| Description |
FIELD CREW LEADER | | | | Req #: | 53849 | | Department: | BIOLOGY | | Job Location: | Other Locations | | Job Location Detail: | Guam and Mariana Islands | | Posting Date: | 04/24/2009 | | Closing Info: | To ensure consideration, Apply By 05/08/2009 | | Salary: | $28,000 - 30,000/ Year | | Notes: | This is a 2 year position, 11 months per year. Start date: June 30, 2009, end date June 30, 2011.
We will provide a round-trip ticket from the candidate’s current place of residence to the Mariana Islands for the beginning and end of the project. In addition, the crew leader will receive free housing on all four islands, transportation within and among islands. |
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The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
The Biology department has an outstanding opportunity for a FIELD CREW Leader.
The Impacts of Bird Extinctions on Pacific Island Forests
Project Description: The invasive brown treesnake reached Guam in the mid-1940’s. The snake caused the island-wide removal of virtually all avifauna by the 1980s. This research examines the effects of this ecosystem-level bird loss on the future of the tropical forest trees that dominate the native limestone forests of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. This work focuses on two key roles that birds play: the dispersal of seed, and the top-down control of insect herbivores. We are using inter-island comparisons of seed dispersal, insect herbivory and seed and seedling survival in the forests on Guam (where birds are absent) and the forests on Saipan, Tinian and Rota (three nearby islands where forest birds remain).
Research activities include field observations of seed dispersal patterns (measured with seed traps in mapped stands), field experiments using seedling plantings, insect surveys and bird enclosures, and greenhouse experiments examining the implications of reduced seed dispersal distances and the loss of top predators in the food web.
Responsibilities:
Under general supervision of the project manager, the FIELD CREW leader will coordinate activities of a 5-8 person FIELD CREW consisting of short-term interns (3-6 months) and full-time field technicians. Members of the FIELD CREW (including the FIELD CREW leader) move between Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota to conduct research activities. The FIELD CREW leader will help the project manager coordinate and supervise the FIELD CREW, including tasks like: i) determining daily tasks for crew members (who may be on different islands) to meet monthly goals; ii) coordinating (and participating in) research while in the field or lab; iii) training and orienting crew new crew members and communicating and coordinating on new tasks as the project evolves, iv): and regularly providing feedback to assist with evaluation of crew members; and v) communicating regularly with project leaders based in Seattle, WA. Field and lab tasks include a) establishing forest stands by mapping and identifying trees as well as making, deploying and emptying seed traps; b) setting up field experiments by building cages and planting seeds and seedlings on all four islands; c) collecting data by emptying and sorting through seed trap contents as well as monitoring and harvesting seedlings; and d) miscellaneous other tasks (plant seeds, videotaping bird behavior, etc).
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position.
| | | Requirements: | A BS in a related field and 3 months of relevant experience are required with a strong background in field ecology (beneficial skills include experimental field ecology and plant propagation and care), with demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to motivate others. Additional requirements include excellent communication skills and cultural sensitivity, and a high level of organization and attention to detail.
This is a 2 year position we are seeking exceptionally motivated applicants with strong backgrounds in field ecology (beneficial skills include experimental field ecology and plant propagation and care), with demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to motivate others.
Additional requirements include excellent communication skills and cultural sensitivity, and a high level of organization and attention to detail.
The crew leader will be an integral member of the field team, and thus applicants should be extremely comfortable working long hours in high heat and humidity, walking over rough karst terrain carrying awkward loads (rolls of chicken-wire, flats of seedlings), tolerating tedious and at times monotonous work (e.g. sorting through leaves and seeds), and rapidly learning how to accurately identify plants and seedlings. These skills will be essential, as the crew leader will be responsible for leading and inspiring the crew as they complete these tasks.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. | | | Condition of Employment: | If a candidate is allergic to bees, he/she must carry a bee sting kit and be trained in its use, as the chances of getting stung are high at some of our sites.
Application Process:
Part of the application process for this position includes completing an on-line cover letter assessment as well as the Employment Eligibility Assessment to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. The assessment(s) will appear on your screen for you to complete as soon as you select "Apply to this Position" on this job announcement. Once you begin the assessment, it must be completed at that time. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until the assessment is complete.
To ensure consideration your resume and cover letter should include your experience in the following areas:
a. Field Research Experience. List jobs, internships, independent research or volunteer positions you have had with a significant field research component. Include the length of time you were involved in each (designate full-time vs. part-time), whether or not it was an independent research project, and briefly describe the major activities you engaged in.
b. Leadership Experience. List those activities or jobs in which you had a significant leadership or mentoring role. Include the length of time you were involved in this activity, the number of people you led or mentored, and the nature of your responsibilities in this leadership role.
c. References. List the names and contact information for two references that can comment on the following: i) your scientific research skills; ii) your organizational skills; and iii) your ability to motivate and lead a group of students / employees from a diverse background. | | | The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206.543.6450 / 206.543.6452 (tty) or dso@u.washington.edu. |
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