Part-Time Seasonal Field Technologist

Penn State University • University Park, IL

14d

About The Position

Project overview: The Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at Penn State is seeking one technologist to assist with data collection and analysis on two research projects. Both projects will study vegetation dynamics in young mixed-oak hardwoods stands with the goal of improving silviculture practices. The technologist’s primary duty is to supervise the field crew of the Crop Tree and Gap Dynamics Project. Additionally, the technologist is tasked with modelling the effect of overstory tree retention on the growth of young saplings.
Job details: Trains interns on the measurement protocols for the Crop Tree and Gap Dynamics Project. Supervises the field crew for the first two to three weeks of the field season. Once the crew can work independently, the technologist will perform weekly audits to ensure data quality. Assists the field crew with data collection on days when they are short-staffed. Oversees mapping of study sites using unmanned aerial vehicles. Uses this remotely sensed data to measure tree height and percent canopy cover. Assesses the accuracy of these measurements in the field. Carefully measures diameter, height, and crown dimensions of trees; models the diameter increment of saplings by overstory tree density, size, species etc.

Requirements

• Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in forest ecosystem management.
• Completed coursework in silviculture, remote sensing, GIS, and spatial analysis.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Python or R programming language.
• The technologist will travel to study sites in central and northwestern Pennsylvania in their personal vehicle.
• They are expected to work with minimal supervision in remote, rugged environments and adverse weather conditions.
• Strong plant species identification skills are required.
• A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred candidates will be versed in recent literature on retention silviculture, early rotation treatments, and remote sensing methods in forestry.

Responsibilities

• Trains interns on the measurement protocols for the Crop Tree and Gap Dynamics Project.
• Supervises the field crew for the first two to three weeks of the field season.
• Performs weekly audits to ensure data quality.
• Assists the field crew with data collection on days when they are short-staffed.
• Oversees mapping of study sites using unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Uses remotely sensed data to measure tree height and percent canopy cover.
• Assesses the accuracy of these measurements in the field.
• Measures diameter, height, and crown dimensions of trees
• Models the diameter increment of saplings by overstory tree density, size, species etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees