A position is available through Washington State University Vancouver for research on the dispersal behavior of a rare butterfly surviving in a highly fragmented prairie environment. We seek an independent, highly- motivated person with strong field and quantitative skills. Project is to quantify dispersal behavior of a blue butterfly in a partially wooded landscape in Oregons Willamette Valley. Location of study is one with active participation by state, local and private property owners to design conservation strategies to protect Oregons biodiversity. Position is 1 year and includes leading a team of field assistants to collect data on dispersal behavior for 3 months in Spring 2008 followed by quantitative analysis of dispersal data. Field component of project will be conducted in Corvallis, OR. Analysis component of the project will be conducted at Washington State University Vancouver, a new campus in the WSU system located just north of Portland, OR.
Position responsibilities: Lead a field crew to collect dispersal behavior including hiring and managing a crew of ~3 field assistants, work with local property owners to establish strong positive relationships, collect and analyze field data, write project report to submit to funding agency, and co-author publications on the project. Desired Qualifications: Strong field and quantitative skills including experience conducting butterfly field research, managing a team of research assistants, experience working out logistics of a field project including hiring assistants, finding housing if needed, running GPS and other field electronics, experience exporting data into GIS, basic GIS capability, analysis of dispersal data including strong statistical skills (and use of bayesian techniques), and excellent oral and written communications skills to interact with private landowners and to write project report and publications. For additional information, please contact Cheryl Schultz, [EMAIL PROTECTED], 360-546-9525. To apply, please send a letter of interest, CV, transcripts, and three letters of reference to: Cheryl Schultz, Washington State University Vancouver, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave, Vancouver, WA 98686 Position to begin March 2008. Review of applications will begin Jan 1, 2008 and continue until position is filled.
