• Field Assistant (Temporary)

    University of Washington (Seattle, WA)


    Req #: 245250

     

    Department: SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND FOREST SCIENCES

     

    Appointing Department Web Address: https://depts.washington.edu/bjhlab/

     

    Job Location Detail: Job involves field work in Washington and northern Oregon

     

    Posting Date: 04/22/2025

    Closing Info:

    Open Until Filled

     

    Salary: $21.10 per hour

     

    Shift: First Shift

    Notes:

    As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/04/benefits-summary-classified-staff-less-than-half-time-4787-20250130-a11y.pdf)

     

    As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

     

    UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

     

    Interested in fire ecology and old-growth forests?Want to work in Cascade Mountains?APPLY NOW!

     

    The Harvey Lab ( https://depts.washington.edu/bjhlab/ ) in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington is hiring up to 6 full time **field assistants** to work on research projects in forests of Washington and Oregon during summer 2025. 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 the following three focal areas across the Cascade Mountains in Washington and northern Oregon:

    + Post-fire vegetation measurements in recently burned forests

    + Measuring long-term old-growth forest plots

    + Measuring long-term fuel profiles in dry interior forests **DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES** 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.

    + (e) measuring fuels and carbon. **LOGISTICS**

    + Work schedule will be variable based on conditions and location, but generally will involve 5–10-day stints in the field. Lodging will consist primarily of camping with potential for occasional field housing (not guaranteed). Camping gear (e.g., tents, sleeping pads) will be available for anyone who needs it. Lodging is not provided on off-days unless remaining in the field (i.e., not returning to Seattle). **DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS**

    + 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. **MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS**

    + Two years college credits with major study in engineering or science, OR two years work experience equivalent to that performed by a research aide 1. **ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS**

    + 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. **CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT**

    + 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. **DURATION**

    + June 1 to September 30. **COMPENSATION**

    + $21.10/hour.

     

    University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.