Scheduled Hours
37.5Position Summary
The Myers lab at Washington University in St. Louis seeks a seasonal field technician to participate in two large-scale forest ecology projects at the university's field station, Tyson Research Center: 1) a re-census of a temperate forest-dynamics plot that is part of the Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) global network of scientists and forest research sites dedicated to advancing long-term study of the world's forests; and 2) a landscape-scale experiment investigating the importance of plant-functional traits in determining responses of plant diversity to environmental change (prescribed fire) and natural enemies (seed predators & herbivores).The technician will develop skills and gain experience in: 1) field protocols for censuses of long-term ForestGEO plots, including tree identification, tree mapping, and measurements of tree growth, mortality, and seed production; 2) data collection for large-scale field experiments, including surveys of plant community composition and dynamics across environmental gradients; 3) management of large data sets; 4) mentoring of undergraduate and high school students in field research; and 5) team-based ecological field research.
This is a temporary position with an estimated start date between March 1 and May 23, 2024.
Job Description
For more information, please visit:
- Myers Lab: http://www.myersecologylab.com
- Tyson Research Center: http://tyson.wustl.edu
- ForestGEO: http://www.forestgeo.si.edu
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Working collaboratively with a research team on two large-scale, forest-ecology projects at Tyson Research Center. Field tasks include: 1) identifying, tagging, mapping, and measuring growth, mortality, and recruitment of seedlings and trees; 2) surveys of plant community composition and dynamics across environmental gradients; 3) collecting seeds from seed traps; 4) maintaining permanent field plots and seed traps; and 5) assisting with the mentoring and supervision of undergraduate students and high school students in field and lab research.
- Enter data using Microsoft Excel.
- Perform laboratory work including identifying and counting seeds from seed traps and general laboratory maintenance and cleaning.
- Assist with other field experiments at Tyson Research Center.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Applicant Special Instructions
When applying, please attach the following:
- Cover letter describing your interest in this position, how the position would advance your career goals, relevant past experience, start date availability, and contact information for three references including e-mail addresses and phone numbers.
- CV or resume.
Working Conditions
- Exposure to dust, dirt, grease or other disagreeable elements.
- Outdoors under a range of conditions including walking long distances on steep terrain, and cold, hot or rainy weather.
- Exposure to moving machinery.
- Exposure to animals.
- Travel to on and off-campus locations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong interest in ecology.
- Experience working in a field team.
- Experience with plant identification, especially in temperate forests.
- Experience mentoring undergraduate students in research.
- Experience conducting independent research.
- Ability to work outdoors under a range of conditions including walking long distances on steep terrain, and cold, hot or rainy weather.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and to work well with a team in the laboratory and field.
- Ability to manage concurrent tasks.
- Ability to communicate well with research supervisor and other research team members.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., biology, ecology, forestry).
- Experience in field research.
- Excellent teamwork skills.
- Proficiency with data entry using Microsoft Excel.
- Enthusiasm to learn new concepts and field and laboratory skills.
- Missouri Class E Driver's License or equivalent from another state.
Grade
R06-HAccommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.