address that you check regularly. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by telephone in early February. No phone calls or emails, other than applications, please.