Wildlife Biologist I – Pollinator

Position: Wildlife Biologist I – Pollinator 

Reports to: Sr. Research Scientist – Western Forest Wildlife Ecologist, National Council of Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI).

Work Week: 40 hours per week

Revised: January 16, 2025

Duty Station: Eugene Oregon

Duration: 4 – 5.9 months, dependent upon start date of either April 1st or May 1st

Salary: $19.00 – $21.50/hour; commensurate with experience

Key Words: Pollinators, floral surveys, post-fire, forestry, western Oregon

Benefits: Position not eligible for benefits, does provide paid designated holidays

Job Description

Field surveys of pollinators and flowering plants in regenerating forests of western Oregon. Recent declines in pollinator populations have led to an increase in focused research and conservation efforts. However, there is limited information on the potential effects of forest management on pollinators, and the studies that exist tend to be observational and limited in geographic scope. Our objectives will be to 1) collect information on pollinator species richness and occurrence in the vicinity of experimental floral enhancements, 2) combine pollinator and flowering plant surveys to identify floral resources used by bees and hoverflies in previously burned forest within or near the Holiday farm fire, and 3) hand-net bees for genomic analysis (e.g., parasites, pollen DNA metabarcoding) to delineate individual- and species-level foraging behavior and health. Primary duties of crew members will consist of collecting pollinators using a variety of techniques in managed forest stands and recently burned areas, quantifying floral resources, sorting specimens, and entering data.

Essential Job Functions:

• Use forest survey equipment (e.g., hypsometers, GPS) to collect detailed vegetation/habitat measurements and information at multiple study sites.
• Position will require working outdoors in inclement weather, often in recently harvested forest stands. Must be able to carry heavy gear (30+ lbs.) on steep slopes in challenging field conditions. Must be able to get to and work from several remote locations throughout Oregon, drive on unimproved forest roads, read maps, navigate through a forested landscape, and relate well with the public.
• Gather data using specific protocols in digital format.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel between study locations.
• Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others toward meeting the goals of the National Council of Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI).
• Develop a familiarity with NCASI’s mission, policies, practices, and procedures.
• Become acquainted with the environmental issues of the forest products industry.
• Read, understand, integrate, and communicate complex information while working under field conditions.

Additional Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Undertake additional activities as assigned.
• Follow all safety protocols.
• Pass a pre-employment drug test.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest plants, including tree, shrub, and forb species.
• Experience identifying plants using field guides and taxonomic keys.
• Senior standing as an undergraduate (>3 years college education and >2 seasons prior field work) or a degree in a biological sciences discipline or related environmental field with a focus on entomology, animal ecology, or botany.
• Must have a driving record which can be approved by Federal Agencies to drive government vehicles and be insured at standard rates.
• Basic data entry experience (Microsoft Excel).
• Successful applicants will be self-motivated, have a strong work ethic, and be able to work harmoniously in a group.
• Track record of working in a safe, efficient, and cooperative manner in a team setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior land navigation.
• Prior experience with insect collection methods (e.g., netting bees) in a field setting.
• Knowledge of bees and/or hoverflies in the Oregon Cascade Range.