Research position with West Virginia University

An undergraduate research assistant position is available in the
Quantitative Forest Management laboratory in the Division of Forestry
and Natural Resources at West Virginia University.

The undergraduate research assistant will assist a master¹s student with
completing field work for a forest restoration project. The field work
will be conducted in the mixed conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada in
Northern California, with majority of time spent in the Eldorado
National Forest. The main objective of the project is to evaluate post
fire restoration efforts made after the 2004 Power Fire. This project
will help identify successful restoration techniques to reestablish
open, old growth conditions in the Sierra Nevada.

Field Work responsibilities will include collecting forest inventory
data, soil samples, vegetation surveys, basic ecophysiological data, and
micro-environmental variables. A variety of equipment will be used
including, basic field work items (clinometer, d-tape, etc.) and
potentially more advanced machines (ceptometer, gas exchange analyzer,
etc.). Experience with more advanced equipment is appreciated, but not
necessary.

This position will be for about a 3-month period during the summer from
May 2017 to August 2017. Work will average 40 hrs/week. The salary
offered will depend on prior experience. Travel to California, along
with housing and a small food stipend will be provided.

Qualifications: All junior or senior students currently enrolled in an
academic program related to forestry, biology, ecology, environmental
sciences, or similarly related natural resource fields are encouraged to
apply. Applicants should be highly self-motivated and possess a strong
work ethic. A background or strong interest in conducting field-based
research is desirable. A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in
undergraduate coursework is preferable. Candidates must be willing and
able to travel long distances, camp outdoors on occasion, do physically
demanding work, and work in hot or otherwise uncomfortable conditions.
Applicants must possess a valid driver¹s license.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information of two
references. Applications will be considered immediately and continue
until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration please submit
material by February 24, 2017. For additional information or to submit
application material, please contact Iris Allen (ica0002@mix.wvu.edu).