The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF is part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL and thus of the ETH Domain. WSL focuses on the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on the handling of natural hazards. WSL employs approximately 600 people, of whom 180 work at SLF in Davos.

You will work as a team to conduct mountain forest inventories in Davos (Grisons) and in the areas of Claro, Val Malvaglia, and Valle di Cresciano (Ticino) in Switzerland. Fieldwork in Davos will involve completing the inventory of trees (e.g., survival, height, diameter, health status) planted 50 years ago within the Stillberg afforestation at treeline in the Dischma valley. Work in Ticino will involve the monitoring of post-windthrow forest regeneration dynamics (e.g., forest structure, deadwood amount, tree regeneration, soil cover).

You have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in forestry, environmental science, plant biology, or a related field. You should be interested in mountain forest ecology and the alpine treeline and should enjoy working outside in the mountains. To be successful in the field, strong motivation during long working days outdoors (including under adverse weather conditions) is essential. You like to work independently and are physically capable of working efficiently in steep and rough terrain at high elevations. Experience with forest inventories or other field-based measurements in the environmental sciences would be beneficial, but training will be provided. The ability to collect data meticulously and work well in a team are important qualities for the positions. Basic computer skills are required for on-site data entry using a tablet. Good command of English is mandatory; knowledge of German and/or Italian is an advantage. A valid driver’s license (category B) is required, as well as experience driving on mountain roads.