Archbold Biological Station’s Buck Island Ranch (BIR) seeks a full-time research assistant to contribute to research on the sustainability of grazing lands.
The research will be conducted at BIR, a biological station that operates as full-scale working cattle ranch providing a unique platform for long-term agroecology research. BIR is one of the 19 Long-term Agroecosystem Research sites https://ltar.ars.usda.gov/. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Elizabeth Boughton.
The research assistant will work on a variety of projects that collect data on the ecology of a working cattle ranch. Key objectives are to: (1) Collect data to characterize aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and the impact of innovative management regimes on ANPP; (2) Monitor long-term water quality on Buck Island Ranch and the impact of innovative management regimes on water quality; and, (3) Assist with soil sampling, sensor maintenance, plant diversity surveys, (4) Conduct lab work such as weighing biomass, grinding biomass, sieving soil (5) Enter and QAQC data.
The position
This is a non-tenured, full time, 12-month position, and can be renewed annually, contingent on performance and the availability of funds. Duties may change as contract or grant turnover occurs. Competitive salary with full benefits.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn basic ecological skills and gain experience in a wide range of research techniques and equipment, both in the field and in the laboratory, and data compilation, processing and analysis depending on experience. Field work includes soil, water and biomass (plant), and plant species composition samplings.
Required qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or related field; basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel).
Preferred qualifications
Research experience in the field and in the laboratory related to soil and water sampling; experience working on farms and with farmers; experience working in subtropical grasslands and/or wetlands.
The station
The position is located at BIR, a 10,500-acre cattle ranch near Lake Placid, FL, with shared housing available on site. Here are two documentaries about Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6_WhY3aZB0 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGV_G6dnYHg )
Compensation: $18.00 per hour
Archbold is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected status. Archbold will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Archbold stands proud of its collaborative culture and all dimensions of diversity in the workplace equally and works to ensure that everyone feels a sense of inclusion and belonging.
Archbold's mission is to build and share the scientific knowledge needed to protect the life, lands, and waters of Florida, and beyond. Archbold’s footprint encompasses the ancient scrub habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge; the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape; the vast, open ranchlands of Central Florida; and the many waterways that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and then drain to the coasts, touching the lives of millions of Floridians. Archbold studies and protects these natural wonders as ecosystems: as complex networks shaped by measurable natural processes. Our dozens of research sites encompass the pristine sand dunes of the Lake Wales Ridge; the ranchlands and wetlands that make up much of Central Florida; and the rivers that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and beyond.
Today Archbold stewards a rich mosaic of natural habitats, native ecosystems, working lands, and historic buildings at Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch. The Station and the Ranch serve as the place-based crucible for our innovative science, conservation, and education programs. These draw from a long, deep history, dating back from our beginnings, founded by Richard Archbold in 1941.
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