The Ecosystem Management Project (EMP) of the NorthWoods Stewardship Center is seeking to hire a Seasonal Research Assistant for the 2005 summer field season. The Seasonal Research Assistant will assist other EMP staff in conducting a variety of research and monitoring projects. This position will start in May and continue through September; however, there is some flexibility in starting and ending dates, depending on the availability of the successful applicant.
Overview:
The Ecosystem Management Project is one of three departments at the NorthWoods Stewardship Center, a non-profit environmental education and research organization located in East Charleston, Vermont. EMP contributes to NorthWoods’s mission of “fostering long-term stewardship of human and natural communities” through ecosystem monitoring and management on a 1,214-hectare privately-owned demonstration site and throughout Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Since 1996, EMP has implemented a broad monitoring program, mapped natural communities, developed management plans for several of the site’s properties, and presented numerous public workshops. Through these and other activities, EMP provides resources for other NorthWoods departments and landowners across the region. This year we will continue the baseline monitoring program as well as begin developing several new research initiatives addressing invasive plants and the impacts of forest management in the Northern Forest region.
Responsibilities:
The Seasonal Research Assistant will be responsible for collecting and compiling data for a variety of research and monitoring projects. Primary responsibilities may include any of the following activities, depending on the skills and knowledge of the assistant and the needs of EMP: 1. Field surveys of birds, mammals, amphibians, native and exotic plants, and/or water quality monitoring, 2. Mapping (using GPS, GIS, and on-the-ground assessments) of natural communities, management activities, and local and regional flora and fauna, 3. Data entry into EMP databases using Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, ArcView, and other software, 4. Other miscellaneous duties as needed.
Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications for this position include the following: 1. Significant coursework and/or job experience in one or more disciplines directly related to ecosystem management (i.e. ecology, forestry, botany, geology, wildlife biology, etc.). Note: An undergraduate or graduate degree in one of these fields is preferred, but may be substituted in part by job experience. 2. Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and motivated and to maintain a high standard of quality in all work completed. 3. Proven ability to work both alone and as part of a team. 4. Strong communication skills, both written and oral. 5. Proficiency in the field identification of the northern Vermont flora and fauna. 6. Ability and willingness to complete both field work (in a variety of field conditions) and office work (including data entry and analysis and other computer-based duties). 7. Willingness to work 40-50 hours per week, including some weekends and nights. 8. Additional desirable skills or qualifications include proficiency with Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, and ArcView; experience with sampling techniques for the taxa listed under “responsibilities” above; and coursework and experience in ecosystem management or restoration ecology.
Compensation/Benefits:
1. $10-12/hour depending upon educational and research experience, and 2. The use of NorthWoods’ facilities and trails, free attendance at most programs and workshops, and limited use of equipment such as canoes, snowshoes, etc.
Application Process:
Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. On-site interviews will be conducted for the best qualified applicants, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
To apply, please send (mail, email, or fax are acceptable):
* a cover letter describing your interest in this position and your most pertinent qualifications
* a current resume describing research and educational experience
* name, position, and up-to-date contact information for at least two academic or professional references
Application materials should be directed to the following address:
Seasonal Research Assistant
Ecosystem Management Project
NorthWoods Stewardship Center
P.O. Box 220
East Charleston, VT 05833
Telephone: 802-723-6551 ext. 113
Fax: 802-723-4705
Email: emp@northwoodscenter.org
Applicants will be notified of the status of their application within several weeks (please provide a current postal or email address with your application). The most qualified applicants will be asked to schedule an in-person interview at the Center. If you have any additional questions, contact Fritz Gerhardt or Jayson Benoit at the telephone number or email listed above.
Overview:
The Ecosystem Management Project is one of three departments at the NorthWoods Stewardship Center, a non-profit environmental education and research organization located in East Charleston, Vermont. EMP contributes to NorthWoods’s mission of “fostering long-term stewardship of human and natural communities” through ecosystem monitoring and management on a 1,214-hectare privately-owned demonstration site and throughout Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Since 1996, EMP has implemented a broad monitoring program, mapped natural communities, developed management plans for several of the site’s properties, and presented numerous public workshops. Through these and other activities, EMP provides resources for other NorthWoods departments and landowners across the region. This year we will continue the baseline monitoring program as well as begin developing several new research initiatives addressing invasive plants and the impacts of forest management in the Northern Forest region.
Responsibilities:
The Seasonal Research Assistant will be responsible for collecting and compiling data for a variety of research and monitoring projects. Primary responsibilities may include any of the following activities, depending on the skills and knowledge of the assistant and the needs of EMP: 1. Field surveys of birds, mammals, amphibians, native and exotic plants, and/or water quality monitoring, 2. Mapping (using GPS, GIS, and on-the-ground assessments) of natural communities, management activities, and local and regional flora and fauna, 3. Data entry into EMP databases using Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, ArcView, and other software, 4. Other miscellaneous duties as needed.
Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications for this position include the following: 1. Significant coursework and/or job experience in one or more disciplines directly related to ecosystem management (i.e. ecology, forestry, botany, geology, wildlife biology, etc.). Note: An undergraduate or graduate degree in one of these fields is preferred, but may be substituted in part by job experience. 2. Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and motivated and to maintain a high standard of quality in all work completed. 3. Proven ability to work both alone and as part of a team. 4. Strong communication skills, both written and oral. 5. Proficiency in the field identification of the northern Vermont flora and fauna. 6. Ability and willingness to complete both field work (in a variety of field conditions) and office work (including data entry and analysis and other computer-based duties). 7. Willingness to work 40-50 hours per week, including some weekends and nights. 8. Additional desirable skills or qualifications include proficiency with Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, and ArcView; experience with sampling techniques for the taxa listed under “responsibilities” above; and coursework and experience in ecosystem management or restoration ecology.
Compensation/Benefits:
1. $10-12/hour depending upon educational and research experience, and 2. The use of NorthWoods’ facilities and trails, free attendance at most programs and workshops, and limited use of equipment such as canoes, snowshoes, etc.
Application Process:
Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. On-site interviews will be conducted for the best qualified applicants, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
To apply, please send (mail, email, or fax are acceptable):
* a cover letter describing your interest in this position and your most pertinent qualifications
* a current resume describing research and educational experience
* name, position, and up-to-date contact information for at least two academic or professional references
Application materials should be directed to the following address:
Seasonal Research Assistant
Ecosystem Management Project
NorthWoods Stewardship Center
P.O. Box 220
East Charleston, VT 05833
Telephone: 802-723-6551 ext. 113
Fax: 802-723-4705
Email: emp@northwoodscenter.org
Applicants will be notified of the status of their application within several weeks (please provide a current postal or email address with your application). The most qualified applicants will be asked to schedule an in-person interview at the Center. If you have any additional questions, contact Fritz Gerhardt or Jayson Benoit at the telephone number or email listed above.
