Monarch Research · 22 hours ago
Research Station Manager
Marion, IA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid LevelMonarch Research is seeking a Research Station Manager to lead the day-to-day stewardship and operation of the Monarch Research Station and support their mission for pollinator and forest conservation. This role involves hands-on conservation work, applied research, and community engagement, focusing on the management of the station and related ecological projects.
Non-profit Organization Management
Responsibilities
Lead hands-on work across the monarch life cycle, including breeding, rearing, host plant management, habitat maintenance, seasonal monitoring, and related community focused programs (Monarch Zones, Monarch Lifecycle Kits)
Oversee daily operations of the Monarch Research Station, ensuring that field and lab activities run smoothly year-round
Maintain and improve field and lab protocols related to monarchs, milkweed, nectar plants, and associated pollinator habitat
Train, supervise and support seasonal or part-time staff involved in organism care and field activities (approximately 10–15% of role)
Order, maintain, and manage supplies and equipment necessary for station and field operations
Contribute to existing Monarch Research projects through data collection, monitoring, and field-based study design
Develop independent or collaborative research questions aligned with Monarch Research’s mission, including but not limited to: Monarch population dynamics, Host plant availability and quality, Native pollinator diversity and abundance, Habitat restoration outcomes, Climate and phenological impacts on insects
Establish and maintain accurate datasets, field records, and observational logs. Support research reporting and assist with grant-funded project documentation; peer-reviewed publication is encouraged but not required
Ensure compliance with all safety, ethical, and legal standards relevant to research and care
Work closely with Monarch Research staff to help shape emerging research directions and field protocols
Help lay the groundwork for future partnerships with universities, conservation organizations, and regional researchers
Participate in grant development and research proposals as a contributing team member
Collaborate and support existing programs (Planting Forward, 1000 Acre Plan, etc.)
Represent Monarch Research at community events, conservation gatherings, and scientific or practitioner meetings
Engage with volunteers, educators, and the public through station tours, talks, and occasional educational programming
Assist with volunteer coordination and training, and educational outreach
Translate field science into accessible conservation stories for diverse audiences
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, entomology, or a closely related field, or equivalent field experience working in biological sciences or with insect care
Demonstrated hands-on experience with fieldwork, organism care, or ecological data collection
Strong interest in insect conservation, native plants, and applied ecological research
Comfort working independently in outdoor and field-based environments across seasons
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
Preferred
Experience with monarch butterflies, milkweed systems, or native pollinators
Familiarity with field stations, biological research sites, or conservation organizations
Experience supervising seasonal staff, interns, or volunteers
Interest in building collaborative research partnerships
Nonprofit or community science experience
Benefits
A rare opportunity to help shape a growing research station, not just manage an existing one.
Significant hands-on field and organism work, not a desk-bound position.
Flexibility to pursue research interests within a mission-driven conservation organization.
A hybrid career path bridging science, stewardship, and public engagement.
Company
Monarch Research
The Monarch Research is a non-profit organization headquartered in Marion, Iowa.
Founded in 2016
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase