Seasonal Research Assistant_Plant Ecology
Full-time • Venus, FL
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Summary:
We seek a motivated plant ecologist for a Seasonal Research Assistant position in the Plant Ecology Program of Dr. Aaron David at Archbold Biological Station, located in south-central Florida. This position is for 6 months with an ideal start date of April 14, 2025.
Archbold is a not-for-profit biological field station devoted to ecological research, conservation, and education. Archbold’s 20,000-acres of natural areas have outstanding examples of central Florida ecosystems and endemic, imperiled species. We have a staff of about 50 with many visiting scientists, an active seminar program, and a relaxed biological station atmosphere. We also work within an extensive regional network of managed areas, both publicly and privately owned.
In the Plant Ecology Program, we study nearly two dozen rare species of endemic plants in endangered Florida scrub and related communities, and have unique, multidecadal demographic datasets coupled with detailed fire records. Our research emphasizes conservation biology, plant demography, plant-microbe interactions, restoration ecology, fire ecology, landscape ecology, and fire management. Our group consists of 3-4 full time scientists together with interns, graduate students, and collaborators, and is a stimulating and enjoyable workplace. Plant Ecology Seasonal Research Assistants are generally tasked with managing or assisting with research, conservation, and collections projects, and supervising interns in the field and laboratory. Prospective applicants can learn more about Archbold, and the Plant Ecology Program (http://www.archbold-station.org/html/research/plant/plant.html) on our website (https://www.archbold-station.org/).
Duties include:
- Leading field data collection, field experiments, and laboratory work
- Supervising interns
- Data management and data analysis
- Collections curation
- Leading field data collection, field experiments, and laboratory work
- Supervising interns
- Data management and data analysis
- Collections curation
The Research Assistant will have several professional development opportunities, including attending stakeholder and/or conservation meetings, participating in prescribed burns, and organizing educational outreach activities.
Candidate requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of research experience. Degree should be in ecology, biology, or a related field with a focus in field research
- Experience collecting ecological data
- Willingness to work both as part of a team and independently
- Stamina to work in a subtropical climate
- Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of research experience. Degree should be in ecology, biology, or a related field with a focus in field research
- Experience collecting ecological data
- Willingness to work both as part of a team and independently
- Stamina to work in a subtropical climate
Ideal candidate may also have specific training or experience in plant population biology, botany, fire ecology, Florida ecology, conservation, or land management. Experience using ArcGIS and/or R is strongly desirable.
Application instructions
To best ensure all documents are received, please use the web portal and NOT the 'Apply with Indeed' link to attach the following application documents:
To best ensure all documents are received, please use the web portal and NOT the 'Apply with Indeed' link to attach the following application documents:
(1) Cover letter describing research or career interests and availability
(2) Resume or CV including contact information for (3) three professional references and either an unofficial transcript or a list of relevant coursework
(2) Resume or CV including contact information for (3) three professional references and either an unofficial transcript or a list of relevant coursework
After clicking the initial 'Submit application' button, you will be prompted with a second page to complete. You should receive a confirmation email once your entire application is complete. Review of applicants will begin February 11, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position can be emailed to Dr. Aaron David at adavid@archbold-station.org
Compensation: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Archbold is an equal opportunity employer. We take action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected status. Archbold will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and stands proud of its collaborative culture.
Archbold's mission is to build and share the scientific knowledge needed to protect the life, lands, and waters of Florida, and beyond. Archbold’s footprint encompasses the ancient scrub habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge; the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape; the vast, open ranchlands of Central Florida; and the many waterways that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and then drain to the coasts, touching the lives of millions of Floridians. Archbold studies and protects these natural wonders as ecosystems: as complex networks shaped by measurable natural processes. Our dozens of research sites encompass the pristine sand dunes of the Lake Wales Ridge; the ranchlands and wetlands that make up much of Central Florida; and the rivers that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and beyond.
Today Archbold stewards a rich mosaic of natural habitats, native ecosystems, working lands, and historic buildings at Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch. The Station and the Ranch serve as the place-based crucible for our innovative science, conservation, and education programs. These draw from a long, deep history, dating back from our beginnings, founded by Richard Archbold in 1941.
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