Forestry Technician (Hourly)

Vcu Rrtc; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Meals provided

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Gough Forest Ecology Lab invites paid research technicians for the summer 2026 field season at the University of Michigan Biological Station. Work will support NSF and DOE funded projects studying disturbance effects on forest growth and carbon cycling, with on-site housing and meals provided.

The role requires ecological coursework, team-based field work, and willingness to live on-site in Michigan.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of ecology/forestry/environmental studies coursework.
• Team-oriented field research experience.
• Ability to live on-site in Michigan during the summer.

Responsibilities

• Assist with NSF and DOE supported field research at UMBS.
• Participate in group field activities and lab gatherings.

Skills

Ecology coursework

Team-based field research

On-site residence requirement

Job description

Unit: College of Humanities and Sciences

Department: School of Life Sciences and Sustainability

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.

Summer residence at the Field Station in Pellston, Michigan is required (https://lsa.umich.edu/umbs). 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. 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