Student Assistant 2 - SENR

3M HEALTHCARE; United States; On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on field experience

Mentorship

Job summary

3M HEALTHCARE is seeking three motivated Student Assistants to support vegetation sampling and ecological field research across multiple Ohio sites. You will assist with data collection, plant identification, and field logistics, including travel and occasional overnight stays.

Current undergraduate or graduate students in Environmental Science, Forestry, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Training will be provided, and you will gain hands-on experience in ecological monitoring, data

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student in Environmental Science, Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife or related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist with vegetation sampling using standard ecological field methods across Ohio forest research sites.

Skills

Field sampling

Data entry

Excel

Plant identification

Teamwork

Communication

Reliability

Physical stamina

Education

Undergraduate or Graduate student in Environmental Science/Forestry/Fisheries and Wildlife (or related)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title

Student Assistant 2 - SENR

Department

FAES | School of Environment and Natural Resources - JM

We are seeking three motivated student assistants to assist with vegetation sampling and ecological field research across a network of sites in Ohio. Assistants will support two active research projects:

1. Multitrophic Forest Communities Project – examining relationships among vegetation, wildlife, and forest ecosystem processes.
2. Red Oak Project – evaluating survivorship, growth, phenology, and ecological value of red oak populations under changing environmental conditions.

Student Assistants will work closely with faculty, graduate researchers, and field staff to collect high-quality vegetation and habitat data in forested field settings. This position offers valuable hands‑on experience in plant identification, ecological monitoring, and applied field research. Note that travel to and from field sites and some overnight stays will be required.

Key Functions of the Role

• Assist the project team with conducting vegetation sampling using standardized ecological field methods across multiple Ohio forest research sites
• Assist with monitoring phenology, growth and masting dynamics of oak trees
• Enter, organize, and quality-check field data using Microsoft Excel
• Prepare and identify herbarium samples as needed
• Support day‑to‑day field logistics, including equipment preparation, loading, and maintenance
• Travel to field sites and participate in overnight stays when required
• Work to their own initiative with minimal supervision and be able to solve routine problems as they arise
• Work safely in outdoor environments under varying weather and terrain conditions
• Communicate progress, observations, and issues to project supervisors
• Collaborate professionally with faculty, staff, graduate students, and fellow interns

Desired Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student in Environmental Science, Forestry Fisheries and Wildlife or similar making good progress towards their undergraduate degree
• Interest in plant ecology, forestry, conservation, or field-based environmental research
• Willingness to learn vegetation sampling protocols and plant identification skills
• Experience with fieldwork, outdoor labor, or ecological monitoring is preferred but not required
• Familiarity with common Ohio native woody and invasive plant species is preferred but not essential
• Neat, legible handwriting and good attention to detail
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar software
• Good communication, teamwork, and organizational skills with an ability to live and work cooperatively with others
• Ability to work independently with guidance when needed
• Ability to hike uneven terrain, work outdoors for extended periods in difficult conditions, and lift up to 45 lbs
• Willingness to travel and stay overnight near field locations when necessary

What Students Will Gain

• Hands‑on experience in ecological field methods
• Training in vegetation sampling and plant identification
• Exposure to forest research design and data management
• Mentorship from faculty and research staff
• Resume‑building experience for graduate school or environmental careers

Additional Information

• Location: Kottman Hall (0340)
• Position Type: Temporary (Fixed Term)
• Scheduled Hours: 10
• Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.