Restoration Field Technician

Position Summary

Grassland loss is the greatest conservation issue 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 only now realize how extensive our grasslands used to be. 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 some of American conservation and philanthropy’s brightest and most creative minds to solve. Are you ready to join the Southeastern Grasslands Institute’s team?

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) received four years of funding from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation for our project titled “Last Chance Grasslands: Stablizing, Restoring, and Reconstructing 2,500 Acres of the Forgotten Grasslands of Central TN.” SGI invites applications for two 3-month Restoration Technician positions and three 6-month Restoration Technician positions to study and restore native grasslands as part of this exciting project. These positions will work 30 hours per week at $20 per hour. Technicians will be responsible for collecting baseline data from grassland remnants and proposed grassland “reconstruction” sites at a diverse array of private lands across Middle TN, as well as carrying out day-to-day restoration activities including but not limited to Invasive species treatment, prescribed fire, seed collection,  prairie planting, and more. These positions will be located in Clarksville, TN (45 miles from Nashville, TN). Field Technicians will receive daily direction and directly report to SGI’s Interior Low Plateau Grasslands Coordinator.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment based on 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 and Responsibilities

• Assist with documenting, classifying, and mapping examples of various grassland habitats on private land in Middle TN.
• Conduct surveys of grassland plant, bird, and pollinator species on private land in Middle TN.
• Implement grassland restoration and reconstruction projects on private land in Middle TN. (e.g., site preparation, invasive species management, herbicide application, seed collection, planting of restoration seed mixes, and more).
• Assist in gathering written, photographic, and GIS data for each project location.
• 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 in the Southeastern United States.
• Knowledge of the Southeastern United States plant, bird, and pollinator species.
• 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 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 various 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

• Experience in grassland restoration and/or land management 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 with 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 the program.
• Must be flexible with travel and work schedules.

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to holly.latta@segrasslands.org with “ATBC Field Technician” in the subject line. The application deadline is April 30th.

Position Dates:

Three-month positions: June – August 2025, but may be somewhat flexible.

Six-month positions: June – November 2025, but may be somewhat flexible.

Interviews will begin in early May.