Field Technician, Southeastern Grassland Initiatives

Austin Peay State University•Clarksville, TN

15h•Onsite

About The Position

Austin Peay State University’s Southeastern Grasslands Institute invites applications for a Field Technician based in Clarksville, Tennessee. The position carries out restoration and land-management work at national parks across the Southern and Eastern United States, with limited opportunities to assist with vegetation monitoring. The technician travels extensively throughout the year, typically following an 8-day-on/6-day-off schedule. Overnight stays and travel expenses are covered by grant funds, and up to 90% of work time is spent in the field. The Field Technician receives daily direction from a Lead Field Technician and reports directly to SGI’s Interior Plateau Grasslands Coordinator. The role involves implementing grassland restoration projects, coordinating daily fieldwork, collecting project information, and contributing to management plans and team meetings.

Requirements

Knowledge of grassland plant species and community types of the Southeastern and/or Mid-Atlantic United States.
Knowledge of grassland restoration and reconstruction practices.
Knowledge of invasive-species management.
Ability to learn quickly and adapt to challenges.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Good attitude and willingness to learn.
Excellent organizational and task-management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide variety of people.
Strong commitment to ensuring diversity and inclusion are considered throughout all aspects of the program.
Flexibility with travel and work schedules.
Ability to work a non-standard schedule, including an 8-days-on/6-days-off schedule, starting work at 5 a.m. to avoid heat-related issues, or occasionally working late hours for time-sensitive needs.
Valid driver’s license and experience driving a wide variety of vehicles and ATVs, including 4WD.
Ability to hike over rugged terrain in a variety of landscapes, including grasslands, wetlands, rugged hills, and slopes.
Willingness and ability to work in harsh, changing environmental conditions, including hot temperatures, buggy conditions, and rain.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in grassland restoration and/or land management is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement grassland restoration and reconstruction projects in national parks across the Southern and Eastern United States, including invasive-species management, treatment of woody encroachment, site preparation, and planting restoration seed mixes.
Plan daily fieldwork activities with the Lead Field Technician.
Communicate project updates and needs to the Lead Field Technician.
Assist in gathering written, photographic, and GIS data for each project location.
Assist in writing and editing management plans for project locations.
Read relevant materials and protocols.
Participate in regular team meetings and SGI staff meetings.