Forest Thinning Technician

The Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Extension is currently accepting applications for a Research Technician 3 position with the Forest Soils Lab research group. The successful applicant will join a dynamic team who study the Alaskan boreal forest. Specifically, the Forest Soils Lab team studies forest Eco physiological and ecohydrological processes and the impact of climate change. This project is funded by the USDA McIntire-Stennis Program and focuses on the impacts of forest thinning on tree productivity, water use, and physiology. The successful applicant will assist with other studies conducted by the lab that focus on forest stress, water use, and impacts of environmental change and pathogen attack on tree physiology. The successful candidate’s core responsibilities will be to: assist with stand thinning, assist with site and sensor installation, collect tree physiological and soil data, process field samples in the lab for water content and stable isotope analysis, enter data into Excel, Qa/Qc data, utilize R to assist with data management, contribute to reporting and manuscript development. The successful candidate will also be expected to work independently and in a team, be self-motivated and a self-starter, be a creative problem solver, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and contribute to the development of manuscripts and grant proposals. We are particularly interested in a candidate with a background in a related science field and experience with field work. Experience in Alaska and with research and knowledge of the boreal forest is preferred but not necessary. The successful applicant candidate will be expected to operate an ATV and snowmachine. Preference will be given to candidates with an interest in working in this position for the duration of the project’s funding (ending 9/30/29).

This is a staff research technician position in the Forest Soils Lab, which is part of the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. AFES is housed in the Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Extension at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The work includes conducting plant physiological field and lab research related to impacts of thinning, climate change, forest health, stress, pathogens, and plant physiological function.

To thrive in this role, the applicant should have some research experience in the field of ecology. Applicants who are interested in staying for the duration of the project are preferred. The applicant should be self-motivated, curiosity-driven, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, interested in working in the boreal forest, and interested in living in Alaska.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years college coursework in a field relevant to the research (e.g. science) and two years experience in a field relevant to the research or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks Alaska. This is a full-time, term-funded, non-exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 77, based on education and experience.

Applications will be accepted for review on February 27, 2025, to ensure consideration, please apply by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on DAY BEFORE REVIEW DATE February 26, 2025.

A valid driver's license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria is required.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kenna Metivier, Signers' Business Office at kjmetivier@alaska.edu or 907-474-1847

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.