Summers– Interdisciplinary Forest Assistant

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point•Stevens Point, WI

3d•$18

About The Position

The Enhancing Natural Resource Goals on the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest Program is a partnership between UW-Stevens Point’s Wisconsin Center for Wildlife and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This 13-week Student Employment program is designed to provide a career-oriented introduction to the background, philosophy, concepts, and scope of natural resources management, and a practical understanding of Forest Service policies. Student Employees will also receive on-the-job training and exposure to a variety of natural resource disciplines and careers with the Forest Service and other natural resources agencies and organizations. The Natural Resources Student Employee – Interdisciplinary Forest Assistant will support US Forest Service staff with a variety of programs in the Great Divide District and the West Zone of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest ( https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cnnf/home ), including recreation, trails, non-native invasive species, silviculture, wildlife, and fuels.

Requirements

Physical Demands: The student assistant will work in an outdoor environment. Walking, standing, bending, carrying, or lifting relatively heavy items is required. Fieldwork will include working in rough, uneven terrain and in all weather conditions. Protective clothing and/or equipment may be required for many assignments.
Enthusiasm to learn about diverse natural resource careers.
No prior field experience is necessary.
Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Relevant coursework or practical experience in biology, conservation, recreation management, natural resources, or environmental sciences.
Ability to carry 20 pounds in the field for the entire field day.
A valid driver's license.
Ability to hike in heavily vegetated rugged terrain.
Ability to perform fieldwork in inclement weather and deal with mosquitoes, deer flies, black flies, and ticks.
Ability to safely operate outdoor field equipment, including hand tools.
Aptitude for teamwork and collaborating with others.
Must be an undergraduate student currently pursuing a degree in Biology, Botany, Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences, Forest Science, Forestry, Horticulture, Recreation, Soil Science, Wildlife Ecology, etc.
Attach a cover letter and resumé to your application as a single document in PDF format.

Responsibilities

Doing timber stand improvement, tree planting, and oak wilt survey and treatment activities.
Conducting native and non-native plant species surveys by identifying invasive non-native plants using various field guides and plant identification keys to assist with plant surveys.
Treating and managing invasive plant species primarily using herbicides, but also by hand-pulling or using hand tools, power tools, mowers, and other standardized control methods.
Contributing to wildlife ecology, research, and management programs.
Campground and trail maintenance activities, such as cleaning bathrooms, brushing and pruning vegetation along trails.
Using global positioning systems, aerial photographs, topographic maps, GIS and/or compass in navigation.
Performing highly physical labor and daily hiking, sometimes to remote locations in rugged terrain under possible adverse weather conditions.
Data entry and other duties in a laboratory/office setting.
Participating in professional development workshops to gain leadership skills and learn about diverse career paths for natural resource professionals.

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