Job Description: The Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD) at the University of Wyoming is seeking applications for two lead field technician positions and six field technician positions to conduct forest field inventories in National Forests in Wyoming and Colorado during the summer of 2023. These positions involve measuring and identifying trees following Forest Service common stand exam protocols, measuring down woody material, and assessing understory vegetation by lifeform to gather data to support LiDAR-based analyses of forest structure. Lead field technicians will be responsible for conducting and overseeing crew field sampling efforts, supervising a crew of three field technicians, maintaining safety awareness and practices, coordinating daily field logistics, and maintaining field equipment. Field technicians will be responsible for learning and following detailed protocols, collecting high-quality ecological data, and maintaining field crew effectiveness and cohesion. Work will occur on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest near Laramie, Wyoming and in the Bighorn National Forest near Sheridan, Wyoming. Transportation to and from field sites will be provided. Crews will camp in the field during the work week, and weekend housing will be provided nearby to field sites.
Duration: May through August 2023 (12-13 weeks), with exact start and end dates TBD
Hours: Minimum 40 hours per week (M-F), with paid overtime for work extending beyond 40 hours
Pay: Lead field technicians $20 per hour plus $30 per hour overtime and daily per diem
Field technicians $15-$17 per hour plus $22.50-$25.50 per hour overtime and daily per diem
Minimum Qualifications:
Crew Leads
- At least three years of college course work (or equivalent number of credits) toward a degree in biology, ecology, or a closely related field
- A valid driver’s license and a driving record that will pass the motor vehicle records inspection by the University of Wyoming
- Experience driving a 4WD/AWD vehicle on unpaved surfaces and in rough terrain
- Knowledge of western forest trees
- Experience working or recreating in remote settings without cell service or internet and in adverse weather conditions
- At least one season of experience collecting biological data in the field
- Ability to hike in rough, uneven terrain carrying up to 35 lbs and to engage in prolonged periods of physical work
- Ability to operate on a flexible schedule that may change on short notice
- Ability to accurately record data
- Strong personal motivation and a willingness to maintain a positive, productive attitude under challenging conditions
Field Technicians
- At least two years of college course work (or equivalent number of credits) toward a degree in biology, ecology, or a closely related field
- A valid driver’s license and a driving record that will pass the motor vehicle records inspection by the University of Wyoming
- Comfortable working or recreating in remote settings without cell service or internet and in adverse weather condition
- Experience following complex, detailed protocols
- Ability to hike in rough, uneven terrain carrying up to 35 lbs and to engage in prolonged periods of physical work
- Ability to operate on a flexible schedule that may change on short notice
- Ability to accurately record data
- Strong personal motivation and a willingness to maintain a positive, productive attitude under challenging conditions
Desired Qualifications
- Previous experience on a field crew
- Knowledge of the ecology, composition, and dynamics of western forests
- Experience operating geospatial equipment
- Experience working or recreating in bear country
To Apply: Please assemble the following into a single PDF and send to Paige Copenhaver-Parry (pcopenha@uwyo.edu) with the subject line Ãf¢ÒÂEURÃ’ÂoeForest Technician 2023 ApplicationÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â
1. A 1-2 page cover letter describing your interest in the position, whether you are applying to work as a lead field technician or a field technician, a description of your experience and qualifications as they relate to the minimum and desired qualifications, a justification for any minimum qualifications that you do not meet, and your dates of availability including start and end dates and any planned absences (or a statement that you plan no absences).
2. A resume or CV
3. An unofficial transcript
4. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses for three professional references
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, but all application materials must be received by February 10, 2023.
For additional information please contact Paige Copenhaver-Parry (pcopenha@uwyo.edu