Seasonal Field Technician in Ecology (California, USA)

Project: Effects of floral resource dynamics on bumblebee colonies and populations
Location: University of California at Davis
Employer: Tufts University
Dates: April 1 to July 15
Pay: $15/hr (~$600/week)

We are seeking: a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual to work as a full-time field technician from April 1 to July 15 at the University of California at Davis on an NSF-funded project exploring the effects of resource dynamics on bumblebee colony and population dynamics. This project is collaboratively run by Elizabeth Crone (Tufts University) and Neal Williams (UC Davis). The technician will be employed through Tufts, but will be based in the Williams lab at UC Davis and will work closely with 3-4 other team members, including a postdoctoral researcher.


Project Background: In the past decade, there has been a groundswell of interest in the effects of landscape change on pollinator populations and communities, especially those of bees. This interest is fueled by concerns over pollinator declines and implications for plant pollination globally. Bumblebees are a particularly important group of social insect pollinators that are also of conservation concern. We are exploring how resource dynamics affect colony-level demography and foraging dynamics of Bombus vosnesenskii. To do this, we are carrying out a field experiment in which colonies are exposed to different resource conditions – some will be able to access supplemental flowering resources, while others will have access only to ambient resources in the local environment. We are tracking the fates and foraging behaviors of individual workers using a combination of radio frequency (RFID) technology, night-time assessments of colony conditions, and manual capture of foragers to assess their resource contributions.


Qualifications: The field technician will participate in all aspects of data collection for this field experiment. Responsibilities will include night-time surveys of colonies in the field and placement of radio chips on bees during the night. Previous experience conducting field research (through employment and/or education) is required. Individual must be capable of working outdoors in the summer heat and comfortable working with live bumblebee colonies. Applicants must be willing to work independently and as a part of a team. Excellent organizational skills are a must.


Noteworthy Hiring Details: Because the technician will be employed through Tufts University, that individual will need to travel to Tufts (Boston, MA) to complete the hiring process (1-2 days). The Crone lab can provide housing options for this visit. We will cover a round-trip ticket between Boston and Sacramento for the successful candidate.


Application: Please send a cover letter and 1-2 page resume nmwilliams@ucdavis.edu, elizabeth.crone@tufts.edu, and rlmalfi@ucdavis.edu. Cover letter should convey specific relevant research experience and describe interest in the current project.