Assistant to the Field Manager-Temporary

Position Summary

The Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies seeks an Assistant Field Manager for March 24^th, 2025-August 21^st 2025 to help organize a forest and fire ecology field campaign in the western United States. Specifically, the Assistant to the Field Manager will be responsible for working with the Field Manager to plan the field season, including organization and logistics. During field season (June 19^th – August 21^st), the successful candidate will lead a crew of two technicians in field sampling. The crew will be based in Santa Barbara, CA and will sample sites in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Additionally, the Assistant to the Field Manager will remain in close contact with the other crew leads and with the Field Manager during field season to make adjustments to protocols as needed for all three crews in the western US.

The field crew will follow established field protocols to assess burn severity on trees and soil and survey pre-fire and post-fire vegetation communities. Members of the field crew will gain knowledge of fire regimes, ecological effects of fire, and botanical identification. The crew will be based at a university (University of California, Santa Barbara) and will have the opportunity to network with faculty, post-doctoral associates, and graduate students at this university and other institutions during the field season.

During fieldwork, camping will be required, typically on a rotating 8 days on (Tues-Tues) and 6 days off schedule throughout the season. A hotel night will be provided halfway through each 8-day hitch.

Essential Responsibilities

• Work with the Field Manager to plan hitches for all WFFRC crews, including conducting analyses to identify sites, writing driving/hiking directions; finding campsites; and determining which sites to visit in given weeks
• Create resources for field crews such as plant field guides and fire information
• Contribute to logistical tasks, such as creating datasheets and organizing field gear
• Lead a crew in conducting field work consisting of data collection on burn severity (e.g. Composite Burn index, tree mortality, ground cover) and forest regeneration (e.g. sapling identification and counts, non-tree vegetation cover, pre-fire stand composition)
• Regularly check in with the Field Manager and other crew leads during field season to adjust protocols and assess progress
• Participate in pre- and post-hitch activities, including hitch planning, data entry, data QA/QC, and cleaning and maintenance of trucks and gear
• Drive and navigate to remote sites in a 4WD vehicle
• Camp for up to eight days at a time, either at established campgrounds or dispersed camping in areas without amenities. Backcountry camping/backpacking is not required; crews will car camp next to the work vehicle
• Hike on rough, uneven terrain (up to 6 miles a day) in variable weather conditions, carrying sampling gear weighing up to 40lbs
• Prioritize safety in the field and ensure high-quality data collection
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• · B.S. or working toward a degree in a natural science field.
• · Field experience, including the ability to work in adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time, including heat and rains, with the possibility of encountering hazardous wildlife
• · Experience and willingness to spend multiple days (up to 8 days at a time) car-camping in remote areas; familiarity or willingness to learn and adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles
• · Valid US driver's license
• · Experience managing field crews or several seasons of conducting field work

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (at minimum) in ecology, botany, soil science, fire ecology, plant ecology, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Current certification or ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder certificates.
• Experience or education using taxonomic soil keys or equivalent mechanisms to identify ecological sites.
• · Past experience with statistical analysis, geospatial analysis, scientific writing, and research design.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and adapt to changing conditions.
• Quality data collection skills and strong attention to detail.
• Experience with and knowledge of Microsoft Suite Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Strong plant identification skills using taxonomic keys.
• Familiarity with flora in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Working Conditions

• Be physically capable of standing and walking (up to 6 miles/day on rough, uneven terrain), bending and crouching for long periods, and lifting/carrying items up to 40 pounds in variable weather conditions.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions (heat, rain, hazardous wildlife) for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work additional hours as required by business needs.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a Full-time, Non-Exempt, non-benefitted position. The anticipated hiring range for this position is $25-$30 per hour, commensurate with experience. A $15 Meals and Incidentals per diem will be provided while in the field.

To Apply:

Please provide a single PDF, please including a cover letter, resume/CV, and the names and contact information of three references using the upload resume link on the application website. Position will remain open until filled. All candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.

The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Salary : $25 - $30