Forestry Technician I (FIA Internship)

State-of-South-Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

State-of-South-Carolina invites applications for two FIA Intern positions for Summer 2027 in Richland County. The interns will work on Forest Inventory and Analysis plots, measuring tree length, diameters, and other data under supervision of a Forest Inventory Coordinator.

A junior or senior pursuing a B.S. in forestry who has completed forestry summer camp and dendrology/mensuration coursework is preferred. Strong verbal communication and physical stamina are required.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in forestry from an accredited program.
• Completion of forestry summer camp and dendrology/mensuration coursework required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work in a field crew.

Responsibilities

• Measure tree length, diameters, and other data on FIA plots with accuracy.
• Assist two-person crew in locating FIA plots and collecting measurements.
• Record data as required by the Forest Inventory and Analysis Unit.

Skills

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Education

Bachelor of Science in forestry (enrolled)

Forestry summer camp completed

Dendrology coursework

Mensuration coursework

Job description

About the FIA Program:

The Forestry Commission FIA program is a cooperative effort between the SCFC and the U.S. Forest Service – Southern Research Station. The SCFC collects FIA data on a network of plot locations across South Carolina. FIA is often referred to as our nation’s forest census. The FIA program collects, analyzes and reports on the status and trends of America’s forests. In South Carolina, data is collected on tree diversity and abundance, carbon estimates, tree mortality from natural disasters, insects and disease, and removals from timber harvest practices. FIA data are used to track how the landscape is changing over time.

THERE ARE 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER 2027.

Responsibilities of the FIA Intern:

Measures tree length, tree diameters, and other limited data measurements on forest inventory and health monitoring Forest Inventory and Analysis plots with a degree of accuracy as required by the U.S. Forest Service- Southern Research Station- Forest Inventory and Analysis Unit. Chains into or out of plot locations and between inventory points. Works on a two-person forestry crew locating forest inventory plots and measures limited data measurements with a degree of accuracy required by the U.S. Forest Service- Southern Research Station- Forest Inventory and Analysis Unit.

Who Should Apply?

A junior or senior working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from a college or university accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Applicants must have completed forestry summer camp and completed dendrology and mensuration course work.

Have Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity, please contact:

Byron Rominger
Forest Inventory Coordinator
[phone]

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor's degree in forestry from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Enrollment in a bachelor's degree in a related natural resources field may be substituted at the Program Manager's discretion.
• A criminal background check and drug and alcohol test are required.
• Must possess a valid driver's license (Class D).

• Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-5:00PM. May require occasional overnight travel.
• This position's duty station is in Richland County.
• Completion of forestry spring/summer camp and successfully completing courses in dendrology and forest mensuration. Ability to learn basic forestry field measurement if enrolled in a related natural resources curriculum.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally. Ability to establish working relationship with other agency employees.
• Must be able to lift, walk, squat, climb, and carry objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in changing environmental conditions to navigate difficult terrain.
• Position requires the employee to be subject to random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion, rehabilitation monitoring, and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug-Free Workplace- Drug and Alcohol Testing. This position is designated as safety sensitive.