Spotted Lanternfly Field & Lab Technician

CLEMU Clemson University; Florence (SC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University seeks a Time-Limited staff member to assist researchers in field work, basic chemical evaluations, seasonal observations, and routine molecular sample processing related to spotted lanternfly. Responsibilities span equipment prep, data entry, lab sample handling, and field monitoring across multiple sites.

Requires a high school diploma with agriculture-related experience; an associate degree may substitute for experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and experience in agricultural research or animal care.
• An associate degree in animal health technology or a discipline related to agriculture may be substituted for the required work experience.
• Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Equipment preparation and support for routine greenhouse or lab tasks.
• Data entry and recordkeeping for field and lab data.
• Laboratory sample processing including DNA extraction prep and PCR setup assistance.
• Chemical evaluation and observations including lampshade trap evaluations.
• Field monitoring and sample collection across multiple sites.

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in animal health technology or related agriculture

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Assist researchers with field work, basic chemical evaluations, seasonal observations, and routine molecular sample processing related to spotted lanternfly. Research must be completed consistently and on schedule across multiple sites. Other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

• 10% - Equipment Preparation & Support: Prepare supplies, maintain equipment, follow safety protocols, and assist with routine greenhouse or lab tasks.


• 10% - Data Entry & Recordkeeping: Enter field and lab data, maintain logs, organize photos, and assist with simple reporting.


• 20% - Laboratory Sample Processing: Basic molecular sample handling, labeling, DNA extraction prep, PCR setup assistance, and sample organization.


• 20% - Chemical Evaluation & Observations: Assist with lampshade trap evaluations and simple chemical screening trials.


• 40% - Field Monitoring and Sample Collection: Routine field surveys, trap checks, plant inspections, and SLF sample collection across multiple sites.

JOB CODE:

LA15

EMPLOYEE TYPE:

Time-Limited (TLP) Staff

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma and experience in agricultural research or animal care that is directly related to the area of employment. An associate degree in animal health technology or a discipline related to agriculture may be substituted for the required work experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

JOB KNOWLEDGE Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Move, transport, raise or lower 50 lbs or more: 25%


• Recognize or inspect visually: 15%


• Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: 30%


• Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl): 20%


• Walk or move about: 20%


• Stand for Prolonged Period: 20%

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Chemical hazards: 20%


• Mechanical hazards: 20%


• Vibration: 20%


• Noise: 20%


• Exposure to dust/fumes: 20%


• Exposure to heat or cold: 20%

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range 50000 - 55000 Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:

Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Florence, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

October 9, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.

ABOUT US:

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running.

Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.