Temporary Plant Ecology Field Technician - CA/OR

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 mid/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 updating plot notes; and (6) collecting fruits off-plot.

This position is expected to run for approximately six weeks, beginning in mid/late August and concluding in late September or early October. Exact start and end dates may vary depending on project needs and field conditions.

Additional Information:
All application materials will be reviewed by Dr. Seema Sheth and Dr. Amy Angert. Exact start and end dates are flexible and may be adjusted based on candidate availability and project needs.

Project-related campground fees and occasional motel lodging will be fully covered. Field technicians will be provided with a rental vehicle for project travel and will be reimbursed for approved fuel expenses incurred during fieldwork.

We are committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and respectful work environment for all crew members. A comprehensive field safety plan has been developed for this project, and all technicians will be required to review, understand, and adhere to established safety protocols and procedures throughout the duration of their employment.

Field technicians will be provided with a Garmin inReach device, a GPS-enabled satellite communication and emergency response system designed for use in remote locations.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the start date of employment due to rental vehicle requirements associated with this position.

Work Schedule:
Working hours can range from 7 AM to 7 PM, 5-6 days per week (not always Monday - Friday), with a typical field day lasting 8-10 hours depending on site access and plot conditions. Days off are scheduled according to the team's needs and preferences, in consultation with the PIs.

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What we offer:

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