Grasshopper Research Technician, starting May 2007 The position will supervise a small crew and provide laboratory and field support for an ongoing grasshopper ecology project in the lab of Dr. Gary Belovsky. This project is funded by NSF-LTREB (Long Term Research in Environmental Biology). The field work portion on grasshoppers in western Montana at the National Bison Range entails approximately five months of the year. The remainder of the year at the University of Notre Dame is spent analyzing samples, processing data, data management and other research duties.
FIELD - mid-May through Sept: 1 - Set up experiments (e.g., build cages, and catch large numbers of grasshoppers) 2 - Identification of grasshoppers and prairie plants 3 - Monitor experiments (maintain experimental cages, conduct regular censuses) and keep accurate, record-keeping of data, including data entry into Excel spreadsheets 4 - Take down experiments (involves catching and censusing grasshoppers in the experiments) 5 - Sample grasshoppers, vegetation and soils, using Cropscan radiometer, soil corer, soil moisture sensors. backpack insect vacuum, etc. 6 - Work with project manager to train crew, organize work schedules, maintain morale with crew. LAB - October through mid-May: 1 - Prepare plants samples, including weighing, grinding to appropriate specifications 2 - Analyze plant samples for NH4 and NO3 using Costech Elemental Analyzer, and for palatability by acid-pepsin digestibility method. 3 - Analyze soil samples for NH4 and NO3 by extraction in 2M KCl. 4 - Supervise undergraduates in the lab helping with above analyses. 5 - Maintain and manage data. QUALIFICATIONS: 1 - Minimum of B.S. or B.A. in environmental sciences or equivalent degree. 2 - Previous field experience. 3 - Plant identification experience and willingness to learn local flora. 4 - Insect identification experience and willingness to learn grasshopper identification 5 - Experience training, supervising and coordinating small field and lab crews. 6 - Capable of sustained physical work under variety of environmental conditions. There is some heavy lifting. Maintain cheerful attitude with humor and patience. 8 - Chemistry lab experience, or equivalent, preferred. 9 - Experience with Excel preferred. 10 - Valid U.S. driver's license. The ideal candidate will be able to prioritize tasks, work independently, and solicit feedback. This position will require organizational, logistical, and time management skills. Enthusiastic, highly motivated individual with previous experience working in grasslands is preferable. This person will also need to show a willingness to learn from and work under the direction of a project manager. Candidate must demonstrate the willingness and ability to live in shared housing, communicate well in a variety of situations, and be comfortable with living and working in a rural area of western Montana. Enthusiasm for the natural world and a positive attitude are expected. Application Deadline: Feb. 15, 2007 or until position is filled. Start Date: May 1, 2007. Salary: starting $26,672 with benefits Duration: 3 years, with possible extension contingent upon funding and performance. Location: South Bend, Indiana and Moiese, Montana Applications: Please apply online at web site: https://jobs.nd.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1170359 134182 Click on Search Postings and enter "grasshopper" as a keyword. Please include cover letter, resume and contact information for 3 references. For questions, please contact Jennifer Slade Belovsky at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
