Tree Census Team Volunteers - Cooks Branch FDP - Hogan Forest Dynamics Lab at Texas A&M
Texas A&M Agrilife ECCB (State) | http://www.tamuforestry.org
Details
Application Deadline:
12/15/2025
Published:
11/07/2025
Starting Date:
after 1/5/2026
Hours per Week:
at least 40
Salary:
none
Education Required:
Bachelors
Experience Required:
none
Location:
Montgomery (Texas)
Tags:
Undergraduate Opportunities
Description
Dr. Aaron Hogan's Forest Dynamics Lab in the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University seeks post-baccalaureate volunteer tree census interns to help establish a large, permanent forest dynamics plot.
DESCRIPTION: An initial tree census of the 20-Ha Cooks Branch Forest Dynamics Plot in the Cooks Branch Conservancy, near Montgomery, Texas (about an hour southeast of Texas A&M University at College Station), will be carried out in 2026. Volunteer post-bachelor's degree interns seeking field ecology experience will complete the tree census work over 6 months beginning mid-January 2026. After training in census protocols, tree identification, and data management standards, volunteers will work in the forest, measuring and mapping trees within marked grids. Volunteers work together in small groups under the supervision of a field technician, spending workdays in the field (8 am until 4 pm, Monday-Friday, with weekends free) in the outdoor conditions of the East Texas Piney Woods forest.
While in Texas, volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about diverse aspects of forest and savannah ecology, wildlife ecology, and conservation biology from scientists conducting research at Cooks Branch and at the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University. Dr. Hogan and other research personnel will engage in capacity building and mentorship activities with interns.
PROBABLE DURATION: beginning January 15, 2025, with a tentative 6-month appointment (until July 15, 2026).
STIPEND: $1000 per month to cover food and general living expenses.
ACCOMMODATION: Living quarters for the tree census group will be provided in a field house at the Cooks Branch Conservancy, Montgomery. TX. Housing is communal, using shared resources. Transportation will be available.
TRAVEL: Reimbursement of up to $500 (250$ per one-way ticket, if ticket price exceeds 500$) towards a round-trip plane ticket from within the United States.
NOTE: This is an unpaid internship to give post-bachelor's degree individuals hands-on experience in the field. We are unable to provide health insurance.
REQUIREMENTS: College graduates with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, preferably with a background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, field-work experience, and knowledge of plant identification. Experience working in forests with tree/plant inventory is useful but not required. We are currently only considering US citizens and permanent US residents for these opportunities. Applicants must pass a background check.
DESCRIPTION: An initial tree census of the 20-Ha Cooks Branch Forest Dynamics Plot in the Cooks Branch Conservancy, near Montgomery, Texas (about an hour southeast of Texas A&M University at College Station), will be carried out in 2026. Volunteer post-bachelor's degree interns seeking field ecology experience will complete the tree census work over 6 months beginning mid-January 2026. After training in census protocols, tree identification, and data management standards, volunteers will work in the forest, measuring and mapping trees within marked grids. Volunteers work together in small groups under the supervision of a field technician, spending workdays in the field (8 am until 4 pm, Monday-Friday, with weekends free) in the outdoor conditions of the East Texas Piney Woods forest.
While in Texas, volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about diverse aspects of forest and savannah ecology, wildlife ecology, and conservation biology from scientists conducting research at Cooks Branch and at the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology at Texas A&M University. Dr. Hogan and other research personnel will engage in capacity building and mentorship activities with interns.
PROBABLE DURATION: beginning January 15, 2025, with a tentative 6-month appointment (until July 15, 2026).
STIPEND: $1000 per month to cover food and general living expenses.
ACCOMMODATION: Living quarters for the tree census group will be provided in a field house at the Cooks Branch Conservancy, Montgomery. TX. Housing is communal, using shared resources. Transportation will be available.
TRAVEL: Reimbursement of up to $500 (250$ per one-way ticket, if ticket price exceeds 500$) towards a round-trip plane ticket from within the United States.
NOTE: This is an unpaid internship to give post-bachelor's degree individuals hands-on experience in the field. We are unable to provide health insurance.
REQUIREMENTS: College graduates with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, preferably with a background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, field-work experience, and knowledge of plant identification. Experience working in forests with tree/plant inventory is useful but not required. We are currently only considering US citizens and permanent US residents for these opportunities. Applicants must pass a background check.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered, please fill out this online application: https://forms.gle/utABE6A8jV2zJvZ29
Completed applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until positions are filled, with an application end date of December 15th, 2025.
You may email any questions or inquiries about these positions to aaron.hogan@ag.tamu.edu.
Contact
Aaron Hogan
aaron.hogan@ag.tamu.edu (preferred contact method)