SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS
April - June 2012- Conservation of an endangered butterfly Two full time-limited term field assistant positions (Approximately April 1 st - June 30th) are available at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Dallas, Oregon. Assistants will contribute to an ongoing, collaborative project investigating habitat management for rare butterflies. This project will specifically focus on the effects of burning, as a management tool, on the Fender’s blue butterfly (*Icaricia icarioides fenderi*) http://www.xerces.org/fenders-blue/. The position provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills related to fire ecology and butterfly biology. These positions are affiliated with Cheryl Schultz’s lab at WSU Vancouver. Positions pay $10/hr *Major responsibilities:* Locating, delineating and using GPS equipment to record the location of host plant patches. Surveying patches of lupine for the caterpillars and eggs of Fender’s blue butterfly. Studying behavior (movement, nectaring, oviposition) of adult Fender’s blue butterflies. Conducting surveys to assess the effects of fire on vegetation structure and nectar resource abundance *Skills and Qualifications:* Strong interest in conservation biology, butterfly biology, entomology and/or field ecology. Attention to detail and an ability to work independently and as part of a team in a research environment. Ability to work in hilly terrain under hot, sunny or cool, rainy conditions for long hours *Schedule:* Daily and weekly work schedules may fluctuate, sometimes with little notice. An ability to deal with a flexible work schedule (especially during adult butterfly flight period) is a must. Butterflies are weather dependant and Oregon is known for unpredictable weather. Field work will happen when the weather permits. This may include some weekends. *Housing/Transportation:* Individuals are responsible for their own housing and transportation to Baskett Slough NWR. *Application requirements: *Review of applications will begin on February 21 and continue until positions are filled. Please submit a cover letter briefly detailing relevant interest and experience, CV and a list of 3 references. Applications (and any questions) should be emailed to Norah Warchola at ([email protected])
