The pay rate for this position is $25.00 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

The Soil Ecology and Restoration Group (SERG) is a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, committed to the preservation and restoration of southern California’s sensitive plant communities--fostering our unique natural environment and maintaining critical ecosystem services.

The crew lead will supervise two field technicians and will be responsible for the safety and performance of the team. In addition to working outdoors in remote and physically challenging settings, the work will include collecting data on plant species composition, community structure, and wildfire risk in montane forests of Southern California to monitor and inform vegetation management activities by the US Forest Service (USFS). This is a full-time, hourly position with full benefits.  Relocation benefits will not be offered. The work schedule will include five consecutive ten-hour days followed by two days off. The Crew Lead position will start on June 15, 2026, and end on August 15, 2026. Most of the season will involve car camping, either in designated campsites or in unofficial dispersed campsites adjacent to roads. A field vehicle will be provided to drive to field sites, but crew members are responsible for their own transportation to and from the USFS duty station (Alpine, CA) at the beginning and end of the work period.

Field-based Responsibilities (90%)

• Organize logistics and scheduling of the field crew, with assistance from SERG and USFS personnel
• Ensure the physical safety of crew members in the field
• Mediate interpersonal conflicts if necessary
• Identify plant taxa to species
• Carry out measurements of forest stand structure, including characterizing vegetation, forest structure, fuel loads, and landscape condition
• Accurately record data in the field, with daily error checking
• Navigate off-trail using maps and a compass to various plot locations in National Forests
• Report progress and team status to supervisors on a regular basis

Other Responsibilities (5%)

• Office work, including data entry quality control
• Care and organization of field gear

Other Duties as assigned (5%)

MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Completion of sufficient lower division coursework
  

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• OR - Equivalent of two years of related experience in lieu of coursework.
  

Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of research-grade conifer forest vegetation data collection methods
• Familiarity with Southern California montane plant species and the use of a dichotomous key
• Experience using maps, compasses, and GPS units for navigation off-trail
• Previous experience working safely in remote settings
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in physically demanding conditions
• Familiarity of Excel for data entry
• Ability to understand, follow, and enforce work rules and procedures
• Demonstrate leadership skills and contribute to positive dynamics in small crews
• Ability to motivate others in a kind but effective way
• Capacity for strenuous labor under a variety of weather and work conditions
• Ability to hike five or more miles per day with a heavy pack through difficult and steep terrain, frequently off-trail
• Must have California address at the time of hire
• Experience operating four-wheel-drive vehicles

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology, forestry, ecology, botany, environmental science or a related field
• Experience leading field crews in remote field sites
• Wilderness First Aid/Responder certification
• Familiarity with GIS and R
• Understanding of experimental design and statistics

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.