Summer Crew Leader-Vegetation Data Collection

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Deer-Forest Study (https://deer.psu.edu) is a long-term research project investigating the role of deer herbivory, soils, and competing vegetation on forest plant communities. We are seeking summer field technicians to assist with data collection on permanent plots on four study areas. Crew members will receive two weeks of training on using GPS to find plot locations, plant identification, and how to apply the study protocol. You will spend your days finding permanent forest inventory plots, identifying and quantifying the size and abundance of trees and understory plants, and recording and archiving the data you collect. You will gain valuable skills and experience in plant identification and conducting vegetation surveys.

Key qualifications: At least two years toward a natural resources baccalaureate degree; ability to hike off-trail for up to two miles while carrying equipment with or without accommodation; demonstrated plant identification skills (as evidenced by a course in plant ID, such as dendrology, and/or field experience collecting vegetation data); ability to work independently and reliably without direct supervision in challenging field conditions; and possession of a valid driver’s license.

Crew Leaders: In addition to performing the duties described above, crew leaders must be able to successfully manage and lead a vegetation monitoring crew while they perform daily duties. This includes daily planning of plot visits, assessing access routes and equipment needs, and management/archiving of collected data.

This position is located in State College, PA. Crew Leader must be available beginning Wednesday, May 8th with possible extension through Friday, August 16th.

Questions: Contact Danielle Begley-Miller at [email protected]

To apply: Apply online via WorkDay and include a cover letter, résumé, transcripts, and contact information for three references. At least one reference should be able to comment on your plant identification skills. If you wish to be considered for a crew leader position, please explain in the cover letter your qualifications for supervising a field crew.

This job requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Affirmative Action

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines

University Park, PA