Summer Wetland Field Technicians

Seasonal technicians (approximately 3 months starting as early as May 22, 2022) are needed to collect wetland soil, vegetation, and geospatial data in isolated, rural regions of the US High Plains (Texas Panhandle, West Kansas, East Colorado, and West Nebraska). Technicians will travel extensively in field vehicles and live in rustic field housing in isolated locations. Field work involves long hours in the field, long car rides, digging 50-100 cm by hand with a soil auger, collecting soil and vegetation samples, use of a GPS device, and occasional long walks to field sites in flat, hot, tree-less country.  This is a great opportunity to get field experience, exercise, and see wildlife in a unique landscape. Pay is $15/hr, full time. Shared housing while in the field will be provided, but will often have limited amenities such as internet.

Qualifications: Field skills can be taught to the right applicants. This job is right for someone who enjoys outdoor work, and doesn’t mind long car rides or sharing living space with others. You should be capable of physical outdoor work, willing to learn, and able to work cooperatively on a team. Selected applicants must possess a US drivers license and a clean driving record.

If interested contact Megan Podolinsky or Dr. Jessica O’Connell with your CV, available dates, and contact info for three references via email at megan.podolinsky@utexas.edu or jessica.oconnell@utexas.edu.

Application deadline: 6 January 2023

State Date: Mid to late May 2023

About the project:

USDA FSA has recently supported a broad-scale project, lead by Ducks Unlimited and the USGS, to examine the impact of wetland restoration under the Conservation Reserve Program on soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas exchange.  A diverse, multi-institutional team will conduct field work in midwest wetlands, along with an intensive modeling effort in an effort to quantify the climate-mitigating potential of wetland restoration.

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