General: Crew Leader, full-time position, will provide field and laboratory 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.
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 the PI and supervisor. Applicants must demonstrate the willingness and ability to live in shared housing with others working on the project, communicate well in a variety of situations, and be comfortable living and working in a rural area of western Montana. Enthusiasm for the natural world and a positive attitude are expected. Job Description: FIELD - mid-May through Sept 30: Position involves up to 80-90% of the time in the field sampling vegetation and soils, catching grasshoppers and running grasshopper experiments. Position also involves approx. 10-20% time indoors sorting grasshoppers, weighing plant samples and entering data, preparing spring and fall resin bags, and downloading data from radiometer and temperature sensors. 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 maintain 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 various field equipment, including Cropscan radiometer, soil corer, soil moisture sensors, and backpack insect vacuum 6 - Capable of sustained physical work under unpredictable weather and field conditions. Some heavy lifting, and fence building. 7 - Work with PI and supervisor 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 Elemental Analyzer or similar machine 3 - Analyze soil samples for NH4 and NO3 by extraction in 2M KCl and prepare extractions for processing on Lachat autoanalyzer 4 - Analyze plant samples for palatability by acid-pepsin digestibility method. 5 - Supervise undergraduates in the lab helping with above analyses. 6 - Dissect grasshoppers to examine reproductive tracts, and to assess degree of parasitism. 7 - Maintain and manage data using Excel spreadsheets and Access database. QUALIFICATIONS: 1 - B.S. or B.A. in environmental sciences or equivalent degree. 2 - Ability to work and solve problems independently (required) 3 - Previous monitoring and/or field research experience. 4 - Plant and insect identification experience and willingness to learn local flora and fauna. 5 - Experience training, supervising and coordinating small field and lab crews preferred. 6 - Experience with handheld data recorders, radiometers, radios, GPS, other field equipment, driving a truck over rough, steep roads, and small-town living - strongly recommended but not required. 7 - The field portion of this position is 90% + field work. Must be capable of sustained physical work under conditions of hot dry weather, rough terrain, unpredictable weather, biting insects, and other environmental conditions. Must be able to maintain cheerful attitude with humor and patience. 8 - Chemistry lab experience, or equivalent, preferred. 9 - Strong quantitative skills; experience with Excel and Access is highly desirable, but not required. 10 - Valid U.S. driver's license. Job Title: Research Technician Application Deadline: April 15, 2012. Start Date: May 1, 2012. Pay: $22,031-28,500, with benefits Duration: up to 3 years (funding period of current grant), more dependent upon funding and performance, require 2 year commitment Location: University of Notre Dame, Indiana and field site in Moiese, Montana Applications: Please apply online: http://jobs.nd.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=58410 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]<mailto:[email protected]>. For more information, see Belovsky website: http://biology.nd.edu/people/faculty/belovsky/ The University of Notre Dame is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
