Ecology Research Assistant

Utah State University; Logan (UT); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Utah State University’s Wildland Resources department seeks a part-time Ecology Research Assistant to support the Adler Lab’s work on cheatgrass invasions in Pinyon-Juniper woodlands. The role involves careful laboratory work and data handling in an indoor setting.

Responsibilities include processing samples, counting seeds, maintaining data, and reporting issues to the supervisor; candidates should be detail-oriented and able to work independently in a fast-paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to focus on detail-oriented work for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Follow sample processing protocols.
• Process (dry and weigh) laboratory samples of plant biomass.
• Count seeds.
• Ensure high quality data collection.
• Enter data and maintain the database.
• Report problems to supervisor.
• Perform other laboratory tasks as needed.

Skills

Independent work

Detail-oriented

Job description

Ecology Research Assistant

Requisition ID: 2026-10616

# of Openings: 2

Location: US-UT-Logan

Category: Research (non-Faculty)

Position Type: Non-benefited (hourly) Part-Time

Job Classification: Non-Benefited

College: Quinney College of Agric & Nat Res

Department: Wildland Resources

Advertised Salary: $18/hour

Overview

USU's Department of Wildland Resources seeks detail-oriented, motivated candidates for a part-time, hourly Ecology Research Assistant to assist the Adler Lab with it's research on cheatgrass invasions in Pinyon-Juniper woodlands.

Responsibilities

• Follow sample processing protocols
• Process (dry and weigh) laboratory samples of plant biomass
• Count seeds
• Ensure high quality data collection
• Enter data and maintain the database
• Report problems to supervisor
• Perform other laboratory tasks as needed

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently
• Ability to focus on detail-oriented work for extended periods

Advertised Salary

$18/hour

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee often uses repetitive hand motions. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and may stand, walk, and/or sit for extended periods. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment.

University Highlights

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 [phone] or [e-mail].

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

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 or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

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

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, [e-mail], Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Matthew Pinner, [e-mail], Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, Ut 84322

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

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, [e-mail]

U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695, [e-mail]