Field Census Technician

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, and bird and bat monitoring.

We are hiring a Forest Census Technician to begin work immediately on our ForestGeo-sponsored forest dynamics plot. The technician 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, but you will be have the opportunity to hone those skills if you do not possess them . A strong work ethic, and ability to work outside 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, the technician will spend time entering and proofing data, housing and gear maintenance, cleaning, and a number of other projects on our campus grounds. Technicians may be required to drive a UTV to access the census plot, and some hiking (up to 2 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. Technicians must have a flexible attitude and work expectations with regard to daily schedules, tasks, and unpredictable weather events. Technicians will generally work 40-h per during the week, and have weekends off.

Housing:

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.