Short-term field research assistants needed this spring/summer in Missouri Undergraduates or graduate students welcome
Greetings Ecologists, Budbreak is starting in Missouri, which can only mean one thing… it's time to gear up for another field season! I am looking for enthusiastic field ecologists (preferably in the St. Louis, MO region) to help me survey leaf chewing insects of white and black oak as part of the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP). Field experience is preferred but not necessary. MOFEP considers how different timber management practices affect forest communities and ecological interactions. Within this framework, Dr. Bob Marquis's lab at the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) has been surveying the leaf chewing insect herbivores of white and black oak since 1991. We survey both in the understory (on foot) and in the canopy with a 50ft boom truck. Working in the boom truck is optional, but I always make a point to get everyone experience in the boom truck who wants it. Entomology or other taxonomic experience is preferred but not necessary. We will teach you how to identify the insects in a training session at UMSL. Transportation from and to St. Louis is provided as well as housing at the field station; you are responsible for transportation to and from UMSL. The field station housing is air conditioned with full kitchen and bathroom facilities. We work long hours, but the pay is hourly at $9/hour. The fieldwork is moderately physically demanding, and ticks and chiggers are common. However, it's an excuse to get outdoors, make some extra money, have some fun, make some new friends, and boost your resume/CV. Successful applicants may choose to work only one survey period (~one week, see below) or multiple surveys throughout the summer. This short-term field ecology experience may be an especially good opportunity inexperienced field ecologists before committing to an entire summer. We typically survey insects in early May, late June, late July, and late August/early September. For each month, we will survey following one of the two schedules below, depending on which schedule will provide the most experienced crew. The "Monday-the following Tuesday" schedule may be better for out-of-town crew members, who would otherwise have to stay at the field station or be responsible for housing in St. Louis over the weekend in between. If you are interested in working with us, let me know ASAP (positions fill fast). Please do not reply directly to this e-mail, instead reply to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or call me at 314-516-6295. Please indicate your taxonomy and field experience, a reference, and which schedules (Monday-Friday OR Monday-the following Tuesday) you could follow and which you'd prefer. Also let me know if I can answer any questions for you. Successful applicants will also provide a social security card and a driver's license or legal picture ID and undergo a criminal background check (UMSL policy). Requirements differ for foreign citizens but include a relevant visa. Potential Monday-the following Tuesday Schedule: May: Thursday May 1st – Friday May 9th June: Monday June 16th – Tuesday June 24th July: Monday July 21st – Tuesday July 29th August/Sept: Monday August 25th-Tuesday Sept 2nd Potential Monday-Friday Schedule: May: Thursday May 1st – Friday May 9th June: Monday June 16th-Friday June 20th + Monday June 23rd-Friday June 27th July: Monday July 21st-Friday July 25th + Monday July 28th – Friday August 1 st August/Sept.: Monday August 25th-Friday August 29th + Monday Sept. 1st – Friday Sept. 5th Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you! Dr. John Landosky [EMAIL PROTECTED] 314-516-6295
