RESEARCH DESCRIPTION: The Department of Environmental Studies of the University of Puerto Rico is carrying out a tree census in the 16-ha Luquillo Forest Dynamics Plot (LFDP), in El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. The LFDP is a member of the ForestGEO. We anticipate that the entire census will take 18 months to complete and will be taking on interns in several phases. For this fifth phase, we are seeking the help of eight interns. After training in census protocol and database management, the interns will work in the forest identifying and measuring and mapping trees in marked grids. Interns work together in teams under the supervision of a field technician, spending long hours in the field (8am until 4 pm, Mon-Fri, with weekends free), often in wet and muddy conditions. While in El Yunque, interns will have the opportunity to learn about diverse aspects of tropical ecology from scientists involved in the Luquillo Long-Term Ecological Research Program.
PERIOD: January 14th through May 26th, 2023
STIPEND: $1200 per month to cover food and general living expenses
ACCOMODATION: Free accommodation at UPRRRP facilities “Stream House” in El Verde, Río Grande, Puerto Rico. Housing is communal using shared resources. Transportation, if needed, is available on a limited basis.
TRAVEL: Refund of up to $750 towards a round-trip plane ticket from mainland USA, if not already living in Puerto Rico.
NOTE: We are unable to provide any medical insurance.
REQUIREMENTS: College graduates with background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, preferably with field-work experience, knowledge of plant identification, and excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Tropical experience useful but is not required. We are currently only considering US citizens and permanent US residents that are fully vaccinated for these opportunities. (We will require COVID-19 vaccine card)
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested applicants must submit the following materials via email to Melissa Salvá Saurí melissa.salva1@upr.edu:
- A letter of interest indicating why you wish to work in the tropical forest and describing your relevant
experience. Include a statement that you understand your application is for a volunteer position; - Full resume;
- Contact information for two references
All email attachments must include the name of the applicant as part of the file name. Please include “Tree Census 2021” as part of the subject line. (Census started in 2021)
Please email further inquiries to Melissa Salvá Saurí at lfdp@ites.upr.edu or melissa.salva1@upr.edu.