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Department:
Time Type:
Part timeFLSA Status:
Non-ExemptJob Description:
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.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Other Details
This position is available only to enrolled American University students.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
Visit https://www.american.edu/hr/ for additional information about American University employment and benefits.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees (including those employed in student positions) must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.