Job Title: Natural Resources Researcher (Technician)

Location: Clemson University’s Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Georgetown, SC.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a technician to assist with ecological studies investigating structure, function, and carbon cycling in forested ecosystems and coastal oligohaline marshes in the southeastern US. Our estuarine marsh studies are established to monitor vegetative community composition of freshwater and oligohaline marshes and relate them to soil salinity levels, which are in turn influenced by shipping harbor river modifications. Tidal freshwater forested wetlands studies focus on process-based questions involving abiotic and biotic transformations occurring along gradients spanning oligohaline marsh to tidal freshwater forest and beyond to include seasonally tidal and non-tidal riverine forests. Forested wetland (and upland) studies typically include surveys of aboveground biomass and productivity (e.g., for carbon assessments), and tree physiological response to atmospheric and terrestrial drivers as inferred through dedicated sap flow studies.

Routine responsibilities will include monthly visits to established marsh and forest study sites to download water sensor data and maintain sensors and field equipment, collect measurements of tree growth, and collection of tree leaf litter samples. Much of the fieldwork will require piloting a 60 hp outboard boat followed by hiking floatant marshes and flooded swamps. Routine lab duties include identifying, counting, and weighing marsh plants and weighing leaf litter samples. Additional duties may include new plot setup, digitizing and summarizing data in Excel, and other duties as assigned. Travel and overnight stays are required but are generally limited to 3 – 4 days away per month.

Qualifications and Preference:

Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree from accredited college at the time of hiring. A valid US driver’s license and the ability to swim are mandatory. The candidate must also be in adequate physical condition to competently traverse floating estuarine marshes on foot, collect vegetation samples, and carry them back to the boat. The ability to orienteer using a GPS and handheld compass is necessary and can be taught if needed. Field conditions will be hot and humid in summer, and buggy during some times of the year. Proficiency at MS Office suite programs such as Word and Excel is expected.

Preference will be given to individuals with a demonstrated ability to work both independently and within small groups as corroborated by the candidate’s professional references.

Term: Full-time, temporary one year appointment.

Salary: $40,000

Closing Date: 14 October 2024

To Apply: To apply for this position please visit the Clemson careers website (https://www.clemson.edu/careers/) and search (as an external applicant) for job 109186. Please submit a cover letter and your Curriculum Vitae with 2-3 professional references via the Clemson careers porthole.