Native Seed Program Field Technician

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for a seasonal part-time Native Seed Program Technician position, funded by an assistance agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

The part-time Technician will be part of the Native Seed Program team at SGI and will report to the Native Seed Collections Manager. Specifically, the Technician will be responsible for scouting plant populations and collecting seeds for the Seeds of Success (SOS) national program, as part of a field crew led by the Native Seed Collections Manager. The Technician will also be expected to assist with indoor activities, primarily native seed cleaning and processing. The Technician is expected to spend approximately half of their time in the field and the remaining time in indoor facilities to perform the other activities. Extensive traveling will be expected to reach plant populations across multiple states, including Alabama and Kentucky, with occasional overnight stays. Expenses related to traveling, such as transportation, lodging, and per diem, will be covered through the Program’s funding. This is a part-time, seasonal, nontenure-track position for 29 hours/week for $20/hour for 30 weeks (8 months), paid bi-weekly. The position is expected to be filled from mid-June 2025 to January 2026, for a total of 30 weeks.

The Technician will be expected to interact and sometimes work closely with other members of SGI, such as the Volunteer Coordinator and the Stewardship Director. The work will be performed in person both in the field and at SGI’s headquarters in Clarksville, TN. Working from home will be possible for a few, specific desk-based tasks.

Austin Peay State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Complete any required training.
• Help identify potential collection locations of priority species through scouting, analysis of herbarium records, previous SOS collections, vegetation inventories, or mapping.
• As part of the team, make seed collections using the BLM SOS protocol (https://www.blm.gov/SOS).
• Collect herbarium vouchers and take appropriate photos as instructed in the SOS protocol.
• Help monitor the phenology of target plant populations.
• Help update and maintain all required population and geospatial data.
• Process seeds in preparation for shipment to the national seed cleaning facility (treat and weigh seed, remove excess or foreign plant material, and record data).
• Assist our volunteers with seed cleaning and other activities.
• Help to complete end-of-season duties, such as shipping plant materials and filling out the SOS final report.
• Help with the organization of small events such as training courses and workshops.
• Read and follow relevant materials and protocols, including the SOS Technical Protocol.
• Participate in regular Native Seed Program team meetings and occasional SGI staff meetings.
• Keep track of hours worked.
• Communicate with all parties effectively and in a timely manner.
• Report in an accurate and timely fashion.
• Adhere to all SGI and APSU policies and procedures for employees.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in a variety of outdoor and indoor settings.
• Must be able to hike over rugged terrain and a variety of landscapes (wetlands, grasslands, rugged hills, slopes, etc.).
• Must be comfortable visiting natural areas where encounters with wildlife can happen.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend and stoop for long periods of time while identifying species, scouting populations, and collecting seed; to use hand tools; and occasionally lift buckets of water and other heavy loads.
• Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning in the early morning to avoid heat-related issues, or for coordination with team members.
• Willingness and ability to work in hot and humid conditions.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S./B.A. degree preferred.
• Experience in plant identification is essential.
• Knowledge of and prior experience in seed collection and processing is desirable.
• Good organizational and task-management skills.
• Must be able to work as part of a dynamic team and take directions from the crew lead.
• Must be able to work in a physical space that is under development.
• Must be enthusiastic about working and spending time outdoors.
• Experience hiking.
• Able to learn quickly and adapt to challenges.
• Strong commitment to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are considered throughout all aspects of our program.
• Evidence of good character, mature attitude, and professional integrity.
• Experience in maintaining accurate and detailed data records.
• Capable of conducting field work safely in rough terrain in harsh environmental conditions.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Must be fluent in English.
• A background check will be required of the successful candidate.