Field Assistant Positions for Montana Grassland Ecosystem Study
DESCRIPTION The Belovsky Lab has positions available this summer to assist with the long-term experimental project in Montana grasslands. This study integrates field experiments in animal behavior, population ecology, and ecosystem dynamics for more than two decades to understand how food and predators influence grasshoppers in combination with varying climate. Field assistant/interns will help with the field portion of this project on the National Bison Range in Moiese, Montana. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The position is 90%+ field work. Assistants will help set up (assemble, catch for and stock experimental cages), monitor, and take down experiments. Daily work will include surveying grasshoppers in the experiments, maintaining experimental cages, and sampling vegetation and soils. Assistants will gain experience with a wide variety of ecological field techniques, including insect enclosure experiments, soil nutrient manipulation experiments, quantification of herbivore damage and plant growth, insect behavior. Assistants also will learn basic principles of experimental and sampling design in field ecology as well as identification of key insects and plants in Palouse Prairie grasslands. QUALIFICATIONS Preference will be given to individuals with or pursuing a Bachelor's degree and a background in biology and interest in ecology or conservation biology. Previous field experience is a plus. . Ability to learn identification of grasshoppers and Palouse Prairie flora, including grasses. . Experience with handheld data recorders, GPS, computers (knowledge of Excel for data entry), other field equipment. . Ability to work both independently and contribute to a positive group dynamic. . Must be willing to work outdoors in unpredictable weather and conditions, some heavy lifting is required APPLICATION DETAILS Number of positions: 2 Start date: late May to early June 2010 End date: September 30, 2010 (end date flexible depending on student status) Shared housing will be provided near the research site. Review of applications will begin as they are received and continue to be accepted until the position is filled (preferably by/before April 15th). Hiring will be through the University of Notre Dame. Please send cover letter, resume and contact information (name, position, phone, e-mail and mailing address) for 3 references to Jennifer Belovsky by e-mail [email protected]. For more information visit the Belovsky labpage: http://nd.edu/~gbelovsk/Home_.html
