FOREST POLLINATOR ASSISTANT CREW LEADER (1) needed for a 5-month position (15 March to 22 August 2021; dates somewhat flexible) for large-scale project evaluating native pollinator communities within intensively managed conifer forests. This work is being led by Dr. Jim Rivers in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University (http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim-rivers/) and will take place in the rugged and scenic Coast Range Mountains of western Oregon. Pay rate is based on previous research experience with range of $700-$800/week, as well as free project-related transportation.

Position duties: Primary duties will vary with the timing of season and include: quantifying habitat use of queen bumble bees, assessing foraging behavior and nutritional quality in regenerating stands, and evaluating movement of bumble bees within intensively managed forest landscapes. Work will consist of collecting pollinators using a variety of techniques (netting, traps) in intensively managed stands, quantifying floral resources, processing specimens, undertaking regular data entry, and assisting with additional project-related duties as needed. Field work will require working long days and weekends,  driving on logging roads, navigating through difficult forest terrain, and will take place in a physically demanding work environment with challenging conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun, steep slopes, loose rock, logging slash, stinging insects, hazardous plants).

Qualifications: This position requires the incumbent to demonstrate several key characteristics, including a strong work ethic, a task-oriented approach to work, exceptional organizational skills, an ability to work independently, demonstrated leadership experience and sound decision-making skills, and the ability to maintain a positive perspective and communicate effectively with team members. Successful applicants will have a B.S. degree in entomology, animal ecology or a related field plus a minimum of 3 years of field experience (i.e., 3 season-long field positions = 3 years of field experience); they should also be able to carry heavy gear (30+ lbs) on steep slopes, work harmoniously in a group setting situation, have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, and have a proven track record of working safely in field and laboratory settings. Preference will be given to candidates who are proficient with insect collection and identification, have previous experience sampling pollinators in field settings, and who are familiar with Oregon flora.