Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Crew Member - Open Pool

Colorado State University • Durango, CO

29d • Onsite

About The Position

With direct guidance from a FIA Crew Leader and indirect guidance from a FIA Supervisory Forester and the FIA Program Manager within the Science and Data Division of the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), the FIA Crew Member position is an autonomous, field-based research role responsible for conducting forest inventory work across multiple states. This position supports the collaborative Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) partnership between CSFS and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), whose mission is to provide comprehensive, accurate, and timely information on the health and productivity of forests across the United States. The FIA Crew Member conducts recurring and complex forest inventory measurements, supports data quality and production benchmarks, and promotes safe and effective field operations while working independently and as part of a team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or greater) in any field (related degrees preferred)
• Ability to hike long distances over steep terrain at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 14,000 feet while carrying a 45+ pound pack
• Valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States prior to the employment start date (CSFS does not sponsor visas)
• Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires)
• Extensive overnight travel required; typical travel periods are five days, with some trips lasting 10 or more days during a nine-month field season
• Ability to work long and irregular hours, including occasional evenings and weekends
• Exposure to hazardous materials, poisonous plants, biting or stinging insects, and native wildlife
• Ability to safely operate vehicles, equipment, and tools
• Ability to perform strenuous outdoor work in a wide range of weather and terrain conditions

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree (or greater) in Forestry, Forest Ecology, Botany, or a Natural Resources-related field
• Experience with wilderness navigation using topographic maps, compasses, aerial photos, GPS units, and GIS software (ArcGIS)
• Experience hiking off-trail, identifying hazards, and navigating in remote or wilderness settings
• Understanding of basic field forestry skills, including timber cruising
• Coursework or field experience in dendrology and vegetation identification
• Experience using forestry inventory tools such as hypsometers, clinometers, lasers, diameter tapes, increment borers, and related equipment
• Experience implementing ecological sampling methods and using sampling equipment
• Familiarity with FIA national and regional sampling protocols
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including working with the public
• Ability to track work hours, travel logistics, and work-related expenses
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Office 365)
• CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or other relevant safety training
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, data quality, professionalism, and customer service

Responsibilities

• Conduct forest inventory field measurements including tree, sapling, and seedling data; vegetation diversity; fuel loading; stand treatments and disturbances; land ownership; and soil and erosion data.
• Safely operate 4-wheel drive vehicles, UTVs, ATVs, and occasionally horses or boats to access plot locations.
• Navigate to plot locations using GIS software, GPS units, topographic maps, aerial photos, and related datasets.
• Hike long distances on- and off-trail over steep, rugged terrain at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 14,000 feet while carrying packs weighing 45–60+ pounds.
• Work in variable and sometimes extreme weather conditions including full sun, rain, snow, and rapidly changing temperatures.
• Complete daily safety check-ins using email, cell phones, satellite phones, or inReach messaging devices.
• Maintain and care for assigned vehicles, field equipment, and supplies.
• Work closely with USFS FIA liaisons to meet production goals and quality standards.
• Promote a strong safety culture and support productive team development.
• Assist CSFS Field Office staff, when feasible, with forest management, outreach, and administrative activities.
• Analyze and interpret technical and scientific reports and present summarized findings to the public and partners.
• Provide service, outreach, and education to landowners and cooperators through written and verbal communication.

Benefits

• Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service.
• With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level