Deadline: Mon, 01/15/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: Paint Rock Forest Research Center Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Alabama Location Detail: Paint Rock, Alabama Job Description: Lead Forest Census Field Biologist Application Period: open until 15 Jan 2024 (review of applicants will occur as they are received) Dates for position: 18 Mar – 20 Dec 2024 Salary: Up to $3000/mo + housing (DOE) Job Description: The Paint Rock Forest Research Center is a non-profit organization located in the Southern Cumberland Mountains of northeastern Alabama. We manage a biological field station at the 4,000-acre Sharp-Bingham Mountain Preserve (a property owned by The Nature Conservancy). Our largest, ongoing ecological research project is the Paint Rock Forest Dynamics Plot, an international and collaborative effort with the Smithsonian that monitors forest growth, species dynamics, and climate change effects to forests in a 50-year-long study. Did you know that Alabama is ranked in the top 5 states for biodiversity in the United States?!? Because of this rich biodiversity (especially here at the southern extent of the Appalachians), we also lead and/or participate collaboratively in a number of other conservation and ecological projects throughout the State of Alabama, including shortleaf pine savanna restoration, aquatic vertebrate and invertebrate surveys and preservation, cave mapping and ecological monitoring, bird and bat monitoring, internships for students, educational opportunities for K-12 and college students and teachers, and outreach and mentorship in the community. We will be hiring a lead field biologist to serve as the crew leader for our forest dynamics plot tree census crew. The crew leader, and crew, will spend most days measuring and mapping trees within a 150-ac plot. The work is tedious and repetitive, requiring that every tree with a diameter ≥ 10cm is tagged, measured (e.g., dbh and other three characteristics), and mapped. The ability to identify eastern trees is not required. A strong work ethic, and ability to work outside (and lead others) for the entire workday in difficult conditions (high heat and humidity, rugged terrain, sometimes rain) is an asset. On days when thunderstorms or other events prevent working in the field, folks will largely spend time entering and proofing data, but will also help with housing and gear maintenance. The field biologist may be required to drive a UTV to access the census plot, and some hiking (up to 3 miles per day) will be required daily over rough and challenging terrain. The preserve is remote and encompasses a mountainous and steep terrain that is often wet and requires care when hiking. Venomous snakes, chiggers, and ticks will likely be encountered daily, and snake gaiters will be provided if you would like to use them. The field biologists must have a flexible attitude and work expectations with regard to daily schedules, tasks, and unpredictable weather events. The crew leader will manage and coordinate the daily logistics of research, including tasks such as: delegating daily field and office tasks to interns, coordinating and keeping track of data entry and proofing processes, daily preparation of gear and supplies necessary for field work, maintaining an inventory of field supplies and gear, regularly communicating with the science director about progress and challenges, and helping the science director compose progress reports. The crew leader will generally work between 40-45h/wk on weekdays. Weekends will be off. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field • Ability to hike off trail in steep rugged terrain • Capable of leading others to conduct monotonous work in a challenging wilderness setting • Experience with conducting field work Desired qualifications: • Experience with leading field crews in forestry and/or plant research • Extensive experience with conducting field work • Experience with working in remote settings • Experience managing data (including spatial data) • Experience with operating a UTV • Passionate about field work Salary: Up to $3000/mo + housing (DOE) Benefits: Housing is provided. Housing will include a shared room in a large house on the preserve that has all major appliances, heat and air, running water, and electricity. *Note that although the preserve is remote, it is accessible by car and folks may bring a car with them to commute to, and from, the preserve if they like. How to Apply: To apply, please send a cover letter and cv (including a list of phone numbers and email addresses for at least three work references) as a single document to Ruby Hammond at ruby@paintrock.org. Please indicate that you would like to be considered for the Lead Forest Census Field Biologist position. The application period is open and applications will be reviewed as they are received. We will close the application period on 15 Jan, and will offer the position by 31 Jan (or earlier if a suitable candidate is found). If you have any questions about the position, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ruby.
