FIA Forester

North Carolina; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the North Carolina Forest Service as a FIA Forester, where you will supervise forest resource data collection and manage environmental education programs. This role requires effective communication skills and the ability to work in diverse terrains. You will be responsible for conducting measurements, producing reports, and ensuring data accuracy. The position involves occasional heavy lifting and requires a valid NC Driver’s License. Benefits include health insurance and retirement plans.

Benefits

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid leave

Qualifications

• Knowledge of tree species and vegetation in North Carolina.
• Ability to interpret aerial photos and remote sensing data.

Responsibilities

• Perform and supervise forest resource data collection.
• Conduct standing tree volume measurements and produce reports.
• Interact with the public and other professionals.

Skills

Knowledge of scientific principles

Forest management techniques

Effective communication skills

Ability to work in rough terrain

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry

Tools

GPS

Electronic data recorders

Job description

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Description of Work

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 various programs. The NC Forest Service serves all 100 counties in North Carolina.

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 calibration of measurement instruments, coordinates felled-tree volume studies, and conducts ancillary studies to improve data collection and modeling. The role involves interaction with the public and other professionals, requiring effective communication skills. It may also involve firefighting activities and participation in a NC Incident Management Team.

Occasional heavy lifting, adverse weather exposure, rough terrain, and environmental hazards are expected. Some work may be during evenings, holidays, or weekends. Overnight travel at least one week per month is required, including camping in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

Additional Requirements

• Residency requirements are discussed at the time of interview.
• Work location: 14 Gaston Mountain Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
• Official uniform and a State vehicle are provided.
• Must obtain or have a valid NC Driver’s License within 30 days of hire.
• Telephone is required.
• Must complete USDA Forest Service FIA training and certification.
• Maintain acceptable data collection accuracy and plot production levels.
• Apply online with complete education and experience details; resumes alone are not accepted.
• Veterans/National Guard preference requires submission of relevant documentation.
• Positions may be subject to pre-employment drug testing and DMV checks, especially for law enforcement or safety-sensitive roles.

Qualifications

Applicants must document on the application:

• Knowledge of scientific principles and forest management techniques.
• Familiarity with the Forest Inventory & Analysis program.
• Ability to identify North Carolina tree species and vegetation.
• Ability to interpret aerial photos and remote sensing data.
• Proficiency with GPS and electronic data recorders.
• Effective computer skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in steep, rough terrain across diverse environments.

Preferred Skills

• Certification in Forest Inventory and Analysis, Forest Health Monitoring, or related USFS training.
• Experience with USFS Field Manual 9.0 and SRS/FIA surveys.

Minimum Education & Experience

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

Additional Information

Employment offers may be less than the maximum based on salary equity and experience. Apply online with all relevant education and experience documentation. Veterans and law enforcement positions have specific testing and certification requirements. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and more, subject to eligibility.

Questions? Contact 919-707-3201.