Patch-Burn Grazing III:  Grassland Research Technician

Description:

                The Fuhlendorf Lab at Oklahoma State is seeking a motivated research technician to aid in field data collection during this year’s growing season.  The position will be based out of the Nature Conservancy’s Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, and will be working to assist in prairie plant community ecology research taking place there.  Data collected is part of a broader research project addressing how heterogeneity in grasslands affects biodiversity at multiple spatial and temporal scales.  The technician will be expected to aid in conducting comprehensive field botanical surveys, following an established protocol.  There will be ample opportunity for the technician to expand their knowledge in grassland plant identification, prairie ecology, and gain relevant skills related to field data collection and management methodologies.  This is also a great opportunity for undergraduates (or recent graduates) to expand their résumé in preparation for field biologist or graduate student positions, as skills gained through this position will be widely applicable.

Qualifications:

A strong work ethic – This position will require working a full work day out in the field.

Enthusiastic about grasslands, or excited to learn more about prairie ecology.

At least some interest in plant community ecology, and an interest in learning field data collection techniques.

Comfortable with living and working in remote settings – The closest town to the field site is Pawhuska, Oklahoma; approximately 45 minutes from housing on the Preserve.

Able to work effectively in changing field conditions – i.e. conditions may be: hot, buggy, working around snakes (e.g. prairie rattlesnakes), etc.

A positive, easy-going attitude is a must.  Field work can be long, and tiring – nobody wants to work with grouchy field technicians.

Comfortable, or at least willing, to work around livestock.  Data collection will take place on recently burned, and concurrently cattle-grazed pastures.

Applicants pursuing a degree in Ecology, Biological Sciences, Botany, or other related field is preferred; but not required.

Timeline:

                Start-date is negotiable, and may include opportunities to work with collaborators on related projects.  Field data collection begins July 15, 2019 and will continue until fieldwork is complete (target is August 15th).  Additionally, the potential for data-entry work beyond this date is also negotiable.

Pay and Provisions:

                Pay is commensurate with qualifications.  Housing will be provided on-site.

To Apply:

                Please send cover letter, CV or résumé, and at least three references to nic.mcmillan@okstate.edu .  The application deadline is May 30, 2019.

Nic McMillan

Graduate Research Associate

Oklahoma State University

Natural Resources Ecology and Management

Office:  474-B Ag Hall

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