Seasonal Native Bee Research Assistant Needed - Michigan Location: Trevor Nichols Research Center, Michigan State University, Fennville, MI
Description: Field assistant/technician needed to help with a research project surveying the wild bee communities nesting and foraging in blueberry fields in west Michigan. The project will also involve monitoring bumble bee colonies in field cages at an MSU research station in Fennville, MI. Work will include fieldwork in west Michigan (80%) as well as laboratory work (20%). Daily work may include travel to field sites, visual pollinator observations, plant surveys, setting and checking insect traps, monitoring bumble bee colonies, data entry, and sorting and curating bee samples. Assistant will work primarily alongside a graduate student, but may be asked to work independently or temporarily assist with other pollinator and fruit crop research. Dormitory-style housing will be provided at the Trevor Nichols Research Center in Fennville, MI, located 10 mins from Lake Michigan. Qualifications: Previous experience with field research required, with specific experience identifying bees or native NE/Midwest wildflowers preferred. This position requires the ability to collect accurate field data with strong attention to detail, communicate well with supervisor, and work with supervision and independently following established research protocol. Must be willing to work long hours in a variety of weather conditions with a good sense of humor. Applicants must have their own vehicle for occasional travel to/from field sites. This travel will be reimbursed, and most travel will take place in MSU field vehicles. Preference will be given to applicants with the ability to operate a vehicle equipped with a standard (manual) transmission. Job Details: This position runs from May 1-August 20, 2014. Starting pay rate is $10/hour. Housing will be provided at MSU research facility. Meals will not be provided. How to apply: Interested individuals should send a cover letter outlining past research experience, a detailed resume, and contact information for three references to Emily May (mayem...@msu.edu). Please include “Native Bee Research Assistant” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The last date to apply for full consideration is March 7, 2014. The Isaacs Lab is looking for additional seasonal research technicians to work on projects on native bee ecology, pollination, IPM, biological control, and invasive pests. Visit http://www.isaacslab.ent.msu.edu for more information on our lab.
