POSITION DESCRIPTION: The
successful candidate will be responsible for rearing and monitoring of
giant salvinia weevils (Cyrtobagous salviniae) in coastal Louisiana.
Responsibilities will include the rearing of weevils in open-earthen
ponds located in Lafayette, LA. Activities will
include inoculation of giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) into the
ponds, fertilization of plants, inoculation of weevils, monitoring of
pond conditions, and harvest of ponds. Regular pond maintenance will
include herbicide and insecticide application in and
around the ponds to reduce weed and insect 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 larva 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 candidate will sample several field sites in
coastal Louisiana and collect data such as salvinia biomass, submerged
aquatic vegetation, water quality, and weevil
densities. Physical activities related to this job may include but 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, United States Fish and
Wildlife Services, and United States Geological Survey. For more
information about biological control of giant salvinia,
please visit: www.lsuagcenter.com/giantsalvinia
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s
degree in Entomology or related discipline
including Ecology, Biology or Botany. Experience working with insects,
aquatic habitats, insect colony maintenance, data collection, Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) or boating is preferred. We seek a candidate
with a high standard in scientific writing
and oral communication
Rodrigo Diaz, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Entomology
Louisiana State University
402 Life Sciences Bldg.
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Office 225-578-1835
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