At numerous farms throughout Yolo County that have been involved in hedgerow creation
The Kremen Lab at the University of California Berkeley is offering several internship positions beginning on March 25, 2013 and ending approximately on the end of August, with some possibility for extension. Successful applicants will be based out of Davis, CA with fieldwork located throughout Yolo County. Housing will be provided. Claire Kremen is the director for the Berkeley Center for Diversified Farming System, a program motivated by a desire to understand how agriculture designed according to whole systems and agroecological principles can contribute to creating a more sustainable, socially just, and secure global food system. Our current research focuses on how hedgerows on the margins of farmland contribute to pollinator conservation by influencing population persistence and to pollination services by influencing the functional diversity of the pollinator community. This research will also contribute to scientific management plans for restoring an ecosystem function, pollination, while also providing important insights in the fields of population and community ecology and conservation biology. This is a summer position to assist with fieldwork and laboratory processing of field-collected insect specimens. Responsibilities The candidates selected for these positions will have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of both the field and laboratory components of this project. Under the supervision of a senior biologist, the intern will assist with field insect collections at designated field sites adjacent to agricultural crops in Yolo County, CA. -Field monitoring and collection of pollinators, pests, and natural enemy insects-Processing insect specimens including separating insects and vegetation from sweep samples, pinning bees, labeling samples-Data entry into excel spreadsheets-Field pollination experiments Required Qualifications -Interest in botany, entomology, conservation biology and field ecology-Attention to detail (will be collecting and working with original data)-Highly motivated and able to work independently-Basic computer skills (Word, Excel)-Ability to work in field under hot sunny conditions for long hours Preferred Qualifications -Bachelors degree in a relevant field-Previous experience with pollinators, especially native bees and/ormonitoring other insect populations-An interest in, or experience with, habitat restoration-Previous field or lab experience or coursework related to botany and/or entomology, experience in California highly desirable NOTE: All applicants must have health insurance coverage. If not, insurance can be purchased on a monthly basis through the UC System.