2025 Field Crew Positions

This work will support the project 'Scaling Science-Driven Vegetation Treatments for a Wildfire Resilient California,' a collaboration between UC San Diego, CAL FIRE, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and USF. 

The people hired will be part of 3-person team (1 crew leader and 2 crew members) that travels to forest and shrubland ecosystems in the central and northern parts of California to establish monitoring plots and collect pre- and post-prescribed fire data on vegetation and biomass/fuels using TLS, to build 3-dimensional fuel models and to evaluate TLS use to enhance the California Prescribed Fire Monitoring Program.

Work may include laboratory tasks to determine the moisture content of collected fuels, and participation in and observation of prescribed fires, depending on weather, availability, and partner organization invitations. Wildland and/or prescribed fire experience is a plus, as is background with TLS use. At least one of the crew members should have a background in botany or dendrology.

EXPECTED EMPLOYMENT PERIOD AND START DATE:

Approximately 610 hours (3.5 months), starting around May 12th until August 31th. Potential for short-term extension for one or two crew members to help with biomass and data processing.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Navigate to, establish, and monitor vegetation plots across a range of habitat types using different methodologies including US Forest Service Common Stand Exam, biomass plots, and Terrestrial Laser Systems, in remote field sites, often in areas burned by prescribed fire (15%)
• Identify plant species and carry out measurements of vegetation stand structure, including characterizing vegetation, tree density, basal area, canopy cover, landscape condition, and carry out destructive sampling of plant biomass (75%)
• Conduct laboratory tasks (5%) to determine the moisture content and dry mass of collected fuels.
• Data entry and quality control (5% time): On a daily or weekly basis, enter & conduct QAQC on data collected. Data entry/cleaning may occur at the Safford Lab using Microsoft Excel or Access.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in identifying trees, shrubs and grasses.
• Experience in vegetation sampling techniques
• Experience in backcountry camping
• Experience in the use of maps, compass, and GPS units for location and travel
• Knowledge/experience in ecology, forestry, botany, range science, or related natural sciences
• Knowledge/experience with spreadsheet software and Mobile Apps for data entry purposes
• Wilderness First Aid certified (may be completed after job offer, with registration paid by UCD)
• Basic Drive License (Class C) 
• Enthusiasm for the type of work to be conducted.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge/experience in the use of Terrestrial Laser Systems. 
• Knowledge/experience in the use of Arena Open Foris or similar data collection apps. 
• Knowledge/experience with laboratory tasks (fuel moisture determination)
• Wildland Firefighter Type II/Red Card certification
• Familiarity with California flora & ability to identify plants to species-level with dichotomous key
• Experience in forest vegetation data collection methods
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in physically demanding and/or uncomfortable conditions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to hike 5+ miles per day with a heavy pack through difficult and steep terrain often without trails and often in areas burned by prescribed fires.
• Ability to work in hot and dry as well as cold and wet conditions

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

Field methods, equipment, and safety training will be provided. Crews will usually be car camping, with campsites paid for by the employer. Some camping will be in unofficial, “dispersed” sites on public lands. Campsites will change periodically depending on the duration of work at each site. In some limited cases, crews may be required to backpack into remote areas for multi-day overnight stays. Depending on site access and availability, crews work tours of eight 10-hr days followed by six days off. The crew is provided with a vehicle, but crew members are responsible for their own transportation to and from the duty station at the beginning and end of each tour. Some driving may be on remote and rugged roads. Working conditions may be physically difficult, with possible multi-overnight stays in the backcountry.

COMPENSATION:

• Crew members earn $20-$23/hr* plus limited benefits.
• The crew lead earns $23-$27/hr* plus limited benefits.
  *Based on experience & credentials

Positions are for immediate consideration, and applications will be accepted until filled.

TO APPLY

Send CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to Oscar Garcia at osgarcia@ucdavis.edu