Thursday, April 9, 2015

Field Research Assistant Opportunity

The Global Ecology Lab (Dr. Hurtt) is looking to hire 6-10, undergraduate, graduate or recently graduated students to participate in a field research campaign during Summer 2015. This fieldwork will be in support of our ongoing NASA Carbon Monitoring System (CMS) research initiative.   Field research assistants will conduct vegetation sampling across several regions of Pennsylvania.  This is an out-of-town position, consisting of 2-3 week trips in June, with the possibility of extension.   

Daily duties will include:
-          Navigation to field plots using car GPS and handheld GPS units
-          Communication with landowners
-          Measurement of tree diameter and tree heights at field sites
-          Tree species identification at field sites
-          Detailed recording of all data at field sites  
-          Possible data management and GIS processing

Basic Qualifications:
-          A valid driver’s license is required; willingness to drive for several hours each day between sites.
-          Ability to hike up to a kilometer to each field site, through rugged and often unmarked terrain, in varied weather conditions, while carrying up to 20 pounds of field equipment; may amount to several hours of hiking each day.
-          Strong communication skills and an ability to work well in a team environment.
-          Willingness to live and work out of town during each ~2 week trip.
-          Prior experience with GPS navigation, data collection, and/or tree identification are desirable, but not required. All necessary training will be provided.

Compensation:
-          This is a paid position.  Graduate and undergraduate students will be paid hourly, in accordance with respective, University-regulated rates.
-          Lodging, transportation, and food will be provided during each trip.

If you wish to be considered for involvement, please do the following:
1)      Please send an email to rmoore.geog@gmail.com, providing your name, major/year, email address, cell phone number, specific dates in summer you are NOT available for field work, and a brief description of any previous work or course experience which may be pertinent.
2)      Follow the link below to schedule an interview.  You may only select one time slot.  Please make sure to hit “Save” to finalize your selection.    http://doodle.com/33ui62xpfiu6ah7i
Once your information is received, you will be contacted to confirm your interview time.  Please feel free to contact us via email with any questions regarding this opportunity.