About The JMT Wilderness Conservancy 

The JMT Wilderness Conservancy (JMT Wild) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring montane meadows, riparian corridors, and sensitive high-elevation ecosystems along the 214-mile John Muir Trail. Since 2018, JMT Wild has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and conservation contractors to restore areas impacted by heavy recreation, climate-driven weather events, and long-term degradation.   

Our ecological monitoring program collects data that informs meadow restoration, riparian recovery, campsite rehabilitation, and wilderness stewardship. This position offers emerging conservation professionals an immersive experience in high-elevation field science and wilderness land management. 

Program Overview 

Location: Sierra Nevada, CA (multiple locations)
Duration: Mid-June to Mid-September 2026
Compensation: $3,600 per month (seasonal)
Schedule: 9 days on / 5 days off

JMT Wild is seeking 14 Ecological Monitoring Technicians for the 2026 summer field season. This program is well-suited for rising juniors and seniors, recent college graduates in environmental or natural resource–related fields, and individuals seeking hands-on field experience as part of a professional development program. Applicants outside of these demographics are also encouraged to apply.

The position may qualify for academic credit toward field requirements, depending on the policies of the applicant’s school or university. The program is also designed for postgraduates and early-career professionals in earth sciences, ecology, or natural resource management who are seeking an immersive field experience in wilderness settings.

Technicians are organized into four backcountry monitoring teams that travel through key project areas across the Sierra Nevada. Working in teams of 4–5, technicians collect ecological data that supports restoration and management of sensitive, high-use ecosystems across the region.

This program takes place entirely in remote wilderness environments, often with limited access to conventional emergency services. Technicians must be prepared to live and work in rugged backcountry terrain for extended periods and to contribute to a team-based, safety-focused field culture.

Essential Duties 

Technicians will spend up to 9 consecutive days in remote backcountry environments, backpacking for extended periods while collecting detailed ecological monitoring data. Under the guidance of a Crew Lead and Project Manager, and in collaboration with JMT Wild’s Field Stewards and federal agency scientists, technicians will:  

• Conduct meadow and riparian condition assessments using JMT Wild and agency protocols. 
• Collect vegetation data, including percentage cover, species composition, and structure. 
• Complete campsite and trail-impact monitoring. 
• Conduct photo-point monitoring and qualitative site assessments. 
• Record GPS-based spatial data and ensure accurate metadata documentation. 
• Enter data into ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123. 

Field Operations 

• Backpack up to 10+ miles per day over rugged, steep, or uneven terrain. 
• Navigate using map, compass, and GPS, including cross-country travel. 
• Maintain backcountry camp operations and food storage in bear-active areas. 
• Follow risk-management and communication protocols using Garmin InReach and radios. 
• Practice Leave No Trace principles and contribute to a positive team culture. 

Training & Professional Development  

All technicians receive: 

• Ecological monitoring training (meadow assessment, vegetation sampling, campsite impacts). 
• Survey123 and GIS Field Maps training. 
• Backcountry skills and risk-management training, including navigation, weather awareness, and emergency procedures. 
• Career development support from JMT Wild field staff and agency partners. 

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Must be 20 years or older by the program start date. 
• Coursework or a BA/BS in ecology, environmental science, botany, conservation, natural resource management, or related fields.  
• Ability to work safely and independently as a part of a backcountry team. 
• Basic wilderness navigation skills and familiarity with backpacking. 
• Some prior experience in fieldwork or ecological data collection. 
• Detail oriented 
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification completion before the start of the season. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience using Survey123, ArcGIS Field Maps, or GPS/GIS tools. 
• Experience with vegetation ID in the Sierra Nevada or western U.S. 
• Prior experience conducting ecological monitoring or restoration work. 
• Experience with multi-day backcountry travel in high-elevation terrain. 
• Strong communication skills, positive attitude, and problem-solving ability. 
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification strongly encouraged. 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to carry a 40-50lb backpack over uneven terrain for up to 9 days.  
• Comfort working at elevations from 6,500’-12,000’ for multiple days and in variable weather. 
• Ability to hike long days, perform repetitive field measurements, and work in exposed terrain. 
• Ability to strictly comply with backcountry safety protocols. 

Work Environment & Remote Conditions 

This position operates in highly isolated, rugged wilderness areas, often multiple days from modern infrastructure, roads, and conventional emergency services. Technicians must be prepared to work for extended periods away from their support networks and must be able to manage their well-being in environments where immediate on-site support may be unavailable. Candidates must understand that medical emergencies or equipment failures in these remote settings can have significant consequences due to the nature of delayed rescue times in the backcountry.  

Time Commitment 

Applicants must be available from mid-June to mid-September. Final dates are tentative and will be finalized in early spring as the seasonal snowpack recedes; technicians should be prepared for schedule adjustments.  

• Training: Mid-June in Truckee, CA 
• Field Season: Early July through mid-September 

It is important to note that the work window in the Sierra Nevada may vary based on seasonal snowpack, weather conditions, and wildfire season 

2026 Cohort Locations 

Each technician will be assigned to one of four cohorts after training. Cohort placements are determined through a thoughtful review of each applicant’s experience, skills, and anticipated group dynamics. While personal location preferences are taken into consideration, they cannot be guaranteed:

 Mt Whitney Cohort 

• Field Location: Inyo National Forest & Sequoia National Park  
• Off-time housing: Mammoth Lakes, CA 

Ansel Adams Cohort 

• Field Location: Inyo National Forest  
• Off-time housing: Mammoth Lakes, CA 

Bear Creek Cohort 

• Field Location: Sierra National Forest 
• Off-time housing: Shaver Lake, CA 

Kings’ Canyon Cohort 

• Field Location: Sierra National Forest & Kings Canyon National Park  
• Off-time housing: the Kings Canyon Cohort is the only group that is immersed in the backcountry for the entirety of the field season, with a home base in Sierra National Forest at Lost Valley Camp.

Amenities at Lost Valley Camp include: 

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for each day off.  
• Hot showers with soap and shampoo. 
• A wood-burning stove to heat water.  
• Large tents with futons. 
• Laundry facilities (sink with hot water, detergent, line, and clothespins). 

Compensation & Support 

Compensation: $3,600 per month (seasonal)

Provided by JMT Wild: 

• Field monitoring supplies and research equipment  
• Backcountry dinners on all tours, and a field lunch stipend  
• Wilderness First Aid reimbursement 
• Housing and food during training in Truckee 
• Housing between backcountry tours (varies by cohort) 
• Transportation between the provided housing and the trailheads 
• Pro-deals for gear purchases  

Not Provided: 

• Transportation to the training or cohort start location 
• Personal backpacking equipment 
• Off-time meals  
• Personal expenses  

Insurance & Waivers:  

Technicians must carry personal medical insurance to cover any health or medical issues, including any injuries or emergencies relating to the program. Evacuation plans will be in place for emergencies. All technicians must also sign a liability waiver.  

The JMT Wilderness Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable nonprofit located in Menlo Park and Truckee, CA which does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants because of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition or any other basis protected by state or federal laws.