Grasslands Field Technician Position Summary

Grassland loss is the greatest conservation issue facing eastern North American biodiversity. Our precious Southeastern grasslands are nearly extinct, and the species that depend on them are fading fast. Many of our Southern grasslands that managed to persist through the past 200 years have disappeared in the past quarter-century. What will the next 25 years bring? As a conservation community, we have only recently come to realize the extent of our grasslands in the past. To reverse the decline in grassland biodiversity, our response must be rapid and unprecedented in magnitude. This immensely complex and ambitious challenge will require some of America's brightest and most creative minds in conservation and philanthropy to solve. The Southeastern Grasslands Institute was formed in 2017 to provide leadership in grassland biodiversity conservation across a 24-state region of the eastern U.S. Are you ready to join the SGI team?

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for a Botany Technician position located in Clarksville, Tennessee. Funding is available for six months at $20/hour for 37.5 hours/week. The position will conduct plant surveys and map habitats for several SGI projects. The Botany Technician is expected to spend 70-90% of their time in the field and 10-30% in indoor facilities to perform data management and other activities. Frequent travel will be expected to reach the different project areas with some overnight stays, with travel expenses covered. Working from home will be possible for a few specific, desk-based tasks. The position will report to SGI’s Director of Stewardship (Clarksville, TN). 

Austin Peay State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct botanical surveys as well as document, classify, and map a variety of described and undescribed grassland habitats across the SGI focal region (primarily AL, KY, TN, MS).
• Help plan weekly fieldwork activities with the supervisor.
• Assist with preparing research/collection permits for site access and sampling.
• Collect, enter, and maintain data.
• Gather written, photographic, and GIS content for each project location.
• Collect and prepare herbaria and other specimens from project sites.
• Communicate project updates and needs with other field team members and the supervisor.
• Read relevant materials and protocols.
• Participate in regular team meetings and occasional SGI staff meetings.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interest in different grassland natural community types and plant and pollinator species of the Southeastern United States.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in a variety of outdoor and indoor settings.
• Must be able to hike over rugged terrain and various landscapes (wetlands, forests, grasslands, rugged hills, slopes, etc.).
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and hike (up to 5 miles a day) often while lifting/carrying equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing environmental conditions, including hot temperatures, independently in remote places or as part of a team.
• Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as working 4 days a week or 8 days on 6 days off, or beginning before sunrise to avoid heat-related issues.
• Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days, on rare occasions.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and prefer someone to have experience driving various vehicles and ATVs, including in 4WD.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in identifying eastern North American flora is required.
• Interest in eastern Southeast Natural history, ecology, and vegetation.
• Must have good communication skills. This includes writing clearly and concisely, and responding to emails and phone calls in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of and prior experience in restoration activities is a plus.
• Excellent organizational and task-management skills, including maintaining accurate and detailed data records.
• Must have good interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate and work effectively within a dynamic team and a wide variety of people.
• Comes prepared with a good attitude and willingness to learn.
• Able to learn quickly and adapt to challenges.
• Strong commitment to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are considered throughout the program.

Position Dates:

July - December 2025, but may be flexible.