Recruit

Dr. Elizabeth Crone in the Department of Evolution & Ecology at the University of California, Davis seeks a full time position at the Junior Specialist level starting in June 2024. The position is a six-month term with the possibility of extension to 12 months. The project goal is to determine seasonal timing of western monarch butterfly habitat use at managed areas across the West. Our research aims to enhance our understanding of the biology and ecology of the western monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) by examining key plant-insect interactions, with a focus on interannual and season variation in breeding phenology.

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (85 % EFFORT)

A. Collaborate with PI Elizabeth Crone and postdoctoral researcher Aramee Diethelm as well as other research personnel affiliated with research activities involving the "Seasonal Monitoring of Western Monarch Butterflies" project.

i. Key Responsibilities:

1. Monitor established transects across at least 8 sites in three key regions (Northern California, Southern California, Northern Nevada).

2. Sample transects once a month from June through October to search for monarch butterfly eggs and larvae. Record the number of milkweed stems sampled and the number of monarchs seen. This work involves long days outdoors at field sites, likely in full sun and during high temperatures.

3. This project involves ~2 weeks / month of travel to survey all the field sites. Lodging will be provided for site visits in Southern California and Nevada.

4. This project requires patience and attention to detail; for example, the density of immature monarchs can be as low as 1-2 per 1,000 milkweed stems.

ii. Timeline:

1. June – October 2024: Monthly surveys at monitoring sites

2. June – Nov 2024: Data entry, checking, and cleaning data when surveys are not in progress

3. Nov 2024 - June 2025: Potential continuing work checking and cleaning, data analyses, and assistance writing reports.

B. Serve as a research coordinator for "Seasonal Monitoring of Western Monarch Butterflies" project. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual(s).

II. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (15 % EFFORT)

A. Train and mentor undergraduate student employees involved in the "Seasonal Monitoring of Western Monarch Butterflies" project on appropriate protocols related to monitoring activities, data collection, and data management.
B. In addition, coordinate with site managers, contractors, and state or federal staff biologists.

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