Forest Inventory and Analysis Crew Member - Open Pool

Colorado State University; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Forest Inventory and Analysis Crew Member to join their team. This role involves conducting essential forest inventory fieldwork across multiple states, ensuring safety and effective team collaboration. You will engage in various field measurements, navigate diverse terrains, and maintain equipment while advocating for best practices in environmental stewardship. Ideal candidates will possess a strong educational background in forestry or related fields, with a passion for outdoor work and a commitment to safety. Join a mission-driven organization that values diversity and is dedicated to enhancing forest management practices across the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field preferred.
• Ability to navigate using GPS and topographic maps required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct forest inventory field work across multiple states.
• Perform field measurements related to vegetation and soil data.

Skills

Hiking long distances

Field data collection

Navigation skills

Communication skills

Safety training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field

Relevant coursework in Dendrology

Tools

GPS units

GIS software (ArcGIS)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Forest Inventory and Analysis Crew Member - Open Pool

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants will be expected to provide:

• A resume
• Contact information of three references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

For full consideration, applications must be received no later than 11:59pm MST on May 12, 2025. Application materials will be held in confidence by the Search Committee through semi-finalist interviews. Confidentiality of application materials detaches at the point where a candidate accepts participation in a finalist interview.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

This pool expires May 12, 2025. Individuals wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

Position Summary

With direct guidance of a FIA Crew Leader, and the indirect guidance of a FIA Supervisory Forester and the FIA Program Manager within the Science and Data Division of the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), this research position will be autonomous, independent, and responsible for conducting forest inventory field work across multiple states. The FIA Crew Member is responsible for performing a variety of recurring and complex duties in support of both CSFS and the United States Forest Service (USFS) FIA program.

The incumbent will conduct a variety of field measurements including, but not limited to, those involving tree/sapling/seedling data, vegetation diversity, fuel loading measurements, stand treatments and disturbances, land ownership, and soil and erosion data collection in collaboration with USFS FIA program.

The FIA Crew Member is always expected to ensure safe working practices of themselves and their crew and be an advocate for productive team development. This position will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the crew vehicle and all supplies and equipment they are assigned.

A person who fills the FIA Crew Member position will operate 4-wheel drive vehicles, UTVs, ATVs, and occasionally horses or boats to access various assigned plot locations in Colorado, Wyoming, and the surrounding states. The FIA Crew Member will be required to complete daily check-in safety procedures using email, cell phones, inReach messaging devices, or satellite phones while in travel status. Road and plot navigation skills including use of GIS software and datasets, topographical maps, aerial photos, and GPS units are necessary for this position.

The FIA Crew Member will be required to hike while carrying at least 45-pound packs with all related field gear (pack weights can exceed 60 pounds for longer overnight trips). Crews work at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 14,000 feet when accessing permanent inventory plots. Crews will be expected to hike long distances to reach plot locations both on- and off-trail, and work on steep and/or rough terrain. Crews will be working in full sun, rain, and snow conditions across the full range of temperatures which can change rapidly throughout the day. The FIA Crew Member can expect to be in travel status, camping or staying in hotels and cabins, for varying lengths of time depending on plot location. A typical length of time in travel status is five days, with some trips lasting 10 or more days, during a typical nine-month field season.

When possible and with general consultation with the FIA Program Manager and/or their FIA Supervisory Forester and FIA Crew Leader, the FIA Crew Member will assist other CSFS Field Office personnel within the following areas: forest management, outreach, and administration. The incumbent will be asked to analyze and interpret findings from technical and scientific reports and be able to present summarized findings in a variety of public settings. This position is expected to assist CSFS Field Office staff with providing service, outreach, and education to landowners and cooperators/partners through written and verbal communication methods.

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or greater) will be considered.
• Ability to hike long distances over potentially steep terrain ranging in elevations from 3,500 to 14,000 feet while carrying a 45+ pound pack.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States before the employment start date; Colorado State Forest Service will not sponsor a visa for this position.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or greater) in Forestry, Forest Ecology, Botany, or a Natural Resources program.
• Experience with topographic maps, compasses, and aerial photos for navigation.
• Identifying hazards, hiking off-trail, and navigating in wilderness situations.
• Capable of using GPS units to navigate and collect field data.
• Previous use and knowledge of GIS programs (ArcGIS), GIS datasets, and Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Office 365).
• Ability to address issues with travel scheduling and daily logistics with supervisors prior to entering travel status.
• Understanding and experience with basic field forestry skills related to timber cruising.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including working with the public.
• Ability to keep track of weekly work hours and work-related expenses.
• Dendrology and vegetation identification course work and/or field work.
• Experience using and calibrating inventory tools that include hypsometer, clinometer, laser, stereoscope, loggers/diameter tape, chaining tape, increment borers, and others related to repeatable and accurate forestry measurements.
• Experience implementing diverse ecological sampling methods and knowledge of sampling equipment.
• Committed to safety, data quality, demonstrating excellent customer service ethic with the public, and professionalism with CSFS or USFS staff.
• Familiarity with FIA national and regional sampling procedures.
• General safety (CPR/First Aid), Wilderness First Responder, or other safety training and experience.

Diversity Statement

Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities among potential target and constituent populations.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).

Search Contact

Lindsay Wade: 469-585-9846, [e-mail]

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker.