The Newingham Aridland Ecology Lab is seeking a full-time technician to assist with research related to the restoration of aridland ecosystems. Our lab evaluates the effects of fire, climate change, and invasive species on plant and soil properties, as well as how restoration affects ecosystem recovery. We work closely with universities, state, and federal agencies to address natural resource issues and land management. Studies include:
Employment and Application Information
The candidate will work with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and University of Nevada, Reno. The position is based in Reno, NV, with a preferred start date in April 2019 continuing for one year or more pending funding. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes health insurance, paid leave, and retirement benefits. Please send a resume, list of four references, unofficial transcript(s), and a letter detailing your skills, experience, and/or interest to Dr. Beth Newingham at [email protected] and [email protected]. Review of applications will commence February 25, 2019 and remain open until the position is filled. Please contact Dr. Newingham with any questions.
- Effects of post-fire rehabilitation treatments on plants, biological soil crust, and soil properties.
- Climate effects on plant invasions and reestablishing native plants after fire.
- Evaluating how grazing after fire affects plant recovery and rehabilitation treatments.
- Quantifying post-fire wind erosion and interactions with post-fire rehabilitation treatments.
- Restoring native habitat for endangered plants and wildlife after annual grass invasion.
- Oversee project management and personnel; coordinate activities with others in lab and collaborators.
- Conduct ecological research by contributing to research design, establishing experiments, collecting data, and reporting results.
- Lead field crews and work in collaboration with graduate students and technicians.
- Data entry, management, and analysis; participate in scientific conferences; write scientific documents.
- Assist with hiring technicians, purchasing, and budget management.
- Conduct field research in remote and primitive areas under strenuous physical and climatological situations.
- Interact with scientists and land managers from state and federal agencies, such as the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Department of Wildlife, University of Nevada Reno, and other universities.
- Education: BS degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, or closely related field. MS degree is preferred.
- At least four years of field ecology research experience.
- Previous experience with soil, plant, and/or insect sampling and sample analysis. Plant identification skills required; experience with soil sampling and micrometeorological equipment preferred.
- Strong knowledge of field plot establishment, monitoring and experimental design.
- Experience with field and laboratory safety protocol and procedures, including basic analytical chemistry skills; maintaining and troubleshooting equipment.
- Experience with data management, graphing, and statistical analysis. Ability to use Excel, as well as other graphing and statistical software packages, such as R.
- Experience using GPS and GIS to locate and establish field plots.
- Ability to contribute to written reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and give presentations at scientific conferences.
- Willingness and ability to camp and work in varied field conditions possibly for extended periods that may involve: 1) off-road hiking up and down hills, 2) carrying loads up to 30 lbs, and 3) withstanding periods of inclement weather during all seasons.
- Possess a valid driver’s license and experience operating 4WD vehicles.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a group.
- Supervisory experience, including leading field crews.
- Ability to communicate with stakeholders and collaborators.
Employment and Application Information
The candidate will work with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and University of Nevada, Reno. The position is based in Reno, NV, with a preferred start date in April 2019 continuing for one year or more pending funding. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes health insurance, paid leave, and retirement benefits. Please send a resume, list of four references, unofficial transcript(s), and a letter detailing your skills, experience, and/or interest to Dr. Beth Newingham at [email protected] and [email protected]. Review of applications will commence February 25, 2019 and remain open until the position is filled. Please contact Dr. Newingham with any questions.