Employment Opportunity for an Entomology Field Assistant
Position Description: The Division of Animal and Plant Health CAPS Program is seeking a qualified candidate to assist with field surveys of exotic and invasive plant pests for this current field season. Primary duties include driving a State of Maine vehicle throughout the state to service a variety of insect traps, as well as look for signs of other exotic insect and disease symptoms on host plants. Depending on experience, the candidate would also screen collected samples for target specimens. The employee must be qualified and able to drive a vehicle leased by the State of Maine. Work requires candidate to carry light equipment (up to 10 lbs.) across uneven terrain on farms and in wooded settings. Work also involves bending over crops or looking through binoculars to scout for insects and crop damage, as well as working in inclement weather. Careful record keeping and attention to detail is essential.
Minimum Qualifications: Work requires at least 2 years of college education or equivalent work experience in the field of entomology, biology, or environmental studies. The ability to use a microscope and taxonomic keys to identify target pests is preferable but not required. Experience with global positioning devices, iPads, computer data entry, spreadsheets, e-mail and word processing software is highly desirable. The employee is expected to work between 20 and 30 hours per week, for at least the field season (approximately 10 weeks) with the potential to stay on longer. The position would start immediately and pays $13.75 per hour.
Special Requirements: Must possess a valid Class C State of Maine driver’s license. This is a contract position with a temporary service agency.
How to Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references by July 10, 2020 to: karen.l.coluzzi@maine.gov