About the field work

Our Field Staff

Each work 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. Staff are employed on a seasonal basis during the period when the inventory is conducted, usually from late April to early October.

A large proportion of the field staff are returning employees, but some new staff are trained each year, usually around 10–15 people. We hire individuals with a genuine interest in forests and nature. Experience of extended stays or work outdoors is an advantage. To work as a soil inventory surveyor, you must also have good knowledge of Swedish species (mosses, lichens, and vascular plants).

It is important that you are motivated, solution-oriented, and reliable, and that you appreciate the freedom of traveling and planning your work periods together with your team. Since driving is part of the job, it is important that you can drive a car safely and that your driving ability is not affected by, for example, medication or illness.

To work as a research assistant with the National Forest Inventory, you must be in good physical condition and able to work long days of at least 10 hours. In addition, you must be able to walk 10 kilometers per day in untracked terrain carrying a backpack weighing approximately 15 kg, and enjoy working outdoors in all types of weather.

To be offered employment, you must:

• hold a category B driving license
• be physically fit and have outdoor experience
• be able to live and work away from home for extended periods, often 8 days
• 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)

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. We prefer that applicants have an ambition to work with us for multiple seasons, as this helps maintain the quality of the inventory.

 
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.

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