Employer: Gretchen Gerrish (she/her)
Description:
We are seeking multiple team members to join in field and lab work to contribute to learning about and addressing challenges facing Manoomin (wild rice) in waters throughout the Ceded Territories. Responsibilities for the position will vary based on partner priorities and may include (but are not limited to), field work, lab work, data management, outreach and education. We are looking for individuals enthusiastic to work within tribal, academic, and agency communities to promote and support the future of Manoomin, Nibi (water), and food sovereignty. Individuals will have the opportunity to network across partner groups and can be supported to remain embedded within their communities or to live at the Center for Limnology’s Trout Lake Field Station in Vilas County, WI.
Having people with different life experiences and backgrounds is critical to ensure the exchange of diverse ideas that is called for in training tomorrow’s scientists. Because we are actively working to increase diversity and inclusivity in our discipline, underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with a variety of tasks across partner program priorities
- Learning and understanding the cultural and ecological importance of Manoomin, Nibi, and food sovereignty in the Ceded Territory of Northern WI
- Carrying out field work with initial guidance and then independently once comfortable
- Entering field data accurately and within a reasonable time of sampling
- Attending Manoomin related events throughout Wisconsin
- Building respectful and reciprocal relationships with Tribal Nation partners
- Helping plan and host educational and outreach events
- Helping conduct and transcribe interviews
Qualifications:
The successful applicant:
- will be comfortable on and in water
- will be comfortable traveling for field work throughout the Ceded Territories of Northern Wisconsin
- will successfully interact with the team and public to communicate work in writing and/or verbally
- will be comfortable reaching out to folks and prioritize building good relationships with community members
- will have good organizational skills for maintaining a research schedule and oversee quality assurance of data
- will be creative in helping design programming
Details:
- Number of positions: multiple
- Start date – mid/late May 2026 (has flexibility)
- End date – mid/late August 2026 (has flexibility)
- Student Pay: $14.50 no experience; $14.75 some experience; $15.00 very experienced
- Limited Term employment of non-student applicants should submit application materials at Jobs at UW and contact Gretchen Gerrish if any questions.
Location:
Work locations for this position can be
- within partnered tribal communities,
- or at the Center for Limnology’s Trout Lake Station in Boulder Junction, WI in northern Wisconsin where dormitory style housing (not food) is provided free of charge. Enjoy swimming, hiking, fishing, biking, and shoreline campfires while gaining valuable experience! Student research experience at TLS video.
How to Apply (students):
- Student Application link
- Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until filled.
- Indicate Wild Rice Stewardship Technician preference on your application and contact Gretchen Gerrish if you have any questions.
The CFL is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to an inclusive and positive working environment for all.