Job Description: Conduct restoration ecology field research encompassing all components of scientific research, including field identification of relevant taxa, data entry, database management, and communication with local stakeholders. Research will focus on the responses of butterflies, bees, and nectar-resource plants to a variety of treatments including cattle grazing, periodic prescribed fire, herbicide sprays, and seed-mix plantings. This position is located in the Grand River Grasslands of southern Iowa (Mt. Ayr area). Extreme weather conditions (e.g. heat, humidity, etc.), biting insects, rough terrain and other adverse conditions are inherent in this position; thus successful candidates will be able to work in such conditions. Field station computer work will also be involved in this position. Selected candidates will gain experience in midwestern plant, butterfly, and bee identification. There will be optional opportunities for informal training in data management in the R statistical environment based on candidate interest.
Payment: Two paid positions at $12 / hour (30-40 hours per week), and one unpaid position will be offered. Housing will be paid for by Iowa State University for all positions, and all positions will be eligible to register for up to 3 independent research credits with the lead graduate student at Iowa State University in Fall 2018. This can be graded or pass/fail at each student’s discretion. Required Qualifications: Coursework in biology (esp. ecology, natural resources, entomology, environmental science, wildlife biology, or forestry) Preferred Qualifications: Experience conducting/assisting field research projects and experience using GPS technology to navigate across rough terrain. Experience working both individually and as a part of a multidisciplinary team, and a demonstrated ability to problem-solve independently are ideal. Experience with field identification of insects, plants, or birds, is preferred, as is field experience with plant sampling methods. Special Conditions: Position is based between Lamoni and Mt. Ayr in rural Ringgold County Iowa. Application Instructions: All interested, qualified persons must contact Nick Lyon (njl...@iastate.edu) with a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references. The deadline for submitting an application is March 1st, 2018; late applications will not be accepted. If you have questions regarding these vacancies, please email Nick Lyon.
