Temporary Plant Ecology Field Technician

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative institution is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join a dynamic team for a field research project. This role involves collecting vital demographic data on the scarlet monkeyflower across diverse environments. Team members will gain hands-on experience in ecological research, learn site relocation techniques, and engage in data collection. The position offers a unique opportunity to work outdoors, develop practical skills, and contribute to important ecological studies. Ideal candidates will have a passion for nature, strong communication skills, and a willingness to work in varying conditions. Join us in making a significant impact on our understanding of plant population dynamics!

Benefits

Wilderness first aid training

Camping costs covered

Motel lodging covered

Gas reimbursements

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Upper undergraduate or recent graduate with ecology coursework.
• Ability to work outside and complete repetitive tasks.

Responsibilities

• Collect demographic data on scarlet monkeyflower.
• Relocate sites and measure plant survival and reproduction.

Skills

Positive attitude

Strong communication skills

Field ecological research participation

Ability to work outdoors

Plant identification

Education

Upper undergraduate student or recent graduate in ecology

Tools

GPS

Rental car

Job description

Position Information

The Sheth evolutionary ecology lab in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, North Carolina; USA) and the Angert Lab in the Departments of Botany and Zoology at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, British Columbia; Canada) are looking for two enthusiastic people to work as a team collecting demographic data during our annual range-wide survey of the riparian plant, scarlet monkeyflower. The project aims to understand how plant population dynamics vary along latitudinal and elevational gradients; how populations recover from extreme climatic events; and how rapid evolution increases population persistence under climate change.

The data collection team will work with Drs. Sheth and Angert for one week, beginning in ~late August (exact date TBD), to become proficient in site relocation and data collection methods across a representative sample of sites. Upon completion of training, the team will continue to complete data collection independently across all remaining sites (21 in total, from southern California to central Oregon). Duties include: (1) relocating sites and plots from written descriptions, photos, and GPS records; (2) censusing survival of previously recorded plants;(3) measuring size and reproduction of marked individual plants; (4) mapping and tagging new recruits; (5) maintaining plot markers; and (6) collecting fruits off-plot.

Technicians will have the option of completing wilderness first aid training, with course fees covered, prior to beginning field work. For this reason, we have listed the start date as July 15, 2025, but the actual field work does not begin until late August and will continue through late September OR early October.

Additional Information:
All application material will be reviewed by Drs. Seema Sheth and Amy Angert. Exact start and end dates are flexible. Costs for camping and occasional motel lodging will be covered. Field technicians will use a rental car and receive reimbursements for gas. We strive to foster an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds are respected and we especially welcome applicants from groups that have historically been underrepresented or excluded. We are committed to creating a safe and respectful working environment for all crew members. We have a thorough field safety plan and expect that all crew members will comply with it.

Work Schedule:
Working hours are typically between 8 AM and 6 PM 5 days per week (not always Monday - Friday), but there may be occasional need for hours before or after these times.

Please direct questions about the position to Dr. Seema Sheth at [e-mail] with subject line "plant ecology field technician"

Posting Number	PG195074TM
Position Number	11ASO3446
Position Type	Temporary
Essential Job Duties
Is Time Limited	No
If Yes, Appointment Length

Department Information

Job City & State
Department	Plant and Microbial Biology

System Information

Classification Title	Temporary-Technical/Paraprofessional
Working Title	Temporary Plant Ecology Field Technician

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule	40+ hours per week
Other Work/Responsibilities	n/a
Minimum Experience/Education	An upper undergraduate student or recent graduate who has taken at least one ecology course
Department Required Skills	Positive attitude, great work ethic, and strong communication skills for collaborative teamwork and problem solving Excited to participate in field ecological research A valid driver's license and ability to work in the US Ability to complete repetitive tasks and work outside for long periods of time in potentially adverse conditions (e.g., in high or low temperatures, with poison oak and blackberry bramble, and traveling off-trail with slippery or uneven footing Ability to work away from home and be on the road from ~ late August until data collection is complete (late September or early October)
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education	Familiarity with plant identification Previous field experience Experience in extended remote camping and driving on 4WD roads Wilderness safety training
Required License or Certification	Valid driver's license
Valid NC Driver's License required?	No
Commercial Driver's License Required?	No

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range	$25/hr

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date	04/21/2025

Applicant Information

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Quick Link	https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/217257
EEO