Wetlands/Soils Summer Field and Lab Assistants
The Pedology Research Lab in the Dept. of Environmental Science and Technology (ENST) is seeking two undergraduate research assistants for Summer 2021. The students will assist graduate student Jordan Kim with describing and sampling tidal marsh soils of the Mid-Atlantic region as we seek to better understand how soil carbon varies across different marsh landscapes. Some locations will be accessed using the Pedology Lab's research vessel, a 24 ft pontoon boat. There will also be some laboratory-based work on campus.
Ideal candidates should have an interest in learning more about environmental research, wetlands, or soil science, and should welcome hard work and getting “dirty”. Prior research experience and familiarity with boating and trailering, soil science, and wetlands will be beneficial but not required. This will be an excellent opportunity to gain valuable field and laboratory skills and to learn more about the tidal wetlands in our state.
Interested undergrads are encouraged to apply by emailing 1) a statement of interest and 2) a resume to Jordan Kim (contact info below). Please detail relevant experience and coursework in your application materials. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.
Please feel free to direct any questions to Jordan Kim. We look forward to hearing from you!
Closing Date: Friday, March 26 (or until positions are filled)
Jordan Kim
(443) 280-7518
Duties
● Fieldwork: sampling tidal marsh soils, describing soil characteristics, documenting marsh plant species (some of these activities could require strenuous activity).
● Lab work: soil sample processing and analyses (we will train).
● Maintaining a safe, clean laboratory space; following field and lab SOPs.
Qualifications
● Current undergraduate working towards a degree in environmental science, biological science, geoscience, or a related field.
● Enthusiastic about conducting summer fieldwork in tidal marsh wetlands, sometimes on a boat.
● Comfortable carrying and using equipment in the field (augers, boat equipment, etc).
● Familiarity with boating/trailering preferred but not required.
Compensation: $12/hour
COVID Considerations
We will be observing prescribed COVID safety protocols, which may include traveling separately to field sites (therefore, we may plan to reimburse for mileage traveled in private vehicles to designated field locations).