Biological Science

Online Application link: https://csusystem.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com/fortcollins_careers/job/Fort-Collins-CO/Lake-Ecology-Research-Technician_R2026103237

Position Summary: The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University is hiring two lake ecology research technicians to work on a collaborative project with the Preston and Almeida aquatic ecology labs, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Northern Water, and other stakeholders. The positions will involve field and laboratory work, with a focus on running and maintaining a lake mesocosm experiment in Grand Lake (Grand County, CO) near Rocky Mountain National Park. The experiment is designed to manipulate non-native Mysis diluviana densities and evaluate lake ecosystem responses, especially zooplankton, phytoplankton, and water clarity. The successful candidates will be stationed on Grand Lake for the summer to collect experimental data from floating docks, including sampling at nighttime. Lodging in Grand Lake will be provided, in addition to per diem. When not engaged in field research, the candidate will have opportunities for laboratory work to help with processing of samples to characterize the lake food web.

Job Duration: Start date between mid-May and mid-June and end date of mid-August to mid-September. There may be an opportunity to extend the positions into Fall depending on performance, needs of the project, and whether the candidate is enrolled in fall courses or not.

Full Consideration Date: April 30, 2026

Brief Work Unit Description: The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology is housed within the WarnerCollege of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. The Department trains students and post-graduates in ecology and conservation and conducts research on applied ecology topics in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Essential Job Duties

• Deployment and maintenance of mesocosm structures, to include daily monitoring and cleaning/repairs between experiments.
• Lake sample collection, to include mysis, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and a suite of limnological data (e.g., nutrients, Secchi depth, temperature profiles).
• Lake sample processing, to include quantifying composition of Mysis and zooplankton samples.
• Operation of motor boats
• Data entry and organization tasks in coordination with a team of researchers.

Conditions of Employment:

• Valid drivers license
• Ability to pass a background check

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to work well with a group, communicate clearly, have a positive attitude, and treat everyone on the research team with respect.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow protocols and record data carefully and accurately
• The candidates will be stationed in or near Grand Lake, Colorado during the experiments and will likely work five days on, two off with flexible scheduling to align with needs of the experimental sampling
• Must be comfortable working during both the day and night while on boats and floating docks.
• Strong decision-making skills in the field; ability to troubleshoot independently
• Ability to work safely in poor weather

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating small boats, including towing and backing a trailer, navigating a boat ramp, and operating on the water
• Experience with lake sampling of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and water chemistry
• Experience with data entry and organization

Pay Rate Range: 17.00 – 21.00 per hour, depending on qualifications

Application Instructions: Please submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references to the application link. For questions please contact: jeremy.brooks@colostate.edu

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Interdiction team at the Wahweap location on Lake Powell manages and contains aquatic invasive species, specifically quagga mussels, and prevents their spread into other water bodies throughout the state and beyond.

AIS Technicians primarily conduct watercraft inspections as boaters exit Lake Powell to help prevent the spread of quagga mussels. Technicians also assist with public outreach and education about invasive species and the ecological, infrastructure, and recreational impacts these species can have if they spread.

This position offers:
• $17.50 per hour
• Free dorm-style housing at Lake Powell
• Hands-on experience in aquatic invasive species management
• Opportunities to build connections with professionals in natural resource management

Our AIS program operates through the Utah Division of Law Enforcement and works closely with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the National Park Service, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. This provides technicians with a great opportunity to network and gain exposure to multiple agencies involved in aquatic resource protection.

Lake Powell is a unique and beautiful place to work, and this position provides valuable experience for students interested in careers in fisheries, wildlife biology, conservation law enforcement, or natural resource management.

The job is posted on the Department of Natural Resources website: http://naturalresources.utah.gov/

The University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC: https://underc.nd.edu) and the Swenson Lab (www.swensonlab.com) are searching for multiple field technicians to conduct tree mapping at the UNDERC field station located in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin. The work involves the mapping of individual trees in a large forest dynamics plot. The positions are for 3 months from approximately May 15 to August 15. Preferred qualifications include an undergraduate degree in biology, forestry or ecology and previous field work experience in forests. A willingness to work in challenging field conditions and an interest in working in a team are expected. Housing on the UNDERC property will be provided free of charge as are travel expenses to and from the site. Technicians will be paid an hourly wage with an expected 40 hour work week. Field technicians at the property stay in modern housing with kitchens and prepare their own food. 

Interested individuals should contact Dr. Nathan Swenson (nswenson@nd.edu) with a resume/CV that describes previous educational training and field work experience. A separate 1-paragraph statement on how field experience may align with your career goals should also be included.

Description: The McCleery Lab with the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida is seeking 3 highly motivated field technicians for research on Sanibel Island, Florida. The technicians will assist on a project assessing movement patterns of the threatened Sanibel Island rice rate in relation to hydrology, roads, and management activity. This is a temporary, full-time position that will run from May through September 2026. Technicians will be responsible for live-trapping and tagging rice rats and tracking rats via VHF radio-telemetry. Additional duties will include data entry and miscellaneous tasks as needed. Applicants must be comfortable working long days in hot and wet conditions with snakes, biting insects, and alligators and be comfortable with nighttime fieldwork. Field housing will be provided as well as a state vehicle for work-related travel.  

