Summer research opportunities

1. Forest Monitoring Technician Summer 2020

The Pennsylvania State University Department of Ecosystem Science and Management is hiring two seasonal technicians to collect forest monitoring data in eight national parks in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, including the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New River Gorge National River, and Gauley River National Recreational Area. This work is part of a long-term monitoring program that provides park staff with crucial information on the condition of the parks vegetation and how this condition is changing over time.

The position will begin in early May 2020 and continue for 14-17 weeks with compensation of $14-16 per hour depending on experience. The technicians will travel to and be housed in or near a national park each week. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Demonstrated experience in forest ecology, meticulous data collection skills, strong work ethic, and positive attitude are required. Applicants should enjoy working outdoors in a variety of conditions and be able to identify common trees and shrubs of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Applicants must be able to follow complex detailed field protocols and work as a member of a team. The ability to hike long distances carrying a 25+ pound backpack and work long hours in adverse conditions (e.g. steep terrain, hot/humid weather, stinging/biting insects, irritating plants) and in remote field sites is a must. Applicants should be able to navigate in the woods by compass and using GPS. Additional tasks may include data entry and quality control of data.

To apply, please send: 1) a brief cover letter, 2) a resume, and 3) contact information for three references in a single Word or PDF document to Stephanie Perles (sjp16]at] psu.edu) by January 31, 2020.

2. Small mammal technician spring/summer 2020 (Virginia)

The Brinkerhoff Lab (University of Richmond) is looking for an experienced field assistant to help with small mammal trapping as part of an ongoing disease ecology project in central Virginia. Duties will include setting and checking traps at local sites (4 days per week) and collecting data and samples from live-captured small mammals. There will also be opportunities to assist with genomic/metagenomic and behavioral analyses and projects.

A start date prior to May 11, 2020 is desired. Hourly wage will be commensurate with experience - the position can either be part time (20-25 hours per week) or full-time depending on the successful applicant's level of engagement with other research activities.

Please contact Jory Brinkerhoff (jbrinker@richmond.edu ) with any questions. To apply, please send a CV and contact information for three references to jbrinker@richmond.edu .