|
|
Deer, Wolves, & Fire
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program The Predator Ecology Lab at the University of Washington is offering an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program “Deer, Wolves, & Fire” during the 17/18 school year (Fall 2017 through Spring 2018). This position is a paid, undergraduate research opportunity spanning multiple quarters. The student will conduct an independent research project to increase our understanding of deer herbivory in the face of fire and wolf recolonization. The selected REU student will collect data as part of our field crew for 2.5 weeks in September and 2.5 weeks in late April in north central Washington, specific dates to be determined. This opportunity is open to students enrolled in an undergraduate program at any university. |
Job Description
The student will utilize existing deer exclosures as part of a research study investigating the impacts of recolonizing wolves on deer herbivory in a fire-impacted landscape. We will be identifying plants and surveying plants inside and outside of deer fences. Technician may also have the opportunity to install trail cameras, review camera footage, and more. Please note: this is not a position that will be hands-on with wolves or deer. The goal is to measure the indirect effects of wolves on plants recovering from fire.This work involves a lot of kneeling, bending, and crouching. Surveys require a high attention to detail during repetitive tasks. Technician should be comfortable working long days, hiking cross-country across uneven terrain for about 0.25 mile at any given time, and carrying large, awkward fencing supplies. We will be moving rolls of fencing and cutting wire. Plant identification is useful, but not required. Safety is a priority – your safety in the field is the number 1 priority.
The student will utilize existing deer exclosures as part of a research study investigating the impacts of recolonizing wolves on deer herbivory in a fire-impacted landscape. We will be identifying plants and surveying plants inside and outside of deer fences. Technician may also have the opportunity to install trail cameras, review camera footage, and more. Please note: this is not a position that will be hands-on with wolves or deer. The goal is to measure the indirect effects of wolves on plants recovering from fire.This work involves a lot of kneeling, bending, and crouching. Surveys require a high attention to detail during repetitive tasks. Technician should be comfortable working long days, hiking cross-country across uneven terrain for about 0.25 mile at any given time, and carrying large, awkward fencing supplies. We will be moving rolls of fencing and cutting wire. Plant identification is useful, but not required. Safety is a priority – your safety in the field is the number 1 priority.
Technician must provide their own transportation to the site near Republic, Washington. At that point, a shared vehicle will be used to access the survey sites. Technician is responsible for their own food. As mentioned, a field stipend is available.
Dates
Applicants must be available for both the fall and spring time period: 2.5 weeks in September and 2.5 weeks in late April in north central Washington, specific dates to be determined.
How to Apply
Email Apryle Craig… apryle [at] uw [dot] edu …with:
- Subject: Deer Fire REU
- Your resume (please be sure to mention experience identifying plants)
- Contact info for 2 references
- Your availability from Sept 1st – Oct 10th, 2017 and general plans/availability for April-May 2018.
- Please indicate if you have CPR and/or First Aid training.
Applications due June 21, 2017. Decision made by June 28.