Positions available: Field Ecology Technician / Lead Field Ecologist

Type: Seasonal, On-site

Forest Futures Lab at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

We seek two full-time field technicians and one crew lead for fieldwork investigating the drivers of post-fire forest regeneration in interior Alaska. The responsibilities of the field crew include participating in field operations and following data entry protocols to a high scientific standard. Field operations will include a suite of varying activities such as conducting vegetation surveys, measuring soil horizon layers, and taking soil cores. The field crew will also be responsible for carrying field equipment to in situ field sites, often on complex terrain, digging soil pits for sampling, and following safety protocols. The field crew will maintain and repair equipment at experimental sites, including meteorological stations and precipitation exclusion sheds. All employees will be responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that leads to a safe, friendly, and harassment-free work environment for all and in compliance with Cary Institute policies.

The chosen candidates will gain valuable skills in conducting ecological field research in a remote setting and will be exposed to cutting edge approaches in population and community ecology, biogeochemistry, and microbial science. This is an hourly paid position. Housing and meals are provided. The field technicians will join a vibrant and growing team at the Forest Futures Lab based at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is the world’s premier think tank on ecosystem science. It is a uniquely collaborative and welcoming institution. For additional information on the Forest Futures Lab, visit http://forestfutureslab.org/. For additional information about Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, visit https://www.caryinstitute.org/

Duration: June 30th – August 1st, 2025

Job Description:

• Conduct field work consisting of data collection on post-fire tree regeneration and soils, maintenance of experimental sites, and application of experimental soil treatments at sites
• Participate in pre- and post-hitch activities, including hitch planning, data entry, data QA/QC, and cleaning and maintenance of trucks and gear
• Drive and navigate to remote sites in a 4WD vehicle
• Camp for up to four nights at a time, either at established campgrounds or dispersed camping in areas without amenities.
• Hike on rough, uneven terrain (up to 6 miles a day) in variable weather conditions, carrying sampling gear weighing up to 40 lbs
• Crew Lead is responsible for making safety decisions in the field and ensuring high-quality data collection

Qualifications and Skills:

• B.S. or working toward a degree in a natural science field
• Field experience, including the ability to work in adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time, including heat and rains, with the possibility of encountering hazardous wildlife
• Experience and willingness to spend multiple days (up to 4 nights at a time) car-camping in remote areas; familiarity or willingness to learn and adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles
• Be physically capable of standing and walking (up to 6 miles/day on rough, uneven terrain), bending and crouching for long periods of time, and lifting/carrying items in variable weather conditions
• Must love the outdoors and be passionate about learning about the boreal forest
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and adapt to changing conditions
• Quality data collection skills and attention to detail
• Valid US driver's license
• Experience with and knowledge of Microsoft Suite Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
• Crew Lead should have experience managing field crews or several seasons of conducting field work

Ideal candidates will have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree, at minimum, with degree in ecology, botany, soil science, fire ecology, plant ecology, natural resource management, or a related field
• Current or ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder certificates. Strong preference will be given to a Crew Lead with WFA/WFR certificates.
• Experience using scientific field instruments (soil moisture probes, data loggers, meteorological stations)
• Experience in simple building/construction (using hand tools)

Compensation: $23-25/hour for Crew Lead and $20-22/hour for Technicians