February 5, 2025
Position Announcement: Field Technician(s) in Bumble Bee Health and Plant-Pollinator Interactions at Mt. Rainier National Park
The Brosi Lab at the University of Washington is seeking up to two field technicians to conduct
bumble bee and plant-pollinator research at Mount Rainier National Park during the 2025 field
season. Technicians will work alongside Brosi Lab graduate students, postdocs, and staff
members to sample bumble bees, conduct plant-pollinator network sampling, process insect
samples, identify plants and insects, and enter data. Most fieldwork will be conducted in teams
of 2-3.
Technicians will live in shared field station housing near Mount Rainier National Park and will
contribute to at least two projects in the park over the field season: one investigating the effects
of tree encroachment on meadow wildflower and insect communities, and another investigating
the effects of climate change on bumble bee distributions. Technicians will also have the
opportunity to interface with an ongoing community science project in the park focused on plant
and pollinator phenology (MeadoWatch), led by the Brosi Lab and the Hille Ris Lambers Lab
(ETH Zürich). Opportunities may exist for an outstanding technician to conduct independent
research and/or maintain continued involvement in some projects beyond the 2025 field season.
Required Skills:
● Ability to comfortably hike up to 10 miles per day on uneven and steep terrain at 5,000+
ft elevation in inclement weather while carrying loads of up to 40 lbs
● Comfortable catching and handling stinging insects
● No known allergies to bees or wasps
● Ability to successfully work and live in close quarters with little privacy
● Valid driver’s licence for at least 2 years with a safe driving record
Preferred Skills:
● Plant and insect identification skills
● Insect netting, sampling, and processing skills
● Knowledge of Pacific Northwest subalpine plants
● Interest in pollinator biology and/or plant biology and/or conservation
● Coursework in biology, with additional preference for ecology-related coursework
● Data collection and field research experience
● Enthusiasm for working outdoors
● Wilderness first aid experience
● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
● Excellent organization and record-keeping skills
Time Commitment and Duration: Approximately 40 hours per week from mid-late June
through early-mid September. Exact dates will depend on snowmelt timing and pollinator
phenology. Note that field days may vary in length (up to ~12 hours per day), but work will
typically not exceed 40 hours per week.
Compensation: $4,000 stipend. Housing and fieldwork-related travel costs will be covered by
the Brosi Lab.
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact
information of 2-3 professional references to Erica Gustilo (gustiloe@uw.edu) by Monday,
February 24th. Contact gustiloe@uw.edu with questions
