WSU Temp - Plant Ecology Crew Lead
Job Story
Wichita State University is seeking up to five highly motivated technicians to assist in data collection for a collaborative research project investigating the response of plants, birds, and soils to different cattle grazing practices on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands in Kansas and Colorado.
Work Schedule
Work times may vary depending on weather, but can generally be expected 8 hours, 5 days per work. Start time can vary from 5:00-7:00 am and ending around 1:00-3:00 pm.
Export Compliance Requirement
No export control requirement.
Job Duties
- Collecting vegetation structural data
- Collecting plant species abundance
- Collecting plant biomass
- Data entry and quality control
- Equipment preparation and maintenance
Required Education
This is specific to each position and department. See additional requirements and/or preferences.
Additional Requirements
- Possess a valid drivers license
- Willing to drive rental field vehicles on gravel and muddy roads
- Must be available for the entirety of the field season ~mid/late May to August 8th, 2025
Required Experience
This is specific to each position and department. See additional requirements and/or preferences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Academic training in and/or enthusiasm for biology and/or ecology
- Previous Experience With Plant Identification Preferred, But Not required
- Fit to perform and keep up field work while maintaining exceptional work ethic in a variety of conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, biting insects, and poison ivy
- Eager to work in remote, rural settings for long periods of time
- Good interpersonal skills and willingness to work and live with other technicians and interact positively with CRP landowners
- Attention to detail and able to closely follow a detailed data collection protocol
Additional Information for Posting
Technicians will gain experience with plant identification and data collection techniques, interact with private landowners, and large-scale ecological research. The field position will end by August 8th, 2025. Shared housing will be provided near field sites in rural Kansas (St. John) and Colorado (Las Animas or Lamar). Rental vehicles will be provided for fieldwork transportation.