Field Technician (NPS Team)

Grassland loss is the greatest conservation issue facing eastern North American biodiversity. Our precious Southeastern grasslands have suffered immeasurable losses, and the species that depend on them are fading fast. Many Southeastern grasslands that managed to persist through the past 200 years have disappeared over the past quarter-century. What will the next 25 years bring? If we want to reverse the tide of grassland biodiversity loss, our response must be rapid and unparalleled in magnitude. This immensely complex and ambitious challenge will take hard work, passion, and creativity. Are you ready to join the Southeastern Grasslands Institute’s team?

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for a Field Technician position located in the Roanoke/Salem, VA area. Funding is available for six months, at $20/hour for 37.5 hours/week. Technicians will be responsible for carrying out grassland restoration and land management tasks at a diverse array of national parks across the Eastern US, including Shenandoah National Park, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, Gateway National Recreation Area, and others. Field Technicians will travel extensively throughout the course of the position, typically on an 8-day on/6-day off schedule, with all travel expenses covered by grant funds. The Field Technician will receive daily direction from a Lead Field Technician and directly report to SGI’s Central Appalachian Grasslands Coordinator.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement grassland restoration and reconstruction projects in National Parks across the Eastern U.S. (i.e., invasive species management, treating woody encroachment, herbicide application).
• Plan weekly fieldwork activities with the Lead Field Technician.
• Communicate project updates and needs with the Lead Field Technician.
• Assist in gathering written, photographic, and GIS data for each project location.
• Assist with preparing maps using GIS software.
• Read relevant materials and protocols.
• Participate in regular team meetings and SGI staff meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of grassland restoration and reconstruction practices.
• Knowledge of invasive species management.
• Knowledge of grassland plant species and community types of the Southeastern United States.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to challenges.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to hike over rugged terrain in various landscapes (grasslands, wetlands, rugged hills, slopes, etc.)
• Must have a valid driver’s license and experience driving a wide variety of vehicles and ATVs, including 4WD.
• Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing environmental conditions, including hot and cold temperatures, buggy conditions, and rain.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning work early to avoid heat-related issues.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in grassland restoration and/or land management is preferred.
• Must have an interest in Southeastern natural history, ecology, and plant communities.
• Must have excellent organizational and task-management skills.
• Must have strong communication skills. This includes writing clearly and concisely, responding to emails and phone calls in a timely manner, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Comes prepared with a good attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to learn quickly and creatively adapt to challenges.
• Strong commitment to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are considered throughout all aspects of the program.

Position Dates: June 2026 – December 2026. Interviews will begin in May.