VT Vegetation Field Crew Technicians or Crew Leader

Project: The University of Vermont, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources is seeking two(2) undergraduate field technicians and one(1) crew lead to assist on field studies examining the impacts of climate change and invasive species and associated adaptive forest management strategies on a spruce-fir forest in Vermont. Field technicians would work with multidisciplinary teams of graduate students and scientists from the University of Vermont, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science.

Crews will train with staff and agency personnel to learn the data collection protocols, methods, and techniques. Following training, crews will be responsible for planning daily trips, maintaining equipment, traveling to and from field sites, and conducting field work. In addition to these responsibilities, the crew leader will also be responsible for managing a safe and inclusive work environment, relaying consistent communications between supervisor and field crew, and making decisions in the field for the crew.

Primary responsibilities:

• Establish long-term vegetation monitoring plots
• Conduct forest inventory data collection, including overstory tree measurements, vegetation and regeneration surveys, coarse woody material assessments
• Navigate to field plots using GPS and maps
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in data collection and management
• Collaborate with team members to support research goals
• For Crew Lead, maintaining communication with supervisor while out in the field

Required Qualifications

• Academic background in forestry, ecology or related fields
• Strong knowledge of forest inventory techniques and tree species identification preferred
• Physically capable of hiking and conducting daily field work in rough terrain in harsh environmental conditions (heat, rain, biting insects)
• Crew lead applicants should have leadership experience and advanced field skills
• Valid driver’s license required

Physical Demands

Field-based roles typically involve data collection in remote locations with little to no cellular service. Crews will face challenging field conditions, including high temperatures, biting insects and heavy rainfall. Daily hikes of up to 5 miles while carrying up to 50 pounds will be required. Driving to designated sites for multiple hours and some 4×4 driving on unmaintained roads.

Position Details

Supervision: Field Technicians will work primarily with their designated crew members, and occasionally with personnel from collaborating agencies and Silviculture and Forest Ecology lab members.

Location: Silvio O Conte NWR, Nulhegan Basin Division, Brunswick, VT (housing provided)

Start date: May 18th, 2026

End date: August 13th, 2026

Anticipated hours: 3 months, 40 hours per week (Mon-Thurs, 10 hours days)

Compensation: $18-20 for crew members DOE, $20-22 for crew lead DOE