Paid Student/Recent Grad Summer Field Positions Available in Colorado

The Partnership in Forestry and Rangeland Research Program at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) is seeking 2 students (graduate or undergraduate) or May 2026 graduates to join our field crew during May 31-August 15, 2026.

~$12k for 11 weeks and provides housing at the site. Transportation from housing to field site is also paid for.

Description

We are continuing our collaboration with conservation land managers in South-central Colorado to ask important ecological questions about innovative management practices. We will collect field data during the summer of 2026 to contribute valuable insight into forest and rangeland management strategies.

We are seeking two field crew members who will collect data along with our postgraduate associate and MESc student to study 1) Stand Dynamics and Carbon Storage in Aspen Exclosures and 2) Piñon Spread in Big Sagebrush Plant Communities.

We are seeking one student to assist with data collection for each project; however, students will have the opportunity to help on the research project that isn’t their primary focus to expand their skillset.

Field crew members will communicate closely with the YSE team while conducting fieldwork at the ranch in the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado. The YSE team includes Dr. Bill Lauenroth (faculty director), Michelle Downey (program director), Katya Golubovsky, and Reed Campbell.

Background

1)Stand Dynamics and Carbon Storage in Aspen Exclosure

We are collecting data to investigate the forest stand dynamics and carbon storage benefits of using large exclosures built from logging residue (slash) to protect regenerating aspen from browsing by elk and mule deer. This topic is important because the decline of aspen in western forests has been a major concern over the past decades. Land managers in Colorado have introduced an innovative forestry practice that uses slash to create large exclosures (~8–30 acres) to reduce wildlife browsing to promote aspen regeneration. Managers hope that this

2) Piñon Spread in Big Sagebrush Plant Communities

One of the most significant threats to rangelands worldwide is the spread of tree species. In the western U.S., pinyon-juniper woodlands have increased 2-6-fold since European settlement, and 90% of tree expansion has occurred in big sagebrush plant communities. It is estimated that in the next 30-50 years, 75% of invaded big sagebrush sites will convert from shrublands to piñon-juniper woodland. Given this history and projection, it is essential that we study the spread of piñon to understand the extent and impacts to assist with efforts to sustain rangelands.

Duties

Field crew members will collect data and work closely with the YSE team to set-up field studies and implement data collection protocols. Field work will include navigating and hiking to plots, sampling vegetation, and taking photos. Crew members will work full days in the field in a variety of conditions, often in high-elevation forested areas (~10,000 feet above sea level). Crew members will need to communicate well and often with the field team, the YSE team, and sometimes the ranch staff. At the end of the field season, students will have gained understanding and experience in:

• Field data collection

• Plant collection

• Monitoring vegetation response

• Identification of Rocky Mountain plants

• Using ESRI’s ArcGIS Survey123 and Field Maps applications for data collection and

navigation to sites

• Rocky Mountain West and private land management practices

• Teamwork and communication skills

• Working in a variety of field conditions

Field Site

The ranch is in the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado, a remote, rural area that is 2.5 hours southwest of Colorado Springs and within 40 minutes of Alamosa, Colorado. The elevation ranges from 7,500-14,000 feet above sea level, and the valley floor receives an average annual precipitation of 7-10 inches.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with plant identification and vegetation sampling methods (preferred)

• Ability to work in the field safely (i.e., operating vehicles on rough dirt roads, working in

the sun/rain/heat)

• Problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication skills• Experience working as a team and desire to be a team player

• Valid US driver’s license

General Student Expectations

• Commit ~11 weeks of time during May 31-August 14, 2026, work 5-days/week and

about 40 hours/week

• Conduct work professionally and timely with careful attention to detail

• Work closely and communicate often with YSE team

• Be an integral part of a field crew that works and lives together in south-central

Colorado.

Compensation

• ~$218 per day (~$1,090 per week) for up to 11 weeks. Student is responsible for paying for their travel to and from Colorado.

How to Get More Information

Please direct questions to Michelle Downey (Michelle.Downey@yale.edu) and Dr. Bill

Lauenroth (William.Lauenroth@yale.edu).

We will host an information session on Monday, February 9, 2026, during 12-1 in Kroon 321.

Register on Yale Connect. Lunch provided.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with interview likely to start the week of Feb 16th.

Please submit the following as 1 PDF to michelle.downey@yale.edu:

• Cover letter explaining your career aspiration and why you are interested in this position

(1-page max.)

• Resume with 2 references and their contact information

• Unofficial transcripts (Yale and undergraduate)

• A document answering the following questions (max. of 300 words per question):

1. Describe the specific skills and/or experience you would bring to this work and how you have demonstrated them in the past. Also, for skills, please state skill

level (e.g., novice, some experience, extensive experience, expert). Tell us about your availability during June 1-August 15, 2026.