Job Information
Penn State University Talent Acquisition Summer Field Technician-Vegetation Data Collection in University Park, Pennsylvania
Reference #: REQ_0000063213 APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The Deer-Forest Study (https://deer.psu.edu) is a long-term research project investigating the role of deer herbivory, soils, and competing vegetation on forest plant communities. We are seeking summer field technicians to assist with data collection on permanent plots on four study areas. Crew members will receive two weeks of training on using GPS to find plot locations, plant identification, and how to apply the study protocol. You will spend your days finding permanent forest inventory plots, identifying and quantifying the size and abundance of trees and understory plants, and recording and archiving the data you collect. You will gain valuable skills and experience in plant identification and conducting vegetation surveys. There will be four positions in State College, PA (south crew) and four positions in Coudersport, PA (north crew). Housing is provided for the north crew in Coudersport, PA.
Key qualifications: At least two years toward a natural resources baccalaureate degree; ability to hike off-trail for up to 2 miles while carrying equipment with or without accommodation; demonstrated plant identification skills (as evidenced by a course in plant ID, such as dendrology, and/or field experience collecting vegetation data); ability to work independently and reliably without direct supervision in challenging field conditions; and possession of a valid driver's license.
This job requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
Crew Leaders: In addition to performing the duties described above, crew leaders must be able to successfully manage and lead a vegetation monitoring crew while they perform daily duties. This includes daily planning of plot visits, assessing access routes and equipment needs, and management/archiving of collected data.
This is a summer position starting Monday, May 19, 2025, until Friday August 8, 2025. Crew Leaders must be available beginning Thursday May 15th with possible extension through Friday, August 15th.
Questions: Contact Justin Zweck (jzz5584@psu.edu)
Application deadline: Applications reviewed as received.
To apply: Apply to the position in WorkDay. Applications should include a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and contact information for three references as a single pdf document. At least one reference should be able to comment on your plant identification skills. If you wish to be considered for a crew leader position, please explain in the cover letter your qualifications for supervising a field crew.
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Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
