West Virginia University Looking for Temporary Research Assistant – Division of Forestry and Natural Resources – Davis College Full Time

Description 

West Virginia University Division of Forestry and Natural Resources – Davis College is currently accepting applications for a Temporary Research Assistant in the Quantitative Forest Management lab of Dr. Steve Chhin.

About the Opportunity

The general objective of the project associated with this position is to examine post-fire restoration of different forest types in the Sierra Nevada region of California. The project will involve determining the effect of different levels of mechanical thinning and canopy cover on post-fire resilience of ponderosa pine plantations, mixed conifer forests, and black oak forests. Tree-ring analyses will be conducted to examine productivity rates and resilience to climate stress. Fire impacts will also be examined by looking at post-fire mortality rates. The start date for this position is September 2023. 

This position will report to the Associate Professor.

PAY GRADE – 10

Assignment Length: Approximately 8.5 months

What you’ll do:

The research assistant will primarily be responsible for conducting the laboratory components of the project such as:

• processing increment core samples
• assist with analysis of forest inventory data
• conduct literature reviews
• and assist with report writing. 

Qualifications

• Applicants should preferably have completed a Master’s degree, but those with a Bachelor’s degree and experience with research will also be considered.
• A completed degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a similarly related natural resource field is acceptable.
• A cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate coursework is preferred.
• A background in conducting field based research and working in a laboratory environment is desirable.
• Experience with statistical programs and GIS will be considered an asset.

Requirements

Please submit: 1) a cover letter, and 2) curriculum vitae. Please describe your career goals in the cover letter.

About WVU

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia’s land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.  

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley – the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position. 

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you’re a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb. 

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU’s academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

To learn more about West Virginia University, visit go.wvu.edu. View current career opportunities at careers.wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

Job Posting: Jul 24, 2023

Posting Classification: Temporary

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits Eligible: No

Schedule: Full-time