Job Title: 
Field technician
Location:
Northern Minnesota, USA
Duration: 
4-6 months (May 15 – August 31)
Job Type:
Seasonal
Application Deadline:
03/31/2017

Job Description:
Two (2) technicians are needed for a study of brushland vegetation response 
following prescribed 
burning in northern Minnesota. Our research objective is to examine the effects 
of season of 
burning on brushland habitat quality and use. The technicians will join a 
graduate student 
researcher to conduct vegetation surveys and fuel assessments. We are looking 
for applicants who 
will take pride in collecting high-quality ecological data without supervision, 
under challenging 
field conditions (i.e., strenuous hiking in brushy wetlands; long hours of sun, 
heat, and humidity; 
ticks, mosquitoes and biting flies galore), with a hard-working, team-oriented 
attitude, and 
preferably with a good sense of humor. The season will run from May 15, 2017 
through end of 
August 2017, and there is some flexibility to the start and end dates depending 
on whether and 
technician availability. The project will be based out of the UMN Cloquet 
Forestry Center. 

While the primary responsibility of the technicians will be work related to the 
study of brushland 
vegetation, other projects and field opportunities will likely be available 
throughout the summer. 

Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications include a background, or seeking degree, in Natural 
Resources, Forestry, 
Ecology, Wildlife or related major or equivalent experience; ability to work in 
challenging terrain 
and navigate in the field using GPS; ability to closely follow vegetation 
survey and fuel assessment 
protocol and data entering instructions; experience with plant identification 
in the Lake States; and 
willingness to spend long days in the field working and hiking through brushy, 
wet environments. 
This habitat is difficult to move through, so prior experience working in 
difficult terrain is a plus. 
This job requires people who enjoy living and working closely with others, are 
resourceful and 
creative, have high attention to detail, are able to follow precise protocol, 
comfortable going with 
the flow with a sometimes unpredictable work schedule and possess a positive 
attitude for long 
days. Surveys require driving between multiple sites and applicants must 
possess a valid driver’s 
license.

Compensation:
$12/h @ approximately 40/week from May through August. Housing is provided if 
needed at a 
minimal cost (~25$/week).

To Apply:
Persons interested in interviewing for a position should email a letter of 
interest and current CV 
with names and contact information (phone and email) for two references to Lori 
Knosalla at 
knosa...@umn.edu.Please include YOUR LAST NAME and “BRUSHLAND TECH” in the 
email subject 
line.

Number of Openings:
2

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion 
in enriching the 
employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  
The University is 
committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and 
backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its 
programs, facilities, and 
employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, 
gender, age, marital 
status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual 
orientation, gender identity, or 
gender expressions.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  
http://diversity.umn.edu.

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