Temporary Field Research Technician

Temporary Field Research Technician

Location:

Athens, GA

Position:
Temporary, Hourly, Professional, FLSA Non-Exempt

Working Hours:

40 per week.

Start Date:

03/15/2026. Salary: $20/hr posting Number: G/R31683P.

The successful candidate will contribute to a collaborative study of eco-evolutionary responses to climate in the partridge pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata. The technician’s primary responsibilities involve establishing and maintaining a large common garden experiment (~7,000 plants) at the GA Botanical Garden in Athens, GA. This includes preparing seeds for planting, planting seeds, setting up the garden infrastructure, building open-top chambers, collecting data on traits and fitness, entering data, maintaining the garden (e.g., weeding), and processing samples in the lab.

The technician will also have opportunities to collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students.

• Collect field data on transplanted seeds: fitness components (germination success, survival, reproductive success, fecundity) and trait data (e.g., flowering time, plant size, leaf morphology).
• Communicate with the PI and project leaders, share datasets, troubleshoot challenges.
• Prepare and maintain the field site for the common garden, including mowing, tilling, weeding, setting up fencing, establishing experimental treatments, ensuring equipment works.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, evolutionary biology, botany, or a related field.
• Ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions for long days; previous experience with field research; attention to detail; excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Preferred:
  Coursework in ecology, plant biology, genetics; capacity to lift up to 50 lbs; experience with troubleshooting in the field; willingness to train/mentor team members; comfort with manual labor, light carpentry, gardening/landscaping techniques.

• Engage in field research outdoors all day, sitting and standing for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Drive as needed for job duties.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status.

Recruitment Contact:
Dr. Jill Anderson

Email: jta
24

Required Documents:
Resume/CV

Optional Documents:
Cover Letter