Field assistants needed to help with pollination research

The benefits will consist of a $75/week stipend (before taxes) as well as free housing, reimbursement of up to $65/week for groceries, and reimbursement of up to $300 for travel expenses. If I receive an NSF grant I have applied for, benefits may be increased substantially.

The work will be full time (i.e., 40 hours per week on average), and will start early in the morning (i.e., before dawn). We will need to work at least one morning on most weekends and on some weeks will need to work more than 40 hours, but will work less in other weeks to compensate. Dates are somewhat negotiable, but will consist of eight weeks between July 17 and Sept. 19.

We will be working at the McLaughlin Reserve (http://nrs.ucdavis.edu/mclaughlin.html), which is located in the coast ranges of California at the intersection of Yolo, Lake, and Napa Counties. Lodging will be in the field station, which has a fully-equipped kitchen, dormitory-style rooms, a bathroom with a shower, and air conditioning. Transportation from Sacramento or Davis to the reserve can be provided if needed.

The duties will be as follows:

(1) Observing flower-visiting insects (e.g., bees, flies, butterflies), identifying them at least to family, and recording their behavior (numbers of flowers visited and arrival and departure times at flowers). Training in identifying insects will be provided.

(2) Counting flowers to generate flower density estimates.

(3) Measuring flower quality (e.g., flower size and possibly pollen and nectar reward levels).

(4) Entering your data onto spreadsheets

(5) Capturing and pinning insect pollinators.

Qualifications:

The main thing I am looking for in a candidate is someone who is patient, conscientious, willing to take directions, willing to admit mistakes, and has a strong interest in field research. I would also prefer assistants with previous field research experience and some background in entomology, but these qualifications are not required. Some other requirements of the position: you must be authorized to work in the United States, able to work outside in hot weather for several hours at a time without shade (we will be in California, after all!), and able to be alert early in the morning.

To apply:

Email me (Carla Essenberg, cesse001@ucr.edu) a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, a resume, unofficial copies of transcripts from any universities you have attended, and at least two references. Ideally, the references should include at least one instructor (e.g., past TA or professor), and if possible one person who has interacted with you in the field and/or in the context of a research position or other job. Please submit your application by April 10. I look forward to hearing from you!

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