Qualifications: 

• A B.S. in wildlife ecology or a related field is preferred, but not required.   
• Applicants must be willing to work the full field season, possess a valid driver’s license, and maintain a good attitude while working in sometimes adverse conditions such as high heat and humidity and with potential wildlife encounters.   
• Previous experience with field work, especially small mammal trapping/handling and/or radio telemetry is a plus, but not required.   
• The candidate must be able to work independently and collaboratively with all project members.   
• Ideal candidates will be detail-oriented, flexible, and enthusiastic.    

Application: To apply, please send the following in a single PDF document to Maggie Jones at jones.m@ufl.edu: 1) cover letter with qualifications and reasons why this job would be a good fit for you, 2) resume, and 3) names and contact information for 2 references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the positions are filled. The salary for this position is $16/hr, and housing will be provided. More information about the McCleery Lab can be found at http://www.themccleerylab.org/.

Description: The McCleery Lab with the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida is seeking 2 highly motivated field technicians for research in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. The technicians will assist on a project studying management techniques for invasive Burmese pythons and developing a real-time notification system for python detection. The technician will NOT be handling pythons–this project focuses on using new technological tools to efficiently manage invasive species, so a strong interest in invasive species management and ecology is preferred. This is a temporary, full-time position that will run from May through September 2026. Technicians will be responsible for deploying and maintaining sensory lures and using camera traps and AI species detection models to monitor python activity. Additional duties will include photo processing, data entry, and miscellaneous tasks as needed. Applicants must be comfortable working long days in hot and humid conditions with snakes, biting insects, and alligators. Field housing will be provided as well as a state vehicle for work-related travel.  

Qualifications: 

• A B.S. in wildlife ecology or a related field is preferred, but not required.   
• Applicants must be willing to work the full field season, possess a valid driver’s license, and maintain a good attitude while working in sometimes adverse conditions such as high heat and humidity and with potential wildlife encounters.   
• Previous experience with field work, especially camera trapping, is a plus, but not required.   
• The candidate must be able to work independently and collaboratively with all project members.   
• Ideal candidates will be detail-oriented, flexible, and enthusiastic.    

Application: To apply, please send the following in a single PDF document to Maggie Jones at jones.m@ufl.edu: 1) cover letter with qualifications and reasons why this job would be a good fit for you, 2) resume, and 3) names and contact information for 2 references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the positions are filled. The salary for this position is $16/hr, and housing will be provided. More information about the McCleery Lab can be found at http://www.themccleerylab.org/.

The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs at Portland State University is hiring for field technician and lab assistant positions for this spring and summer. The field technician position involved primarily field sampling at freshwater waterbodies throughout Oregon, with some lab work. The lab assistant position involves primarily lab work, with some limited field surveys completed at waterbodies in the Portland metro area. 

Field sampling is focused on the detection of invasive mussels (Dreissena spp. and Limnoperna spp.), snails, and plants. Some water quality and water chemistry measurements are taken as well. Applicants should be comfortable with sampling in all weather and temperature conditions, and should be prepared to get wet and muddy. Lab work involves decontaminating and preparing equipment, lab identification of samples collected during field surveys, shipping samples, and handling hazardous chemicals. Both lab and field technicians will spend time driving trucks with a trailer, and piloting boats at waterbodies. 

Both of these positions are entry level positions and require no experience, though experience is helpful, and we will train new hires on all aspects of these positions. These positions are excellent for gaining experience in field sampling, lab analysis, and research in aquatic ecosystems. Our target start date is April 16, but start dates can be flexible up to June 15, and hiring will continue until all positions are filled.

To apply for these positions please send an email to Ashley Newcomb at newcomb5@pdx.edu with a Resume/CV, cover letter, and 2 references. Please also indicate your preferred start date. The target start date is April 16, 2026 but the start date can be flexible up until June 15 and we will consider applications until all positions are filled by June 15. The positions will run through mid- October. Review of applications and interviews will begin March 16, and will continue until all positions are filled. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have about the positions.

Position: Lab Assistant

The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs at Portland State University is hiring lab assistants to complete tasks in support of early detection monitoring of aquatic invasive mussels (particularly Dreissena spp.), snails, crayfish, and invasive plants in Oregon. This position will include decontaminating and preparing equipment, lab identification of samples collected during field surveys, shipping samples, handling hazardous chemicals (Concentrated Acetic acid, Hydrochloric acid, Ethanol, Virkon Aquatic, TRIS hydrochloride), and limited field surveys completed at waterbodies in the Portland metro area.This position is excellent for gaining experience as an entry level job for field sampling, lab analysis, and research in aquatic systems.

Position Details: The position will be based out of Portland State University and entail laboratory work and local field work associated with aquatic plant and invertebrate species. This will mainly require work in the CLR microscope laboratory at Portland State University analyzing field samples, performing plant and mollusc ID, and performing routine laboratory tasks. Some weeks will consist of a mix of laboratory work and local field work. Field work will consist of visiting sites to perform Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) surveys at local waterbodies (lakes and rivers). All sampling, local or Oregon-wide, will be performed in teams of two (typical) or more. AIS surveys include many different techniques that will be learned during the initial training at the start of the position. Survey techniques include shoreline walks, dock pat downs, rake tosses, deployment of crayfish traps, petite ponar sediment sample collections, solid substrate deployment, veliger tows, YSI measurements for water quality parameters, and eDNA sample collection. Lab assistants will not work more than 20 hours per week.

