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:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable)
4. 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.