Field Assistants (Seasonal, Multiple Openings)
About The Position
Interested in fire ecology? Want to work in the Cascade Mountains? APPLY NOW! The School of Environmental and Forest Sciences has opportunities open for multiple Field Assistants (Research Aide 1) this summer. The Harvey Lab (https://depts.washington.edu/bjhlab/) at the University of Washington is hiring up to 8 full time field assistants to work on research projects in forests of the Cascade Mountains during summer 2026. We are looking for individuals who are interested in forest and fire ecology, adaptable, detail-oriented, able to follow protocols, enjoy working as part of a team outdoors in variable conditions, and can live cooperatively with others. Field assistants are critical members of our team and are essential to advancing research projects! PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Field assistants will be involved in one or more research projects, which are collaborations between the Harvey Lab, the Washington DNR, Tulalip Tribes, UW Climate Impacts Group, US Forest Service and National Park Service, working on post-fire vegetation and fuels measurements in recently burned and/or treated forests. We acknowledge our work in the PNW is located on homelands of Indigenous peoples, and we have a responsibility to reflect on the histories of dispossession and forced removal of the original inhabitants, as well as the resilience and vibrancy of their cultures today. DUTIES: Field assistants will be collecting data on forest structure and composition. Tasks will involve: (a) navigating variable terrain to forest plots using maps and GPS; (b) identifying plant species; (c) tagging, measuring, and mapping trees; (d) assessing tree mortality and regeneration; and (e) measuring fuels and carbon
Requirements
- 2 years college credits with major study in engineering or science OR 2 years work experience equivalent to a research aide
- Commitment to a safe work environment
- Demonstrated interest in environmental science or related field
- Ability to follow detailed data collection protocols
- Ability to adapt to changing schedules & conditions
- Ability to work well as a team and live cooperatively with others
- Valid driver’s license
- Willingness to work full days in variable weather and terrain, prioritizing safety
- Willingness to lodge in mobile, group campsite settings under rugged outdoor conditions
Nice To Haves
- Outdoor fieldwork, data collection, and research experience with multiple collaborators
- PNW forest plant identification
- Characterizing forest structure and burn severity
- Tree tagging, measuring, and mapping
- Operating a variety of forestry tools and equipment
Responsibilities
- navigating variable terrain to forest plots using maps and GPS
- identifying plant species
- tagging, measuring, and mapping trees
- assessing tree mortality and regeneration
- measuring fuels and carbon
- collecting data on forest structure and composition
Benefits
- For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
