Temporary Field Technician - Colorado
NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
Job Details
Posting Number: PG195911TM | Position Number: 11ASO3683 | Position Type: Temporary
Overview
The Diversity in Changing Environments Lab (PI: Dr. Will Petry at North Carolina State University) is searching for a temporary, part‑time research technician to assist with field work in Colorado from mid‑June through August 2026. The selected candidate will aid in field data collection for our study of plant demographic responses to environmental variation, contributing to long‑term census data, experimental manipulations, and forecasting population trajectories.
Essential Job Duties
Collect demographic data from plants in remote natural populations
Assist in tagging and mapping new study plants
Assist with the setup of seed germination experiments
Maintain study infrastructure including plant tags, plot markers, and data loggers
Drive the field vehicle to access research sites, including on mountain roads that may be narrow, slippery, windy, and unpaved
Perform data management tasks including data digitization and entry
Flexibly reallocate effort and task priorities to accomplish data collection goals
Promote the safety of all field team members
Comply with the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory’s rules, policies, and Code of Conduct
Working Conditions
Field work requires driving on rough roads and strenuous hiking to remote and isolated study sites. Several sites are a few miles from the nearest road, demanding up to 10 miles round‑trip hiking on steep trails at elevations up to 12,500 feet. Measuring plants involves repeated bending, crouching, squatting, and kneeling on uneven ground. Bathroom facilities and cell phone reception may be limited for long periods. Work may occur in temperatures ranging from 40ºF to >90ºF, with high winds, direct sun, and precipitation.
Work is usually conducted in pairs or small groups, with occasional solo work. Safety training, a first aid kit, task‑specific personal protective equipment, and an emergency communicator/transponder are provided as part of our field safety plan.
Compensation and Housing
$15.16+/hour for part‑time (~20 hours/week) work, commensurate with experience
Up to 11 weeks of housing provided through RMBL (including station use fees) to cover full‑time work weeks
Travel assistance to/from the RMBL up to $400
Use of a field vehicle for performing job duties
The technician will be responsible for personal food costs and any incidental expenses incurred at the RMBL.
Work Schedule
20 hours/week, Monday‑Friday. Off days may be shifted on an as‑needed basis if Saturday/Sunday work is required to accommodate plant phenology or inclement weather.
Position Duration
Temporary appointment of 11 weeks, ideally starting on or around 12 June and ending on or around 28 August.
Qualifications
Minimum Experience/Education
Combination of training and experience required to perform the duties
Department Required Skills
At least 6‑months of work experience in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, or a related field
Ability to drive the field vehicle on mountain roads that may be unpaved, windy, or narrow
Ability to work safely and efficiently in small teams or alone in the field
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
Bachelor’s degree OR degree in progress
Experience performing field data collection from plants and/or for demographic census
Ability to operate a survey GPS/GNSS to collect spatial data
Experience using GIS software to produce maps and visualize spatial data
Experience with data entry, organization, quality control, and management using spreadsheet software
Experience driving 4×4 vehicles
Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certification
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license for operating long‑distance handheld radios
Required License or Certification
Valid driver’s license
EEO Statement
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
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Posting Number: PG195911TM | Position Number: 11ASO3683 | Position Type: Temporary
Overview
The Diversity in Changing Environments Lab (PI: Dr. Will Petry at North Carolina State University) is searching for a temporary, part‑time research technician to assist with field work in Colorado from mid‑June through August 2026. The selected candidate will aid in field data collection for our study of plant demographic responses to environmental variation, contributing to long‑term census data, experimental manipulations, and forecasting population trajectories.
Essential Job Duties
Collect demographic data from plants in remote natural populations
Assist in tagging and mapping new study plants
Assist with the setup of seed germination experiments
Maintain study infrastructure including plant tags, plot markers, and data loggers
Drive the field vehicle to access research sites, including on mountain roads that may be narrow, slippery, windy, and unpaved
Perform data management tasks including data digitization and entry
Flexibly reallocate effort and task priorities to accomplish data collection goals
Promote the safety of all field team members
Comply with the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory’s rules, policies, and Code of Conduct
Working Conditions
Field work requires driving on rough roads and strenuous hiking to remote and isolated study sites. Several sites are a few miles from the nearest road, demanding up to 10 miles round‑trip hiking on steep trails at elevations up to 12,500 feet. Measuring plants involves repeated bending, crouching, squatting, and kneeling on uneven ground. Bathroom facilities and cell phone reception may be limited for long periods. Work may occur in temperatures ranging from 40ºF to >90ºF, with high winds, direct sun, and precipitation.
Work is usually conducted in pairs or small groups, with occasional solo work. Safety training, a first aid kit, task‑specific personal protective equipment, and an emergency communicator/transponder are provided as part of our field safety plan.
Compensation and Housing
$15.16+/hour for part‑time (~20 hours/week) work, commensurate with experience
Up to 11 weeks of housing provided through RMBL (including station use fees) to cover full‑time work weeks
Travel assistance to/from the RMBL up to $400
Use of a field vehicle for performing job duties
The technician will be responsible for personal food costs and any incidental expenses incurred at the RMBL.
Work Schedule
20 hours/week, Monday‑Friday. Off days may be shifted on an as‑needed basis if Saturday/Sunday work is required to accommodate plant phenology or inclement weather.
Position Duration
Temporary appointment of 11 weeks, ideally starting on or around 12 June and ending on or around 28 August.
Qualifications
Minimum Experience/Education
Combination of training and experience required to perform the duties
Department Required Skills
At least 6‑months of work experience in biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, or a related field
Ability to drive the field vehicle on mountain roads that may be unpaved, windy, or narrow
Ability to work safely and efficiently in small teams or alone in the field
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
Bachelor’s degree OR degree in progress
Experience performing field data collection from plants and/or for demographic census
Ability to operate a survey GPS/GNSS to collect spatial data
Experience using GIS software to produce maps and visualize spatial data
Experience with data entry, organization, quality control, and management using spreadsheet software
Experience driving 4×4 vehicles
Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certification
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license for operating long‑distance handheld radios
Required License or Certification
Valid driver’s license
EEO Statement
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
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