Seasonal technician positions: Forest ecology / plant community ecology
Tyson Research Center
Washington University in St. Louis
The Myers Ecology Lab at Washington University in St. Louis (http://www.myersecologylab.com) seeks two seasonal field technicians to participate in two forest-ecology projects at the university’s field station, Tyson Research Center (http://tyson.wustl.edu): 1) a long-term study of an oak-hickory forest-dynamics plot that is part of the Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) global network of scientists and forest research sites dedicated to advancing long-term study of the world’s forests (https://www.forestgeo.si.edu); and 2) a landscape-scale experiment investigating the importance of prescribed fire, plant-functional traits, and natural enemies as drivers of forest diversity and change. The technician will develop skills and gain experience in: 1) field protocols for censuses of long-term ForestGEO plots, including tree identification, tree mapping, and measurements of tree growth, mortality, and seed production; 2) data collection for large-scale field experiments, including surveys of plant community composition and dynamics across environmental gradients; 3) management of large data sets; 4) mentoring of undergraduate and high school students in field research; and 5) team-based ecological field research. The Myers Ecology Lab and Washington University are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
Position details: This is a full-time, temporary position (up to 6 months) with no benefits. Candidates interested in a shorter position (minimum of 3 months) are also encouraged to apply. Wages will be commensurate with experience. The position is available starting between April 1 and May 18, 2026. The successful applicant will need to secure their own housing in St. Louis or near Tyson Research Center (20 miles from campus). Located on the edge of the Ozark ecoregion, Tyson Research Center is a 2000-acre field station dedicated to multi-scale research, teaching, and collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and levels of academic training.
Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. biology, ecology, forestry); experience conducting field research; excellent teamwork skills; ability to work outdoors under a range of conditions that include hot or cold weather, mosquitoes and ticks, and steep terrain; enthusiasm to learn new concepts and field skills.
Preferred qualifications: A strong interest in ecology; experience working in a field team; experience with plant identification, especially in temperate forests.
To apply: Please submit 1) a cover letter describing your interest in this position, how the position would advance your career goals, relevant experience, start date availability, and contact information for three references including e-mail addresses and phone numbers; and 2) a CV or resume. Application materials must be submitted electronically through https://jobs.washu.edu by entering the job ID number (JR91482) as a keyword on the Search WashU Jobs page. Review of applications will begin January 5, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Candidates are strongly encouraged to e-mail Dr. Jonathan Myers (jamyers@wustl.edu) to indicate interest in the position as soon as possible using the subject line “Seasonal Ecology Technician”. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Jonathan Myers.