Ecology Research Assistant (Temporary: Multiple Positions Available)

Details

Posted: 22-Feb-24

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Salary: Open

Internal Number: 89828

Requisition Number: S_240115

Department: School of Biological Sciences-1076

Description of Work:

The labs of Sabrina Russo and Daniel Uden at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (https://russolab.unl.edu/ and https://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/who/people/faculty-member.aspx?pid=1373 ) and Tom Bragg at the University of Nebraska – Omaha (https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-arts-and-sciences/biology/about-us/directory/thomas-bragg.php ) seek a team of seasonal field technicians to participate in a large-scale forest ecology project involving three components in Indian Cave State Park, Nebraska: (1) a re-census of a large temperate forest inventory plot (Indian Cave plot), (2) censusing many small forest survey plots, (3) installing and censusing seedling plots. The goal of the project is to understand patterns of biodiversity and change in Nebraska's forests in response to climate change and forest management by quantifying spatial variation in forest community structure, tree growth and survival, and the responses of seedlings to prescribed fire. This project will recensus the Indian Cave forest inventory plot (https://forestgeo.si.edu/sites/north-america/indian-cave ) that is part of the Smithsonian Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) global network of scientists and forest research sites dedicated to advancing long-term study of the world's forests (https://www.forestgeo.si.edu ). Field research assistants will develop skills and gain experience in: (1) field methods for censuses of forest inventory plots, including tree identification, tree mapping using survey equipment, and measurements of tree growth, mortality, and condition variables; (2) field methods for sampling tree seedlings; (3) forest conservation and management, (4) management of large data sets; (5) team-based ecological field research. There may also be opportunities to participate in drone and aircraft-based remote sensing data collection and to gain spatial analysis skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This region is ecologically and biogeographically important, with hiking opportunities on forested bluffs along the Missouri River and opportunities for fishing and other recreational activities.
The positions are full-time (40 hours/week), hourly ($15/hour) temporary positions (up to 6 months) with no benefits. Candidates interested in shorter positions (minimum of 3 months) are also encouraged to apply. The positions are available starting between April 1 and June 1, 2024, and last minimally until the second week of August 2024 or until the work is completed. There can be some flexibility with start and end dates. Housing (in a group, dorm-style setting) and a field vehicle will be provided.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees' differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse populations we serve. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential. As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination .

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or degree in progress with an interest in ecology or related fields (e.g. biology, forestry, wildlife conservation); a valid driver's license and driving record consistent with UNL's Fleet Management requirements; ability to work and hike outdoors under a range of conditions that include steep terrain and hot or cold or other uncomfortable weather, biting insects, poison ivy, and wild animals; enthusiasm to learn new concepts and field skills, to work productively in a collaborative team, and to improve conservation and management of Great Plains forests.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Microsoft Excel; experience conducting field or independent research; experience with plant identification, especially in North American temperate forests; experience working in a field team; experience with data management, GIS, or R.

Posted Salary: $15.00/hr

Job Type: Full-Time Temporary

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About University of Nebraska Lincoln
With over 25,000 students, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a diverse educational insitution with international stature. The intellectual center for the state of Nebraska and beyond, we are a land-grant, top tier national research-extensive insitution. Part of the Big Ten conference, Big Ten Academic Alliance, our mission includes growing relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives.
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