About The Institute for Applied Ecology

The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a non-profit founded in 1999 with a mission to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research, and education. Our vision is a world where all people and wildlands are healthy and interact positively, biological diversity flourishes, and environmental challenges are met with a social commitment to solving problems with scientific principles.

IAE values diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from all groups of people. We recognize that the strength of IAE is in our people, and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. IAE does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices, and our commitment to equal employment opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Closing date: Sunday, January 5th, 2025

Number of available positions: 2

Location: Corvallis, OR (some travel required)

Status: Seasonal, Full-time

Compensation: $20.00/hr.

Plus, travel expenses associated with overnight field work (food and lodging), paid holidays, sick

leave, overtime pay, and a $100 gear stipend. Returning employees receive additional compensation.

Start date: 4/21/2025

End date: 7/25/2025 (with the possibility of extension, pending funding and need)

About the role

The Conservation Research Program at the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) will be hiring two seasonal technicians work on a project understanding pollinator ecology of the Willamette Valley. Technician(s) will work with program staff and a crew lead to accomplish project objectives. Field work will quantify the flowering plant community in up to 7 prairies across the Willamette Valley, and sample insects visiting these species. Additional work will include pollen supplementation experiments and targeted observations on golden paintbrush (federally delisted in 2021) and Kincaid’s lupine (federally threatened). Plant conservation depends on pollinator conservation, and this research informs conservation and management efforts across the Pacific Northwest. Position is based in Corvallis, Oregon. For more information on this project, please visit our Pollinator Projects webpage.

What you'll do

Specific Responsibilities

• Conduct botanical surveys, pollinator monitoring, and other ecological measurements
• Assist with data management in MS Access and curation of IAE’s insect collection
• Effective use of safety and communication protocols during field work and while traveling

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A positive attitude with an interest in ecology and botany
• Effective communication skills and experience working with a team
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Basic computer skills
• Able to conduct frequent and prolonged bending, kneeling, and standing
• Able to work in a variety of adverse weather conditions, including rain and heat, and tolerate exposure to stinging insects and poison oak
• A valid driver’s license with the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle off-highway

Preferred Qualifications

• Plant and insect ID skills using technical keys
• Knowledge of plants of the Pacific Northwest
• 1+ field seasons performing plant/insect identification or vegetation/insect sampling
• Experience with MS Access or large database management
• Coursework/training in botany or entomology or a degree in ecology or related field
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs
• Hike up to 6 miles a day

Cover Letter Instructions

In your cover letter please address the following questions:

1. What about this position appealed to you and motivated you to apply?
2. Please highlight any of your skills or experiences that you believe would make you well suited to this position.
3. How would this position support your long-term goals?