Lab Assistant must have training or experience demonstrating:

a) knowledge of basic laboratory techniques; b) knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, and materials; c) knowledge of basic math

d) ability to follow formulas accurately e) ability to handle, package, and store laboratory specimens and materials; f) ability to operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment; g) ability to learn routing testing methods, procedures, and techniques; h) ability to keep accurate records in conformance with laboratory procedures; and i) ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A degree in biological or physical science or enrollment in a college-level degree program.
• Attention to detail and note taking during meetings and in the field
• Basic computer skills (word processing, simple spreadsheets, navigation apps…)
• Comfortable around water and dirty conditions (in a boat, wading in shallow water, walking over uneven terrain near water, working on a dock over water, reaching into standing water from a dock or boat, mud, periods of time without access to running water…)
• Ability to get along with crew members during laboratory and field work

Preferred Qualifications (not required but will be helpful for this position):

• Experience conducting field surveys
• Experience using GPS and navigation programs
• Field data collection and management using Survey123 or similar program
• Practice and experience hauling trailers and backing them up
• Practice and experience operating small boats with combustion engines
• Familiarity identifying aquatic plants
• Familiarity with freshwater invertebrate identification

Employment details: The hourly wage will start at $20.89 / hr, plus a small per diem for days spent in the field away from the greater Portland area.

Position: Field Technician

The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs at Portland State University is hiring field technicians this summer to survey lakes and reservoirs in the Pacific Northwest for the early detection of aquatic invasive mussels (particularly Dreissena spp.), snails, crayfish, and invasive plants. This position will include field surveys at lakes and rivers, specimen collection, specimen ID training, lab analysis (involving the handling of hazardous chemicals), and field work involving veliger and eDNA sampling for invasive mussels, and water chemistry sampling. There will be lots of time spent both driving a truck with a trailer, and piloting a boat at waterbodies. This position is excellent for gaining experience in field sampling, lab analysis, and research in aquatic systems.

Position Details: The position will be based out of Portland but will entail multiple 6 day sampling trips to waterbodies in Washington and Oregon, organized across weekends (Thursday to Tuesday). This will require the field technicians to be away from Portland for extended periods of time, typically every other week to every third week. Some weeks may be spent locally, either performing lab work, maintenance, or local sampling, which would act as a typical 5-day week. Technicians will not work more than 80 hours over two weeks, taking time off mid week until the next week, if sample trips are required over a weekend. Surveys may be conducted as far out as SE Oregon, so expect a lot of time driving or in the passenger seat. Most work hours during remote trip weeks will be devoted to these sampling trips, with the remainder focused on preparing for or concluding trips. All sampling, local or Oregon-wide, will be performed in teams of two (typical) or more. Field technicians will be required to work and camp outdoors in a variety of conditions (hot, cold, dirty, sometimes smoky, and potentially strenuous conditions) and with varying amenities (for example, while bathrooms are typical, they may not always be available). Field technicians will need to supply their own camping equipment, though equipment can be rented from PSU, and borrowed from CLR when available. Food, gas, and other work expenses accrued while in the field will be reimbursed. Food purchased for trips before departure will also be reimbursed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• A degree in biological or physical science (or enrollment in a college-level degree program)
• Ability to follow dichotomous keys
• Attention to detail and note taking during meetings and in the field
• Basic computer skills (word processing, simple spreadsheets, navigation apps…)
• Comfortable around water and dirty conditions (in a boat, wading in shallow water, walking over uneven terrain near water, working on a dock over water, reaching into standing water from a dock or boat, mud, periods of time without access to running water…)
• Ability to solve unforeseen problems in areas with little/no cell or wifi coverage
• Ability to get along with crew members during extended time in the field

Preferred Qualifications (not required but will be helpful for this position):

• Experience conducting field surveys
• Experience using GPS and navigation programs
• Field data collection and management using Survey123 or similar program
• Practice and experience hauling trailers and backing them up
• Practice and experience operating small boats with combustion engines
• Familiarity identifying aquatic plants
• Familiarity with freshwater invertebrate identification
• Experience working in remote settings

Employment details: The hourly wage will start at $21.27 / hr, plus a small per diem for days spent in the field away from the greater Portland area.

The Abella Conservation Ecology Laboratory at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is hiring for late spring/summer 2026 positions. Opportunities range from rare plant surveys at the Grand Canyon to evaluation of P-J woodlands fuels reduction treatments in southeastern Utah. Positions start as early as April 2026 and go through July or September 2026. Check out our lab website for specific details on qualifications and applying.

All positions are salaried ($3,700-$4,300/mo.; DOE + project requirements) contract positions with benefits (healthcare + retirement). We strongly encourage applicants to research climate conditions of project areas and local housing/cost‑of‑living in advance of submitting an application. Most positions will be on a hitch-based schedule. Meals per diem is project‑ and trip-dependent and administered according to UNLV policies governing off‑campus travel.

Contract positions have minimum qualifications of a current and valid U.S. State driver’s license; no at‑fault accidents in the past five years; clean driving record; completed/soon-to-be completed BA/BS in the sciences (ecology, biology, forestry, environmental science, botany, natural resources) or related/equivalent degree; 1+ years professional/academic experience assisting with field-based data collection; 2+ years outdoor experience (personal/professional, camping, hiking, navigation, 4WD); 1+ years computer experience; and the ability to arrive on the UNLV Maryland Campus in Las Vegas by the first day of the contract start date for in-person I-9 verification (see specific job announcement for the range of start dates). If an applicant does not meet these minimum requirements but there is still an interest in applying, please provide an explanation in a cover letter.

