Assistant Entomologist

Position Description:

The WV Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is hiring a mixed-duty, yearlong field technician. This position will largely focus on conducting surveys and monitoring of multiple insect taxa, but will have some lab duties, including specimen processing, identification, and data management. There may also be opportunities for applicants to participate in insect telemetry work.

This position will work across West Virginia while conducting insect survey work. Duties will include, but are not limited to, conducting surveys for caterpillars and butterflies (trapping, netting, mark-recapture), tiger beetles (pitfall trapping), and fireflies (nighttime surveys); processing and pinning bee specimens; identifying insect specimens (microscopy): data entry and data QA/QC; performing public outreach.

This position will be based in the Elkins Operations Center but will involve significant travel across West Virginia, including up to 14 nights of overnight travel. Travel expenses and field vehicle will be provided.

Key Responsibilities:

• Under direct supervision, implement detailed insect monitoring, survey, and research projects.
• Data entry and QA/QC.
• Insect collection curation.

Required Qualifications:

• Completion of a Bachelor of Science at a regionally accredited college or university with a major in entomology, wildlife management, or related field, or currently enrolled in such a program.
• Insect handling experience or a sincere desire to learn.
• Experience navigating complex terrain using maps, compass, and GPS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One to two field seasons of experience conducting animal surveys.
• Experience identifying insects, or other taxa requiring use of dichotomous keys.
• Experience processing and managing data.
• Off-road driving experience.

Special Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license is required for this position.
• Applicants must be able to traverse steep, uneven terrain (including at night) and carry up to 45 pounds of equipment up to 4 miles.

Work Conditions and Housing:

This is a field-forward position and the incumbent will work outdoors in highly variable weather, topographic, and environmental conditions. Some work will take place at night. Surveys will often take place in remote locations, with no cellular service, requiring navigation using maps. The position will require approximately 14 nights of overnight travel; field housing, travel, and vehicle will be provided. The remainder of the appointment will be spent working out of the Elkins Operations Center, on specimen processing, identification, and data management. Free, shared bunk housing may be available at the Elkins Operations Center, which includes access to a full kitchen. Uniforms provided. Work weeks generally will be 40 hours. No overtime or PTO available, but flex scheduling and health insurance are available.

Additional Information:

For additional information about the WVDNR contact Jakob Goldner at jakob.t.goldner@wv.gov