FIA Forester

North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; North Carolina; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Forest Service seeks an Inventory Forester to supervise data collection, conduct tree measurements, and interact with the public. This role requires effective communication skills and may involve firefighting duties. The position includes outdoor work in various terrains and requires a bachelor's degree in forestry.

Qualifications

• Professional knowledge of forest management and measurement techniques.
• Ability to identify North Carolina tree species and vegetation.

Responsibilities

• Supervises forest resource data collection and measures permanent forest sample plots.
• Conducts standing tree volume measurements and produces reports.

Skills

Forest Management

Communication

GPS

Data Collection

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry

Tools

Electronic Data Recorders

Job description

The North Carolina Forest Service is designated as an emergency response Division and is a team of professionals who provide forest protection, resource management, and environmental education to the residents and landowners of North Carolina through a variety of programs. The NC Forest Service provides services to all 100 counties in North Carolina.

Position Overview

The Inventory Forester performs and supervises forest resource data collection, locates plots using GPS and aerial photos, establishes and measures permanent forest sample plots, identifies biota, classifies stand history, conducts standing tree volume measurements, produces reports, interprets aerial photographs, maintains and calibrates forest measurement instruments, coordinates felled-tree volume studies, and conducts ancillary studies to enhance data collection and statistical modeling. The role involves interaction with the public and professionals, requiring effective communication skills. The position may also involve firefighting duties and participation in the NC Incident Management Team.

Physical and Work Environment

• Occasional heavy lifting required.
• Environmental exposures include adverse weather, forest pests, hunters, falling limbs, heat, rough terrain, dust, and smoke.
• Work may require evening, holiday, and weekend hours.
• Overnight travel at least once a month is required, including camping in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

Additional Requirements

• Residency requirements discussed at interview.
• Workstation located at 14 Gaston Mountain Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
• Official NC Forest Service uniform and a State vehicle will be provided.
• Must obtain or have a valid NC Driver’s License within 30 days of hire.
• Telephone required.
• Must complete USDA Forest Service FIA training and certification.
• Maintain high plot production and data collection accuracy levels.

Application and Benefits

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services employs approximately 2,000 staff and aims to promote agriculture, protect consumers, and conserve resources.

Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply.

Qualifications

Applicants must document on the application that they possess all of the following:

• Professional knowledge of forest management and measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of the Forest Inventory & Analysis program.
• Ability to identify North Carolina tree species and vegetation.
• Ability to interpret aerial photographs and remote sensing data.
• Proficiency with GPS and electronic data recorders.
• Effective computer skills.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to work in steep and rough terrain across North Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications

• Forest Inventory and Analysis Certification and related training.
• Experience with USFS Forest Inventory and Analysis Manual and Field Surveys.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in forestry from an SAF-accredited institution, or registered by the NC Board of Registration for Foresters, or equivalent experience. Registration as a Forester must be obtained within two years of employment if not already registered.

Additional Notes

Employment offers may be less than the maximum salary based on experience and education. Applicants must follow application instructions carefully, including providing all relevant education and experience details. Veterans or National Guard applicants should submit appropriate documentation.

Positions involving law enforcement, aviation, or requiring licenses are subject to drug testing and medical examinations as applicable.