Forest Technician - Field & GIS Specialist

Society of American Foresters.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Forest is seeking a Forest Technician to perform a range of forest management and maintenance tasks on its 7,100-acre teaching and research property. The role emphasizes field work, collaboration with the Duke Forest Supervisor and infrastructure manager, and supporting interns and volunteers.

The position requires strong plant identification, forest mensuration, GIS proficiency, and a valid NC driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Proficient in identification of native and invasive plant species in North Carolina.
• Proficient in forest mensuration.
• Proficient in GIS using ESRI products (ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps).
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills.
• Valid NC Driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute intermediate treatments including pre-commercial and commercial thinnings, supporting timber management.
• Manage invasive plant treatments and monitor chemical use.
• Monitor natural heritage areas and high conservation value areas; document and follow up.
• Maintain trails, schedule hazard monitoring, and coordinate with volunteers.
• Coordinate training and mentorship of summer interns.
• Support GIS data collection and basic cartography and spatial analysis.
• Assist in prescribed burns, wildfire control, and storm response.
• Assist in boundary maintenance and maintenance of research installations.
• Support Deer Herd Reduction and other special projects.

Skills

Plant species ID

Forest mensuration

GIS (ArcGIS Pro)

MS Office

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

NC Driver's license

Job description

Duke Forest is seeking a Forest Technician to perform a range of forest management and maintenance tasks on its 7,100-acre teaching and research property. The role emphasizes field work, collaboration with the Duke Forest Supervisor and infrastructure manager, and supporting interns and volunteers.

The position requires strong plant identification, forest mensuration, GIS proficiency, and a valid NC driver’s license.