Seasonal Field Research Technician​/Crew Leads

Seasonal Field Research Technician/Crew Leads

Requisition :

# of Openings: 12

Location: US-UT

Position Type: Non-benefited (hourly) Full-Time

Advertised Salary: $16.00/hour for Crew; $18.00/hour for Crew Lead

The Utah Forest Restoration Institute (UFRI) is hiring 8‑12 seasonal positions—research technicians (crew) and crew leads—to assist with forest and fire ecology research projects across Utah. Based at Utah State University in Logan, UFRI collaborates with managers, policymakers, and communities to deliver science that informs the management of healthy, fire‑resilient, climate‑adapted forests and woodlands.

The positions require 8‑10 hour workdays, up to 40 hours per week. Field work follows a hitch schedule with 4–8 day hitches, followed by proportional days off (e.g., 4 on/3 off; 5 on/2 off; 8 on/6 off). All travel, food, and camping costs are covered by UFRI, and university vehicles are provided. Personal camping equipment and field clothing are not supplied (though may be provided if necessary).

Applications will be reviewed beginning 02/11/2026 and will remain open until all positions are filled.

• Work on multiple projects across the Wasatch Front, the Uintas, and southern Utah.
• Collect forestry, vegetation, and environmental data; assess fuel conditions; perform post‑fire monitoring.
• Operate safely in remote, steep, and rugged terrain under variable weather conditions.
• Crew leads coordinate daily field schedules, maintain communication with project leads, and foster a safe, positive, and inclusive team dynamic.
• Both crew members and leads with strong botany skills qualify for competitive pay.

• Experience in outdoor activities such as camping, backpacking, or hiking.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive university vehicles and travel overnight away from Logan.

• Degree, coursework, or experience in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field.
• Previous experience on field research crews.
• Experience with forestry/ecology measuring tools and techniques (e.g., plot establishment, fuel transects, cover estimates, DBH tapes).
• Experience with navigation tools (GPS, compass).
• Data entry and management skills.
• Wilderness First Aid/First Responder Certification (WFA, WFR).

• Enthusiasm, positive attitude, and willingness to learn.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills; respect for fellow crew members.
• Familiarity with and proficiency in identifying plants found throughout Utah (e.g., Great Basin, mixed‑conifer, pinyon‑juniper woodlands).

• Resume/CV uploaded at the beginning of the application.
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Cover letter describing interest and specific position requested (technician or crew lead).

Document size may not exceed 10 MB.

The work involves both indoor and outdoor environments. Outdoors, incumbents must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold, and carry a 30‑lb pack across steep or rugged terrain. Indoor work may involve prolonged sitting, repetitive hand motions, and working in restricted spaces.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its programs and activities, including employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by policy, Title IX, or applicable law. For further information regarding non‑discrimination, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./.