Field-based positions:

Rare Plants Monitoring/Invasive Plant Monitoring and Treatments: Working with Grand Canyon National Park, we will be conducting rare plant surveys to monitor Sentry milk-vetch populations on the South and North rims (May-July) and conducting rapid response surveys and treatments of invasive, exotic plants in the Dragon Bravo Fire (North Rim; ignition 7/4/2026) footprint (mid-April-September 2026). Housing is available on the South Rim, and camping is required on the North Rim. The Invasive plant monitoring and treatment crew will conduct surveys and rapid response treatments on infestations (hand tools for small infestations; herbicide for larger infestations). These positions are well suited for individuals with strong navigational abilities and outdoor experience, an interest in applied ecology field work, invasive plant management, and plant identification, and an interest in further developing field project and database management skills and abilities. 

Restoration Research Assistants (July-September 2026): This two‑part position begins with collecting fuels measurements in Pinyon–Juniper Woodlands in UT and transitions to evaluating desert restoration experiments in southern NV and southeastern CA. A two‑person crew will conduct field sampling to quantify fuels and associated site characteristics in southwestern Utah as part of a fuels management experiment. Once this phase is complete, the crew will shift to conducting plant community surveys in experimental restoration sites in the Mojave Desert. These positions are suited for individuals with strong navigation and field data collection experience, an interest in forest and desert ecology and restoration, an interest in building plant identification and botany experience, and early career skills development.

Laboratory and field-based positions:

Seed Ecology (mid-April-August 2026): In recent decades, the Mojave Desert has experienced an increased frequency in drought events, including during the winter-spring growing season. Milder and wetter growing seasons are rarer. These changes in seasonal weather conditions may influence plant maturation and development of viable seed cohorts, seed rain, and maintaining soil seed banks. Starting in mid- to late spring, we will be monitoring a local network of native plant populations, assessing productivity, collecting seeds, and conducting germination and viability tests. This position is well suited for current undergraduates or recent graduates interested in seed ecology, restoration science, and early career skills development in both field and laboratory research. 

Please feel free to reach out with questions – Lindsay P. Chiquoine, lindsay.chiquoine@unlv.edu, Research Associate, School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Abella Conservation Ecology Laboratory: https://abellaappliedecologylab.wordpress.com/home/

Hiring both crew members and crew leads. Here is the crew member posting:

The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a non-profit started in 1999 with a mission to conserve and restore native plants and their habitat through restoration, research, and education. Our vision is a world where all people and wildlands are healthy and interact positively, biological diversity flourishes, and environmental challenges are met with a social commitment to solving problems with scientific principles. Our Southwest Office (IAE SW) works in New Mexico and Arizona.

Native Seed and Habitat Restoration YCC Crew Member

• Start Date: 7/6/2026
• End Date: 11/5/2026
• Location: Santa Fe, NM
• Status: Temporary, Full-time
• Compensation: $19.50/hr. (Plus paid holidays, 16 hours of vacation time, and sick leave.)

Position Description: IAE SW seeks to hire four Native Seed and Habitat Restoration Crew Members through funding from the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). The crew will work with a crew lead and IAE staff to gain hands-on experience in conservation, native seed collection, restoration, and outdoor education. The weekly work schedule will consist of four 10-hour days (7am-5pm, Monday through Thursday) per week, with occasional exceptions depending on fieldwork needs. The crew will be based out of Santa Fe, NM, and will travel to field sites in provided vehicles. Field sites are located throughout New Mexico and may require occasional overnight camping.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Native seed collection:
  • Scout plant populations, track phenology, hand collect seed, and record site data.
  • Seed collections will be made from native wildflowers to support IAE’s pollinator habitat restoration projects.
• Native seed production field maintenance:
  • Assist with planting, weeding, and general maintenance of native seed production fields in a farm setting.
• Restoration:
  • Assist with invasive species identification and removal, broadcast seeding, planting, and watering at IAE pollinator habitat restoration sites in New Mexico.
• Outdoor education:
  • Assist with IAE’s ecological education programs for youth and teenagers.
• Native seed processing
  • Assist with seed cleaning, packaging, labeling, and data collection.
• Monitoring
  • Habitat assessments and surveys for monarch butterflies and other native pollinators.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be between the ages of 18-25 at the time of hire (YCC requirement)
• Must be a New Mexico resident (YCC requirement)
• Must be available for at least 12 weeks, though applicants available for the entire 18-week duration are strongly preferred.
• A positive attitude with an interest in conservation biology, botany, or restoration ecology
• Effective communication skills and experience working on a team
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Basic computer skills 
• Comfortable outdoors: able to work in a variety of adverse field conditions, which may include exposure to heat and sun, monsoonal rains, and hazardous wildlife
• Able to conduct frequent bending, kneeling, and standing

How to Apply: Please fill out the online application form by 11:59pm, Sunday, April 5th, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to humanresources@appliedeco.org  and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Summer field technician position at Purdue University: We are hiring one technician to assist with the collection of field data at sites within the Hoosier National Forest, in southern Indiana, as part of a collaborative study between the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University and the USDA Forest Service. The technician will work alongside a graduate student collecting vegetation data (overstory, understory, and herbaceous) and soil samples to study long-term forest change. Basic knowledge of proper field techniques and backcountry safety is required. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.

Duration and Pay: Early May to mid-August (40 hours/week; 4 days on/3 days off). $16.00 per hour. Housing is provided.

