"Ecology Technician (Temporary) - Tyson Research Center (Eureka, MO)"

Position Summary

The Myers lab at WashU in St. Louis seeks a seasonal field technician to participate in two large-scale forest ecology projects at the university's field station, Tyson Research Center: 1) a re-census of a temperate forest-dynamics plot that is part of the Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) global network of scientists and forest research sites dedicated to advancing long-term study of the world's forests; and 2) a landscape-scale experiment investigating the importance of plant-functional traits in determining responses of plant diversity to environmental change (prescribed fire) and natural enemies (seed predators & herbivores).

The technician will develop skills and gain experience in: 1) field protocols for censuses of long-term ForestGEO plots, including tree identification, tree mapping, and measurements of tree growth, mortality, and seed production; 2) data collection for large-scale field experiments, including surveys of plant community composition and dynamics across environmental gradients; 3) management of large data sets; 4) mentoring of undergraduate and high school students in field research; and 5) team-based ecological field research.

This is a temporary position with an estimated start date between March 1 and May 23, 2026.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

For more information, please visit:

Myers Lab: http://www.myersecologylab.com.

Tyson Research Center: http://tyson.wustl.edu.

• Working collaboratively with a research team on two large-scale, forest-ecology projects at Tyson Research Center. Field tasks include: 1) identifying, tagging, mapping, and measuring growth, mortality, and recruitment of seedlings and trees; 2) surveys of plant community composition and dynamics across environmental gradients; 3) collecting seeds from seed traps; 4) maintaining permanent field plots and seed traps; and 5) assisting with the mentoring and supervision of undergraduate students and high school students in field and lab research.
• Enter data using Microsoft Excel.
• Perform laboratory work including identifying and counting seeds from seed traps and general laboratory maintenance and cleaning.
• Assist with other field experiments at Tyson Research Center.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Exposure to dust, dirt, grease or other disagreeable elements.
• Outdoors under a range of conditions including walking long distances on steep terrain, and cold, hot or rainy weather.
• Exposure to moving machinery.
• Exposure to animals.
• Travel to on and off-campus locations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A Class E (MO) or Class D (IL) license and a good driving record are required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., biology, ecology, forestry).
• Experience conducting field research.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Ability to work outdoors under a range of conditions that include hot or cold weather, mosquitoes and ticks, and steep terrain.
• Enthusiasm to learn new concepts and field skills.
• Strong interest in ecology.
• Experience working in a field team.
• Experience with plant identification, especially in temperate forests.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate students in research.
• Experience conducting independent research.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage concurrent tasks.
• Ability to communicate well with research supervisor and other research team members.