Overview: We are hiring one (1) crew leader and three (3) crew members to work on a long-term study of tree growth and mortality in mature and old-growth forests of Oregon and Washington. This research is part of the Pacific Northwest Permanent Sample Plot Program (http://pnwpsp.forestry.oregonstate.edu). The project objective is to understand the long-term patterns and mechanisms of undisturbed forest dynamics across a diversity of forest types. Employee(s) will learn about forest succession, forest dynamics, and tree mortality in mature and old-growth forests of the Cascade Mountains and Coast Range.
Duties: Field crew members will (a) navigate off-trail in steep, brushy terrain to relocate permanent plots using topographic maps, compass and GPS; (b) identify tree, shrub, and herbaceous plant species; (c) tag, measure and map trees; (d) assess and document symptoms and causes of tree mortality; and (e) record and check data for completeness and clarity.
Logistics: Crews are based at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest (http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/) near Blue River, OR where housing is provided at no cost. Camping will be necessary for non-HJ Andrews sites located in Washington and Oregon. When camping, a stipend will be provided.
Minimum qualifications:
- Enrolled in or graduated from a program in forestry, natural resources, environmental science or closely related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Ability to follow complex data collection procedures.
- Experience or training in forest inventory methods and measurements.
- Experience navigating mountainous terrain using compass, map and GPS.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and with other crew members in a professional manner while maintaining a positive and safe work environment.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience or training in identifying the symptoms and causes of tree mortality.
- Familiarity with the woody plants of the PNW or proven ability to learn them quickly.
- Prior experience conducting field work and collecting data for research.
- First-aid or wilderness first-aid training; Wildland Firefighting training.
- A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Salary: $17-$19/hour depending on position and qualifications
Duration: June 19 to September 16, 2023
On-line application instructions:
- Application depends on student status. You are considered a student if you are enrolled for at least 6 credits in spring and intend to take at least 6 credits in the fall.
- Go to https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/ choose ‘Search Jobs’, and enter the following, appropriate Posting # in the Keyword search:
- Students: Posting # P09552SE
- Grads/Non-students: Crew Leader: Posting # P04086CT
- Grads/Non-students; Crew member: Posting # P04084CT
- Click on “Apply for this Job” and follow the instructions.
FMI: Contact Andrew Bluhm, PNW Permanent Sample Plot Program Coordinator, Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University.