- Do you care about protecting our island’s vital pollinating insects?
- Are you experienced or interested in learning pollinator survey techniques?
- Are you organised and enthusiastic, able to work flexibly and independently?
The Pollinator Project is looking for a seasonal pollinator field assistant to help us carry out our summer monitoring activities. This would be an ideal opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in fieldwork survey techniques and working with a conservation charity. We particularly invite applications from students or career switchers looking to enhance their CV.
Deadline for applications – 23:55 on 27th June 2023
Location: The fieldwork is carried out at different sites across Guernsey (and possibly Sark). Training will be provided in person on Guernsey and online.
The Role
The Pollinator Project, in collaboration with the University of Bristol, runs a suite of pollinator monitoring surveys across the Channel Islands every summer. The surveys are largely carried out by trained volunteers. We are looking for an enthusiastic field assistant to help carry out our most technical survey – collecting DNA samples from bumblebees across the island. The survey will take place over a 2-3 week period in July.
The survey involves looking for bumblebees in specified areas across Guernsey, catching them in a net, cooling them down so they can be handled and taking a very tiny DNA sample from one foot. The bumblebees are released unharmed. The field assistant will be trained in these specific techniques by Miranda Bane (Science lead at the Pollinator Project), building confidence surveying alongside Miranda, until they are ready to survey independently. The work is fiddly and must be done accurately, but surveys are always done in good weather and the work is rewarding.
Responsibilities
- Helping to carry out our annual bumblebee DNA survey across Guernsey (and possibly also on Sark)
- Working alongside Miranda Bane, and then independently to catch and sample bumblebees in locations across the island(s)
- Maintain clear and precise records of surveys carried out
- Represent the Pollinator Project, being able to answer questions and engage with the public whilst surveying in public places
Essential requirements
- Willingness to handle living bumblebees – full training will be provided on how to do this safely
- Available to work flexibly (depending on weather conditions) throughout July 2023
- Willingness to work on weekends when required
- Ability to travel around Guernsey ideally by bicycle but alternatively by public transport, car or on foot
- Good organisation and record-keeping skills
- A steady hand – able to gently and accurately handle insects and tools
Desirable
- Any ecological field survey experience
- Experience lone working outdoors
- Knowledge of pollinators and the work of the Pollinator Project
The training and field surveys will take place in July, with specific dates to be confirmed based on weather conditions and other survey constraints.
Remuneration
The successful applicant will receive an ex-gratia payment of £500 on successful completion of the work and reasonable local expenses will be paid.
Applicants must be 18+ years old.
Note: This role involves handling live insects. The risk of being stung is small but if you are allergic to insect stings this role might not be suitable for you.
How to apply
In the first instance send your CV and/or a cover letter stating why you would be a good fit for this role to miranda@pollinatorproject.gg by 23:55 on June 27th
For more information or to schedule an informal discussion about the role please email miranda@pollinatorproject.gg