Research Associate Specialist (Production and Monitoring of Giant Salvinia Weevils)

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Job Posting Title:

Research Associate Specialist (Production and Monitoring of Giant Salvinia Weevils)

   

Position Type:

Other Academic

   

Department:

LSUAG PL1 - DE - Entomology (Rodrigo Diaz (00010739))

   

Work Location:

0404 Life Sciences Building

   

Pay Grade:

Other Academic

   

Job Description:

(This is a grant-funded, one-year, non-tenure track position. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment.)

Work Location: Department of Entomology, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA. 

Position Description: In the Diaz Laboratory, we strive to give the best career-building opportunities for our team members; this includes involvement with diverse projects on invasive species and biological control, training on field and laboratory techniques, exposure to international cooperation, mentoring research assistants, establishment multidisciplinary projects, hands-on preparation of technical and non-technical publications, among others. We are seeking a candidate to join our team!

The successful candidate will be responsible for rearing salvinia weevils (Cyrtobagous salviniae) in a greenhouse and open-earthen ponds located in Baton Rouge, LA. Activities will include inoculation of giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) into the ponds, fertilization of plants, weeding, inoculation of weevils, monitoring of pond conditions, and harvest of weevils. Regular pond maintenance will include occasional herbicide and insecticide applications to reduce pest densities.  The associate will follow an established quality-control protocol for the mass rearing operation. Water quality data (pH, conductivity, nitrogen levels) and weevil density (adults and larvae counts) will be collected monthly. The associate will work closely with team leaders of LSU AgCenter and Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) to coordinate the harvest of weevil-infested salvinia for distribution in coastal parishes. The impact of the biological control program will be monitored at several marshes in coastal Louisiana. The associate will sample several field sites in coastal Louisiana and collect data such as salvinia biomass, submerged aquatic vegetation, water quality, and weevil densities. Monitoring the salvinia control will include the use of drones and satellites. A team of student workers, interns, and graduate students working on salvinia will be available to assist the associate with activities. Therefore, we seek an applicant with experience with managing people, mentoring students, or coordinating projects.

Physical activities related to this job may include but are not limited to: periodic lifting of 20 lbs., mowing perimeter of ponds, using a backpack sprayer, driving state trucks and boats, wading in waist deep water to collect weevil samples, and harvesting ponds. The successful candidate will prepare quarterly reports and will work closely with collaborators in CWPPRA and USFWS.   

For more information about biological control of giant salvinia and the Diaz Laboratory, please visit: www.lsuagcenter.com/giantsalvinia, or the www.rodrigodiazlab.com, or https://instagram.com/lsubiocontrol.

Qualification Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management or related discipline including Entomology, Ecology, Biology, or Botany.  Experience working in wetlands, freshwater habitats, monitoring of water quality, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Google Earth Engine, drone mapping, boating is preferred. We seek a candidate with good scientific writing and oral communication.

LSU and the AgCenter are dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individual qualifications. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications listed but has other qualifications or substantial experience related to the key responsibilities, we encourage them to apply (per La. RS 42:36).

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a w