- Summer Research assistants needed: aquatic consumers populations – HJ Andrews Experimental Forest
We are seeking applicants for 4 research assistant positions to evaluate the presence of consumers across the HJ Andrews landscape and to examine interactions between consumers and stream functional processes at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in summer 2015. This research will contribute to both the stream aquatics group at H.J. Andrews and the larger SCALER project. SCALER will examine changes in stream production, respiration, and nutrient uptake in response to large consumer exclusions along stream size gradients across six North American biomes and an Australian site.
Pay $10/hr plus lodging
Closing date: Review of applications will start Feb. 15, 2015 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
Responsibilities Assist with preparation and installation of long-term experiments in HJ Andrews Experimental Forest related to understanding interactions between aquatic consumers and stream functional processes (primary production, stream respiration and nutrient uptake). The primary duty will be electroshocking consumers in streams, and carefully entering that data into a computer database, but responsibilities will also consist of equipment preparation, equipment installation, stream surveys, physical/biological monitoring and data entry. The position requires working independently and in a group, navigating remote forest roads and terrain, using a map, compass, and handheld GPS unit, and entering data carefully into a computer database. These positions will be based at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest (on the west slope of the Oregon Cascades near Blue River, Oregon), although it might be required to travel to Oregon State University (Corvallis, Oregon) for short periods of time. The H.J. Andrews was established in 1948 as an US Forest Service Experimental Forest, and since 1980 is one of the National Science Foundation’s Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites. The landscape is home to iconic Pacific Northwest old-growth forests of Cedar and Hemlock, and moss-draped ancient Douglas Firs; steep terrain; and fast, cold-running streams.
The positions begin on July 6th, 2015 and continue through mid-September, 2015.
Qualifications: Applicants should have considerable field experience and the ability to carry a heavy pack (40+ lb) for moderate distances over uneven terrain. A general understanding of stream ecology and some experience in water quality analysis is required. Driver’s license required.
Desired qualifications:
Experience in field work and electroshocking of fish or amphibians.
Ability to work with other crew members in a professional manner while maintaining a positive and safe work environment.
Good writing, problem solving and data analysis skills.
Computer skills with spreadsheets and databases.
Application materials:
- A letter of application that includes a statement of professional goals after graduation and indicates the areas of research in which the applicant is most interested.
- A curriculum vitae or resume.
- Transcript(s) of all college course work, and a list of courses in which the applicant is currently enrolled. A copy of an unofficial transcript will suffice.
- Names, affiliations, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least two current or former professors with whom the applicant has taken courses and/or participated in research. Submit application materials to Dr. Brooke Penaluna (brooke.penaluna@oregonstate.edu).