Unit for Field-based Forest Research

Would you like a varied and meaningful job in the forest this summer? Take the chance and apply!

The Unit for Forest Field Research is looking for field staff for a new and exciting season of field-based forestry research across the country. You will be based at one of the unit's four research stations. New field trials will be established, and ongoing trials will be measured and managed.

The field work is mainly performed in pairs or groups. The trials span a wide range of forest-related issues and are located in many different parts of the country. These trials involve topics such as forest regeneration, silviculture, mixed forests, continuous cover forestry, soil carbon sequestration, water and nutrients as growth-regulating factors, and the forest's response to climate change.

The work is initiated by experienced researchers, enthusiastic postdocs, and PhD students. This is an opportunity for those who want to work with the forest management of the future while gaining insight into the exciting world of research.

About the position

Responsibilities vary throughout the season depending on current research projects. Tasks primarily consist of establishing new field trials, data collection, and the treatment of ongoing trials. Marking out plots in the field and planting are examples of tasks related to the establishment of new experiments.

Data collection mainly focuses on the survival and growth of seedlings and trees, but may also include vegetation surveys and various types of sampling (water, gas, soil, vegetation, etc.). Fertilization, marking, and the decommissioning/clearing of concluded trials are examples of tasks linked to the treatment and management of ongoing experiments. Additionally, responsibilities may include general maintenance of the research station, experimental forests, and other research infrastructure

Your profile

We are looking for candidates with a degree in plant biology, ecology, forest science, or a related field, or those currently enrolled in such a program. We expect you to work methodically and meticulously, as some tasks require high precision. You should be interested in both practical silvicultural issues and the forest ecosystem as a whole.

You must be able to work independently, be in good physical condition, and enjoy working outdoors in the field. It is also important that you are a team player who can communicate effectively, listen, and cooperate well with others. Personal qualities are highly valued.

Some projects involve long-distance travel, requiring work and overnight stays away from your home station. Therefore, you are expected to be able to be away from home for several days at a time. A standard driver’s license (Category B) is a requirement. Experience in relevant practical field work is a merit, as are certifications for brushcutters and chainsaws.

About us

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable life, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental forests, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over three billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments across its campuses. We strive for an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with diverse experiences provides the foundation for scientific excellence, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

One of the following:

Svartberget Experimental Forest, Vindeln, Västerbotten County

Siljansfors Experimental Forest, Siljansfors, Dalarna County

Asa Experimental Forest, Lammhult, Kronoberg County

Tönnersjöheden Experimental Forest, Simlångsdalen, Halland County

Read more about the Unit for Forest Field Research here:https://www.slu.se/en/skoglig-faltforskning

Form of employment:

Seasonal employment by agreement.

Scope:

100% or by agreement

Start date:

By agreement. The greatest need is during the period of May–September, but this may be extended to April–November, depending on the needs of the individual research station and your availability.

Application:

Applicants are expected to attach a CV and a cover letter of no more than one A4 page. The cover letter must clearly state your preferred base location. You may mention one, several, or all locations if you are open to working at multiple sites.

Please submit your application using the application button below no later than 2026-02-15

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

 

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.