PAID LOCAL FIELD ASSISTANT FOR INSECT HOST-PARASITOID INTERACTION PROJECT IN GARRY OAK ECOSYSTEMS led by Dr. Kirsten Prior at Binghamton University SUNY (priorecologylab.com).
We are looking for a local field assistant to work collaboratively as a part of a team examining insect-host parasitoid interactions in oak gall-wasp communities in western oak savanna ecosystems. The assistant will be responsible for assisting with sampling oak galls on Garry oak trees (Quercus garryana) on Vancouver Island (sites in Victoria, Sooke, the Cowichan Valley, and Nanaimo), British Columbia with 1-2 trips to Olympia Washington. This project is part of a larger project examining gall-wasp-parasitoid interactions along the range of Q. garryana (funded by the National Geographic Society).
Duties will involve daily travel to and from field sites, collecting oak gall-wasps from trees, sorting and rearing galls and gall emergents, collecting other spatial and environmental data at sites, and data entry and processing. Given the nature of conducting time-sensitive surveys in the field, and the logistics of traveling to several regions, the work schedule needs to be somewhat flexible, and work hours will depend on when tasks need to be completed and on weather conditions. Thus, the candidate should be able to work somewhat flexible hours (i.e., maybe on a Saturday). The candidate needs to like to spend time outdoors, be comfortable hiking long distances on hilly terrain, be able to travel considerable distances in a vehicle, be willing to camp for several nights at a time (in Olympia, WA), to work well in a team, and to maintain a positive disposition under field conditions.
Qualifications: 1) A Bachelor’s degree (or working towards) in biology, ecology & evolution, entomology, or a related field. 2) Previous lab or field research experience. 3) Have an interest in ecology & evolution, botany, or entomology. 4) Be mature, responsible, flexible, dedicated, and motivated. 5) Be able to work well as a part of a team and to live and work well with others. 6) Be able to hike long distances and in hilly terrain. 8) Must have a driver’s license and a passport.
The field technician must have their own housing around the Victoria area. Ideal work dates from the early June to early August, dates are somewhat flexible.
To apply send (1) a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and list your relevant qualifications; (2) a CV or resume; (3) the names and contact information (email and phone number) for three references. Email the document as a single PDF file (file name should include your last name) to Kirsten Prior (kprior@binghamton.edu) with “Vancouver Island_field assistant position” in the subject line. We will begin reviewing applicants immediately. Please apply by March 31st for full consideration.