Field Research Assistant

Summary

Field research assistants will drive to remote field sites in southern California deserts and use several insect collecting methods to collect, preserve, label, and record insect biodiversity at multiple research sites in national parks and reserves in support of ongoing collaborative research assessing the biodiversity in the arid regions of California. Training on the specifications of field data collection will be provided.

Rate of Pay: Starting at $18.67/hour

Responsibilities

• Collect insects with the following methods: sweep-netting, blue vane traps, malaise traps, and pan traps and record GPS coordinates, weather data for each collection site and day. Experience with these methods is helpful. Training will be provided.
• Take photographic images to document all plants in bloom at each sampling site.
• Record research data in accordance with specified protocol and procedures.
• Travel to various sites within a specified geographical area, as appropriate to the objectives of the study.
• As appropriate to the specified position, codes and verifies data in accordance with specified research protocol and coding procedures, and enters data into a computer database and/or spreadsheet application for subsequent analysis.
• Morphologically sort samples for identification to order & family level to compile database of specimens collected in accordance with study objectives and parameters, as appropriate to the individual position.
• Label all samples.
• Review and edit data to ensure completeness and accuracy of information; follows up with PI to resolve problems or clarify data collected.
• May set up, calibrate, and maintain laboratory and/or field research equipment, as specified by the requirements of the study.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Field Sites and Data Collection

• Travel to field sites in the Mojave National Reserve, Joshua Tree National Park and another reserve to collect insect samples and record data as appropriate to the specific objectives of the study.
• Overnights stays for 4-5 nights at field stations
• Accommodation & rental car will be provided by SaveNature.Org
• Anticipated field dates: March 31 – April 5; April 13 – April 19; May 4 – May 10; June 2 – June 7 or June 9 – June 14, 2025. You must be available for these dates.
• Lab work will continue into summer at our San Francisco office.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution in Biology, Ecology or similar subject matter. Coursework in entomology preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and follow instructions.
• Safe driving record.
• Ability to understand and apply specified field and/or laboratory research procedures and protocols.
• Computer data entry skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Skill in the use of computer spreadsheet and/or database applications in the compilation of research data.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, verify, and edit research data.
• Must be able to rent and drive a rental car.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge:

• Experience with field work in remote areas is preferred
• Experience with habitats with high heat and fluctuations in temperature
• Knowledge of entomology or experience with entomological research

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires:

• Independent travel to remote field sites
• Use of established research protocols, procedures, and techniques to collect and/or prepare field data, samples, specimens, materials, and/or media
• Following detailed protocol and procedures in the recording, processing, and routine analysis of field data
• Setting up and operation of relevant research equipment.

Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Employees must be in compliance and verify up to date vaccines (Covid, RSV, Flu, Tetanus).

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Physical effort-moderate. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds, walking up to 2-3 miles/day and long work hours in a single day. Work environment involves exposure to physical risks, such as driving down dirt roads or working with ethanol.

• Work may involve moderate exposure to high temperatures, wind, and dust.
• Should be comfortable with field station accommodations.