Field research positions in plant evolutionary ecology Department of Genetics, Odum School of Ecology, Plant Biology and the State Botanical Garden University of Georgia A consortium of plant evolutionary ecologists from the University of Georgia (Athens, GA) is currently seeking 6 enthusiastic field technicians to participate in an NSF-funded study (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award?AWD_ID=2220927) under the direction of Dr. Jill Anderson and in collaboration with Drs. Megan DeMarche(University of Georgia), Jenny Cruse-Sanders(Georgia State Botanical Garden), Seema Sheth(North Carolina State University), Susana Wadgymar(Davidson College), and Emily Josephs(Michigan State University). The project combines approaches from evolutionary biology, field ecology, and quantitative genetics to forecast range-wide population dynamics under climate change in a broadly distributed native plant species (Chamaecrista fasciculata, Fabaceae). The technicians will be part of a dynamic, dedicated, and engaged research group as well as a member of a multidisciplinary and multi-institution collaborative group that includes conservation professionals. We are seeking two research technicians per location to collaborate on establishing and executing large-scale common garden experiments in Florida, Georgia and New York. Each technician will focus research efforts on only one garden and will not need to travel to the other sites. Therefore, we ask interested candidates to apply for the location that best suits their interests. To apply: Please submit following materials to the job posting website indicated below a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position (including your available dates), current CV or resume (with relevant coursework included), and contact information (phone number and email address) for 2 references. Location: Archbold Biological Station in Venus, Florida Dates: March 2, 2026 through October 30, 2026 (exact dates flexible) Pay: $20/hour full time (40 hours/week) To apply: Please submit all materials to: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/462002 Location: Georgia State Botanical Garden in Athens, Georgia Dates: March 15, 2026 through October 30, 2026 (exact dates flexible) Pay: $20/hour full time (40 hours/week) To apply: Please submit all materials to: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/462000 Location: Cornell University in Ithaca, New York Dates: May 15, 2026 through October 30, 2026 (exact dates flexible) Pay: $20/hour full time (40 hours/week) To apply: Please submit all materials to: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/461999 Expected duties: The successful candidate will contribute to a collaborative study of eco-evolutionary responses to climate in the partridge pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata, an annual legume that grows in disturbed habitats in central and eastern North America. The technician's primary responsibilities involve collaborating with the PIs and other researchers to establish and maintain a large common garden experiment and to collect data from ~7,000 transplanted seeds in Florida, Georgia or New York. This work includes preparing seeds for planting, planting seeds, setting up the garden infrastructure, building open-top chambers, collecting data on traits and fitness, entering data, maintenance tasks in the garden (e.g., weeding), processing samples in the lab, and communicating with Dr. Anderson and other team members. The technician will also have opportunities to mentor and train undergraduate students and collaborate with graduate students. Required qualifications Bachelor's degree in ecology, evolutionary biology, botany, or a related field Valid US driver's license Ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions for long days Attention to detail; precise, neat work; ability to perform repetitive tasks Excellent problem-solving and communication skills Preferred qualifications Previous experience with field research in ecology, evolution, and/or botany Coursework in ecology, plant biology, genetics, or related fields Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs Desire to train and mentor other team members Comfortable with manual labor, including but not limited to using common tools, light carpentry, and gardening/landscaping techniques Experience with troubleshooting in the field Commitment to field safety: We are committed to providing a safe field work experience for all members of the collaborative team. We are happy to discuss and address any safety-related concerns you have. Review of applications will begin on January 9, 2026and continue until the positions are filled. Questions can be directed to Dr. Jill Anderson (jta24@uga.edu) Jill T Anderson (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)