Experience and Skills: The ability to identify trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants of southern Indiana is strongly desired. We also desire basic knowledge of forest measurement practices, experience with backcountry navigation using a topographic map and compass, and familiarity with standard equipment including GPS.

To apply: Please email a resume (including contact information for two references), cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and dates of availability to: jenkinma@purdue.edu. We will begin reviewing applications on March 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Contact: Please contact Professor Michael Jenkins (jenkinma@purdue.edu) if you have any questions about the position.

Position description: Summer fishery Technician (seasonal, full-time; May through August 2026)

Responsibilities: The Bernos and Stockwell laboratories at the Rubenstein Lab are hiring at least four full-time (40 hours/week) undergraduate students to assist in fishery research this summer. We are looking for motivated individuals excited to work as a team and develop their skills in field sampling, fishery research, and fisheries management.

The pay rate is $15/hour for candidates with no experience and up to $17 for those with prior experience in fishery research. The start date will be mid-May up and work will continue until the end of August, with some flexibility.

Lake Champlain positions (at least 2 students)

• These positions will work as a team to handle live fish during fieldwork throughout Lake Champlain on small boats including electrofishing boats
• Collect and record fishery data, process fish samples, and process, enter data
• This position will entail night work, working in adverse weather conditions, and lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Field gear is provided
• Drivers license required

Lake Ohrid (North Macedonia/Albania) positions (2 students)

• These positions will work with multiple teams, including international researchers and hatchery personnel, and support research conducted in Lake Ohrid
• The job will require living in North Macedonia for up to 6 weeks. Remaining work will be conducted at the Rubenstein Lab.
• Laboratory work will include fish age interpretation and other data processing
• This position will entail night work, working in adverse weather conditions, and lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Field gear is provided and travel/lodging will be paid for
• Candidate must have a valid passport
• Drivers license required

To apply, send an email to Dr. Jason Stockwell (Jason.stockwell@uvm.edu) with the title “Student summer positions” and attach your one-page cover letter and two-page CV as a single PDF document. Identify the position(s) you are applying for. We will begin reviewing applicants on March 1^st.

Description: We are seeking one motivated individual to investigate plant communities in restored natural areas across North Dakota, including tallgrass prairie, mixed-grass prairie, and riparian forests. The selected candidate will collaborate with a team of graduate students to monitor plant communities emerging from previously restored sites. In addition, this individual will assist with the implementation of new grassland and riparian forest restoration techniques. Responsibilities will primarily involve vegetation sampling in the field, with some laboratory work as well.

Location & Dates: This work will be conducted at multiple sites across North Dakota, including the Albert K. Ekre Grassland Preserve, the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center, and the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. The position will begin in late May to early June 2026 and conclude in mid-August 2026.

Preferred Qualifications

This includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Interest in restoration ecology, plant ecology, or range science
• Working knowledge of plant identification preferred, but not required
• Detail-oriented with tolerance of repetitive work
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and as well as collaboratively within a team
• Willingness to work in unpredictable weather conditions
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. and squat or kneel for extended periods during data collection
• Valid driver’s license
     

Salary and Housing: $15.00 – $18.00 per hour, depending on experience and knowledge. The typical workweek is 40-50 hours, and overtime opportunities may be available.

Most research will occur near Fargo, ND and transportation to and from field sites will be provided for individuals residing in Fargo; however, housing will not be provided for in Fargo.  Hotel, bunkhouse, etc. will be provided for all research outside of the Fargo area.

To apply: Submit one document that includes: 1) a cover letter discussing your qualifications and future goals, 2) a resume or curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for three professional references. **Please title the e-mail as follows** – Summer Restoration Technician

Contact Person(s):

• Theo Knowles | theo.knowles@ndsu.edu
• Kayla Natelborg | kayla.natelborg@ndsu.edu

The Utah Forest Restoration Institute (UFRI) is hiring 8-12 seasonal positions, including research technicians (crew) and crew leads, to assist with forest & fire ecology research projects across the state of Utah. Based out of Utah State University, UFRI seeks to collaboratively develop and deliver objective science to managers, policymakers, and communities to inform the management of healthy, fire-resilient, and climate-adapted forests and woodlands. Crews will work on several projects throughout the summer, including work along the Wasatch front, the Uintas, and southern Utah. Field work will consist of collecting forestry, vegetation, and environmental data, assessing fuel conditions, and doing post-fire monitoring with the possibility of working in remote, steep, and rugged terrain under variable weather conditions.

Pay: $16/hr for research technicians; $18/hr for crew leads

To apply: The application requires a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. A full job description and application portal can be found here: https://careers-usu.icims.com/jobs/9906/job 

Review of applications will begin 02/11/2026 and continue until all positions are filled.

We are looking to hire two (2) full-time field technicians to assist with a research project on migratory shorebird ecology during the spring and fall migration seasons in the Virginia barrier island system. Our research will add to a long-term dataset on the foraging ecology of the state and federally-threatened Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa) and contribute to our long-term data on Black-bellied Plovers (Pluvialis squatarola) and Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus). We will evaluate the impacts of anthropogenic habitat modification from a shoreline stabilization project on Wallops Island, VA on the above species. The position will be based out of a field station or rental house in Accomack County or near Chincoteague Island, VA. This project is one of multiple shorebird and seabird projects based at Virginia Tech in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and there may be opportunities to assist in other regional research projects during the season. Please visit www.vtshorebirds.org and https://fishwild.vt.edu/ for more information about research and conservation at Virginia Tech. Our group is committed to building an inclusive and diverse team where differences are valued and encouraged! 

