What are the responsibilities and job description for the Temporary Field Technician - Crested Butte, CO position at North Carolina State University?
Position Information
Posting Number
PG194925TM
Position Number
11ASO3421
Position Type
Temporary
Essential Job Duties
The Diversity in Changing Environments Lab at NC State University (PI: Dr. Will Petry) is hiring a temporary, full-time research technician to assist with field research in Colorado from mid-June to early September 2025. This position supports our ongoing study of plant demographic responses to environmental variation in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL).
We collected detailed climatic and demographic data—growth, survival, reproduction, & germination—from several thousand permanently-marked individuals near the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL; ca. 8 miles north of Crested Butte, Colorado). We use these long-term census data along with experimental manipulations and environmental data to understand the current patterns of population composition, to forecast the near-term trajectories of populations, and to predict how environmental change will redistribute this species across the landscape.
The selected technician will work in remote field sites across Gunnison County, CO (elevations 6,200–12,500 ft) and aid in field data collection for our study of plant demographic responses to environmental variation. The position involves intensive data collection of plant demographic variables from marked individuals in our study populations across Gunnison County. Most work is conducted in the field, with a small amount of lab and data management tasks.
Key responsibilities:
Key responsibilities:
- Field Data Collection – Record plant demographic data (growth, survival, reproduction, germination) from permanently-marked individuals
- Tagging and Mapping – Identify, tag, and map new study plants
- Experimental Setup – Assist with seed germination experiments
- Site Maintenance – Maintain plant tags, plot markers, and data loggers
- Driving – Operate a field vehicle on mountain roads to access research sites, including on mountain roads that may be narrow, slippery, windy, and unpaved
- Data Management - Perform data digitization, entry, and organization
Work Conditions:
- Physical Demands: Requires strenuous hiking to remote and isolated study sites (up to 10 miles/day round-trip ), crouching, squatting, and kneeling on uneven terrain. Hiking on steep trails while at elevations up to 12,500 feet above sea level
- Driving on rough roads and though most field sites are near roads, several are a few miles away from the nearest road access
- Weather Exposure: Work occurs in temperatures ranging from 40°F to >90°F, with high winds, sun exposure, and precipitation.
- Remote Locations: Limited bathroom facilities and cell reception for long periods of the workday.
- Solo Work: While most fieldwork is in pairs/groups, some independent work will be required.
- Safety Measures: Training, personal protective equipment, first aid kit, and emergency communicator will be provided.
Living Conditions:
- Housing provided at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL).
- Rustic accommodations include cabins, tents, yurts, and shared kitchen facilities.
- Outhouses in lieu of indoor plumbing.
- More details: RMBL Housing Info
This is a 12 week temporary job opportunity. Start date 06/16/2025 (flexible) with end date being 09/05/2025 (flexible). 40/hrs per week, Monday-Friday (some weekend work may be needed to accommodate plant phenology/weather/holidays)
We encourage applicants of all experience levels, including those without prior field research experience.
Is Time Limited
No
If Yes, Appointment Length
Department Information
Job City & State
Crested Butte, CO
Department
Plant and Microbial Biology
System Information
Classification Title
Temporary-Professional NonFaculty
Working Title
Temporary Field Technician - Crested Butte, CO
