Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is seeking two (2) motivated and dedicated individuals to serve as a Research Technician I in MSI’s Water Team.
Full-time field work between mid-June and the end of August will include assisting with a mountain peatland inventory to support mapping efforts of the national PeatRestore project, identify potential restoration needs, and assess changes in peatland condition over time. The Research Technician I will
work alongside MSI project and field managers, partners, and volunteers to provide monitoring and field support for several MSI wetland related projects in the summer. The Research Technician I will assist with field data collection related to wetland condition monitoring and peatland mapping. The Research Technician I will work across the San Juan Mountains, focused mainly on San Juan National Forest lands. One or two 3-night backpacking trips may be required. Other tasks the Research Technician I may assist with include data entry and field equipment upkeep.
Part-time work from September 2025 -April 2026 will include assisting with field work and data analysis on a project investigating how wildfire mitigation and forest management activities (thinning, prescribed fire) affects snowpack and water resources, processing and sub-sampling benthic macroinvertebrate (aquatic insect) samples, stream and wetland restoration, and other MSI projects as needed.
Qualified candidates will have an interest in mountain wetland ecology and/or aquatic ecology, a thorough understanding of their own physical/mental/emotional needs in a backcountry setting, and a background in rugged field work. A qualified candidate must be able to thoroughly follow detailed inventory and safety protocols. This position will require long days in variable weather conditions and travel on foot over rough terrain. Overnight camping for three to four nights a week during a majority of
the summer field season (June – August 2025) will be required. Qualified candidates should also be prepared for one to two three-night backpacking trips. Candidates may be asked to use their personal vehicle for transportation to/from sites depending on MSI’s vehicle availability and have proof of personal automobile insurance.
