Department: School of Environmental and Forest Sciences Duration: June 14th to August 31st – can be extended Projects to get involved with:

The Field Assistant will be contributing to an ongoing NASA ABoVE funded project which seeks to understand how vegetation and seasonal changes in lake level influence current estimates of greenhouse gas emissions. The Field assistant will aid with the analysis of samples collected in arctic-boreal lakes in Alaska.

Sampling alpine lakes in Mount Rainier National Park to detect human fecal contribution. Lots of potential to be outside and learn the fundamentals of eDNA capture and extraction.

The position will also include assisting an NSF-funded project focused on understanding carbon cycling between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The work will take place at Martha Creek in the Wind River Experimental Forest and will involve monthly field campaigns to collect water quality data, including dissolved gases.

Locations:
Washington State generally. Field work includes Wind River, alpine lakes in Mount Rainier

National Park.

Each of the research efforts that this assistant would become involved with may require the visitation to and samples taken from the homelands of Indigenous peoples. 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. Furthermore, we are obligated to discuss findings, share resources, and involve members of the local communities whenever possible as part of these research projects.

Duties:

This position will function as a generalist, to take part in many components of ongoing research efforts. This Field Assistant will aid in the preparation for field campaigns, maintaining spreadsheets for data collection, calibration of field equipment and the analysis of samples from an arctic/boreal field campaign taking place in early summer and late summer. Furthermore, the Field Assistant will conduct field work with two masters’ students on their projects to support investigations into carbon and water quality in Washington state aquatic ecosystems. This field work will involve water quality sampling of stream and lake systems, gas sampling from open water and ground water well, processing samples and data management.

Requirements for the position:

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

  • Enrolled in or graduated from college (demonstrated interest in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field)

  • Valid driver’s license

  • Ability to follow detailed data collection protocols

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

  • Willingness to lodge in mobile, or group campsite settings under rugged outdoor

    conditions.

  •   Willingness to take on 3-5 day field campaigns away from home.

  •  Value what it means to work as a team of up to 3 people in difficult conditions

    Exposure to new skills and training:

  • Working knowledge of water quality data collection including, water quality Sondes, filtering, preservation methods, and processing of water quality samples.

  • Interactions with the National Ecological Observation Network at Wind River Observatory, specific to the Martha Creek intensive site. This will involve the use of prototype sensors that measure dissolved gasses in stream ecosystems.

  • Experience with understanding the impacts of people on Mount Rainier National Park resources in remote locations -specifically lake ecosystems.

  • Laboratory skills in cleaning, preparation and processing for field samples for water quality.

  • Experience with changing stream conditions and flow dynamics throughout the PNW season.

  • Experience with GPS, and integration of digital data into GIS software. Salary: $18/hour – full time is expected throughout the summer
    Work hours:

    The Field Assistant will be expected to work full days in coordination with field preparation and sampling needs. Field campaigns of 3-4 days at a time will be needed up to 3 times throughout the employment period. All field campaigns will include travel, food, and lodging costs that will be fully covered. Tentative dates include July 8-12th, August 10-15th, with smaller field needs throughout. The Field Assistant must be flexible with their time as needed.

    COVID-19 Protocols and Safety Measures:

    We will be working under an approved Health and Safety Plan, which will outline protocols and procedures for the field season, and which adheres to all guidelines and best practices for COVID-19. There will be flexibility in the field season timeline to accommodate any changes as we received new requirements from the state of Washington and the University of Washington guidelines and best practices for COVID-19. There will be flexibility in the field season timeline to accommodate any changes.

    To Apply:

    Send a Resume and 1pg Cover Letter explaining why you are interested in this opportunity to dbutman@uw.edu. Please provide contact information for yourself and two references.