Seasonal Pollinator Research Field Technician

Butterfly Pavilion • Westminster, CO

300d • $20

About The Position

Butterfly Pavilion is seeking creative, highly motivated, and energetic individuals to assist in field work, invertebrate collection and preservation, invertebrate and plant identification, and report writing as part of a team of experienced staff, interns, and volunteers. This position will assist in conducting a thorough sampling of the diurnal invertebrate pollinators and other invertebrates across land belonging to the Bureau of Land Management across western Colorado. Two field technicians will work as a team to sample invertebrates from designated sites using nets and traps and record associated flower species following prescribed methods. Training provided. Technicians will be expected to spend 40+ nights in the field over the course of the season (4 nights a week for an estimated 10 weeks). For a typical workweek, technicians will depart Monday morning from the Denver metro area and drive to pre-selected field sites. Driving time will depend on the exact sites selected but may be several hours. Technicians will spend Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights in the field and return home every Friday for the weekend. During fieldwork days, technicians are expected to work mornings and afternoons for a total of 8 hours every day. Due to the nature of field work, this will involve several hours of outdoor labor in varying weather conditions. This position will work in close collaboration with the Species Identification Specialist and Project Coordinator.

Requirements

• Interest in invertebrate research and conservation.
• Experience using taxonomic keys strongly preferred.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Suite (word processing, spreadsheets).
• Basic fieldwork skills, including using a global positioning system (GPS) and ability to read a map in areas without service.
• Ability and desire to learn how to identify Colorado plants in the field.
• Ability to work outdoors under a range of conditions that include steep terrain and hot/cold or other uncomfortable weather, biting and/or stinging insects.
• Maintain detailed, clear, and consistent written notes for purposes of data collection.
• Basic statistics skills.
• Ability to work in the field under sometimes difficult conditions.
• Responsibility and ability to follow prescribed methodologies.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting independent and/or ecological research, particularly participating in field work.
• Background or bachelor's degree in biology, entomology, ecology, botany, or related fields.
• Experience with mapping software such as ArcGIS.
• Experience with coding/software for statistical analysis such as Python or R.

Responsibilities

• Driving a company vehicle for extended periods of time on major highways and small dirt roads.
• Conduct entomological field and lab work, primarily specimen collection, processing, and identification.
• Perform surveys and specimen collection near roads and on public property covering diverse vegetative communities and ecotypes.
• Communicate with Butterfly Pavilion staff on a daily basis to ensure safety in the field.
• Effective and respectful communication with local landowners and partners to explain ongoing research and ask permission to survey their property.
• Identify plant families in the field.
• Systematically photograph and collect the flowering plants visited by invertebrates to document feeding preferences for pollinators and assist in plant identification verification.
• Coordinating drop-off of collected specimens at Butterfly Pavilion offices for proper storage at the end of each week.
• Support in insect pinning and identification.
• Support in report writing and conducting basic statistics.
• Uphold AZA standards and follow Butterfly Pavilion policies.
• Effectively communicate to support the overall needs of the department and the organization.
• Provide active, self-motivated participation in Butterfly Pavilion's research and conservation goals.
• Attend required training and Butterfly Pavilion functions as designated essential by department and/or organizational need.
• Follow all non-negotiables, check email and phone messages regularly, report injuries within 24 hours, and alert immediate supervisor and necessary team staff when calling in from work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Hourly rate of $20 per hour.
• Mileage costs if using private vehicles for work activities will be reimbursed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree