Field research assistant is required to have a valid CA driver’s license and will drive to remote sites in southern California deserts and use several insect collecting methods to collect, preserves label, and database 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.

Field Research Assistant will be responsible for collecting insects with the following methods sweep-netting, blue vane traps, malaise traps, and pan traps and recording GPS coordinates, weather data for each collection site and day. Overnight accommodations will be at field stations. 

Records research data in accordance with specified protocol and procedures. Travels to various sites within a specified geographical area, as appropriate to the objectives of the study. Field sites are in the Mojave National Pres., Joshua Tree Nat. Park and another reserve in the area. Photographic images will be taken to document all plants in bloom at each sampling site event (detail image of the flower and image of the leaf and plant image).

Experience with field work in remote areas is a preferred, experience with habitats with high heat and fluctuations in temperature also helpful. Field work with begin in March and end in June 31. Lab work will continue into summer.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Travel to field sites in the Mojave National Reserve, Joshua Tree National Park and another reserve to collect insects sample and record data as appropriate to the
• specific objectives of the study. Overnights stays for 4-5 nights
• 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.
• Morpho sort of 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 sample
• Reviews and edits 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.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Minimum Job Requirements

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and follow instructions.
• Safe driving record on highways.
• 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 evaluate, verify, and edit research data.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) independent travel to remote field sites; b) use of established research protocols, procedures, and techniques to collect and/or prepare field data, samples, specimens, materials, and/or media; c) following detailed protocol and procedures in the recording, processing, and routine analysis of field data; d) setting up and operation of relevant research equipment.