Forestry Technician (Hourly)

Virginia Commonwealth University- College of Humanities and Sciences; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 21,593 - 30,754; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite housing

Meals provided

Job summary

A leading university seeks paid research technicians for the summer 2026 field season at the University of Michigan Biological Station. Responsibilities include contributing to research on forest growth and carbon cycling while participating in collaborative activities. Minimum qualifications include coursework in ecology or related fields and team-oriented field research experience. A salary of $19 per hour is offered, with onsite housing and meals provided.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of coursework in ecology, forestry, environmental studies or related fields.
• Team-oriented field research experience.
• The capacity to live on-site in Michigan.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research on disturbance effects on forest growth and carbon cycling.
• Participate in group field research activities and lab gatherings.

Skills

Team-oriented field research experience

Quantitative skills

Science communication skills

Education

Coursework in ecology, forestry, environmental studies or related fields

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

The Gough Forest Ecology Lab (goughlab.com) at Virginia Commonwealth University seeks paid research technicians for the summer 2026 field season. Technicians will contribute to National Science Foundation and Department of Energy supported research at the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) aimed at advancing understanding of disturbance effects on forest growth and carbon cycling.

Placement and Site

Summer residence at the Field Station in Pellston, Michigan is required. Onsite housing and meals will be provided. Our lab team and the UMBS community are highly collaborative, with all members expected to enthusiastically participate in group field research activities and lab gatherings.

Application

Applicants should submit a cover letter describing how this position is aligned with their interests, a curriculum vita with GPA, and list of 3 references by March 1.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of coursework in ecology, forestry, environmental studies or related fields
• Team-oriented field research experience
• The capacity to live on-site in Michigan

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with basic forest mensuration
• Quantitative and science communication skills
• Prior field research experience

Salary Range: $19 per hour

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite