ASSISTANT FIELD CREW LEADER NEEDED FOR FOREST POLLINATOR RESEARCH led by Dr. Jim Rivers and Rachel Zitomer (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpeople.forestry.oregonstate.edu%2Fjim-rivers%2Fpeople&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C7079c6ab162c4fd12aab08d7a3db39e1%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637158034294727190&sdata=12O4rWTgf7OC6BYMTbQAANgOlKBrzD2ZWzeP8hPQ4RE%3D&reserved=0) in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University.

The objective of this research is to assess how movement and colony abundance of native bumble bees are affected by landscape characteristics in intensively managed forests using genetic capture-recapture techniques. Research assistants will conduct field work in managed forests to sample bumble bees and assess floral resources.  Duties will consist of:

•    collecting wild pollinators using a variety of techniques (netting, traps, non-lethal tissue samples)

•    identifying native and exotic flowering plant species

•    measuring plant community, environmental, and management-related variables

•    labeling and organizing sampled specimens

•    entering data

•    coordinating work with field crew leader

•    working with two undergraduate student research assistants and leading by example with respect to correct performance of tasks, safety, conduct, and work ethic

Field work will take place in the rugged and scenic Coast Range of western Oregon and will involve physically demanding work in challenging conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun, steep slopes, loose rock, logging slash, stinging insects, hazardous plants), working long days, including some weekends, driving on logging roads, and navigating through difficult forest terrain.

Position will run approximately 16 weeks (June 1-September 4, 2020). Pay rate is based on previous research experience with range of $500-$620/week. We will also provide free housing (including utilities) for the full duration of the position, as well as free project-related transportation.

Qualifications: Successful applicants will:

•    Have a B.S. degree in entomology, animal ecology, botany, or a related field

•    Have at least 2 years of field experience (2 season-long field positions=2 years of experience)

•    Demonstrate clear evidence of leadership and/or supervisory experience

•    Have a driver’s license and a clean driving record

•    Be able to harmoniously live, work and problem-solve as part of a team

•    Be able to maintain a positive disposition and high quality of work under challenging field conditions

•    Be able to carefully and accurately record and enter field data

•    Have a proven track record of working in a safe, efficient, and cooperative manner in a team setting

Preference will be given to candidates who are proficient with insect collection, are familiar with Oregon flora, and/or have previous experience with ecological field work, especially in challenging terrain.

To apply: Applicants should create a single PDF containing (1) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s qualifications as they relate to the specific duties described in the position description; (2) a full-length CV or resume; and (3) the names and contact information (email, telephone) of three references. This document should be emailed to Rachel Zitomer at oregonpollinatorcrew[at]gmail[dot]com with “Bombus Crew 2020” in the subject line by February 15, 2020.

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