Grassland loss is the greatest conservation issue facing eastern North American biodiversity. Our precious Southeastern grasslands have suffered immeasurable losses, and the species that depend on them are fading fast. Many of the grasslands that persisted over 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?

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for a Field Technician position based in Clarksville, TN. The Field Technician will be responsible for carrying out restoration and land management work at a diverse array of national parks across the Southern and Eastern US. There may also be some limited opportunities to assist with vegetation monitoring. The Field Technician will travel extensively throughout the year, typically working an 8-day-on/6-day-off hitch schedule, with overnight stays and travel expenses covered by grant funds. Up to 90% of the time will be spent in the field. The Field Technician will receive daily direction from a Lead Field Technician and directly report to SGI’s Interior Plateau Grasslands Coordinator.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement grassland restoration and reconstruction projects in national parks across the Southern and Eastern US (e.g., invasive species management, treating woody encroachment, site preparation, and planting of restoration seed mixes).
• Plan daily fieldwork activities with the Lead Field Technician. 
• Communicate project updates and needs with the Lead Field Technician.
• Assist in gathering written, photographic, and GIS data for each project location.
• Assist in writing and editing management plans for project locations.
• Read relevant materials and protocols.
• Participate in regular team meetings and SGI staff meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of grassland plant species and community types of the Southeastern and/or Mid-Atlantic United States.
• Knowledge of grassland restoration and reconstruction practices.
• Knowledge of invasive species management.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to challenges.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as working 8 days on followed by 6 days off,  beginning work at 5 am to avoid heat-related issues, or occasionally working late hours on time-sensitive needs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and experience driving a wide variety of vehicles and ATVs, including 4WD.
• Must be able to hike over rugged terrain in a variety of landscapes (grasslands, wetlands, rugged hills, slopes, etc.)
• Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing environmental conditions, including hot temperatures, buggy conditions, and rain.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in grassland restoration and/or land management strongly preferred.
• Comes prepared with a good attitude and willingness to learn.
• Must have excellent organizational and task-management skills.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Strong commitment to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are considered throughout all aspects of the program.
• Must be flexible with travel and work schedules.

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 11,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 150,287 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Austin Peay State University is a proud supporter of hiring veterans. We hire veterans with equivalent experiences and pay grades from their military service, rather than requiring or preferring only college degrees. Please visit our website for more information on how veterans can qualify for additional employment opportunities at APSU: https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/hiring-veterans/.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) prohibits discrimination in all employment, programs, and activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. For Title IX inquiries or complaints, contact: Chief of Institutional Culture & Title IX Coordinator, LaNeeça R. Williams at williamslr@apsu.edu | 931-221-7690, Browning Building, Room 140, Clarksville, TN 37044. For other non-discrimination concerns, contact: Director of Institutional Culture & Title VI & Title VII Coordinator, Dr. Jo Baldwin at baldwinjapsu.edu | 931-221-7178 or Associate Director of Accessibility Compliance & ADA/504 Coordinator, Jayme Glover at gloverj@apsu.edu | 931-221-7160. View APSU’s full nondiscrimination policy at Policy 6:001.