Rea Undergraduate Research Field Assistant II, Temporary
About The Position
Powdermill Field Station and Nature Reserve is Carnegie Museum of Natural History's research station and environmental education center, located approximately one hour southeast of Pittsburgh in the beautiful Laurel Highlands region. Powdermill encompasses 2200 acres where scientists conduct an array of biological research and where the public can enjoy miles of hiking trails, exhibits, and camps and classes. Carnegie Museums is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community. This is a Temporary position. Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate. The Rea Undergraduate Research Field Assistant II, Temporary assists with the development of conservation and disease ecology research at Powdermill Field Station and Nature Reserve. The intern will assist with beach leaf disease surveys and plant identification, aquatic vertebrate stream surveys, fish identification, dissection, parasite identification, data collection and establishment of a sunfish mark-recapture and parasite citizen science program and develop a short-term research project in one of the above areas. This is a temporary assignment expected to run from June 2026 to August 2026. Candidates must be able to start no later than June 1st and commit to a 10-week period ending August 15th.
Requirements
- Progress toward or recently completed bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or related field.
- Strong candidates will have a willingness to learn new skills and work outside in humid conditions.
- The successful applicant will be able to work well both independently and as part of a team.
- Effective communication with supervisors and peers is essential.
- Some evening and weekend work is required.
- Must be willing to stay on-site in shared housing.
- Housing at the field station is provided.
- The position requires extended periods of walking, bending and standing.
- Work includes occasional strenuous hiking, typical Pennsylvania field conditions (summer heat, humidity, biting insects) and carrying substantial loads (up to 50 lbs.) over rough terrain and through forested areas, perhaps in inclement weather.
- Candidates will be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
- The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.
Nice To Haves
- Previous field work experience preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Supporting Powdermill research.
- Work closely with the director and the entomologist/lab manager at Powdermill Nature Reserve to develop new research initiatives in conservation and disease ecology. Projects may include but are not limited to leaf disease monitoring, fish and parasite surveys, and the fish mark-recapture program.
- Developing and collecting data for an independent research project. Time commitment is variable and irregular, partly dependent upon weather.
- Other duties as assigned.
