Position Description: We are seeking a motivated technician to assist with data collection on plant community response to conservation actions for reducing woody plant invasion. Woody plant invasion is a top driver of grassland loss in North America. This position is a seasonal field job for the summer of 2025 focused on botanical surveys in North Dakota and Minnesota tall-grass prairies. This position will aid graduate student research focused on developing management strategies to address woody encroachment in grassland systems.

You will have the opportunity to gain skills in plant ID, grassland sampling methods, experimental design, and data collection and organization. The technician will be trained in all survey protocols. You will be expected to work in challenging field conditions. Days in the field involve walking long distance over hilly and uneven terrain, working in hot, humid, and buggy conditions, working in areas with little to no shade, and working long days up to 10 hours. Data collection sites include but are not limited to: Sheyenne National Grassland and Bluestem Prairie SNA. Daily travel to these sites is required. A vehicle will be provided for work related travel to field sites. Housing is available at Albert E. Ekre Grassland Preserve in close proximity to the Sheyenne National Grassland. Start date is flexible, but should be no later than June 11th. If available in May, the tech may have the opportunity to aid in post-fire monitoring. The technician will be supervised and directly work with Michele Beadle, but will also have the opportunity to work other NDSU students and faculty.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Native and invasive grassland plant ID
• Plant functional group and percent cover surveys
• Biomass surveys, clipping and weighing vegetation
• Photo point surveys
• Mowing vegetation
• Maintaining field equipment
• Fire effects monitoring (if starting early enough to catch the end of the prescribed fire season)
• Entering collected data into excel or other data organization software
• Performing work in a safe and efficient manner
• Communicate daily about work needs and accomplishments
• Driving over uneven terrain or off-road
• Follow all Leave No Trace principles while in the field

Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to maintain a positive outlook in wide-ranging weather conditions
• Ability to work outdoors in less than ideal conditions with exposure to hazards such as ticks and poison ivy
• Ability to walk 5+ miles over hills and uneven terrain
• Stooping and kneeling for extended periods
• Lifting 40+ lbs

Desired qualifications:

• At least one season or summer of field work.
• Grassland plant ID
• Practice in using dichotomous keys
• Experience working both independently and as part of a team
• First aid training and/or wilderness first aid
• Driving 4x4 vehicles

Start Date: June 2 – August 22nd 2025 (start and end dates flexible)

Last Date to apply: Applications reviewed as received. Please apply by March 10th.

Contact: Michele Beadle, michele.beadle@ndsu.edu