Temporary Research Technician - Emerald Isle, NC

North Carolina State University•Raleigh, NC

44d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will assist with fieldwork, lab work, and data management for a study on how urbanization and climate change are impacting the Crystal skipper butterfly, a species only found along a 50 km strip of the barrier islands off of North Carolina's coast. Primary fieldwork duties will occur along the barrier islands between Hammocks Beach State Park and Cape Lookout National Seashore. Example field duties include surveying sites for Crystal skipper butterfly presence and abundance; measuring habitat and environmental variables; observing and handling Crystal skippers for demographic experiments and surveys; rearing Crystal skippers from egg to adulthood. Example lab duties include estimating floral nectar production. Example data management duties include data entry. The person in this position may also contribute to outreach and communication activities related to the Crystal skipper. Lodging at the coast is provided from (March 15 - August 15, 2026).

Requirements

Experience in ecological field and lab research
Ability to follow established protocols
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work outdoors in high heat and humidity
Experience collecting and accurately entering data
Attention to detail
Punctual
Ability to handle small, live insects
Valid driver's license

Nice To Haves

Experience working with live insects
Experience identifying butterflies and/or caterpillars

Responsibilities

surveying sites for Crystal skipper butterfly presence and abundance
measuring habitat and environmental variables
observing and handling Crystal skippers for demographic experiments and surveys
rearing Crystal skippers from egg to adulthood
estimating floral nectar production
data entry
contribute to outreach and communication activities related to the Crystal skipper