2026 Field Crew Positions: Assessing The Long-Term Effects of Fuel Reduction and Wildfire on Forest Health and Resilience in the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

The lab of Dr. Hugh Safford at UC Davis is looking to hire crew members for a seasonal field team to collect data on the effects of vegetation management/fuel reduction and wildfire on forest vegetation, fuels, plant diversity, and other pertinent variables over periods of 5-25 years since sites were affected by wildfire. 

This work will support management efforts by the US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and the California Tahoe Conservancy.

The people hired will be part of 3- to 5-person team (1 crew leader and 2-4 crew members) that will establish monitoring plots and collect post-management and -wildfire data using a modified version of the US Forest Service Common Stand Exam. Work will largely be in the field, with some lab-based work possible toward the end of the project. At least one of the crew members should have a background in botany or dendrology.

Approximately 800-900 hours (4.5 months), starting June 15th and ending in late October or early November. Potential for short-term extension for one crew member to help with data processing.

Crew members earn $25.81-26.94/hr* plus limited benefits.

Positions are for immediate consideration, and applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

For more information: https://safford.ucdavis.edu/news/2026-field-crew-positions

Send CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to Helene Le Gall at hblegall@ucdavis.edu—

Helene Le Gall (she/her)

GSR in the Safford Vegetation and Fire Ecology lab at UC Davis

Masters student