Summer Field Technician-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 three 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. They will spend their days finding permanent forest inventory plots, identifying and quantifying the size and abundance of trees and understory plants, and recording and archiving the data they collect. The successful candidates 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.

This position is located in State College, PA. Technicians will start Monday, May 13th working 40 hrs./week until Friday, August 9th.

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

To apply: Apply online via WorkDay and attach 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.

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

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