monarch butterfly field research assistant, summer 2018

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Subject: monarch butterfly field research assistant, summer 2018

One full-time limited-term field assistant position available approximately June 1st – September 30th. Field work will be conducted at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa and Neal Smith NWR in Prairie City, IA. Assistants will contribute to an ongoing, collaborative project investigating the effects of non-stationary environments on population dynamics of the monarch butterfly. The position provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills related to butterfly and prairie plant biology. The position is affiliated with Elizabeth Crone’s lab at Tufts University, and pays $11-18/hr, commensurate with experience.

*Major responsibilities*: Conducting butterfly searches in prairie fragments. Chasing, catching, and marking Monarch butterflies. Taking non-destructive samples of butterfly abdominal scales to screen butterflies for parasites. Locating nectar plant patches and extracting nectar from flowers for later analysis.

*Skills and Qualifications*: Strong interest in conservation biology, butterfly biology, entomology and/or field ecology. Attention to detail and an ability to work independently and as part of a team in a research environment. Ability to work in hilly terrain under hot, sunny or cool, rainy conditions for long hours.

*Schedule*: Daily and weekly work schedules may fluctuate, sometimes with little notice.
An ability to deal with a flexible work schedule is a must. Butterflies are weather- dependent and Iowa is known for unpredictable weather. Field work will happen when the weather permits. This may include some weekends.

*Housing/Transportation*: Individuals are responsible for their own housing and transportation to research sites.

*Application requirements*: Review of applications will begin on May 12 and continue until the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter briefly detailing relevant interest and experience, CV and a list of 3 references. Applications (and any questions) should be emailed to Dr. Norah Warchola at (norah.warchola@tufts.edu)