Grassland Restoration, Inventory, & Monitoring Field Technician (6 months)

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for a part-time Field Technician position. This position will be responsible for helping plan and perform restoration activities on public and private lands across Middle Tennessee. The Field Technician will also assist in performing biodiversity surveys (e.g. bird point surveys, botanical surveys, invertebrate surveys) and native seed collections. The Field Technician will report to the Interior Low Plateau Grasslands Coordinator. The Technician is expected to spend 90% of their time in the field and 10% in indoor facilities to perform the other activities. Some traveling will be expected to reach the different project areas with possible overnight stays. Expenses related to traveling, such as transportation, lodging and per diem will be covered through SGI funding. This is a part-time, seasonal position averaging 29 hours/week for 6 months (May-Oct). The Technician will be expected to interact and sometimes work closely with other members of SGI, such as the Volunteer Coordinator, Native Seed Program Director, and Plant Conservation Manager. The work will be performed in-person both in the field and in the indoor facilities. Working from home will be possible for a few, specific desk-based tasks. While the work will be done in and around Clarksville, TN, many of our staff members live in the Nashville, TN area and carpool to and from work. Submit your resume and cover letter to Jeremy French at jeremy.french@segrasslands.org. Please state "Six Month Technician Position" in the email subject line.

SGI, affiliated with the Center of Excellence for Field Biology at Austin Peay State University, is a young and dynamic organization where we celebrate, support and strive to promote diversity, equality and inclusion, and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Communicate with public entities and private landowners about restoration activities.

  • Perform restoration activities on a daily basis. These activities may include: applying herbicides, cutting/moving brush, and collecting native seeds.

  • Help monitor restoration sites to assess success.

  • Assist in GIS mapping exercises.

  • Collect and maintain data for restoration sites.

  • Assist in writing annual reports for each restoration site.

  • Communicate to all parties clearly, effectively and timely.

  • Report in an accurate and timely fashion.

  • Work and assist our volunteers in various activities, such as clearing brush, weeding, etc..

  • Help with organization of small events such as training courses and workshops.

  • Read relevant materials and protocols.

  • Participate in regular team meetings and occasional SGI staff meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of restoration practices and how to implement these practices.

  • Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the South.

  • Ability to operate small and large equipment.

  • Ability to set up and run scientific experiments.

  • Ability to accurately use a GPS device.

  • Ability to drive 4x4 Vehicle off road.

  • Able to learn quickly and adapt to challenges.

  • Familiar with farm equipment including but not limited to tractors, UTVS, and sprayers.

  • Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning at 5 am, to avoid heat-related issues, or for coordination with team members.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to work in a variety of outdoor and indoor settings.

  • Must be able to hike over rugged terrain and a variety of landscapes (wetlands, grasslands, rugged hills, slopes, etc.).

  • Must be comfortable visiting natural areas where encounters with wildlife can happen.

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

  • Ability to bend and stoop for long periods of time while identifying species, scouting populations, collecting seed; to use hand tools; and occasionally lift buckets of water and other heavy loads.

  • Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing environmental conditions, including hot temperatures, independently in remote places, or as part of a team.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • Currently pursuing a B.S. or B.A. degree in Biology, Natural Resources or related fields.

  • Experience in plant identification is preferred.

  • Knowledge of and prior experience in restoration activities is preferred.

  • Excellent organizational and task-management skills.

  • Experience maintaining accurate and detailed data records.

  • Must have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and work effectively within a dynamic team and a wide variety of people.

  • Comes prepared with a good attitude and willingness to learn.

  • Strong commitment to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are considered throughout all aspects of the program.

  • Possession of a valid driver’s license preferred.