Department of Forest Resource Management

Do you want to combine nature experiences with an important environmental mission? As a research assistant within NILS (National Inventory of Landscapes in Sweden), you will travel around Sweden during the summer and inventory some of the country’s most valuable natural types: deciduous forests, grasslands, mountains, coastal environments, and raised bogs. Each season, about 25 people work in NILS. Here you can read more about what it is like to work as a research assistant: Field Inventor, a prerequisite for our inventories | slu.se (https://www.slu.se/srh).

About the Job

In NILS, good species knowledge of vascular plants is crucial, and it is an advantage if you are also experienced in working with mosses and lichens. Sometimes the work takes place in tough weather conditions, but always with a focus on accuracy and collaboration.

During a day, several sample plots are visited where species, coverage, and various structural variables and classifications of nature are recorded. To help document data, you have digital systems (data collection programs on mobile, GPS). The work is meticulous, method-driven, and independent, with close proximity to a colleague in the field. The work is physical and involves moving in untraveled terrain, often during long working days. Since the inventories take place throughout the country, you need to be able to stay away for extended periods, sometimes with tents as accommodation. It is also required that you have a B driver's license and are used to driving long distances on varying roads.

You will work closely with a colleague throughout the season. This means that you collaborate, communicate well, and thereby create a good working environment, which is just as important as your technical skills. Good judgment, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine interest in nature and plants will help you thrive and succeed in the assignment.

Your Responsibilities Include:

• inventorying different natural types in deciduous forests, grasslands, mountains, coastal environments, and raised bogs.
• identifying vascular plants and assessing coverage and occurrence of mosses and lichens.
• classifying natural types based on the inventory manuals.
• documenting data in digital systems and following standardized methods.
• planning fieldwork together with a colleague and making independent decisions when necessary.
• meeting landowners and the public in a friendly and professional manner.
• sometimes working in tough weather conditions.

We Are Looking For You Who:

• have good species knowledge of vascular plants, mosses, and lichens.
• have education or experience in biology, forestry, or similar fields.
• are physically active and comfortable in varying weather and terrain.
• enjoy traveling and staying away for periods.
• can express yourself well in Swedish both verbally and in writing.
• are a team player who can also make independent decisions when needed.
• have a B driver's license and are accustomed to driving safely and securely.

Together, you and your team contribute to an important environmental mission. It will be a season filled with nature experiences and developing tasks, where you can use and deepen your knowledge in some of Sweden’s most valuable and diverse natural types.

We particularly value your species knowledge, personal strengths, and your ability to be present for the entire season.

About Us

The Department of Forest Resource Management conducts education and research in the areas of forest planning, remote sensing in forestry, forest inventory and sampling, forest mathematical statistics, and landscape studies. The department is also responsible for implementing ongoing environmental analysis programs such as the National Forest Inventory, National Targeted Forest Damage Inventory, National Inventories of Landscapes in Sweden, Terrestrial Habitat Monitoring, and Butterfly and Bumblebee Inventories. The operations combine research and environmental analysis in interdisciplinary projects, providing unique opportunities to develop holistic concepts for sustainable use of natural resources. In total, we are about 110 employees, and during the summer months, an additional approximately 90 seasonal employees work in our field inventories. More information can be found at www.slu.se/srh (https://www.slu.se/srh). Read more about what it is like to work as a research assistant: Field Inventor, a prerequisite for our inventories | slu.se (https://www.slu.se/srh).

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/).

Location:

No permanent stationing location.

Employment Form:

Fixed-term employment; Seasonal employment.

Scope:

100%

Start Date:

Preliminary start date May 4, 2026.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-02-19.

Union Contact Persons:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We work for an equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.