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PAID - Field Research Assistants - apply by 3/28


Project: Ecological Restoration In Urban Park Forests
Location: New York City Parks
Supervisor: Dr. Lea Johnson, UMD professor

Travel Required: Yes
Compensation: $12/hour
Housing provided at USFS New York City Urban Field Station 6/10 - 7/31
Dates: June 6 – August 5 (end flexible)
Hours: Full time

Review of applications begins on March 28 and continues until positions are filled.

Description:  Dr. Johnson has been collaborating with New York City Parks to improve the effectiveness of ecological restoration in urban forests since 2007. This year we will return to sites where ecological restoration was begun in the early 1990s. We will be sampling long-term vegetation plots in urban forests, and observing the unfolding (and sometimes surprising) story of plant community dynamics following restoration treatments. Training will be provided in all field protocols.

Role and Responsibilities:  The Field Research Assistants will be trained on the College Park campus during the week of June 6th, then travel to the US Forest Service Urban Field Station, where housing will be provided free of charge from June 10 to July 31. Wrap-up on campus is expected to require approximately 1 week after return from the field. Duties will include:
  • Daily return travel from the Urban Field Station to sites off trails in New York City Park forests
  • Establishment of plot perimeters using GPS, range-finder and compass
  • Carefully and accurately observing and recording data in the field under summer conditions
  • Daily sample processing, quality control, and backup storage of data on return to the Field Station
  • Care and cleaning of field equipment; daily inventory and preparation of equipment and sampling materials
Qualifications and Education Requirements:  Coursework and/or experience relevant to the project; strong interest in urban ecosystems, plants, ecological restoration, and/or field ecology; ability to work well as part of a team.

Preferred Skills:  Meticulousness; knowledge of plant identification and/or sampling techniques; familiarity with the Mid-Atlantic and/or Northeastern US; experience working outdoors; valid driver’s license

To Apply:  Send email to leaj@umd.edu with the subject line "Field Research Assistant Position". Include a cover letter describing interests & experience, a CV/resume, and an unofficial transcript.