Forest Technician - Field Leader for Timber & Conservation

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University’s Duke Forest Office seeks a Forest Technician to perform field-based forest management and maintenance across the 7,100-acre Duke Forest Teaching and Research Laboratory. You will work closely with the Duke Forest Supervisor and staff to support sustainable timber management and conservation projects.

The role emphasizes hands-on field duties, data collection, and collaboration with interns and volunteers in a dynamic forest environment. Weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Proficient in identifying common native and invasive plant species in North Carolina.
• Proficient in forest mensuration.
• Proficient in GIS using ESRI products, including ArcGIS Pro and 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

• Lead planning and execution of intermediate treatments and timber management tasks.
• Coordinate the invasive plant species management program, including planning and monitoring.
• Monitor natural heritage areas and other high conservation value areas, including visits and follow-up actions.
• Coordinate trail maintenance, hazard monitoring, and respond to issues from Forest Steward volunteers.
• Coordinate training and mentorship of summer interns.
• Coordinate volunteer workdays in collaboration with Sr. Program Coordinator.
• Support maintenance of the Duke Forest GIS database, including GPS data collection and spatial records.
• Assist in prescribed burns, wildfire control, and storm response.
• Assist in annual boundary line maintenance.
• Assist in construction, maintenance, and retirement of research installations.
• Assist in Deer Herd Reduction program.
• Assist in implementation of special projects.

Skills

Plant species identification

Forest mensuration

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Safety consciousness

Physical fitness

Valid NC Driver's license

Education

2-year degree in forestry/natural resource management/conservation

2 years of related experience

4-year degree in forestry/natural resource management

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Field Maps

GPS Data collection

MS Word

MS Excel

Outlook

Job description

Duke University’s Duke Forest Office seeks a Forest Technician to perform field-based forest management and maintenance across the 7,100-acre Duke Forest Teaching and Research Laboratory. You will work closely with the Duke Forest Supervisor and staff to support sustainable timber management and conservation projects.

The role emphasizes hands-on field duties, data collection, and collaboration with interns and volunteers in a dynamic forest environment. Weekend work may be required.