Field assistant positions in pollination ecology (UC Davis)
Location: University of California Davis, CA Multiple full time field assistant/research
technician positions working on native bees, habitat restoration and pollination as an ecosystem
service are available in Neal Williams' lab at UC Davis. Assistants will provide support to
projects relating to pollinator biodiversity, pollination service in agricultural landscapes, and the
effectiveness of pollinator habitat restoration techniques. These projects are part of multi-region
efforts to promote native bee populations and pollination service. This work provides an
excellent opportunity to develop skills in native plant restoration, bee biology, and sustainable
agriculture.
Our lab is part of a vibrant ecology and entomology group at UC Davis.
http://polleneaters.wordpress.com/ or link through
http://entomology.ucdavis.edu/Faculty/Neal_M_Williams/
Major responsibilities: In the field, assistants will assist with plot maintenance (weeding,
herbicide spraying) , use emergence traps to monitor ground-nesting wild bees, survey bees and
other flower-visiting insects, monitor establishment of native plants in experimental wildflower
strips, in associated crop fields, and in established restoration sites. In the lab, assistants will
curate insect and plant specimens collected in the field, process pollination data using
microscopy, and assist with data entry and GIS analysis.
Skills and Qualifications:
* Strong interest in conservation biology, pollination biology,
entomology and/or field ecology
* Attention to detail (will be collecting and working with
original data from multiple projects)
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a
research environment
* Previous field experience (preferably with native bees and/or
flora of central California)
* Basic computer skills (Word, Excel)
* Basic wet lab skills, microscopy
* Valid driver's license
* Ability to work in the field under hot sunny conditions for long
hours
* Completed, or working toward a degree in biology or related
field (ecology, insect conservation, botany, restoration)
Additional Desired Qualifications:
* Knowledge of California Flora
* Experience with/Knowledge of insects particularly bees
* Experience with insect curation (pinning, labeling)
* Interest in graduate or professional work in ecology, evolution,
conservation
* Basic facility with ArcGIS
* Personal car to travel to field sites (mileage will be
reimbursed at established federal grant rate).
Two types of positions, pay for both is $14.57/hr:
Short term: May - August. Focus is on bee nesting and crop pollination.
Longer term: As soon as possible - Nov. Focus is on maintaining and monitoring plant and bee
communities in habitat restorations.
Apply through the UC Employment website before April 6:
https://www.employment.ucdavis.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/search/Search_c
ss.jsp; Search for Requisition Number 03013939 for short term position (May-Aug). Search for
Requisition Number 03013955 for longer term position (through November). In addition to
completing the online form, please submit a cover letter briefly detailing relevant interest and
experience, CV and a list of 3 references who are familiar with your scholarship, research ability,
experience and potential. You must indicate in the cover letter the date of your availability. Only
applications including a cover letter will be considered. Be sure to answer all questions on the
on-line application. Incomplete applications are rejected without our ability to review them.