Position Description:
We are seeking two motivated individuals to investigate the impacts of restored disturbance regimes plant communities, and invasive grasses (especially Kentucky Bluegrass). The people selected will work with a team of graduate students and other technicians to monitor the plant communities at the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center. Duties will focus on vegetation and soils data collection which includes but is not limited to, collecting data on species composition, water and nutrient cycling, soil health characteristics, and experimental plot setup. Other responsibilities will include data entry and sample preparation in the laboratory.
About Central Grasslands Research Extension Center:
Central Grasslands Research Extension Center is located in south-central North Dakota in the Missouri Coteau. The Center has 10 full-time research scientists and staff studying areas including range science, forage, agronomy, and animal science. The station was created to address the following research priority areas: 1) range ecology and grazing management; 2) forage systems; 3) livestock nutrition, and 4) reproductive efficiency. To accomplish these objectives, the Center manages approximately 1300 beef animals yearly, including 400 to 425 breeding females. The land base for these operations includes 5335 acres, of which the majority is native and improved pasture.
The location of the Research Extension Center offers outstanding opportunities to enjoy a rural lifestyle in a supportive community environment. Outdoor recreational activities in this area include outstanding waterfowl and upland game hunting for sportsmen, easy access to lakes for fishing, white-tailed deer hunting, and an excellent environment for birding, hiking, biking, boating, and other activities
Preferred Qualifications
This includes, but is not limited to the following:
- An interest in range ecology, and/or plant ecology, and/or livestock systems;
- A working knowledge of plant identification is preferred, but not necessary;
- A willingness to learn and work in a variety of environments and field conditions;
- Detail-oriented; tolerance of repetitive and mindless work;
- Experience with data management software, such as Microsoft Excel;
- Capable of working with limited supervision or as a member of a team;
- Valid driver’s license
Pay:
These positions pay between $13-15/hour depending on experience. These positions are 40 hours per week appointments with the opportunity to work overtime. On-site housing is provided.
Start dates are ultimately flexible, but ideally, one position would start in mid-to-late April with the other starting in mid-to-late May.
To apply:
Submit one document that includes: 1) a cover letter discussing your qualifications and future goals, 2) a curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for three professional references to Esben Kjaer (esben.kjaer@ndsu.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and will conclude when positions are filled.