Forest Inventory and Analysis; FIA Crew Member - Pool

Position: Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Crew Member - Open Pool
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Job Description ##
** Position Summary
** 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.##
** Full Consideration Date
** This is an open pool posting. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants will be contacted if a suitable opportunity becomes available.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by
** 11:59 p.m. (MT), May 1, 2026**##
** Brief Work Unit Description
** This position is housed within the
** Science and Data Division
** of the Colorado State Forest Service and supports the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. The program conducts permanent forest inventory plots across Colorado, Wyoming, and surrounding states to inform forest management, policy decisions, and ecological research.  Website:##
** Essential

Job Duties
*** 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 in Reach 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.##
** Conditions of Employment
*** Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires)
* Valid driver’s license
* 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##
** Supervision**
* ** Direct supervision:
** FIA Crew Leader
* ** Indirect supervision:
** FIA Supervisory Forester and FIA Program Manager##
** Minimum Qualifications
*** 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…