Technical Aide

Position Summary

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides technical support.

Responsibilities

• Assists with data collection in Dr. Nick Haddad’s lab
• Collects data from a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) research site in Allegan, MI
• Conducts visual surveys of pollinators
• Captures insects using hand nets
• Deploys and collects pitfall traps
• Surveys Michigan prairie plant species
• Driving is required, as the field site is 45 miles from KBS
• Assists with some laboratory work including, but not necessarily limited to:
• Preparing field supplies
• Sorting and identifying insect specimens under a microscope
• Preserving insects for specimen collections
• Basic data management

Qualifications

• Some coursework in Ecology, Biology, or a related field
• Strong preference for candidates with experience identifying Michigan insects and flower species
• Insect groups to identify include but are not limited to butterflies, bees, and ants
• Must be comfortable identifying insects both in the field and under a microscope (training provided)
• Candidates must be punctual, organized, motivated, and able to work independently
• Must be prepared to work outdoors 2-8 hours per day in various weather conditions, often full sun
• The field site is 45 miles from KBS, so candidates must be able to drive 2+ hours on field days

Benefits

Heat related injury is possible during the summer. We often work closely with stinging insects (ants, bees, and wasps) and sometimes encounter injurious plants (i.e. poison ivy, stinging nettle) in the field.