Temporary Field Research Technician

Employment Details

Posting Number: G/R31684P
Working Title: Temporary Field Research Technician
Employment Type: Employee
Schedule: 40 hours per week
Advertised Salary: $20/hr
Anticipated

Start Date:

03/02/2026
Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions: This position is based in Venus, FL at the Archbold Biological Station. This position is temporary and will run from March 2026 through October 2026
Location of Vacancy: Outside Georgia

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. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb).

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 Archbold Biological Station in Venus, Florida. 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, maintenance tasks in the garden (e.g., weeding), and processing samples in the lab.

The technician will also have opportunities to collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students. The position is for field research conducted at a common garden site in Florida, funded by NSF, from March – October 2026.

• Data Collection: Collect data in the field on transplanted seeds, including fitness components (germination success, survival, reproductive success, fecundity) and trait data (e.g., flowering time, plant size, leaf morphological characteristics).
• Communication: Communicate with the PI and project leaders, sharing datasets and troubleshooting challenges that arise. (10%)
• Field Site Maintenance: Prepare and maintain the field site for the common garden, including mowing, tilling, weeding, setting up fencing, establishing experimental treatments, and ensuring that all equipment is in working order. (15%)
• Other duties as assigned. (75%)

Classification

Title:

Temporary Hourly Professional
FLSA: Non‑Exempt
FTE: 1.00

• Coursework in ecology, plant biology, genetics, or related fields.
• Desire to train and mentor other team members.
• Comfortable with manual labor, including but not limited to common tools, light carpentry, and gardening/landscaping techniques.
• Experience with troubleshooting in the field.

• 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 in ecology, evolution, and/or botany.
• Attention to detail; precise, neat work; ability to perform repetitive tasks.
• Excellent problem‑solving and communication skills.

Field research requires being outside all day, sitting and standing for extended periods. Tasks include collecting data, troubleshooting and fixing equipment, occasional lifting of heavy materials and supplies (up to 50 pounds), and driving as needed.

Recruitment Contact Name: Dr. Jill Anderson
Recruitment Contact Email: jta
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