Are you passionate about pollinator conservation, ecological restoration, and hands-on field research? The Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) is now accepting applications for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) in Pollinator Ecology for the Fall 2025 intake. This is a fully funded Master’s opportunity focused on monitoring bee and butterfly populations in restored wetland habitats of Oregon’s Eastern Cascade Ecoregion.
🌿 Program Overview: Pollinator Ecology Graduate Assistantship
This assistantship combines graduate-level research with teaching experience, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to biodiversity conservation and gain professional skills in pollinator ecology, GIS, fieldwork, and data analysis.
You’ll assist in projects aligned with:
- National Protocol Framework for Bee Inventory and Monitoring
- Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program
🔍 Research Focus Areas
- Invertebrate pollinator biodiversity (bees and butterflies)
- Wetland habitat restoration and land-use ecology
- Aerial netting and passive trapping techniques
- GIS and spatial data analysis
- Statistical analysis using R
The work will involve collaboration with public agencies and private landowners, studying how pollinator abundance and floral resource usage respond to ecological restoration practices.
📍 Assistantship Details
- Start Date: Post-September 19, 2025
- Location: Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls, Oregon
- Duration: Typically 2 years (aligned with MS program timeline)
- Stipend: $10,000 per year
- Tuition Remission: $7,000 per year
- Workload: Up to 15 hours/week
🐝 Why Study Pollinator Ecology in Oregon?
Oregon is a biodiversity hotspot that supports:
- 650+ bee species
- 150+ butterfly species
- Diverse ecosystems influenced by both agriculture and conservation
The state’s dynamic wetland landscapes serve as a natural laboratory for studying pollinator responses to restoration, offering data-driven insights that influence national conservation strategies.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, entomology, or a related field
- Minimum 1 year of research or teaching experience
- Familiarity with GIS and/or R programming
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work independently in field-based environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in invertebrate field sampling or ecological monitoring
- Leadership or coordination of small field teams
- Demonstrated skills in academic or scientific writing
🎓 Why Choose Oregon Tech for Graduate Research?
Located in Klamath Falls, Oregon Tech offers:
- Close access to wetland ecosystems and field sites
- A hands-on research environment with personalized faculty support
- Opportunities for meaningful collaborations with conservation organizations
- A strong foundation for careers in ecological consulting, academia, or environmental policy
📄 Application Instructions
Deadline to Apply: July 31, 2025
Early applications are encouraged; review begins immediately.
To Apply, submit ONE PDF file including:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable)
- Contact information for three references
Send your application to:
📧 Christy VanRooyen at: christy.vanrooyen@oit.edu
📌 Email Subject Line: Pollinator Ecology GTA Application – [Your Name]
🐝 Ready to Advance Your Career in Pollinator Ecology?
Don’t miss this chance to combine your academic goals with impactful environmental research. This assistantship is ideal for students eager to make a measurable difference in pollinator conservation, restoration ecology, and natural resource management.