WSU’s tree fruit extension lab is seeking an assistant from June to September. This position will mainly support data collection for a project focused on pear pest management in the Wenatchee valley. The assistant will help the project entomologist with outdoor fieldwork and indoor lab work. Join us for a great entry into working with science, extension and the tree fruit industry!
Duties include:
driving/riding in a university vehicle to field sites;
collecting plant and insect samples in orchards;
recording information on a data sheet;
insect identification using a microscope;
cleaning leaf samples;
entering data into spreadsheet software and Ap;
potentially helping put on extension events.
This position will require early morning departures in order to accomplish goals before the afternoon heat. The assistant will enter commercial pear orchards in the presence of automatic irrigation systems. Appropriate attitude, work boots, and clothing for all weather conditions is necessary. Being comfortable working in agricultural settings is a must. This would a great experience for anyone interested in the fields of tree fruit production, entomology, horticulture, or biology.
Required Qualifications:
must be able to communicate and closely follow instructions in English
ability to walk quickly, bending and reaching to collect field samples in heat and cold
ability to do consecutive hours of laboratory work
interest in agriculture and biology
interest in learning about tree fruit insects, biology and science
positive attitude