Volunteer Plant Ecology Research Assistant (USA)

Description: Seeking one full-time, volunteer field technician to assist
with ecological research in conifer-invaded meadows of the Cascade Range in
Oregon. This project is part of an OSU Masters student’s research examining
the functional traits of meadow herbs and grasses and how these traits
mediate responses to conifer encroachment. Field studies will be conducted
in high elevation meadows at Bunchgrass Ridge
(http://depts.washington.edu/bgridge/) and in the HJ Andrews Experimental
Forest, a Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) Site
(http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/).

Primary duties will include plant identification, plant excavations to
characterize root systems, and taking detailed field notes on plant
morphological and flowering traits. Applicants should expect to work long
days, sometimes under challenging conditions. Must have a positive attitude,
previous outdoor recreation experience, and be able to walk up to 3 miles
per day over rough terrain.

Qualifications: Ideal candidates will have previous field research
experience, be detail oriented, and self-motivated. Enthusiastic candidates
with no previous field experience will happily be considered. Candidates
must be willing and able to work as part of a team. Familiarity with the
flora of the Pacific Northwest and an interest in plant ecology is a plus.

The position will run from the beginning of July to the end of August
(approximately 8 weeks).

This is an unpaid position. Housing will be provided at the field station of
the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA)
(http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/lter/about/facility.cfm?topnav=210).
Transportation to the research sites will also be provided. A stipend of
$125/week will be provided to cover food costs.

Situated along the McKenzie River drainage (~50 miles from Eugene), HJA
offers easy access to a diversity of recreational opportunities in the
Cascade Mountains and the ability to engage with researchers from a variety
of fields and backgrounds including pollination ecology, forest ecology,
ornithology, geology, hydrology, and the arts. This is a wonderful
atmosphere for an aspiring researcher.

Please send a cover letter as an email with a resume attached to Jessica Celis
(jessica.celis08@gmail.com).

Applications due by May 25th 2014