FIA Forester

State of North Carolina; North Carolina; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Forest Service seeks an Inventory Forester to oversee forest resource data collection and ensure high data accuracy. This role involves GPS plot location, tree volume measurement, and public interaction. Candidates must have a forestry degree and strong communication skills. The position may require travel and work in challenging terrains.

Benefits

Official NC Forest Service uniform

State-owned vehicle

Qualifications

• Professional knowledge of scientific principles and forest management techniques.
• Ability to identify North Carolina tree species and vegetation.
• Proficiency with GPS and electronic data recording devices.

Responsibilities

• Supervises forest resource data collection and establishes permanent forest sample plots.
• Conducts standing tree volume measurements and produces detailed reports.
• Participates in forest fire suppression efforts and NC Incident Management Team.

Skills

Communication

Data Management

GPS Proficiency

Forest Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in forestry

Tools

GPS

Electronic Data Recording Devices

Job description

North Carolina Forest Service - Inventory Forester

The North Carolina Forest Service is designated as an emergency response division, comprising professionals dedicated to forest protection, resource management, and environmental education for residents and landowners across North Carolina. The service supports all 100 counties in the state.

The Inventory Forester is responsible for and supervises forest resource data collection, including locating plots via GPS and aerial photos, establishing and measuring permanent forest sample plots, identifying biota, classifying stand history, conducting standing tree volume measurements, and producing detailed reports. The role also involves interpreting aerial photographs, maintaining and calibrating forest measurement instruments, coordinating felled-tree volume studies, and conducting ancillary studies to enhance data collection and statistical modeling. Additionally, the forester canvases primary wood-using industries to assess timber product output.

This position requires effective communication skills for public and professional interactions and may involve participating in forest fire suppression efforts and being a member of an NC Incident Management Team.

Physical demands include occasional heavy lifting, with environmental exposures such as adverse weather, forest pests, hunters, falling limbs, heat, rough terrain, dust, and smoke. The work may require evening, holiday, and weekend hours, with overnight travel at least once a month, including camping in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

Residency requirements will be discussed during the interview process.

Work location: 14 Gaston Mountain Road, Asheville, NC 28806.

Official NC Forest Service uniform and a state-owned vehicle are provided. A valid NC Driver’s License must be obtained within 30 days of hire. A telephone is required. The candidate must complete USDA Forest Service FIA training and certification, maintain high data collection accuracy, and meet other employment standards.

Click here to learn more about State Employee Benefits

The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services promotes agriculture, agribusiness, and forests, protects consumers and businesses, and conserves farmland and natural resources. The department employs approximately 2,000 staff.

Click here to watch the application process video

Minimum Qualifications:

• Professional knowledge of scientific principles and forest management 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 recording devices.
• Effective computer skills for word processing and data management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in steep and rough terrains across diverse environments in North Carolina.

Management Preferences:

• Certification in Forest Inventory and Analysis, Phase 2, and Forest Health Monitoring.
• Experience with USFS Forest Inventory and Analysis Field Manual 9.0 and USFS SRS/FIA field surveys.

Applicants may qualify through a combination of education and experience. A bachelor's degree in forestry from an SAF-accredited institution or registration with the North Carolina Board of Registration for Foresters is required. If not registered at hire, registration must be obtained within two years.

Employment offers may be adjusted based on salary equity and experience.

Follow application instructions carefully. Resumes alone are not accepted; all relevant education and experience must be included in the application. Veterans and National Guard applicants should submit appropriate documentation.

Positions involving law enforcement, aviation, or requiring a pilot's or CDL license are subject to drug testing and medical requirements. A U.S. DOT medical certificate is necessary for CDL positions. If a CDL is held at hire, it becomes a requirement.

Questions? Contact 919-707-3201.