Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL
Birmensdorf
Yesterday
Internship Forest Ecosystem Research (LWF) (m/f/d)
- 17 April 2026
- 100%
- Birmensdorf
Job summary
Join the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, focused on the environment. Explore opportunities in a dynamic and inclusive work environment.
Tasks
- Conduct field measurements for forest ecosystem research.
- Analyze and process collected data from fieldwork.
- Assist in the preparation and organization of materials.
Skills
- Recent graduate or current student in environmental sciences.
- Strong physical fitness and terrain safety awareness.
- Good knowledge of German, French, and English.
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About the job
The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, with around 600 employees, is part of the ETH domain. It deals with the sustainable use and protection of the environment as well as responsible management of natural hazards.
Internship Forest Ecosystem Research (LWF) (m/f/d)
The Forest and Soil Ecology research unit investigates the function of forests and soils as well as the influence of environmental factors on the above- and below-ground processes of forest ecosystems. On the observation plots of the "Long-term Forest Ecosystem Research" (LWF), the leaf area index is regularly recorded using light measurements and hemispherical photos. For this fieldwork as well as for the evaluation of these recordings, we offer from July 2026 until about mid-August 2026 for 1.5 months a
You will carry out light measurements with Licor as well as hemispherical photo recordings in the field. The assignments depend on the weather and often take place at short notice and during the edge times of the day (shortly before or after sunset). You move confidently and quickly in partly uneven terrain and work, whenever possible and especially on difficult surfaces, in a two-person team. The activity also includes preparing the fieldwork (especially organizing the materials) as well as post-processing and evaluating the collected data.
Work instructions are available in German, French, and English. The measurement points on the LWF plots correspond to the vegetation plots where vegetation is recorded this summer. With good botanical knowledge, there is the possibility to also assist with the vegetation recordings. Further information about the LWF program, the LAI and hemispherical measurements , as well as the vegetation recordings can be found on the linked websites.
You have recently completed a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental natural sciences or a related field or are currently still studying. You have high flexibility and are willing to undertake short-term assignments under suitable weather conditions. In addition, you have good physical fitness and surefootedness in the terrain and are interested in fieldwork and data analysis. You work carefully and reliably, are flexible in terms of time, and are willing to stay overnight away from home if necessary. Good knowledge of at least two of the languages German, French, and English is an advantage; a driver's license completes your profile.
Please send your complete application to Anne Thimonier by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications by e-mail or postal mail will not be considered. For questions, Anne Thimonier is available at Tel. +41 44 739 23 55. At WSL, diversity and inclusion are lived values. We are committed to gender equality and promoting an open and inclusive working environment.
