About the field work

Our Field Staff

Each field team consists of three people: one team leader and two research assistants. In some teams, one of the research assistants also works with soil inventory. The staff are employed seasonally during the period when the inventory is conducted, usually from the end of April to mid-October.

A large portion of the field staff return each year, but 10–15 new assistants are usually trained annually. We hire individuals with a genuine interest in forests and nature. Education in biology or forestry is considered an asset, as is experience in forest or biological inventories and good knowledge of Swedish species (mosses, lichens, and vascular plants). In addition, our staff must:

• hold a category B driving license
• be physically fit and have fieldwork experience
• be able to live and work away from home for extended periods
• enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions
• have good teamwork skills
• be able to interpret written information and express themselves clearly in spoken and written Swedish (training materials and internal education are provided in Swedish)

It is important to us that our staff are enthusiastic and appreciate the freedom and opportunities this job offers. We also welcome applicants with the ambition to return for several seasons, as this helps maintain the quality of the inventory.

For newly hired research assistants, the season begins with a practical training week sometime in late April, followed by an educational week in May. Participation in both the practical and educational weeks is required to be offered employment, along with availability for at least three months of work.

 
Job Duties

As a research assistant, your main tasks will include measuring trees and recording sample tree variables, plant species, and stand data. Over time, there are opportunities for further training to become a soil inventory specialist or a team leader.

 
Work Schedule

The National Forest Inventory applies 10-hour workdays. Each team plans its own schedule, and during a four-week period, work is typically carried out over 16 days, usually divided into two blocks. Teams choose their own accommodations during work periods—common options include cabins, hostels, or hotels. Overtime, daily allowances, and travel compensation are provided according to current agreements. The employer provides field equipment and vehicles. The job involves a significant amount of travel, and depending on the distance between your home and the work area, you should be prepared to travel by plane, train, and car. Helicopter or boat transport to sample plots may occasionally be required as part of the National Forest Inventory.