Student Assistant 2 - SENR

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

3d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking three motivated student assistants to assist with vegetation sampling and ecological field research across a network of sites in Ohio. Assistants will support two active research projects: 1. Multitrophic Forest Communities Project – examining relationships among vegetation, wildlife, and forest ecosystem processes. 2. Red Oak Project – evaluating survivorship, growth, phenology, and ecological value of red oak populations under changing environmental conditions. Student Assistants will work closely with faculty, graduate researchers, and field staff to collect high-quality vegetation and habitat data in forested field settings. This position offers valuable hands-on experience in plant identification, ecological monitoring, and applied field research. Note that travel to and from field sites and some overnight stays will be required.

Requirements

• Current undergraduate or graduate student in Environmental Science, Forestry Fisheries and Wildlife or similar making good progress towards their undergraduate degree
• Interest in plant ecology, forestry, conservation, or field-based environmental research
• Willingness to learn vegetation sampling protocols and plant identification skills
• Neat, legible handwriting and good attention to detail
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar software
• Good communication, teamwork, and organizational skills with an ability to live and work cooperatively with others
• Ability to work independently with guidance when needed
• Ability to hike uneven terrain, work outdoors for extended periods in difficult conditions, and lift up to 45 lbs
• Willingness to travel and stay overnight near field locations when necessary

Nice To Haves

• Experience with fieldwork, outdoor labor, or ecological monitoring is preferred but not required
• Familiarity with common Ohio native woody and invasive plant species is preferred but not essential

Responsibilities

• Assist the project team with conducting vegetation sampling using standardized ecological field methods across multiple Ohio forest research sites
• Assist with monitoring phenology, growth and masting dynamics of oak trees
• Enter, organize, and quality-check field data using Microsoft Excel
• Prepare and identify herbarium samples as needed
• Support day-to-day field logistics, including equipment preparation, loading, and maintenance
• Travel to field sites and participate in overnight stays when required
• Work to their own initiative with minimal supervision and be able to solve routine problems as they arise
• Work safely in outdoor environments under varying weather and terrain conditions
• Communicate progress, observations, and issues to project supervisors
• Collaborate professionally with faculty, staff, graduate students, and fellow interns

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed