Temporary Plant Ecology Field Technician

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking team in the Sheth evolutionary ecology lab as a Temporary Plant Ecology Field Technician. This role involves fieldwork to collect vital data on the scarlet monkeyflower, contributing to important ecological research. You'll gain hands-on experience in plant population dynamics while working in diverse environments. Ideal for upper undergraduate students or recent graduates, this position offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful research and develop your skills in a supportive and inclusive setting. If you're passionate about ecology and eager to make a difference, this is the perfect role for you.

Benefits

Wilderness First Aid Training

Camping Costs Covered

Rental Car Provided

Gas Reimbursement

Qualifications

• Upper undergraduate student or recent graduate with ecology coursework.
• Ability to work outside in various conditions and perform repetitive tasks.

Responsibilities

• Collect demographic data on scarlet monkeyflower populations.
• Relocate sites using GPS and written descriptions for data collection.

Skills

Plant Identification

Field Research

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Education

Ecology Course

Undergraduate Degree

Job description

Temporary Plant Ecology Field Technician

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

• Cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position (including available dates)
• CV/Resume with relevant coursework
• Contact information for at least two references (email and phone)

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number PG195074TM

Position Number

Position Number 11ASO3446

Position Type

Position Type Temporary

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”

Is Time Limited

Is Time Limited No

Department Information

Job City & State

Department

Department Plant and Microbial Biology

System Information

Classification Title

Working Title

Working Title Temporary Plant Ecology Field Technician

Position Information

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule

Work Schedule 40+ hours per week

Other Work/Responsibilities

• n/a
• 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

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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you learn of this opportunity?
  • NCSU Website
  • Job Alert (automated email from our system)
  • NCSU Executive Search Services
  • Monster.com
  • CareerBuilder.com
  • InsideHigherEd.com
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Other Online Job Board
  • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
  • Job / Career Fair
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Professional Journal
  • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
  • Radio / Television Advertisement
  • Professional Organization
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
  • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
  • NCSU Employee Referral
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
  • Other
• If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you an upper undergraduate student or recent graduate who has taken at least one ecology course?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess a positive attitude, great work ethic, and strong communication skills for collaborative teamwork and problem solving?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have the ability to complete repetitive tasks and work outside for long period of times 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)?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you able to work away from home and be on the road from late August until data collection is complete, late September or early October?
  • Yes
  • No
• Are you familiar with plant identification?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have previous field experience?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have experience in extended remote camping and driving on 4WD roads?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you have wilderness safety training?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a valid driver’s license?
  • Yes
  • No
Required Documents
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References
• Resume/CV
Optional Documents

NC STATE UNIVERSITY
RALEIGH, NC 27695
PHONE: [phone]