Lead Restoration Technician

Grassland loss is the single greatest conservation issue currently facing eastern North American biodiversity. Our precious Southeastern grasslands are nearly extinct, and the species that depend on them are fading fast. Many of our Southeastern grasslands that managed to persist through the past 200 years have disappeared in the past quarter-century. What will the next 25 years bring? As a conservation community, we are only now realizing how extensive our grasslands used to be. If we want to reverse the tide of grassland biodiversity loss, our response must be rapid as well as unparalleled in its magnitude. This is an immensely complex and ambitious challenge that will take some of the brightest and most creative minds in American conservation and philanthropy to solve. Are you ready to join the Southeastern Grasslands Institute’s team?

With support from NFWFs America’s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative, Austin Peay State University’s Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) is leading a major regional initiative, “Last Chance Grasslands,” to stabilize and restore 2,500 acres of native grasslands in Central Tennessee. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for conservation, and we’re looking for one full-time Lead Restoration Technician to join us on the front lines of this work. As a lead technician, you’ll be part of a dedicated restoration team working across both public and private lands to rebuild native ecosystems from the ground up. You’ll get your boots dirty restoring remnant grasslands, applying prescribed fire, collecting seeds, removing invasive species, and helping launch one of the largest grassland recovery efforts in the eastern U.S.

What You’ll Gain

• Deep, hands-on experience with grassland restoration at scale.
• Professional development in leadership, prescribed fire, GIS mapping, seed systems, and biodiversity monitoring.
• Mentorship from some of the leading grassland ecologists in the eastern U.S.
• Exposure to cutting-edge ecological work and opportunities to grow into leadership roles within SGI’s restoration team.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead all restoration, documenting, classifying, and mapping activities of various grassland habitats across Middle Tennessee.
• Conduct surveys of grassland plants, birds, and pollinator species in a diverse array of habitats across Middle Tennessee.
• Implement grassland restoration and reconstruction projects in the project region (ie, site preparation, invasive species management, herbicide application, seed collection, planting of restoration seed mixes, and more).
• Plan weekly fieldwork activities with the Director of Stewardship.
• Collect and process native seed for propagation and restoration.
• Implement grassland restoration and reconstruction projects in the project region (i.e. site preparation, invasive species management, herbicide application, seed collection, planting of restoration seed mixes, and more).
• Develop relationships with landowners and land managers.
• Plan weekly fieldwork activities with the technicians.
• Compile and maintain large, complex datasets.
• Assist in gathering written, photographic, and GIS data for each project location.
• Coordinate and lead daily project activities for the team of restoration technicians.
• Communicate project updates and needs with the Director of Restoration and Stewardship.
• Compile and maintain large, complex datasets.
• Assist in gathering written, photographic, and GIS data for each project location.
• Assist with preparing maps using GIS software.
• Collect plant samples for herbarium accession and other specimens from project sites.
• Read relevant materials and protocols.
• Participate in regular team meetings and SGI staff meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of grassland community types of the Southeastern United States.
• Knowledge of plant, bird, and pollinator species of the Southeastern United States.
• Knowledge of grassland restoration and reconstruction practices.
• Knowledge of invasive species management.
• Ability to use a GPS device and GIS software.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to challenges.
• Ability to confidently lead and work as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as working 8 days on followed by 6 days off, beginning work at 5 am to avoid heat-related issues, or occasionally working late hours on time-sensitive needs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and experience driving a wide variety of vehicles and ATVs, including 4WD.
• Must be able to hike over rugged terrain in a variety of landscapes (grasslands, wetlands, rugged hills, slopes, etc.).
• Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing environmental conditions, including hot temperatures, buggy conditions, and rain.
• Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days, if necessary.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• S. or B.A. degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Natural Resources or related, preferred. Field.
• 1-2 years of experience in grassland restoration.
• Experience monitoring vegetation, grassland birds, and/or pollinators of the eastern United States is strongly preferred.
• Must have excellent organizational and task-management skills.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and work effectively within a dynamic team and a wide variety of people.
• Comes prepared with a good attitude and willingness to learn.
• Strong commitment to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are considered throughout all aspects of the program.
• Must be flexible with travel and work schedules.