Field technician in Plant Ecology

Botanical Society of America; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking enthusiastic field technicians to join a collaborative team in an exciting ecological study. This role involves collecting vital demographic data on the scarlet monkeyflower across diverse locations, contributing to significant research on climate change impacts. Technicians will receive comprehensive training and enjoy flexible working conditions, including covered camping costs and mileage reimbursements. If you have a passion for ecology and enjoy working outdoors, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Flexible start and end dates

Covered camping costs

Mileage reimbursements

Wilderness first aid training

Qualifications

• Upper-level undergraduate or recent graduate with ecology coursework required.
• Strong communication skills and positive attitude essential.

Responsibilities

• Collect demographic data across 21 sites for ecological study.
• Relocate sites and collect data on plant survival and reproduction.

Skills

Positive attitude

Strong work ethic

Good communication skills

Plant identification

Field experience

Wilderness safety training

Education

Upper-level undergraduate student

Recent graduate with ecology course

Tools

GPS

Rental cars

Job description

North Carolina State University - Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Position Title: Field Technician in Plant Ecology

Application Review Begins: Monday, April 28, 2025

Application Deadline: Monday, May 19, 2025

Institution: North Carolina State University

Department/Division: Plant and Microbial Biology

Field (e.g., systematics): Ecology

General Information

The Sheth Plant Evolutionary Ecology Lab in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC, USA) and the Angert Lab in the Departments of Botany and Zoology at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC, Canada) are seeking two enthusiastic field technicians to work as a team collecting demographic data for an NSF-funded study on range-wide surveys of the riparian plant, scarlet monkeyflower. The project aims to understand plant population dynamics along latitudinal and elevational gradients, recovery from climatic extremes, and rapid evolution's role in population persistence under climate change. For more information, visit www.seemasheth.weebly.com and angert.github.io. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups.

Dates and Locations

Estimated dates: late August through late September or early October
Locations: 21 sites from southern California to central Oregon
Pay: $25/hour

Additional Information

Start and end dates are flexible. Costs for camping and occasional motel lodging are covered. Technicians will use rental cars with mileage reimbursements. A safe working environment is prioritized, with a thorough safety plan in place. Wilderness first aid training is available and covered for interested technicians.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and good communication skills
• Upper-level undergraduate student or recent graduate with at least one ecology course
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work in the US
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and work outdoors in adverse conditions
• Willingness to travel and work away from home from late August to late September or early October

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with plant identification
• Previous field experience
• Experience with remote camping and driving on 4WD roads
• Wilderness safety training

Responsibilities

The team will undergo one week of training with Drs. Sheth and Angert to learn site relocation and data collection methods. After training, the team will independently collect data across 21 sites. Responsibilities include:

1. Relocating sites and plots using descriptions, photos, and GPS
2. Censusing plant survival
3. Measuring size and reproduction of plants
4. Mapping and tagging new recruits
5. Maintaining plot markers
6. Collecting fruits off-plot

Application Instructions

Submit materials to https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/217584:
1) Cover letter (interest, qualifications, available dates)
2) Current CV or resume (including relevant coursework)
3) Contact information for 2 references.
Applications are reviewed immediately and until the position is filled.