Summer Student: Natural Science

Scion specialises in research, science and technology development for the forestry industry, wood products and wood-derived materials. We lead new technology development for renewables, bioproducts and energy and the establishment of a broader-based circular bioeconomy.

Scion hosts a number of summer students, each with differing specialities, from tertiary institutes across New Zealand at both our Rotorua and Christchurch Campus. The programme involves a student completing a 12-week, full-time, research project under the direction of Scion supervisors (allowing time for holidays over the Christmas and New Year). Students are able to gain hands on, paid, work experience in the field of which they are studying, where they get to work shoulder to shoulder with Scion's internationally recognised staff.

We are seeking a motivated student to work on Wilding control history on Maunga Tarawera based in Rotorua.

**The primary objective of the work/project**:
Scion undertakes critical research to mitigate the negative impacts of unwanted conifers (wilding conifers) in New Zealand. Current focus is understanding how previous control work in one part of the landscape affects the wilding spread and re-invasion of previously controlled and cleared areas in other parts of the landscape.

As part of this critical research the project focuses on creating a historical and current picture of control and wilding invasion on Maunga Tarawera.

**Research Abstract**:
Maunga Tarawera has a long history, involving various groups over more than 20 years. Although data has been collected from different sources, there has been no consistent effort to collate and map this information to document the history and analyze past efforts alongside the current invasion situation on this iconic mountain. This project aims to gather the existing data, examine the spatial and temporal aspects of the control efforts (including available maps), and survey the current state of wilding conifer infestation. The goal is to understand how past control measures have influenced the present situation and to derive lessons from these experiences.

As the project also explores the concept of Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) concerning Maunga Tarawera and Ruatawhia, students with a connection or interest in the mountain are strongly encouraged to apply.

**What you will do**:
The project will offer you an opportunity to enhance their knowledge in spatial analysis and mapping (using ArcGIS), vegetation survey methodologies, botanical skills, scientific report writing, and statistical analysis (using R language). Developing these skills will be especially beneficial for students pursuing studies and careers in natural sciences. Additionally, it will be valuable for those interested in learning how to document Kaitiakitanga and changes in the whenua (land).

You will:

- Develop a spatial database of control operations on Maunga Tarawera and create various metrics for visualizing the types and effectiveness of control efforts over time.
- Conduct a survey (with research assistance) across the Maunga to map the current state of wilding conifer infestation and vegetation.
- Analyze the control operations and their impact on the current state of wilding infestation across the Maunga.
- Write a scientific report summarizing the findings.

**Qualifications, skills and attributes needed**:
Ideally you will be undertaking tertiary education in Natural Science (Biology, Forestry, Botany) with basic or advanced skills in
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
- Scientific report writing,
- Statistical analysis
- Interest and passion for understanding and managing natural systems.
- Interest in Kaitiakitanga

Application Close Date: 6 September 2024

Job Details
- Crown research institute
Scion- Reference #
56232- Posted on
19 Aug 2024- Closes on- Location(s)
Rotorua- Expertise
Plant Biology- Job level(s)
Student- Work type(s)
Fixed Term less than 6 months- More details (document)
Natural Science Summer Student PD 2024.pdf