We are seeking field assistants to aid in a vegetation monitering project of kipukas, patches of shrub-steppe habitat surrounded by ancient lava flows. Because of their remoteness and inaccessiblity to livestock, kipukas represent some of the last fragments of anthropogenically undisturbed high desert habitat in the United States. We are studying the effects that patch size, soil characteristics, elevation, and other factors have on the plant diversity of kipukas.
Assistants will be part of a field team that will travel by vehicle and foot to kipukas, and employ a variety of methods to quantify vegetation and soil cover. Knowledge of shrub-steppe flora is not required, but assistants should be enthusiastic learners and have an interest in ecological field work. The work does not involve heavy physical labor, but assistants must be willing to work in a rugged desert environment. The work will sometimes involve car camping in the field for several nights at a time.
Ideal candidates should be available May 1 - June 15. There is a stipend of $1200/mo. Shared housing at Craters of the Moon NM will be provided. The job will remain open until all positions are filled.
Please send resume/C.V.,cover letter, and contact information for 3 references (electronic of hard copy) to: Cameron Pedersen, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Box 8007, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho 83209; or pedecame@isu.edu
Cameron Pedersen
Department of Biological Sciences
Idaho State University
