Submitted by David Dickinson... on
The Tomales Point Tule Elk Reserve is a wilderness area at the northernmost tip of Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County, California. An existing 24-year elk-grazing exclusion experiment will be used to study the interactions between climate and elk herbivory on coastal grasslands.
The field-based study will measure ambient temperature and humidity, soil temperature and moisture, and plant community composition and structure during Spring of 2022. This will require monthly 8-10 hour field excursions to Tomales Point (approx. 1 ½ hours from UC Berkeley) and occasional overnight stays.
Working alongside a graduate student in the Ackerly lab, the undergraduate research assistant will be expected to participate in field work at Tomales Point in Point Reyes National Seashore at least once a month from January to May 2022. Most trips will be a single day, but overnight trips will be necessary during project setup and spring plant surveys. Overnight accommodations will be at the UC Point Reyes Field Station in Olema Valley. In the field, the student will assist with installing and troubleshooting equipment, collecting data and identifying plants. Between field trips, the student will assist with entering, interpreting, and analyzing field data on campus or remotely.
Coursework or knowledge of California plant life
Experience with Excel or R
Background or interest in ecology
Full-day availability for fieldwork throughout Spring 2022
Ability and willingness to hike 5 miles carrying 20lbs outdoors, potentially in uncomfortable weather conditions
Compliance with all University and local COVID recommendations and precautions
Enthusiasm and curiosity
Diverse students are highly encouraged to apply.