Job Title: Vegetation Survey Field Technician (8-10 positions) 

Agency: Purdue University – Dept. of Forestry & Natural Resources 

Closing Date: Until filled 

Start Date: May 12, 2025 

End Date: Flexible, but approximately August 2025 

Compensation: $15.00/hour and housing* 

Vegetation Survey Technicians will help carry out research on the effects of silvicultural treatments on the ecology of managed forests as part of the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) near Bloomington, IN. Field sites will be within Morgan Monroe State Forest and Yellowwood State Forest. The primary duty for these positions will be to conduct overstory tree surveys including measurement and identification of trees, saplings, and seedlings as well as shrubs. Technicians may also be asked to assist with other research projects and maintenance tasks associated with the HEE such as Lepidoptera sampling and breeding bird monitoring throughout the field season. Additionally, technicians will collect updated GPS data for HEE units.  

Qualifications: 

Required 

• Field or classroom experience conducting forest inventories 
• Strong tree and shrub identification skills  
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record 
• Willingness to work in extreme conditions, including traversing rugged terrain through dense, thorny shrubs  

Preferred 

• Experience with hand-held GPS units, maps, and compasses 

Each work week will generally consist of five 8-hour days. Work will not exceed 40 hours in a week. Start and end dates are somewhat flexible depending on individual’s schedules. Please contact Kat Shay (koshay@purdue.edu) for specific questions. 

The successful applicant(s) will be subjected to a comprehensive background check managed by Purdue University’s Human Resources department. The final hire is contingent upon clearance of this background check. 

*Bunkhouse housing is provided at HEE. Basic utilities are included. Residents will be required to pay a $300 refundable security deposit prior to beginning work in addition to a $20 non-refundable cleaning fee. Residents will also be required to keep facilities clean. 

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer, fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.