Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Crew Member - Open Pool
Colorado State University
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 15, 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: https://csfs.colostate.edu
Salary Range:
$45,000 - $55,000
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 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.
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 legally authorized to work in the United States prior to the employment start date (CSFS does not sponsor visas)
Preferred Qualifications
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
Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit a cover letter addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications and a current resume/CV. 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 15, 2026.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Employee 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.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.