Field Technician - Ecological Restoration

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Per diem for overnight fieldwork

Job summary

The University of Arizona seeks field technicians to implement ecological restoration techniques in the Altar Valley. You will handle saguaros, plant seeds, install nest boxes, and assist erosion-control structures, often working long days in rugged terrain.

Roles require early starts, extended field days, and occasional camping. Per diem is provided for overnight work, with strong teamwork and safety as core priorities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school equivalency required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive per University Fleet Safety Policy.

Responsibilities

• Transport, salvage, re-plant, and measure saguaros at field locations.
• Map locations of plantings and measure cacti.
• Drive to field sites to plant saguaros and occasionally camp overnight.
• Prepare field equipment for transport and use in the field.
• Erect nest boxes on trees and tripods and transport materials into the field.
• Use ladders and hand tools to prepare sites for mounting boxes and perform repairs.
• Deploy native seeds within restoration plots and assist erosion-control structures.
• Complete pre- and post-seeding vegetation monitoring and data collection.
• Coordinate with staff, managers, contractors to ensure safe field work.

Skills

Field navigation

Ecological restoration

Plant handling

Tool use (chainsaws, drills)

Safety in remote field

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

Chainsaws

Hammer drills

Ladders

Hand trucks / wagons

Job description

The University of Arizona seeks field technicians to implement ecological restoration techniques in the Altar Valley. You will handle saguaros, plant seeds, install nest boxes, and assist erosion-control structures, often working long days in rugged terrain.

Roles require early starts, extended field days, and occasional camping. Per diem is provided for overnight work, with strong teamwork and safety as core priorities.