05/19/2024
Field technician position in Plant Ecology
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 looking for two enthusiastic field technicians to work as a team collecting demographic data as part of an NSF-funded study of range-wide surveys 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. For more, see www.seemasheth.weebly.com and angert.github.io. We strive to foster an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds are respected and we especially welcome applicants from historically underrepresented or excluded groups.
Dates: ~ late August through ~ late September or early October
Locations: 21 sites from southern California to central Oregon
Pay: $25/hour
Expected duties: 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.
Required qualifications
Positive attitude, great work ethic, and strong communication skills for collaborative teamwork and problem solving
Upper-level undergraduate student or recent college graduate who has taken at least one ecology course and is 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 qualifications
Familiarity with plant identification
Previous field experience
Experience in extended remote camping and driving on 4WD roads
Wilderness safety training
Additional information: 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 mileage reimbursements for gas. 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. Technicians will have the option of completing wilderness first aid training, with course fees covered, prior to beginning field work.
To apply: Please submit the following materials to https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/202098 as a single pdf: 1) a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position (including your available dates), 2) current CV or resume (with relevant coursework included), and 3) contact information (phone number and email address) for 2 references. Review of applications by Drs. Sheth and Angert will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Feel free to email Dr. Sheth ([email protected]) if you have any questions.
