Summer Forestry Technician Positions at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

We are seeking applicants for three summer Forestry Technician positions at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. These positions run May 26, 2021 to August 25, 2021 (dates are firm) with a compensation of $11.00-$11.22/hour, depending on experience.

The incumbents 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. The incumbents will assist with sampling vegetation.

These are largely field based positions. The incumbents will assist with the sampling of permanent forest monitoring plots at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin. Incumbents will collect extensive monitoring data on trees and coarse woody materials, take tree cores, and assess tree health. Field work will be performed in teams of 2-3 people. The incumbents may also spend approximately 5-10% of time performing computer work.

These positions operate on an 8-day on/6-day off schedule. During the 8-day sampling periods, incumbents 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 incumbents are responsible for securing and paying for their own housing in the Ashland, Wisconsin area. Beginning June 23th, incumbents 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.