Internship

The Forest Landscape Ecology Laboratory seeks applicants for research internships in forest ecology and sustainable forestry. The focus of the internships is applied field and lab research as part of the Flambeau Experiment, a long-term, multi-faceted ecosystem analysis of northern hardwood forests. Professors David Mladenoff and Tom Gower are Principal Investigators on the project. The field site is located on the scenic Flambeau River State Forest, near Phillips, WI.

Duties: Successful candidates will participate in various field and lab investigations into the effects of experimental manipulations of large woody debris and canopy openings. Carbon and nitrogen cycling is the focus of this mechanistic examination of how old-growth forest processes develop in mature second-growth northern hardwoods. Available field tasks include plant community sampling (species identification and cover estimates by strata), microclimate monitoring (including sensor arrays and data loggers), forest surveying/mapping, forest-structure measurements, and sampling of woody debris and soil. Other activities include logistical planning, lab preparation of soil and vegetation samples, lab analysis using sensitive equipment, data entry, large database management, and statistical analysis. Most lab work will be preformed at Kemp Natural Resources Station near Woodruff, WI. Specific field and lab activities will be shaped to each intern’s experience and interest.

Education/Experience/Skills: College undergraduates, recent graduates, and others are welcome to apply, with Native Americans and other minorities especially encouraged. A background in ecology, biology, soil science, forestry, biogeochemistry, computer science, statistics, or a related discipline is required. Some experience with identification of Northwoods flora, microclimate monitoring, and forest mensuration is preferred. The ideal candidate will have a solid background and/or strong interest in ecological field data collection, with knowledge of database management, spreadsheet programs, statistical analyses, or GPS/GIS a plus. Successful candidates will be expected to be conscientious self-starters capable of independent work and timely project completion.

Conditions: Applicants should be capable of vigorous physical activity (e.g., working long hours outdoors in hot, cold, rainy, snowy, and buggy weather; able to hike with a 40-pound pack across uneven terrain), and prepared to live in rural north-central Wisconsin. Though a longer term is desirable in order to gain more diverse experiences, a commitment of at least one month is required. The normal work week will consist of five eight-hour days, including a weekly seminar discussing ecological articles pertinent to ongoing field and lab tasks. Internships are available to start anytime during the year, though the busiest period is April-October. Interns are agents of UW-Madison during research on the Flambeau. This official status provides liability protection, free lodging, and a monthly stipend of $400. Health insurance is not included.

Application deadline: Please apply immediately, or before March 7, 2005, since applications receive priority in order of receipt. However, consideration will continue until suitable candidates are identified for a given time period. We expect to fill six to eight positions by mid May 2005, with an equal number of additional positions to start in early July 2005. Please direct any questions, or requests for further information, to the project manager at the email address given below.

Email applications preferred. Please send cover letter, resume, and list of three references to the project manager: