Field Assistant– Forest and Public Lands Defense

Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project (BMBP)
Eastern Oregon & Southeastern Washington

Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project (BMBP) is hiring a Field Assistant for the 2026 summer field season to support on-the-ground defense of National Forests in eastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. This position is ideal for someone who wants to combine extended field work in wild landscapes with support of environmental advocacy. This position supports BMBP’s work to stop ecologically destructive logging and road-building on National Forests in the Blue Mountains and Eastern Oregon Cascades.

Employment Status: Temporary, Seasonal 

Compensation: This is a contract position at approximately 30 hours/week for 10-12 weeks, depending on availability. There is a total contract maximum of 12 weeks. (There is a possibility of extending the position). The role does not include insurance or other benefits, and the successful applicant is responsible for all tax obligations.

Location and schedule: This position requires travel to remote locations in National Forests in eastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. 

Start date and timeline: The start date is June 16th, 2026, with an anticipated end date of September 8th, 2026. Some flexibility is available; exact dates and work schedule will be finalized with the successful applicant. This short-term contract position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and multi-day camping trips. The schedule will generally include rotation of 10 work days in the field and 4 days off.

About Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project: Founded in 1991, Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project works to defend and restore ecosystems in the Blue Mountains and Eastern Oregon Cascades bioregions. BMBP focuses on stopping or modifying federal land management projects that threaten ecological integrity, including logging, road building, livestock grazing, mining, and herbicide and/or biocide use. Our work prioritizes mature and old forests, sensitive and listed species, water quality, roadless areas, and natural ecological processes. BMB primarily works in the Deschutes, Ochoco, Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests.

Position Summary: The Field Assistant works closely with BMBP staff to coordinate volunteers and conduct field surveys of proposed timber sales, support volunteer field crews, and help translate field survey data into effective public education and advocacy tools. This role involves traveling to remote locations throughout central and eastern Oregon and southeastern Washington, and bottomlining logistics, trainings, and the day-to-day work of volunteers on  multi-day camping trips . It is a physically demanding, logistics and field-intensive position that requires being comfortable  with multi-tasking, communicating with a diversity of volunteers, long days in remote forest environments, challenging weather conditions, and work within a small, mission-driven organization.

Field data—such as field survey data sheets, photographs, and other documentation—are organized for use in public comments, legal advocacy, and public outreach and must be collected and organized promptly at the end of field survey days. Helping to ensure the safety and transfer of field survey data sheets to BMBP staff is crucial.  The position also supports volunteer trainings, and public messaging about BMBP’s field work. Prior field-checking experience is helpful but not required; training will be provided.

BMBP’s field surveys are a core component of the organization’s advocacy efforts. Information gathered in the field is used to challenge federal land management decisions, educate the public, and protect mature and old forests, wildlife habitat, clean water, and roadless areas. This position directly supports BMBP’s work to hold land management agencies accountable by documenting discrepancies between on-the-ground conditions and agency narratives, and using this information to uphold environmental laws. 

Primary Responsibilities

Field Work

• Coordinate volunteers conducting field surveys in National Forests across eastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. Coordination of volunteer field crews includes scheduling, training, communication, and other logistics regarding daily field operations
• Assist with preparation and logistics of car-based and backcountry camping trips, including multi-day stays in remote locations
• Assist BMBP staff with field surveys, including conducting and coordinating off-trail hikes of approximately 4–8 miles per day (occasionally more)
• Help ensure volunteers follow field survey protocols and safety procedures (e.g., tool use, buddy systems, health and safety guidelines)
• Manage field supplies and gear
• Review, collect, and organize completed field survey forms and data
• Assist with additional field projects as needed, such as post-logging surveys or stream temperature monitoring

Depending on the candidate’s skills and need for flexibility, there are opportunities for supporting BMBP’s other, computer-related work.

Requirements

• Timeline: June 16th, 2026 – September 8th (some flexibility is possible)
• Ability to work approximately 8-hour or more hours in days in off-trail, forested environments under strenuous conditions and adverse weather, including rocky or unstable terrain, areas with ticks, thorny vegetation, and similar hazards, while effectively communicating with and maintaining the safety of others
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work and accurately track hours on a non-traditional schedule, including early mornings, weekends, and overnight trips, and to submit timely invoices for hours worked and reimbursable expenses
• Access to a reliable personal vehicle with valid insurance for travel within the project area (mileage reimbursement available)
• Awareness of social privilege and power dynamics related to race, gender identity, class, age, ability, education level, other political points of view and other identities, with demonstrated ability to address these proactively to support equitable, just, and inclusive approaches to joint work and conflict resolution
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, including email, listservs, Google Groups/Drive, word processing, spreadsheets, and internet tools
• Proficiency with basic smartphone applications, including Signal messaging
• Current COVID-19 vaccination

Desired Qualifications

• Live in or be willing to travel to eastern Oregon and/or southeastern Washington
• Strong interest in environmental conservation, ecology, and public land advocacy
• Being comfortable witht and experience working outdoors in remote settings, including camping and hiking
• Familiarity with forested landscapes of eastern Oregon and southeastern Washington preferred
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and extended field trips
• Experience using Avenza
• Familiarity with federal land management agencies
• Wilderness First Aid (or equivalent) and CPR certifications
• Map and compass skills
• GPS/GIS skills

Position Details

• Status: Seasonal, 12 weeks
• Dates: Approximately June 16th, 2026 – September 9th, 2026 (some flexibility is available for start and end dates, and there is a possibility for extending the position)
• Schedule: ~30  hours per week; generally on a 10 days on/4 days off schedule with some irregular hours including weekends and multi-day field trips
• Location: Fieldwork in National Forests of eastern Oregon and southeastern Washington; limited remote computer-based work
• Equipment: BMBP does not provide computers, office space, or office supplies

This is a contract position. The position does not include insurance or additional benefits. This is a short term contract position that does not include insurance or other benefits. The successful applicant is responsible for all tax payments.  

Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful community in our workplace and our work. We welcome and value people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, parental status, marital status, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.