Southern California Forest Ecology Field Technician

Southern California Forest Ecology Field Technician

Req No: 2026-20185

Category: Research/Project

Type: Full-Time Contract

Salary: $22.70/hour

Overview

The pay rate for this position is $22.70 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

The Soil Ecology and Restoration Group (SERG) is a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, committed to the preservation and restoration of southern California's sensitive plant communities--fostering our unique natural environment and maintaining critical ecosystem services.

Field Technicians (2) will help collect data on species composition, community structure and wildfire risk in montane forests of Southern California to monitor and inform vegetation management activities by the US Forest Service (USFS). This position requires working outdoors in all weather, and hiking on rugged terrain in remote and physically challenging settings. This is a full-time, hourly position with full benefits. Relocation benefits will not be offered. The work schedule will include five consecutive ten-hour days followed by two days off. The Field Technician position will start on June 15, 2026, and end on August 15, 2026. Most of the season will involve car camping, either in designated campsites or in unofficial dispersed campsites adjacent to roads. A field vehicle will be provided to drive to field sites, but crew members are responsible for their own transportation to and from the USFS duty station (Alpine, CA) at the beginning and end of the work period.

Responsibilities

Field-based Responsibilities (90%)

• Assist in plant species identification
• Carry out measurements of forest stand structure, including characterizing vegetation, forest structure, fuel loads, and landscape condition
• Accurately record data in the field, with daily error checking
• Navigate off-trail using maps and a compass to various plot locations in National Forests

Other Responsibilities (5%)

• Office work, including data entry quality control and organization of field gear

Other Duties as assigned (5%)

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Completion of sufficient lower division coursework

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• OR - Equivalent of one year related experience in lieu of coursework

Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of research-grade, vegetation data collection methods
• Familiarity with plant species identification and the use of a dichotomous key
• Experience using maps, compasses, and GPS units for navigation off-trail
• Previous experience working or recreating safely in remote settings
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in physically demanding conditions
• Familiarity of Excel for data entry
• Ability to understand and follow work rules and procedures
• Contribute to positive dynamics in small crews
• Capacity for strenuous labor under a variety of weather and work conditions
• Ability to hike five or more miles per day with a heavy pack through difficult and steep terrain, frequently off-trail
• Must have California address at the time of hire
• Experience operating four-wheel-drive vehicles

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, forestry, ecology or a related field
• Previous experience working as a field technician in remote settings
• Wilderness First Aid/Responder certification
• Familiarity with GIS and R
• Ability to identify Southern California montane plant species on sight
• Understanding of experimental design and statistics

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).