Vacancy: Student Observer Needed for Spring Phenological Study in Wisconsin (USA)
We are seeking a student to participate as a phenological observer in a National Science Foundation funded project being conducted in northern Wisconsin for approximately five weeks during spring 2010.
Student Observer Needed for Spring Phenological Study
Overview
We are seeking a student to participate as a phenological observer in a National Science Foundation funded project being conducted in northern Wisconsin for approximately five weeks during spring 2010. The selected individual will work as part of a two-person observation team. Starting and ending times will vary a few days depending on spring weather conditions, but most likely commence during the last week of April and extend to the last week of May.
Phenology is the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events that are influenced by environmental changes, especially seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation driven by weather and climate. Wide ranges of phenomena are included, from first openings of leaf and flower buds, to insect hatchings and return of birds.
Each one gives a ready measure of the environment as viewed by the associated organism.
Thus, timings of phenological events are ideal indicators of the impact of local and global
changes in weather and climate on the Earth's biosphere.
Qualifications
Observers must be able to work with minimal supervision in a variety of outdoor conditions. They must also show attention to detail and be able to make accurate observations as well as systematically record them. Due to logistical and budgetary issues only U.S. citizens or those already authorized to work in the USA will be considered.
Orientation
Before starting, the selected student will receive a full orientation to phenology as well as the specific protocols and procedures to be used during the field work.
On-going support will also be provided.
Lodging
Observers will be housed at the Kemp Natural Resource Station (KNRS) in Woodruff, WI.
The station has comfortable rooms, showers, and kitchen facilities, as well as wireless Internet connectivity. See http://www.kemp.wisc.edu for more details about this facility.
Work and Schedule
Observers will generally go into the field every other day, so work days will alternate with days off during the five-week period. This schedule may change for short periods if necessary due to severe or unusual weather. On work days the team will be transported to the field site and spend approximately eight hours recording the phenological state of tagged trees along marked transects. Cold lunches, beverages, and water will be carried in each work day.
Benefits
The selected student’s reasonable transportation costs to and from their home institutions to UW-Milwaukee (UWM) will be covered. All transportation to and from UWM to KNRS and to and from KNRS to the field site, food, and lodging expenses during the four-week period will be provided. In addition, the selected student will be paid $2000 in gross wages as an hourly employee.
Contact Information
If you would like more information or wish to be considered as a phenological observer, please contact Prof. Mark D. Schwartz, Dept. of Geography, UWM at (414) 229-3740 or <mds@uwm.edu>
