Organization Name

USDA Bee Biology Laboratory

No of placements

1

Placement Site

Yosemite National Park, California

Contact info

USDA-ARS Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory,
Utah State University,
Logan UT, 84322-5310

URL: http://www.ars.usda.gov/pandp/people/people.htm?personid=2154

Field/Subject Area

UG – Biology/Ecology

Position Description

The intern will conduct field research throughout Yosemite National Park in California as part of a field research team. This will involve camping, hiking and backpacking throughout the park, collecting samples of bees and then pinning and labelling them upon return to base camp. The intern will be expected to take full part in the group camping activities.

Specific tasks will include:
1. systematic samples of bees throughout the park
2. pin and label the specimens
3. begin bee identification
4. develop skill in using GPS
5. gain facility in identifying bee-visited flowering plants

Expected work hours: 8 hours/day; 10 days/2 weeks

Qualifications/skills required

• The ability to camp, hike, backpack and work with others in remote locations is necessary.
• The ability to make detailed observations in a natural history setting would be useful.
• Experience with plant identifications would be useful.

Language requirements

English

Highlights of organization/background info

This research laboratory is performing various bee biodiversity surveys throughout the western USA. This particular internship involves sampling bees in Yosemite National Park. The lab in general performs studies of pollination biology of bees for agricultural and other purposes.