This position will run from April 14 to October 24^th (dates are flexible) with the possibility of extension through the winter season in Blacksburg, VA (where Virginia Tech is located). The work will primarily consist of fieldwork, a moderate amount of lab work, and some office work. Fieldwork will require variable hours, such as early mornings, late afternoons, and some weekends. Technicians will gain experience identifying shorebirds, conducting point count surveys, and collecting data and scientific samples in the field. This position involves working in a remote wilderness-like location, occasionally in adverse conditions (e.g. heat, cold, humidity, wind, rain, and biting insects) and requires hiking long distances over sand and mud while carrying and pulling heavy field gear. Technicians must be able to prepare for and spend long, physically, and mentally demanding days outside and walk up to 8 miles per day in various terrains while carrying up to 15-20 lbs. Because of the remoteness of some of our sampling sites, our ability to go out in the field is determined by boat availability, tides, wind, and weather events and thus the times and days of the week that we will work are variable. This means that fieldwork could be canceled or changed at any time, thus we highly appreciate the qualities of flexibility, patience, and positivity.

Check out this 2-min video from VT news that is a great example of what working on our project is like!: https://news.vt.edu/videos/k/2024/10/1_4ex1ivr9.html

Compensation is $18/hour. Shared housing and transportation to and from field sites will be provided. Because several of our field sites are under the domain of the U.S. government, you must be able to pass a required background check. The start date can be flexible through the beginning of May for those still taking classes as an undergraduate.

Required qualifications/skills:

• Working towards, or having received, a B.S. degree in wildlife science, biology, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Must be capable of working outside daily under rigorous field conditions and walking up to 8 miles per day over sand while carrying research equipment (approximately 15-20 lbs.).
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and safe driving record. 
• Must be capable of passing a federal background check.  

Desired interpersonal skills:

• Ability to live and work with a team of people, maintaining a respectful and inclusive atmosphere with co-workers and colleagues. 
• Ability to follow instructions and appropriate research protocols, and communicate any confusion or concerns to supervisors or co-workers.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude during potentially long field days, irregular work hours, and flexible work schedules. 

Desired qualifications:

• Shorebird/seabird identification, band resighting, or other experience conducting avian surveys. 
• Experience working under a threatened/endangered species permit.
• Experience operating and/or working on and around boats.
• Experience driving 4-wheel drive vehicles, trailering, and beach driving. 
• Using GIS software for field data collection (such as ArcGIS Collector/Field Maps).

Please send a statement of interest, a CV, and contact information for three professional references in a single PDF to Chelsea Sweeney at cweithm@vt.edu. Please name files ‘Last name_first name_Migratory shorebird technician’. The positions will remain open until filled. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

The Webster Lab (websterlab.weebly.com) and Hurtuea Lab (hurteaulab.org) are hiring an aquatic technician (Research Scientist 1) to work at the Teakettle Experimental Forest for the summer/fall of 2026. Teakettle is a 1300 ha old-growth, mixed-conifer forest 80 km east of Fresno, CA in the southern Sierra Nevada. This summer/fall we will be collecting post-wildfire data following the 2025 Garnet Fire. The aquatic researcher will work alongside 5 forest technicians (see other recent job posting) and 1 supervisor on a joint forestry and watershed project measuring the response to the Garnet Fire. The aquatic technician will assist with water sampling surveys and maintaining aquatic sensors, as well as working with the forest technician crew re-measuring forest structure plots, including basic tree measurements and conducting fuels transect surveys. 

Desired skills include previous experience working as a field crew member in a remote location. Experience taking streamflow measurements, working with aquatic sensors, tree identification, and basic knowledge of tree and fuels measurements are preferred but not required. The facilities at Teakettle are rustic due to the remote location of the station. The cabin has solar power, bathrooms, a kitchen and common space; individuals will spend the field season sleeping in tents. The nearest town for supplies is Shaver Lake, CA, approximately a 1-hour drive from the field station.

The aquatic technician is needed May-September 2026 and the position is benefits eligible. Pay is $22/hr. 

To apply, visit https://unm.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/18/home/requisition/35647?c=unm&sq=Teakettle&referralToken=PJDzIrzU3UCGVcyyzaYpgA

Best consideration date is Feb 16, 2026. If applying after this date, please send notice of your application to awebster2@unm.edu.

Fire Ecology Field Crew Positions for Summer 2026

Position Description: This opportunity is with the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, Montana. The Program conducts national and international cutting-edge work in wildland fire research. The Program’s scientists, technicians, and support staff continue a 60+ year legacy of proactively conducting the research we need tomorrow and into the future. By improving fundamental understanding of wildland fire and developing tools and applications, the Fire Sciences Laboratory’s research increases the safety and effectiveness of fire, fuel, and smoke management and helps increase the health of our wildlands.

This position will support field data collection for several fire ecology studies led by two research ecologists at the Fire Lab. Broadly the research projects are focused on understanding fire-caused tree mortality, impacts of fuel treatments on understory vegetation and forest structure, and recovery of conifer forests following one or more disturbances such as wildfire, drought, and/or insect outbreaks. Data collection will involve assessing fire effects, measuring trees and fuels, collecting general forest stand information, and identifying understory plants to species. Research plots are located across the Northern Rockies from lower elevation dry mixed conifer forests up to high-elevation whitebark pine woodlands.

