The overarching objective of this study is to quantify the responses of plant community as well as small-bodied mammals and mule deer to multiple restoration scenarios following stand-replacing wildfire in the Phillip W. Schneider wildlife management area. The field site was historically renowned as a critical wintering area for mule deer. Historic overgrazing, expansion of western juniper, loss of understory, and invasion by multiple non-native annual grasses have contributed to significant declines in habitat quality and site occupancy by multiple native wildlife species. Further, a large wildfire in 2014 has presented new challenges to ecosystem restoration as well as has spurred new questions about post-fire ecosystem response. The Research Associate (Post-Doc) will: 1) merge and analyze existing data sets of fire effects on invasive/native species dynamics; 2) lead field and lab efforts for upcoming research phases focused on testing how management alternatives pre-fire (juniper cutting, cessation of grazing) and post-fire (e.g., herbicide, herbaceous and woody seeding, seedling planting) impact ecosystem recovery and wildlife utilization following disturbance; 3) present research results in written and oral formats for scientific and management audiences, and; 4) contribute to pursuing new research questions and funding potentials within the larger project objectives. An ability to work independently and constructively as part of multi-faceted research team is critical.
Full position description and application instructions can be found on the OSU website: jobs.oregonstate.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=69342 Posting number: 0016932
Please feel free to contact Dr. Sanchez and/or Dr. Ellsworth with any questions about the position at Dana.Sanchez@Oregonstate.edu AND Lisa.Ellsworth@Oregonstate.edu.