Summer Forestry Field Technician

Overview

University of Idaho - various, Idaho, USA

Position Title:

Summer Forestry Field Technician

Application Review Begins:
Wednesday, February 04, 2026

Final date to receive applications:
Sunday, March 01, 2026

Institution:
University of Idaho

Department/Division:
Natural Resources

Field (e.g., systematics):
Forestry

City: various, Idaho, USA

General Information:
This position is in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station. Housing is provided and paid for by employer. Work schedule is full-time (40 hours/week) from May 27 - August 19, 2026. We will be working on an 8-days ON followed by 6-days OFF schedule. Field crew is stationed near Priest River, Idaho, but extensive travel is required including locations throughout Idaho and Montana.

Camping is required and is our main type of lodging throughout the work week. This position includes surveying and monitoring whitebark pine health, with a focus on detecting and assessing white pine blister rust. The role assists in establishing long-term monitoring plots in under-sampled areas, including wilderness and Research Natural Areas. The selected candidate will work in a 2–3-person field crew conducting surveys in subalpine forests across Idaho’s Rocky Mountains.

• Must be eligible to work in the United States at time of hire
• Must be 18 years or older at time of hire
• Interested in forest health and conservation
• Experience in backcountry settings is preferred
• Ability to camp in remote areas for up to 8 consecutive days
• Hike up to 10 miles per day off-trail on rugged, uneven, mountainous terrain
• Carry pack of up to 30lbs for duration of workday
• Ability to follow protocol instructions precisely and accurately
• Must be willing to work effectively within a team
• Good attitude, especially under irritable or stressful circumstances
• Valid state driver’s license
• Ability to safely drive 4WD vehicles in rugged terrain

• Performing forestry measurements using USFS Common Stand Exam protocol, botanical surveys, forest health assessments, and hemispherical photography.
• Hiking long distances (5-10 miles per day) in remote, rugged, mountainous terrain
• Carrying backpack of up to 30 pounds for duration of workday
• Camping for up to 8 days at a time – camping gear will be provided if needed
• Navigating to remote sites via 4WD vehicle and/or on-foot using GPS equipment
• Driving 4WD vehicles for long distances on rough and uneven terrain
• Other tasks may be required to aid on-going research projects at research station

If interested, please fill out the google form at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). AND contact Nicole Mutchler by email at nmutchler with a short introduction of yourself, your interest in the position, resume, and (3) professional references by March 1st, 2026. Thanks!