Interns in Mountain Forest Inventories (m/f/d)
Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Davos
Key information
- Publication date:23 January 2026
- Workload:100%
- Place of work:Davos
Job summary
Join the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF in Davos. This opportunity offers hands-on fieldwork in a supportive environment.
Tasks
- Conduct forest inventories in mountain regions of Switzerland.
- Analyze climate change impacts on ecological processes and risks.
- Collaborate with a team to gather and record ecological data.
Skills
- Bachelor's or Master's in Forestry, Biology, or Environmental Sciences.
- Ability to work independently in rugged mountain terrain.
- Basic computer skills for data entry and good teamwork.
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The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF is part of the Federal Research Institute WSL and thus belongs to the ETH domain. WSL is concerned with the sustainable use and protection of the environment as well as responsible management of natural hazards. It employs around 600 staff, of which 180 work at the SLF in Davos.
Interns in Mountain Forest Inventories (m/f/d)
The research unit Alpine Environment and Natural Hazards analyzes the impacts of climate change and extreme events on physical and ecological processes as well as process chains in mountain regions and the associated natural hazards and newly emerging risks. For its Mountain Ecosystems group , we are looking for two interns between May and September 2026 for four to five months
You will work together with the second intern in the team to conduct mountain forest inventories in Davos (Graubünden) as well as in the areas of Claro, Val Malvaglia, and Valle di Cresciano (Ticino) in Switzerland. The fieldwork in Davos includes conducting an inventory of the trees (e.g., survival status, height, diameter, health condition) planted 50 years ago as part of the Stillberg experimental afforestation at the tree line in the Dischmatal (Davos, GR). The fieldwork in Ticino involves monitoring the dynamics of forest regeneration after windthrows (e.g., forest structure, amount of deadwood, tree regeneration, ground cover).
You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in forestry, biology, or environmental sciences. You are also interested in mountain forest ecology and the alpine tree line and enjoy working outdoors in the mountains. To be successful on site, your motivation during long workdays outdoors (also under adverse weather conditions) is essential. You enjoy working independently and are physically fit and able to work efficiently in steep and difficult terrain at high altitudes. Experience with forest inventories or other field-based measurements in environmental sciences is an advantage; appropriate training will also be provided. The ability to carefully record data and good teamwork are important qualities for this position. Basic computer skills are required for data entry on site using a tablet. Good English skills are 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.
Please send your complete application to Alessandra Bottero by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications by email or postal mail will not be considered. For further information and questions, Alessandra Bottero (+41 (0)81 417 02 13, alessandra.bottero(at)wsl.ch) or Melissa Dawes (+41 (0)81 417 03 45, melissa.dawes(at)slf.ch) will be happy to assist you. Diversity and inclusion are lived values at WSL. We are committed to gender equality and promoting an open and inclusive working environment.
