We are accepting applications for summer 2026!
The Echinacea Project seeks an field research team leader for the 2026 field season (2-5 months). The research team leader will lead a team of summer research technicians in a long-term research project investigating ecology, evolution, and conservation in prairie plants, especially the purple coneflower, Echinacea angustifolia. Our project includes experiments and observational studies that were started over 30 years ago. We seek team members interested in plant population biology, evolution and quantitative genetics, plant-insect interactions, and conservation biology.
We seek an individual with at least one year experience working in the field and prior leadership experience. Enthusiasm, a strong work-ethic, and self-motivation are required for this position. Read more general information about our field season!
Job description
As a field research team leader, you will play a key role in supporting and contributing to ongoing research on the conservation genetics, reproductive biology, and demography of the prairie plant Echinacea angustifolia. Summer fieldwork occurs in prairie remnants and restorations in western Minnesota. Your main summer goal will be to lead a team to collect data for two core datasets: demography of plants in 37 prairie remnants, and annual fitness of plants in five experimental plots. Core data has been collected annually since 1996.
You will lead a team to accomplish all research activities, including 1) data collection, 2) managing plots (weeding, maintaining flags, seeding), 3) harvesting seedheads, and 4) data quality control. Good organizational and communication skills are critical and so is attention to detail. All training is provided. Teamwork starts in mid to late June. Leaders start earlier. End date is negotiable.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, field research experience, leadership experience, driver’s license, vehicle, ability to perform outdoor physical work in field conditions.
Desired: experience with GPS, experience with data management (Access, R, git), experience working with plants, communicating clearly, paying attention to detail, and working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
How to apply
- Fill out our online application form
- Send us an email and attach a single pdf that includes the following:
- a cover letter, including the following:
- why you are interested in a field research team leader position
- what you hope to gain from the experience
- what you will contribute to the project
- when you are available to work
- your future plans
- your resume
- your transcript (unoffical OK)
- a cover letter, including the following:
- Include contact information for two or more referees, at least one former or current supervisor
Send your application materials via email to echinaceaProject@gmail.com with the subject line “research team leader” by 4 March 2026 at 11:59 pm Central Time. Format your cover letter, resume, and transcript as a single pdf file. Use your surname to begin the file name. Submit by the deadline to ensure full consideration; however, we will review applications until positions are filled. Pay rates are commensurate with experience. Housing in Minnesota during the summer is included. Driving among sites, usually <10 miles/day reimbursed at IRS business rate.
More information
First, read about our field season! If you have any questions, contact a team member via e-mail. Read about our lab and field activities on the flog and more about the project’s background. To learn more about fire and prairie plants, check out this video that we made.
