Smoky Mountains Field Technician – Apply by March 21

Purdue University – Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Position Title:  Field Technician
Hours  40 hrs/week, typically 10 hr days Mon-Thursday
Duration: May to August
Compensation: $13.50/hr. Housing provided in Sevierville, TN.

Job Description:

One field technician is needed to assist with collecting vegetation and soil data in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a collaborative study between Purdue University and the National Park Service. This technician will be working with a graduate student who is evaluating long-term changes in vegetation structure and composition as the spruce-fir forest regenerates after widespread Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) mortality caused by balsam woolly adelgid. The field season will be spent working in the Park based out of Sevier County, TN. The position will require hiking 5-15 miles per day carrying a heavy pack to access remote sites with frequent multi-night backpacking trips. Effective communication, respect for team members, prioritization of safety, a positive attitude, and dependability are all essential skills for a successful field season.

Requirements:

Woody plant identification skills desired
Must be able to work outdoors in remote areas, on steep terrain on and off-trail and in inclement weather conditions
Previous field work experience preferred
Experience navigating with GPS, topographic maps and compass desired
Backpacking and backcountry camping experience desired
Must possess a valid driver’s license
Must follow current university COVID safety protocols

To apply:  Email a cover letter describing your qualifications, resume or CV (including contact information for two references), unofficial transcript, and dates of availability to Tori Hongo (hongo@purdue.edu). We will begin reviewing applications on March 21, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. Please contact Tori or Mike Jenkins (jenkinma@purdue.edu) with any questions.