SUMMER INTERN/FIELD ASSISTANT POSITIONS for GRASSHOPPER ECOLOGY IN WESTERN MONTANA
The Belovsky Lab has paid positions available this summer to assist with their long-term (30+ years) experimental project in Montana grasslands (NSF: LTREB). This study uses field experiments to understand how food and predators influence grasshopper behavior and ecology in combination with varying climate. Field assistants/interns will help with the field portion of this project on the National Bison Range, Moiese, MT.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The position is 90% + field work. Assistants will help set up (assemble, catch grasshoppers and stock experiments), monitor, and take down experiments. Daily work will include monitoring grasshopper densities in the experiments, maintaining experimental cages, and sampling vegetation and soils. Assistants will gain experience with a wide variety of ecological field techniques, including insect enclosures, soil nutrient manipulation experiments, quantification of herbivore damage and plant growth, and insect behavior. Assistants also will learn relevant principles of experimental and sampling design in field ecology, as well as identification of key insects and plants in Palouse Prairie grasslands.
QUALIFICATIONS:
. Completion of or pursuing a degree in ecology, biology, entomology, conservation biology or related field.
. Capacity to learn identification of grasshoppers and Palouse Prairie flora, including grasses. Previous field experience with plants and insects is preferred, but not required.
. Hard-working, highly motivated, ability to accurately collect data, keep meticulous records, and pay close attention to detail while performing repetitive tasks; ability to work independently as wells as contribute to a positive group dynamic.
. Must be willing to work outside for long periods in unpredictable weather and conditions, some heavy lifting is required. Also, the ability to deal with a flexible work schedule (i.e., work around weather conditions and phenology of grasshoppers).
APPLICATION DETAILS:
2 positions: One position starts May 15 and ends September 30, 2018. Second position starts Aug 6 and ends Sept 30, 2018. Shared housing is provided near the research site. Travel to/from Montana is not provided.
By April 13, please send letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references (name, position, phone, e-mail) to Jennifer Belovsky by e-mail belovsky.2@nd.edu.
Hiring is through the University of Notre Dame. The University of Notre Dame is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
For more information visit the Belovsky labpage – – http://belovskylab.nd.edu