FIELD ASSISTANT (TEMPORARY)

Req #: 231662

Department: SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND FOREST SCIENCES

Posting Date: 03/11/2024

Closing Info

Open Until Filled

Salary: $20.01 per hour

Shift: First Shift

Notes

As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (~~~)

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Interested in fire ecology and old-growth forests?Want to work in Cascade Mountains?APPLY NOW!

The Harvey Lab ( ~~~/ ) in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington is hiring up to 6 full time field assistants (Research Aide 1 (NE H NI CNU)) to work on research projects in forests of the Cascade Mountains during summer 2024. We are looking for individuals who are interested in forest and fire ecology, adaptable, detail-oriented, able to follow protocols, enjoy working as part of a team outdoors in variable conditions, and can live cooperatively with others. Field assistants are critical members of our team and are essential to advancing research projects!

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

• Field assistants will be involved in one or more research projects, which are collaborations between the Harvey Lab, the Washington DNR, Tulalip Tribes, UW Climate Impacts Group, US Forest Service and National Park Service, working on the following two focal areas across the Cascade Mountains in Washington and northern Oregon:

• Post-fire vegetation and fuels measurements in recently burned forests

• Measuring long-term old-growth forest plotsWe acknowledge our work in the PNW is located on homelands of Indigenous peoples, and we have a responsibility to reflect on the histories of dispossession and forced removal of the original inhabitants, as well as the resilience and vibrancy of their cultures today. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Field assistants will be collecting data on forest structure and composition. Tasks will involve:(a) Navigating variable terrain to forest plots using maps and GPS(b) Identifying plant species(c) Tagging, measuring, and mapping trees(d) Assessing tree mortality and regeneration(e) Measuring fuels and carbonLOGISTICS: Work schedule will be variable based on conditions and location, but generally involve 5-10-day stints in the field. During work stints, vehicles, roundtrip travel from Seattle to sampling locations, food, and lodging will be provided at no cost (in addition to hourly pay). Lodging will consist primarily of camping with potential for occasional field housing (not guaranteed). Camping gear (e.g., tents, sleeping pads) will be available for anyone who needs it. Lodging is not provided on off-days.OPPORTINITIES TO GAIN EXPERIENCE:

• Outdoor fieldwork, data collection, and research experience with multiple collaborators

• PNW forest plant identification

• Characterizing forest structure and burn severity

• Tree tagging, measuring, and mapping

• Operating a variety of forestry tools and equipment MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Two years college credits with major study in engineering or science, OR two years work experience equivalent to that performed by a research aide 1. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Commitment to a safe work environment that promotes equity, inclusion, and diversity

• Demonstrated interest in environmental science or related field

• Ability to follow detailed data collection protocols

• Ability to adapt to changing schedules & conditions

• Ability to work well as a team and live cooperatively with others CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Valid driver's license

• Willingness to work full days in variable weather and terrain, prioritizing safety

• Willingness to lodge in mobile, group campsite settings under rugged outdoor conditionsDURATION: June 1 to October 1COMPENSATION: $20.01/hour (+ travel / lodging / food costs during work stints are covered above hourly pay!)

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.