Temporary Plant Ecology Field Technician

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.

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 ssheth3@ncsu.edu with subject line "plant ecology field technician"

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