Employment

Seasonal Fire Ecology Field Technician and Crew Lead Positions: Summer 2026

The Stephens Wildland Fire lab at UC Berkeley is hiring for multiple seasonal positions on 2 field crews to conduct fire and forest ecology surveys throughout California for the summer of 2026. The work will support several fire ecology studies and represent an opportunity to gain varied experience in some of California’s most dynamic and beautiful landscapes. 

Crew A: Prescribed fire effects in California forests

This crew will be dedicated to investigating the effects of prescribed fire on various California landscapes. The crew will establish plots in pre-burned areas as well as monitor post-fire plots and will collect data on fuels, forest composition and structure, and understory vegetation characteristics. Results from this project will inform management and policy strategies to increase resilience, health, and biodiversity of our fire-adapted ecosystems.

Crew B: Fire ecology and fuel treatment effectiveness in Sierra Nevada forests

This crew will be involved in several studies in wildland fire use areas in the Sierra Nevada. One study will investigate how the restoration of wildland fire influences forest structure, aboveground carbon, and plant biodiversity in Yosemite National Park. Backcountry forest inventories will be conducted in areas burned in the 2022 Red Fire in Yosemite’s Illilouette Valley. Another study will seek to understand the relationship between the restored fire regime and emergent meadows in the basin and will involve geomorphic assessment of streams. Results from this study may guide policy and fire management strategies in the Sierra Nevada intended to increase ecosystem resilience in a rapidly changing world. Note that this position requires extensive backcountry hiking and camping.

Employment Duties: 

Both crews will be hired to work from May through August 2026, aligning with UC Berkeley’s academic calendar, with possible extension into the fall semester to conduct data entry and processing.

Crews will assist in field preparation, data collection, and data management. Field methods, equipment, and safety training will be provided. The work schedule will either be four 10-hour days followed by three days off or eight 10-hour days followed by six days off. Car or backcountry camping, in designated or dispersed campsites, will be required during the work days. Field sites will be in remote areas, and crew members must be willing to work in inclement weather conditions and be familiar with, or willing to learn, backcountry navigation and safety procedures. Candidates should enjoy the perks of backcountry field work (alpine sunsets and swimming in creeks) and hardships (mosquitos and bushwhacking through dense shrubland) alike. 

A reliable vehicle will be provided to the crew during work weeks. Reimbursement at federal rates for vehicle wear and tear plus gas costs will be provided for any personal vehicle use for work purposes. Housing will likely be available for the off days; this will be determined based on group needs. Group cooking and camping equipment will be provided, but crew members are responsible for their own food.

Qualifications: 

Crew Member

Required:

• Coursework and/or demonstrated skill in forestry, botany, wildfire, fire ecology, or related fields

• Strong teamwork and communication skills, ability to work well with colleagues from diverse backgrounds

• Ability to operate a vehicle safely

• Enthusiasm and ability to maintain a positive attitude while working long, physically challenging hours in the field, often in rough terrain and variable weather conditions

• Basic equipment and data management skills

• Flexibility will be essential; schedules will be variable

• Adherence to public health, and other UC Berkeley guidelines

Desired:

• Medical training such as Wilderness First Aid or Responder, and experience applying these skills in field settings

• Experience with backpacking and backcountry camping in remote areas with complex terrain

• At least two full years of undergraduate work completed

• Experience conducting ecological or forestry field work

• Experience identifying trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses

• Crew B: Experience working in streams and rivers including swiftwater rescue training

Crew Lead

Required:

• All of the required experience above for crew member, plus:

• Minimum of one season of related field work, including adapting to unexpected circumstances

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Desired:

• Leadership or managerial experience, especially in field situations, and ability to make decisions for the crew on your own

• Experience working with or teaching students

Compensation: 

• Crew member: $25/hr

• Crew lead: $27/hour

Application Deadline: 1/30/2026

To Apply: Please send a 1-page cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for two references (including name, organization, phone and/or email, and relationship to you) as a single PDF. Please specify in the cover letter whether you are applying for a crew member or crew lead position and if you have a preference for which crew you would prefer to work on.

Submit application materials via email with the subject “Fire Ecology Crew Summer 2026” to: Kristin Nesbit (kristin.nesbit@berkeley.edu), Jessika McFarland (jessika.mcfarland@berkeley.edu), and Katanja Waldner (katanja@berkeley.edu)

Additional information can be found at https://nature.berkeley.edu/stephenslab/ or by email inquiry. These positions are open to University of California Berkeley students (including graduating seniors).

The Stephens Lab is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and in fostering a sense of belonging for all its members. We will work to build field crew communities free of discrimination and harassment and expect all crew members to actively participate in fostering safe working environments for all.