*Position Description:* The Agricultural Landscape Ecology (ALE) Lab studies working landscapes, which are modified by humans to provide shelter, food, fiber, and fuel. Our research examines how disturbances within these landscapes such as the invasion of exotic species, land use changes, or agricultural management practices influence insect communities. We are especially interested in the conservation of beneficial organisms such as parasitoids, predators and pollinators that provide vital agroecosystem services such as pollination and herbivore suppression. These are positions intended for students looking to gain field and research experience. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work closely with an MS or PhD student to carry out large research projects. Our lab is part of the Ohio State University’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) located in Wooster, Ohio.
*Qualifications:* Ability to work in the field under summer conditions (heat, rain, sun, biting/stinging insects), long drives, possible overnights, early mornings, and a background in biology and/or ecology. Previous experience in, or a strong interest in learning, insect and spider identification. Plant identification and GIS experience a plus. Applicants must be a current undergraduate student or recent graduate (less than 6 months). A valid driver’s license is required. *Length of Season: *Flexible start dates beginning in May or June running until August or later (see descriptions below). *Pay Rates: * Pay rate $8.50/hr for approximately 40 hrs/wk (can change weekly depending upon necessary field work). *Housing and Area Information: *Applicants would need to arrange lodging for themselves. Fully furnished and flexible living opportunities are only a short walk away from campus (http://www.docsier.com/) or within a short commute ( http://www.epmapartments.com/apartmentsearch.aspx?state=Ohio&building=6641). Wooster is a town of approximately 26,000 located 50 mi south of Cleveland and 35 mi southwest of Akron. Medical and dental services, shopping, and a variety of restaurants are located downtown or just north of town. There are also many recreational parks in the area. * * *APPLY BY: *February 29, 2012 *1. Pumpkins and floral resource strips:* Disturbances that accompany the production of agricultural crops can negatively impact beneficial arthropod communities and the arthropod-mediated ecosystem services they support. However, the introduction of floral resources to provide habitat and alternative food and prey for beneficial insects has been shown to increase their diversity and abundance. This project will investigate how the addition of a perennial floral strip consisting of native Ohio forbs and grasses and an annual floral strip of sweet alyssum will influence both beneficial insect communities and the biocontrol and pollination services they supply within pumpkin agroecosystems. Desired dates: June – August, with potential to work part-time into the fall. Please send cover letter with a description of interests and skills along with a CV/resume (with references) to Ben Phillips (phillips.1030"at"osu.edu). *2. Urban land use change and the influence on arthropod communities*: Many urban areas experiencing economic decline, such as Cleveland, Ohio, contain large areas of vacant land under consideration for environmental restoration or redesign. Spiders are important natural enemies within these greenspaces and may serve as a model system for understanding how urban land use changes influence animal communities and the ecosystem services they provide. This research measures the composition of spider communities and their potential prey within maintained vacant lots and also those repurposed as community gardens and grasslands for biodiversity refugia. Field season runs from early June until mid-August. Provides opportunities to meet people working in urban gardens and urban ecology. Field work takes place within the metropolitan Cleveland area and Metroparks; early morning starts, no overnights. Lab work includes sorting samples using a microscope and patience. Please contact Caitlin Burkman (burkman.7"at"osu.edu) with a short description of interest and skills and a CV/resume (including references) or any questions. *3. Pesticide exposure of pollinators:* Pesticide use is often cited as a potential factor leading to decline among beneficial arthropods; however it is difficult to determine the actual environmental exposure of an organism within its foraging range. Our goal is to understand how landscapes influence exposure of bee species to pesticides. Must not be allergic to bees or afraid to work with live beehives. Contact Scott Prajzner (prajzner.1"at"osu.edu) with a short description of interest and skills and a CV/resume (including references).
