Internship - Estimation of Biomass in Swiss Shrub Forest

The Forest Resources and Forest Management research unit records and analyzes changes in the landscape and forest and is offering in the Resource Analysis group a position starting June 1, 2026 or by arrangement for approximately 3 - 4 months.

You will work together in regions of Switzerland with shrub forest occurrences, where you will take measurements on individual plants of breast height diameter (BHD), height, and base diameter. You will saw and weigh the individual plants for biomass estimations and document them in tables. You will prepare wood samples for further laboratory analyses. If interested, you will assist with data evaluation and have the opportunity to acquire knowledge about the Swiss National Forest Inventory and the derivation of tree volume, biomass, and carbon.

You are enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in forestry or a related field and have an interest in vegetation and forest ecology. You are willing to undertake multi-day field stays in sometimes remote areas of the Alps. You work reliably and carefully. Knowledge of Microsoft Excel is an advantage. We offer participation in a scientifically based project with high relevance for the Swiss greenhouse gas inventory. Integration into a Bachelor’s/Master’s thesis is possible. 

Please send your complete application to Markus Didion by submitting the required documents via our application portal. Applications by email or postal mail will not be considered. For questions, Markus Didion is available at Tel. +41 (0)44 739 24 27. Diversity and inclusion are lived values at WSL. We are committed to gender equality and promoting an open and inclusive working environment.