Grassland loss is the greatest conservation issue facing eastern North American biodiversity. Southeastern grasslands have suffered immeasurable losses, and the species that depend on them are fading fast. Many Southeastern grasslands that managed to persist through the past 200 years have disappeared over the past quarter-century. What will the next 25 years bring? If we want to reverse the tide of grassland biodiversity loss, our response must be rapid and unparalleled in magnitude. This immensely complex and ambitious challenge will take hard work, passion, and creativity. Are you ready to join the Southeastern Grasslands Institute’s team in our mission to save Southeastern grasslands?

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for two Monitoring Technician positions located in the Roanoke/Salem, VA area. Funding is available for six months, at $20/hour for 37.5 hours/week. Technicians will be responsible for conducting grassland plant biodiversity surveys at grassland restoration and reconstruction sites in national parks across the Eastern US, including Manassas National Battlefield Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park, and Gateway National Recreation Area. Monitoring Technicians will travel extensively throughout the course of the position, typically for 3 to 5-day work-week trips, with all travel expenses covered by grant funds. The Monitoring Technicians will travel and conduct surveys alongside SGI’s Central Appalachian and Mid-Atlantic Grasslands Coordinators. Monitoring technicians may also be asked to assist the Field Technician crew on grassland restoration and land management tasks at a diverse array of national parks across the Eastern US, typically on an 8-day on/6-day off schedule, with all travel expenses covered by grant funds.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct grassland plant biodiversity surveys in National Parks across the Eastern U.S.
• Gather written, photographic, and GIS data at each survey location.
• Assist with entering and curating survey data.
• Implement grassland restoration and reconstruction projects in National Parks across the Eastern U.S. (i.e., invasive species management, treating woody encroachment, herbicide application).
• Participate in regular team meetings and SGI staff meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with grassland plant species and community types of the Southeastern United States.
• Basic knowledge of plant survey methods and experience collecting field data.
• Ability to identify unfamiliar plant species.
• Ability to work as part of a two-person team.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to hike over rugged terrain in various landscapes (grasslands, wetlands, rugged hills, slopes, etc.)
• Willing and able to work in harsh, ever-changing environmental conditions, including hot and cold temperatures, high levels of sun exposure, buggy conditions, and rain.
• Can work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning the workday early in the morning to avoid mid-day heat.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Must have an interest in Southeastern natural history, ecology, and plant communities.
• Must have excellent organizational and task-management skills.
• Must have strong communication skills. This includes writing clearly and concisely, responding to emails and phone calls in a timely manner, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Comes prepared with a good attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to learn quickly and creatively adapt to challenges.
• Strong commitment to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are considered throughout all aspects of the program.

Position Dates: June 2026 - December 2026. Interviews will begin in May.