Summer Field Assistant in Arctic Interdisciplinary Research

Mission:

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis. 

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research and impact helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary:

Join the Woodwell’s Evolving Meta-Ecosystems (EVOME) Institute in the Alaskan Arctic as Summer Field Assistant in Arctic Interdisciplinary Research (Field Assistant) for three months.  EVOME explores adaptive responses of key organisms to climate change and their influence on cross-ecosystem function along a latitudinal gradient spanning south to north of the Brooks Mountains in Alaska.  The fieldwork involves collection of ecological, genetic, and species trait data and samples across a broad latitudinal gradient in Arctic Alaska, including collecting vegetation, soil, water, terrestrial and aquatic organisms, and environmental data, identifying aquatic and terrestrial organisms, and completing field surveys.  This is an Arctic field position in which the field assistant will live on-site at the Toolik Field station in Fairbanks, AK and remote field camps. 

Responsibilities include but not limited:

• Participate in interdisciplinary research including spatial ecology, population structure and/or community dynamics and genomics in stream-riparian ecosystems. Assist with a wide range of field and laboratory measurements, including but not limited to site set up, stream discharge, water, vegetation, insect, fish and bird collections and analysis

• Help build relationships and foster community within the EVOME team by assisting students with blog writing, attending team meetings, some meals, and other group activities

• Gain experience and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team, including scientists from the Woodwell Climate, University of Connecticut, Columbia University, University of Alaska, University of Alabama and Macalester University

• Travel to multiple remote Arctic field sites by truck and on foot

• Based in the Toolik Field Station in Fairbanks, AK or Arctic camps within region

Must have the Following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Scientific field or outdoor experience 

• Ability to work long hours on an irregular schedule   

• Demonstrated organizational skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-faced team environment

• Familiarity with best practices for field and lab safety

• Google Workplace, Microsoft Office Suite and/or proficiency with word processing, data management and presentation software (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or equivalent programs).

• Ability and willingness to endure exposure to sun, insects, and challenging environmental conditions, such as working in snow or rain

• Capable of rigorous outdoor activity (wear a 40 lb backpack, lifting approx. 40 pounds, bending, carrying heavy equipment, and walking through uneven terrain, hip-deep waters, and marshlands)

• Ability and willingness to camp in rustic conditions for up to one week at a time.

• Ability to be in the Arctic for the duration of this position.

• See the physical requirements of this role below.

• Must have a valid USA driver’s license and qualify to drive a rented vehicle

• CPR certification prior to the start of fieldwork

• First Aid Certification and/or Wilderness First Responder Certification preferred 

• Ability to travel and be based in the Arctic for duration of assignment

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in a related environmental field (fisheries, wildlife, ecology, biology, environmental science)

Physical Requirements:

In the office:

• Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, sitting

• Ability to lift 40 pounds

• Ability to communicate

• Ability to kneel, bend, and carry items

• Ability to use phone and computers

• Repetitive movements

• Air, train, vehicle travel to attend meetings/event

In the field, the physical requirements of this role include:

• Air, train, vehicle travel to access field locations

• Driving a vehicle or ATV to access field locations

• Walking, hiking, climbing to access field locations

• Paddling, canoeing to access field locations

• Standing and sitting for sustained periods

• Frequent bending, squatting, and kneeling

• Reaching overhead

• Climbing ladders

• Use of manual and power tools including shovels, saws, drills, and hammers

• Ability to lift up to 40lbs up to 10 times/day

• Ability to carry up to 40lbs up to 10 times/day

• Ability to push/pull up to 40lbs up to 10 times/day

Work Environment:

The functions of this role are conducted in:

• A variety of environments, both indoor and outdoor

Hours of Work:

• Typically, full-time, temporary, employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Sunday to be scheduled by supervisor

Application review will begin on 

Desired Start Date: May 2025

Fixed-term: 3 months

Classification and Compensation: This is a temporary, full-time, hourly, non-exempt position, the hourly salary range starting $16.39/hr plus dependent on qualifications/experience. Food, travel and housing will be provided. One time travel to and from the Toolik Field Center.

Location: Toolik Field Station, Fairbanks, AK 

Application Instructions: To apply, please send your cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position and curriculum vitae as a single PDF to our career’s portal.

Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell’s work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100 staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work. 

Woodwell Climate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Woodwell

WE NEED ALL VOICES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our lifetimes. Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) understands that the climate crisis—from causes to consequences—is inextricably linked with persistent social injustice. Effectively addressing either requires addressing both. The climate crisis demands that we bring to bear all of the knowledge, expertise, innovation, and creativity that we can collectively muster, and those who have been marginalized and disproportionately impacted must be heard.

The work Woodwell Climate does—the questions we ask, the ways we seek answers, and the strategies we put forward—is stronger when shaped by a diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. We strive to welcome, respect, and amplify differing voices. We value individuals as they are, with all their differences in race, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, and mental and physical abilities.

Woodwell Climate acknowledges that our organization, and the scientific community more broadly, have a long way to go in living up to these ideals. We approach the work of improving our organization with the same ambition and commitment to systemic change that we bring to addressing climate change.

We will inevitably make mistakes, but we will continue to listen, learn, and do this critical work. We understand that this work requires an ongoing commitment from each and every one of us. We are actively engaged in building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive culture within our organization, and in fostering greater diversity in climate science.

Salary : $16