Summer Field Assistant/Internship for Grasshopper Ecosystem Study (USA)

*National Bison Range, Moiese, Montana*

POSITION AVAILABLE – *Field assistant/intern (1 position) *will assist with
Gary Belovsky’s research on Grasshopper Ecosystem Study in Montana from
July (need immediately) through Sept. 30, 2014.

The Belovsky Lab has one paid (bi-monthly stipend), temporary research
assistant position available this summer to assist with their long-term
(35+ years) experimental project in Montana grasslands (NSF: LTREB) on the
National Bison Range, Moiese, MT.  This study uses field experiments to
understand how food and predators influence grasshopper behavior and
ecology in combination with varying climate and ecosystem processes.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position is 90% + field work.  Assistants will help set up (assemble,
catch grasshoppers and stock experiments), monitor, and take down
experiments.  Daily work will include monitoring grasshopper densities in
the experiments, maintaining experimental cages, and sampling vegetation
and soils.  Assistants will gain experience with a wide variety of
ecological field techniques, including insect enclosures, soil nutrient
manipulation experiments, quantification of herbivore damage and plant
growth, and insect behavior.  Assistants also will learn relevant
principles of experimental and sampling design in field ecology, as well as
identification of key insects and plants in Palouse Prairie grasslands.

QUALIFICATIONS:

. Bachelor's degree preferred and/or a background in biology, ecology or
conservation biology.

. Previous field experience a plus, not required.

. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills are important.

. Capacity to learn identification of grasshoppers and Palouse Prairie
flora, including grasses.

. Ability to identify grasshoppers a plus, but training will be on the job.

. Experience with handheld data recorders, computers (knowledge of Excel
for data entry), and other field equipment is a plus.

. Ability to work independently as wells as contribute to a positive group
dynamic.

. Willing to work long hours outdoors in unpredictable weather and
conditions, some heavy lifting is required.

. Valid U.S. Driver’s License

APPLICATION DETAILS:

Number of positions: 1

Start date: July 7, 2014 or as soon as possible

End date: September 30, 2014.  Shared housing is available and provided
near research site.

Review of applications will begin immediately; applications will continue
to be accepted until the position is filled.  Hiring is through the
University of Notre Dame.  The University of Notre Dame is an equal
opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Please send cover letter, resume and contact information (name, position,
phone, e-mail and mailing address) for 3 references to Jennifer Belovsky by
e-mail belovsky.2@nd.edu.  For more information visit the Belovsky
labpage:  http://www.nd.edu/~gbelovsk/Home.html