Researchers at Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute

Interns and summer students are required for placements in Kempt, Queens County
Location of Project and Field Work:
Field work will be conducted in the upper Mersey watershed within the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve (SNBR), Nova Scotia. Sites will be located in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site (KNPNHS), the Tobeatic Wilderness Area, as well as on private and public land. Sample processing and analysis will be conducted at the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute in Kempt, Queens County, Nova Scotia.

Description of Work:
Researchers will contribute to one or more of the following projects:
Monitoring loon productivity and water quality on freshwater lakes
Contributing to endangered species monitoring programs
Monitoring red oak regeneration and forest health
Conducting outreach and education to provide information to private landowners about good forest management and species at risk stewardship
Researchers will be trained and gain hands-on experience in research design, fieldwork, data analysis, literature reviews, computer skills, teamwork, communication and report writing. They will gain a solid understanding of water quality issues, climate change, long range transport of air pollutants, and sustainable forestry practices. Through their work, the researchers will assess environmental health using loons and forests as indicators, and will contribute to our understanding of the effects of air pollution, climate change, and forestry on environmental health.

Wages:
Approximately $10.50 - $12.00, depending on experience and education, 35-40hrs/week for 3-8 months, to start approximately May 23rd 2011.

Education requirements
College and university students, and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Specialization in environmental science and/or biology is preferred. Preference will be given to returning students. Some summer jobs are also available for high school students, please contact MTRI for more information.

Skill and knowledge requirements:
Outdoor field work and orientation skills; tree, plant and bird identification; canoeing, boating and swimming skills; writing skills; computer word processing and data entry.
Preferred experience:
-ecological field work including water quality monitoring, forestry and/or work with wildlife
-statistical analyses including power analyses
-outreach and education

Personal suitability:
The candidate:
· must be self-motivated and work well as a member of a team
· must be between 15 and 30 years of age
· must hold a current driver’s license (access to a vehicle for summer field work is preferable)
· must be adept at tedious fieldwork and data collection
should have living accommodations or be willing to live in or near Kempt, Queens County.

Candidates will be rated based on education, skills, experience, and personal suitability.

Application deadline is Friday, April 22th, 2011. Applications can be emailed to info@merseytobeatic.ca.