Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Davos Dorf
3 weeks ago
Interns in mountain forest inventories (f/m/d)
- 23 January 2026
- 100%
- Permanent position
- Davos Dorf
Job summary
Join the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, part of ETH Domain, focused on environmental protection. This internship offers hands-on experience in beautiful mountain settings.
Tasks
- Conduct mountain forest inventories in Davos and Ticino.
- Monitor tree health and regeneration dynamics post-windthrow.
- Work in a team outdoors, collecting data meticulously.
Skills
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in forestry, environmental science, or related field.
- Strong motivation for outdoor work in steep, rough terrain.
- Good command of English; German and/or Italian is a plus.
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About the job
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.
Interns in mountain forest inventories (f/m/d)
The Alpine Environment and Natural Hazards Research Unit analyses the impacts of climate change and extreme events on physical and ecological processes and process chains in mountain regions and the associated natural hazards and emerging risks. Their Mountain Ecosystems Group is looking, during the period between May and September 2026 (4–5 month duration), for two
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.
Please send your complete application to Alessandra Bottero, by uploading the requested documents through our web-page. Applications via email will not be considered. Alessandra Bottero (+41 (0)81 417 02 13, E-Mail schreiben) or Melissa Dawes (+41 (0)81 417 03 45, E-Mail schreiben) will be happy to answer any questions or offer further in-formation. WSL is committed to diversity and inclusion as core values. We actively promote gender equality and foster an open, inclusive work environment.
