Bee and Crop Pollination Research: Multiple Field Technicians Needed

The Isaacs Lab at Michigan State University (www.isaacslab.ent.msu.edu) is

seeking to fill multiple positions for pollinator research projects for the

2017 season.

We seek field and laboratory assistants for multiple research projects

investigating the factors affecting the abundance and diversity of bees in

Michigan fruit crops and mature wildflower restorations, as well as

techniques to improve pollinator habitat in agricultural landscapes. Work

with honey bees and alternative managed bees such as bumble bees or *Osmia*

bees is also possible. Depending on the specific project, this will require

extended stays at MSU field research stations for a 3 week period in May

during fruit crop bloom as well as possible overnight stays during sampling

rounds (accommodations at the field station are covered). The majority of

the work will be fieldwork, but these positions will also include

laboratory work for sample processing, data entry, etc. Daily tasks may

include: travel to field sites in university vehicle (travel time is paid),

visual pollinator observations, wildflower plant surveys, pollination

experiments, netting bees and other insects, weed management, data entry,

measuring fruit yields, and labeling and curating bee specimens.

*Required Qualifications:*

Interest in field research in entomology, botany, conservation biology,

field ecology

Valid U.S. driver=E2=80=99s license

Ability to work outside for long periods of time in a variety of weather

conditions

Attention to detail and protocols

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

*Desired Skills*:

Insect collection and identification

Curation of specimens

Plant identification (especially wildflowers)

Beekeeping

Molecular work

Restoration/habitat management (with herbicides and other techniques)

Lifting equipment up to 40 pounds

Pollen identification

Communication skills and outreach education

Experience with data entry and analysis in Excel, SQL, and R

*Job Details:*

Employment period: May 1 =E2=80=93 August 30, 2017, with potential for earlier

start and later end dates, depending on project needs

Full time: 40 hours/week

Starting salary: $11.00/hour

*To apply:*

Send a cover letter and CV describing relevant and previous research

experience in field ecology, why you want to work in the lab, primary

interests, and potential start date. Include the names and email addresses

of three references. Send as *one PDF* to Julia Brokaw (brokawju@msu.edu)

by February 24, 2017 with =E2=80=9CBee Field Technician=E2=80=9D in the subject line.