Montana Grassland Ecosystem Study
The Belovsky Lab has paid positions for August and September to assist with their long-term (30+ years) experimental project in Montana grasslands (NSF: LTREB). This study uses field experiments to understand how food and predators influence grasshopper behavior and ecology in combination with varying climate. Field assistants/interns will help with the field portion of this project on the National Bison Range, Moiese, MT. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The position is 90% + field work. Assistants will help monitor and take down experiments. Daily work will include monitoring grasshopper densities 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 enclosures, soil nutrient manipulation experiments, quantification of herbivore damage and plant growth, and insect behavior. Assistants also will learn relevant principles of experimental and sampling design in field ecology, as well as identification of key insects and plants in Palouse Prairie grasslands. QUALIFICATIONS: . Completion of or pursuing a degree in ecology, biology, entomology, conservation biology or related field. . Capacity to learn identification of grasshoppers and Palouse Prairie flora, including grasses. Previous field experience with plants and insects is preferred, but not required. . Hard-working, highly motivated, with attention to detail; ability to work independently as wells as contribute to a positive group dynamic. . Must be willing to work outside for long periods in unpredictable weather and conditions, some heavy lifting is require. Also, the ability to deal with a flexible work schedule (i.e., work around weather conditions) APPLICATION DETAILS: Start: as soon as possible in August End date: September 30, 2012. Shared housing is provided near the research site, as well as a stipend. Transportation to/from the site is not provided. Hiring is through the University of Notre Dame. For more information visit the Belovsky labpage: http://www.nd.edu/~gbelovsk/Home.html
