Forest Gas Fluxes Research Assistant (Student)

Job Details

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community. This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid.

Department: College of Arts & Sciences

Time Type: Part time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary:

This research assistant position will work closely with Environmental Science professor Dr. Karen Knee and Smithsonian Environmental Research Center scientist Dr. Arm Keshta on a project focused on quantifying and understanding the fluxes of radon and greenhouse gases from tree and soil surfaces in temperate upland and wetland forests in Maryland. Candidates should have an academic background in environmental science or related disciplines, ideally with coursework in forest or wetland ecology, ecohydrology, and environmental field methods, and the interest and ability to work outdoors during potentially hot and humid summer conditions. A driver’s license and access to a vehicle is preferable, but not required.

Essential Functions:

1. Field Work
   • Assist with measuring gas fluxes from tree and soil surfaces at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), Edgewater, MD.
   • Prepare instruments for measurements, take measurements, and record data.
   • Provide support for other related projects at SERC.
2. Instrument Maintenance
   • Make sure instruments are charged, purged, and working properly before each use.
   • Alert Dr. Knee and Dr. Keshta promptly about any problems.
   • Download data from instruments regularly.
3. Data Entry and Management
   • Make sure original instrument data files are downloaded, saved and backed up.
   • Enter supplemental data manually.
   • Assist with formatting and processing data in Excel and R.
4. Data Analysis and Presentation
   • Use processed data to test hypotheses about how trees and forests transport and emit radon and greenhouse gases.
   • Give presentations about your work at SERC and AU at the end of the summer.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-time.
• 20 - 25 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $17.95 - $19.50 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate or graduate student.
• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, or a related field.
• Ability and interest in working outdoors during the summer in Maryland.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Aptitude for working with scientific equipment.
• Attention to detail.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Prior experience with scientific field work or lab work.
• Relevant coursework in ecohydrology, forest or wetland ecology, or environmental field methods.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and preparing scientific presentations.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• This position is available only to enrolled American University students.
• Approximately 280 total hours of work distributed over the summer field season (May-August). Approximately 20 - 25 hours per week, but exact hours will vary week by week and the selected candidate can arrange to take a vacation during the summer if desired.
• Work will generally take place M-F 8 AM-5 PM, but some work outside those hours may be required.