Stream Ecology at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest and LTER and at the Trask River Watershed Study
We are seeking 3-4 Research Assistants (RA) to conduct summer research and monitoring on stream food webs and interactions of consumers and stream functional processes in Oregon Cascade and Coast Range streams. These RAs will assist with observational research as well as experimental manipulations. They will learn protocols for study of cutthroat trout, pacific giant salamanders, stream macroinvertebrates, primary producers, as well as of ecosystem rates and processes, including nutrient uptake, whole stream metabolism, reaeration and hydraulic transport. They will also conduct measurements of habitat and chemical characteristics.
In mid-late June, RAs will be based at OSU with field work in the Trask Watershed in the Coast Range. It will involve several nights of camping, with gear provided.
In July and August, the Research Assistants will be based at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, in the Oregon Cascades near Blue River, Oregon. The Andrews Forest was established in 1948 as an US Forest Service Experimental Forest, and since 1980 is one of the National Science Foundation's Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites. The field station has modern apartments with full kitchens, a well-equipped computer lab, and wireless internet (see http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/ for more information on the site, facilities and research programs at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest).
Pay: starts at $12/hr
Applications and Closing date: Applications will be submitted through OSU jobs page (https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/). The announcement will be posted next week and please email us if you would like the direct link. Review of applications will start March 8, 2016 and continue until suitable candidates are identified.
For more information, please contact Dr. Alba Argerich (alba.argerich@oregonstate.edu) or Dr. Sherri Johnson (sherrijohnson@fs.fed.us).
Responsibilities • Assist with observational and experimental studies of stream food webs. Sampling will include measurements of primary production, stream respiration, fish abundance and mapping of their distribution. • Responsibilities consist of field work (e.g., equipment preparation, equipment installation, stream surveys, physical/biological monitoring), laboratory analyses and processing/managing field data. • The position requires working independently and in a group, navigating remote forest roads and terrain, using a map, compass, and handheld GPS unit, and entering data carefully into a computer database.
Qualifications: Applicants should have considerable field experience and the ability to carry a heavy pack (40+ lb) for moderate distances over uneven terrain. A general understanding of stream ecology is required. Driver’s license required.Desired qualifications: • Experience in field work. • Ability to work with other crew members in a professional manner while maintaining a positive and safe work environment. • Ability to follow detailed protocols. • Good problem solving skills. • Computer skills with spreadsheets and databases.
Online Application (https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/) materials will include: 1. A letter of application that includes a statement of your interest in stream ecology and your qualifications that will contribute to this research. 2. A curriculum vitae or resume. 3. Transcript(s) of all college course work, and a list of courses in which the applicant is currently enrolled. A copy of an unofficial transcript will suffice. 4. Names, affiliations, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of two references, preferably current or former professors with whom the applicant has taken courses and/or participated in research.