Ecology Field Research Interns

B4Warmed Overview:
Northern Minnesota is a focal point of potential climate warming impacts
because it sits at the transition between boreal and temperate forest
biomes.  B4WARMED (Boreal Forest Warming at an Ecotone in Danger) is a
unique manipulative experiment that warms plants and soil in the field to
examine tree seedling and germinant response to warming with respect to
physiology, phenology, growth, and survival.  For more information:
http://forestecology.cfans.umn.edu/B4WARMED.html.

Position overview:
We seek undergraduate or newly graduated students with a background or
interest in biology, ecology, physiology, environmental science, biophysics,
forestry, or a related field for paid field research internships ($10/hr).
Interns are needed primarily from August through November. Few short-term
(one month) positions also available. Typical work days are eight hours
Monday through Friday, however some tasks require early morning, evening, or
weekend work. A valid driver's license is required. Personal vehicles
helpful but not required. Variety of tasks to be completed, split between
data collection, site maintenance, and laboratory work.  

Responsibilities:
.Collect biotic and abiotic data in field and laboratory settings in
accordance with established protocols
.Measure plant growth, physiology, and phenology
.Routine maintenance of field sites, field instruments, and research
equipment.
.Limited data entry
.Aiding principle investigators and graduate students as needed.

Desired qualifications: 1) Eagerness to work hard in an outdoor setting. 2)
Capacity to collect data following established protocols. 3) Familiarity
with plant and tree species of northern Minnesota. 4) Willingness to work
well and play well with others. 5) Curiosity and passion for the natural
world.

Research sites:
Field work will be split between research sites at the Cloquet Forestry
Center in Cloquet, MN (http://cfc.cfans.umn.edu/) and the Hubachek
Wilderness Research Center near Ely, MN.  Both research sites are in
beautiful forested settings and provide access to the natural areas of
northern Minnesota including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Travel between sites will be necessary.  An individual's home base may be at
either of these locations. On-site housing with cooking facilities is
available for a small fee.

Please send cover letter (including available working dates), one-page
resume, and contact information for two references electronically to:

Karen Rice            
kerice@umn.edu
Department of Forest Resources
University of Minnesota
1530 Cleveland Ave N.
St Paul, MN 55108 USA
(217) 891-8046