Temporary Insect Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Rare Insect Conservation Program (RICP) of Utah is seeking a part-time field technician to assist our crew with insect field surveys and data collection of native insect communities in Utah. RICP works closely with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) to gather data about at-risk insect taxa, associated habitat, and other ecological information necessary to develop beneficial conservation actions. The field technician will report to the Rare Insect Conservation Coordinator. This position is temporary and part-time, though it will involve several consecutive days of survey fieldwork in October/early November, resuming again in Spring 2027. This position may extend past June 30, 2027 based on available funding.

We have several fieldwork outings planned for the end of the 2026 field season, resuming again in April 2027. Fieldwork trips are generally 3- to 6-day camping trips to remote areas in Utah to perform targeted surveys or insect species inventories. RICP crew is responsible for personal camping and hiking gear and food. Per diem will be provided cover meal costs. No driving or use of personal vehicle expected—travel and any lodging costs are covered by RICP.

• Participate in the collection of on-site field data for focal insect species and their habitats, using GPS and mobile devices to gather georeferenced data.
• Assist RICP crew in implementing appropriate methodologies to collect reliable data.
• Assist with equipment and gear preparation (cleaning and organizing vials, nets, etc.) ahead of fieldwork trips.
• Contribute to basecamp setup/breakdown and meal preparation/cleanup during camping trips.
• Coordinate closely with Rare Insect Conservation Coordinator and Rare Insect Research Technician, and represent RICP when interfacing with survey volunteers, taxonomic experts, landowners and land managers, as needed.

Education Requirements:

• Individuals holding or currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Biology, Ecology, Entomology, or related field; work experience involving entomological field surveys will be preferred

Competency Requirements:

• Attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in data collection and analysis
• Analytical and organizational skills
• Interest in entomology, wildlife ecology and conservation
• Effective (clear, concise written and verbal) communication skills
• Teamwork and collaboration with agency colleagues and academic professionals
• Outdoor skills, environmental awareness and attention to safety in remote environments

Skills, abilities, and other requirements:

• Insect survey techniques (e.g., species identification, non-lethal sampling, basic macrophotography, etc.)
• Curiosity, affection, and respect for insects and other invertebrate wildlife
• Exemplary field collection standards (consistency, focus, reliability)
• Ability to endure long periods of physical activity in occasionally difficult field conditions
• Motivated individual with a knack for creative problem solving

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

$22-24/hour

This position is mainly outdoors and requires moderate physical activity. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including moderate lifting (up to 50 pounds), walking, hiking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting. This position requires nearly continuous standing, repetitive hand motions, and reaching overhead. Employees may be exposed to unusual elements including extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Employees may also come into contact with irritants involving vegetation and insects.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 07/2026

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

titleix@usu.edu

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 08/2026