This position requires long days spent outside in sometimes hot, cold, or wet conditions hiking through burned and unburned forests on sometimes steep slopes with a team of 2-3 people. The work is a combination of camping (50-70%) and day trips from Missoula, MT. Camping equipment is provided. This position is an opportunity to improve knowledge and skills related to field ecology, forestry, botany, and applied fire ecology and fuels management.

Requirements: We are looking for a candidate with a background in forestry, botany, ecology, or environmental science with an interest in applied forest ecology and natural resource management. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting field work for ecological data collection and strong skills in plant identification in the Northern Rockies and/or forestry field methods.

Dates: This position will run from May through September. There is some flexibility on start and end dates so current university students can apply.

Pay: $17.50-19.60 depending on experience with an additional stipend of $500/month to help cover costs of health insurance.

Application: Send a resume and cover letter to Kim Davis, Kimberley.davis@usda.gov. Application review will begin February 24, 2026. Direct questions to Kim Davis or Sharon Hood, Sharon.hood@usda.gov.

National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc.

Field work will take place in the rugged and scenic Coast Range of western Oregon. Position will involve physically demanding work in challenging conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun, steep slopes, loose rock, logging slash, stinging insects, hazardous plants), with heavy loads, potentially working long days including some weekends, driving on logging roads, and navigating through difficult forest terrain. Primary duties of crew members will consist of ground-based nest searches, arboreal tree climbing in a safe and efficient manner, and collecting detailed data.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Conduct red tree vole surveys using ground-based survey methods for nests and tree climbing.
2. Climb multiple (e.g., up to 8) trees daily, following long, strenuous hikes (2 miles or more) into stands carrying ropes and safety equipment weighing 40 lb. or more.
3. Collect field data, set and check remote cameras (e.g., Bushnell Aggressor) arboreally.
4. Use forest survey equipment (e.g. hypsometers, DBH tapes, GPS units) to collect detailed vegetation/habitat measurements and information in multiple study sites.
5. Capture and handle small mammals safely for genetic sampling.
6. Work outdoors in inclement weather across varied terrain.  Must be able to get to and work from several remote locations throughout Oregon, drive unimproved forest logging roads, read maps, navigate through a forested landscape, and relate well with the public.
7. Gather data using specific protocols, enter in either phones, tablets or Excel.
8. Willingness to have a flexible work schedule and travel between study locations.       
9. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others toward meeting the goals of the National Council of Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI).
10. Develop a familiarity with NCASI’s mission, policies, practices, and procedures.
11. Become acquainted with the environmental issues of the forest products industry.
12. Read, understand, integrate, and communicate complex information while working under field conditions.
13. Assist the supervisor in responding to technical queries by NCASI clients and others in a competent and timely manner. 

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Undertake additional activities assigned by Supervisor.
2. Follow all safety protocols.
3. Pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test.

Minimum Qualifications:

Additional Desired Qualifications:

To Apply:  Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to: Laurie Clark, NCASI, 8769 Hwy 42, Tenmile, OR 97481, preferably delivered electronically to: lclark@ncasi.org with “Red tree vole crew application – Bio 1” in the subject line.  Applicant review will begin in February 2026 and continue until the positions are filled.

https://www.ncasi.org/about-ncasi/careers

The Lake Leelanau Lake Association (LLLA) is hiring multiple summer field technicians to help with our lake stewardship activities. Come spend the summer on a beautiful northern Michigan lake with us and help protect our lake’s health and water quality!

Aquatic Invasive Species Field Technician and Data Manager:

LLLA is hiring a seasonal Field Technician and Data Manager to assist in remediating, controlling, and monitoring aquatic invasive species (AIS). The technician will assist in the planning and execution of the weekly fieldwork plan and be responsible for supporting day-to-day operations and data management. The technician will report to the Association’s Stewardship Coordinator and Dive Team Leader. Experience driving a boat is required, along with the relevant certification (boater safety certificate, dependent on age). 

Pay and Schedule details: $25/hr, approximately 7 hrs/day, 5 days/week for 11 weeks.

Regular Schedule: Start on June 8, end on August 21, Monday-Friday (weather-dependent).

SCUBA Divers for Aquatic Invasive Species Control:

LLLA is looking to contract experienced SCUBA divers to join its dive team to assist in remediating, controlling, and monitoring AIS. Divers will report to the Association’s Dive Team Leader and Stewardship Coordinator. The dive teams work daily with dedicated field technicians who drive the boats and support the divers. The workday normally consists of two dives per day with a lunch break in between. Must be a certified diver.

Pay and Schedule details: $25/hr, approximately 7 hrs/day, 3 days/week for 10 weeks.

Regular Schedule: Start June 15 (alternate start date earlier than June 15 is possible, depending on availability), end on August 21, Monday-Friday (weather-dependent).

Stewardship Technician:

LLLA is hiring a seasonal Stewardship Technician to assist in the Association’s stewardship programs, focusing on AIS remediation, water quality monitoring, terrestrial invasive species control, event assistance, and more. The technician will assist in the planning and execution of the weekly field work plan and be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations. The technician will report to the Association’s Director of Administrations and Programs and the Stewardship Coordinator. Experience driving a boat is required, along with the relevant certification (boater safety certificate, dependent on age). 

Pay and Schedule details: $25/hr, approximately 8 hrs/day, 5 days/week for 11 weeks.

