Seasonal Field Research Technician/Crew Leads

About the role

The Utah Forest Restoration Institute (UFRI) is hiring 8-12 seasonal positions, including research technicians (crew) and crew leads, to assist with forest & fire ecology research projects across the state of Utah. Based out of Utah State University, UFRI seeks to collaboratively develop and deliver objective science to managers, policymakers, and communities to inform the management of healthy, fire-resilient, and climate-adapted forests and woodlands.

Responsibilities

• Work on several projects throughout the summer, including work along the Wasatch front, the Uintas, and southern Utah.
• Collect forestry, vegetation, and environmental data.
• Assess fuel conditions.
• Do post-fire monitoring.
• Work in remote, steep, and rugged terrain under variable weather conditions.
• Crew leads will coordinate day-to-day field schedules, maintain communication with project leads, and ensure a safe, positive, and inclusive dynamic throughout the season.

Qualifications

• Experience in the outdoors (e.g., camping, backpacking, hiking).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel away from Logan overnight for extended hitches.
• Minimum qualifications: Experience in the outdoors (e.g., camping, backpacking, hiking). Valid driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials.
• Preferred qualifications: Degree, coursework, or experience in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or related field. Previous experience working on field research crews. Experience utilizing forestry/ecology measuring tools and techniques (e.g., plot establishment, fuel transects, cover estimates, DBH tapes). Experience using navigation tools (GPS, compass). Data entry/management. Wilderness First Aid/First Responder Certification (WFA, WFR).
• Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities: Enthusiasm, positive attitude, and willingness to learn. Effective communication skills, ability to work in teams, respect for fellow crew members. Familiarity with and proficiency in identifying plants found throughout Utah (e.g., Great Basin, mixed-conifer, and pinyon-juniper woodland habitats).

Required Documents

• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV".
• Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile.
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application. Please describe your interest in working for UFRI and which position you are applying to (technician or crew lead).

ADA

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing). Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Incumbents should have ability & desire to work outdoors in a variety of conditions and carry a 30-lb pack across steep/rugged terrain. Additionally, indoor or outdoor work environments may include being confined or in narrow spaces for periods of time.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact. USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state. Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies ' long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law. Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law. Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities. In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.