Overview: We seek to fill a lead field technician position for a large- scale experiment testing how restoring longleaf pine ecosystems in the Southeastern United States impacts understory plants, insect pollinators, and plant-pollinator interactions. Primary job duties will include field surveys of understory plants and pollinators, conducting plant-pollinator interaction experiments, experimental plot maintenance, data and database management, and oversight of seasonal field technicians assisting with this research. The research for the 2016 field season has three major goals: 1) collecting and preserving pollinating insects, especially bees, across many experimental plots in the field, 2) conducting a field experiment with plants to understand how pollination varies among plots, and 3) conducting observations and experiments to better understand the pollination biology of native plants in this system. Subsequent field seasons will also focus on understory plant responses to experimental restoration treatments.
Position details: The position is available starting between March and May 2016; multiple years of funding are available, with the position renewed annually based on satisfactory job performance. Starting pay rate will be $32-35,000 per year, depending on experience, with full benefits. The lead technician will work at the Savannah River Site, live in a town near the site (Aiken or New Ellenton, SC, or Augusta, GA), and will join a team of Lars Brudvig, Rufus Isaacs, Jason Gibbs, and Nash Turley from Michigan State University, and seasonal technicians who will also be employed on site. Because the research site is a highly secure area run by the federal government, non-United States citizens may have difficulty gaining clearance to work there. Minimum requirements: A Bachelor's degree in ecology or a similar field of study, up to six months of related experience, the ability to work full days under arduous (hot/humid) field conditions, and a valid driver’s license. Desired qualifications: A Master’s degree in ecology or similar field of study, knowledge of the local South Carolina longleaf pine flora and fauna, experience conducting vegetation and arthropod surveys and field experiments, and experience supervising field assistants. To apply: Email a CV and a letter describing your interest in this position, relevant past experience, start date availability, and contact information with email addresses for three references to Lars Brudvig ([email protected]) with subject line “Lead technician application”. Review of application materials will begin immediately; applications received after March 1 will not be considered. Michigan State University is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
