Alpine Plant Research Assistant

The Appalachian Mountain Club Research Department is seeking an intern for the summer of 2006. Our department conducts research to inform conservation policy related to mountain regions throughout the northeastern United States. The Research Department has been involved in the recovery of a previously Federally endangered alpine plant and will be conducting a final census in 2006. AMC's research is accomplished cooperatively with institutions and agencies such as USFS, USFWS, and the New England Wild Flower Society.

The AMC Alpine Plant Research Assistant is responsible for conducting a census of the world's population of dwarf cinquefoil, a rare endemic alpine plant. Tasks include preparing field equipment, setting up the census site, and collecting demographic data.

The research assistant will be trained and supervised by the AMC Alpine Ecologist, and will work with the periodic assistance of the Alpine Ecologist and an Air Quality Research Intern, working at a nearby site. The census site is located at 5,050 feet on the south flank of Mount Washington in New Hampshire and is only accessible by a rugged 3-6 km hike; weather conditions at the site can be extreme.

The Research Assistant will be primarily stationed at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut, in close proximity to the census site. The research assistant will live at the hut on a two-week schedule comprised of 10.5 days on and 3.5 days off. Room and board is paid by AMC.

Qualifications include: 

Enrollment in or graduation from an undergraduate degree program in biological or conservation sciences.
Excellent physical fitness, flexibility and ability to hike rugged terrain.
Ability to work independently without close supervision.
Very attentive towards detail, ability to carefully collect and record data, and excellent organizational skills.
Strong oral communications skills.
Ability to work outdoors under occasionally adverse conditions. 

Desirable Qualifications: 

Personal commitment to environmental protection.
Background in botany and conservation biology.
Familiar with alpine plants in the Northeast.
Experience in field data collection techniques.
Comfort/experience with backcountry communal living conditions found at mountain hut with the Lakes of the Clouds Hut crew.
Basic first aid and outdoor skills. 

Compensation will range from $260-$280 a week depending on qualifications. Interns are provided room and board.

To apply please email or send a cover letter describing prior experience/skills, resume, and contact information for three references by mail to:

Doug Weihrauch,
38 Coolidge Avenue,
Northampton, MA 01060

Evaluation of applications will begin February 28, 2006 and continue until the position is filled.