Job Description

Position Summary:

This position will be autonomous, independent, and responsible for conducting forest inventory field work across multiple states. The FIA seasonal is responsible for performing a variety of recurring and complex duties in support of both CSFS and the United States Forest Service (USFS) FIA program.

Full Consideration Date

April 10, 2026

Brief Work Unit Description https://csfs.colostate.edu/

Essential Job Duties

• Responsible for measuring forest inventory variables related to percent ground cover, tree diameters, tree heights, tree vigor, tree status, and fire fuel loading
• Data collected from these inventories are based on tree measurements, forest health parameters, understory vegetation composition, habitat types, down dead woody material, silvicultural practices, natural disturbances, and land ownership
• Help locate permanent field plots with road navigation, interpreting maps and aerial photos, determining scale of aerial photos, running compass lines, chaining/pacing distances, and using GPS equipment

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Travel - Extensive overnight travel is required for a significant portion of every season for this position. Applicants must have the ability and willingness to travel for extended periods of time, work long and irregular hours, evenings, and weekends., Special Requirements/Other - Exposure to poisonous plants, biting stinging insects, and wildlife is common; Proficiency in road and backcountry navigation using topographical maps, aerial photos, and GPS units; Ability to hike carrying at least 45 pound packs, Valid Driver’s License - Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Supervision

This position does not supervise

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to carry a 45+ pound pack while hiking in elevations ranging from 3,000 to 14,000 feet
• Familiar with identification of western tree and shrub species

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with topographic maps, compass, and aerial photos for navigation, interpreting cover types, identifying point locations, and navigating in wilderness situations
• Capable of using GPS units to navigate and collect field data
• Basic proficiency using spatial databases, remote sensing technology (ArcGIS software), and Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Office 365)

• Demonstrated proficiency in plant identification and experience with Rocky Mountain flora Understanding and experienced with basic field forestry skills related to timber cruising
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including working with the public
• Ability to keep track of weekly work hours and work-related expenses
• Ability to work unusual schedules with frequent travel
• Experience implementing diverse ecological, forestry, and fuels field sampling methods, and knowledge of sampling equipment, procedures and QA/QC protocols

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

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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.