College of Forestry

2012 Field Crew job announcement

Fire/Forest Ecology Field Crew Southwestern Oregon

Position Titles: Field Technician – forest ecology (2); Senior Field Technician (lead) – forest ecology   (1)

Organization:  Oregon State University

Application deadline:   February 15, 2012

Work location:  Siskiyou Mountains, southwest Oregon

Job duration:  Field Technician positions – approximately June 1 to September 15, 2012.  Senior Field Technician – approximately May 1 to September 30, 2012. 

Job description:   We are looking for enthusiastic, hard-working field technicians to help with forest ecology field work in Oregon during summer 2012.  The field crew will work on a project examining forest succession following major wildfires in the Klamath-Siskiyou region.  Study will explore plant community responses, forest regeneration and growth, and fuel dynamics 10 years after high-severity (stand-replacing) fires.  Specific tasks will be to measure trees, shrubs, fuels, and forest and plant community structure.  Work offers the opportunity to learn about fire ecology in a remote and scenic mountain region that is one of the biodiversity hotspots of North America; it will also at times involve steep terrain with loose footing, dense brush, exposure to poison oak, intense heat with little shade, and other inclement weather.  Senior Field Technician will be responsible for overseeing daily field work and data management, managing crew logistics, and keeping good communication with project leaders. 

Qualifications:  Candidates should be in good physical shape, enthusiastic about field work, dependable, work well as part of a team, and able to live communally.  They should also be rigorous with data gathering and able to keep a positive attitude under difficult conditions.  Knowledge of flora of southern Oregon is a plus, but not required, as training will be provided.  Experience with forest ecology sampling techniques is similarly a plus, but training will be provided.  A valid driver's license is required and experience operating 4WD vehicles is desired.  Senior Field Technician:  In addition to the above criteria, attention to detail, organizational skills, independence, and resourcefulness are musts; demonstrated experience leading field projects and crews is highly desired.

Compensation:  Field Technician positions - $14/hour, full-time 40 hours per week.  Senior Field Technician - $20/hour, full-time 40 hours per week.  Housing or per diem also will be provided.

Application instructions:  Submit electronically one document that includes a cover letter, resume with academic background and work experience, and contact information for 3 references to the email address listed below, with the subject line: “2012 field crew application”.  Indicate in the cover letter whether you wish to be considered for the position of field technician or lead field technician.

Contact:  John Campbell    email: john.campbell@oregonstate.edu