Regular Schedule: Start on June 8 (alternate start date earlier than June 8 is possible, depending on availability), end on August 21, Monday-Friday (weather-dependent).

Boat Cleaning Staff:

LLLA is hiring seasonal employees to staff our boat cleaning stations. Staff will report directly to the LLLA Boat Cleaning Manager. The work schedule is primarily during the summer, but some additional hours will be requested for training prior to the season.

Pay and Schedule details: $20/hr, up to 8 hrs/day on Friday through Monday for 18 weeks (weather and schedule dependent).

Regular Schedule: Start on Memorial Day weekend, end in late September (some pre-season hours are requested for training)

To apply: Please visit lakeleelanau.org/employment for more information about these jobs and how to apply. Applicants must be 18 years old or older. Applications are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. To ensure consideration, please apply before March 23, 2026. Questions regarding these positions can be sent to the LLLA Director of Administration and Programs, Annalise Povolo, at annalise@lakeleelanau.org.

The Laughlin Research Lab is seeking applicants for a 2026 summer Field Technician based at the University of Wyoming. The technician will work on a variety of field projects focused on determining the climatic tolerances of indigenous plant species to inform the management and restoration of native plant communities in the Rocky Mountain ecoregion.

The technician will gain experience in plant demography studies and trait collection in both the field and the lab. Tasks will include: 1) Monitoring of common garden plots. 2) Data collection for survival, growth, reproduction, and phenology. 3) Lab-based trait measurements.
4) Looking at cute plants.

Work location: Laramie, WY with some overnight camping trips to work sites expected
Hours: 40 hours/week
Pay: Starting at $15/hr based on experience
Start date is approximately May 18, 2026.

Preferred qualifications of the successful applicant include the following: an undergraduate student in Botany, Biology, or related natural resource degree; and a passion for plants and Rocky Mountain ecosystems.

TO APPLY: We encourage interested students to apply by contacting Caroline Kittle (ckittle@uwyo.edu), PhD Student in the Laughlin Lab. Please email the following: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) contact information for three professional/academic references. Application review will begin February 9, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Wichita State University is seeking four highly motivated technicians to assist in data collection for a collaborative research project investigating the response of plants, birds, and soils to different cattle grazing practices on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands in Kansas and Colorado. Although grazing animals such as bison historically played an important role in native prairie, grazing is currently excluded or highly limited in many CRP sites related to native prairie. Our study will quantify potential conservation risks and benefits of cattle grazing on CRP sites located in tallgrass (Kansas) and shortgrass (Colorado).

Technicians will collect plant data in three-person sampling crews (two technicians and one lead graduate student or technician). Each crew will be responsible for sampling a subset of sites (36) in our areas of interest in Kansas and Colorado. Field work will require driving a few hours each day over paved and low maintenance (dirt, gravel) roads in relatively remote, rural areas. Duties include but are not limited to: collecting vegetation structural data, plant species abundance, and plant biomass; data entry and quality control; and equipment preparation and maintenance. Candidates must be willing to hike long distances into field sites through tall or short grass prairie while carrying equipment to reach sampling locations. Working hours will be spent almost exclusively in the field and involve early mornings, long hours when necessary, and maintaining motivation during variable weather conditions. Technicians must be able to transport themselves to field housing and be ready to begin training and orientation in mid-late May 2026. The field position will end by August 8^th, 2026. Shared housing will be provided near field sites in rural Kansas (St. John or Stafford) and Colorado (Las Animas or Lamar). Rental vehicles will be provided for fieldwork transportation but drivers must be 21+ years of age. Technicians will be paid $17/hour with the possibility for time-and-a-half overtime pay.

Qualifications:

1. Academic training in and/or enthusiasm for biology and/or ecology.
2. Previous experience with plant identification preferred, but not required.
3. Fit to perform and keep up field work while maintaining exceptional work ethic in a variety of conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, biting insects, and poison ivy.
4. Eager to work in remote, rural settings for long periods of time.
5. Good interpersonal skills and willingness to work and live with other technicians and interact positively with CRP landowners.
6. Attention to detail and able to closely follow a detailed data collection protocol.
7. Possess a valid driver’s license and willing to drive rental field vehicles on gravel and muddy roads.
8. Must be available for the entirety of the field season ~mid/late May to August 8^th, 2026 with little to no absences greater than 3 days (excluding illness).

Technicians will gain experience with plant identification and data collection techniques, interact with private landowners, and large-scale ecological research. To apply, email the following documents either as separate word documents or a combined PDF: 1) cover letter, 2) your CV/resume, and, 3) the names and contact information of three professional references. Please email these documents with the subject line “Summer Plant Ecology Field Technician” to Evalynn Trumbo at evalynn.trumbo@wichita.edu. Application review will begin February 2^nd, 2026. Positions will remain open until filled.

Full details are here: https://www.caryinstitute.org/about/careers-cary.

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a continental-scale observation facility funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by Battelle. The NEON program is designed to collect long-term, open access ecological data to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing, from freshwater systems such as streams, rivers, and lakes to terrestrial systems spanning tropical forests to deserts to tundra. We depend on our people to collect observational data and samples, to monitor automated instrumented systems that collect terrestrial and aquatic data, and to operate our airborne observation platform that captures remote sensing data of regional landscapes and vegetation.

Within NEON, we have several different job opportunities that range from temporary to full-time positions. 

You can reach out to Bryce Duchesne, Duchesne@Battelle.org, with any questions!