Two field technicians are needed for a field investigation of tree
mortality and understory vegetation in central Nevada’s pinyon-juniper
woodlands of central Nevada, May – August, as part of ongoing research in
the Great Basin Landscape Ecology Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Field technicians will get an opportunity to explore this rugged, remote
landscape while learning about the ecology of pinyon-juniper woodlands.
LOCATION: Scenic mountains in central Nevada, near Austin and Eureka.
Temperatures range from the 30’s to the 90’s. Field sites are remote,
requiring long drives down primitive roads and hiking several miles across
rugged topography. Crew will be based out of Reno, NV. Field schedule is
flexible, but planned to be 10 days on, 4 days off, leaving Reno early on
Tuesdays and returning Thursday evenings.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist in the collection of ecological field
data across 11 mountain ranges in central Nevada, as part of a resampling
study of permanent plots. Study goals are to determine how pinyon-juniper
woodland stands develop over time, how they are affected by natural
disturbance and drought, and how the understory vegetation responds to
overstory tree mortality. Field data collection duties will include
identifying plants to species, quantifying stand structure, collecting and
processing increment cores, accurately recording field data, entering field
data into a database or spreadsheet, driving on rough and narrow roads,
estimating overstory and understory plant cover, taking soil measurements,
and identifying mortality agents associated with pinyon and juniper trees.
Training for all tasks will be provided.
ABILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:
Required: Valid driver’s license. Three semesters of college-level
coursework. Good physical condition and ability to carry 25-30 lbs of field
equipment on uneven terrain. Ability to collect and record detailed field
data and comfortably work with others in remote field sites. Passion for
working outdoors for long periods of time under rugged conditions and
aptitude to learn plant and pathogen identification.
Desired: Experience driving 4WD vehicles on primitive roads. Previous field
experience, especially with camping for long stretches. College coursework
in ecology, botany, forestry, etc.
PAY: $13.36/hour, 40 hours/week.
START/END: Job begins approximately May 18, 2015, and ends in mid-late
August, 2015
For more information, please contact Sam Flake (sflake@gmail.com) or Dr.
Peter Weisberg (pweisberg@cabnr.unr.edu).
TO APPLY: For full consideration, please apply by March 20th. Send a brief
letter of introduction, resume, and a list of three references by email to:
Sam Flake
MS Student, Natural Resources and Environmental Science
University of Nevada, Reno
email: sflake@gmail.com
phone: 336-944-1198
fax: 775-784-4583