FIA Forester

Description of Work

This is a time-limited, full-time position, through 2027.

This posting is for four (4) positions: 65042202, 65042203, 65042204, 65042205.

The North Carolina Forest Service is designated as an emergency response Division and is a team of professionals who provide forest protection, resource management and environmental education to the residents and landowners of North Carolina through a variety of programs. The NC Forest Service provides services to the 100 counties in North Carolina

The Inventory Forester performs and supervises forest resource data collection; locates plots using GPS and aerial photos, establishes and measures permanent forest sample plots, identifies biota; classifies stand history; conducts standing tree volume measurements; produces and develops reports, interprets aerial photographs; uses, maintains, and calibrates forest measurement instruments and electronic data recorder; coordinates and conducts felled-tree volume studies; conducts ancillary studies to supplement and improve forest resource data collection and statistical modeling; canvases primary wood-using industries to determine timber product output. Position requires interaction with the public and other professionals which requires the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Position may also be involved in various aspects of fighting forest fires and may be a member of a NC Incident Management Team.

• Occasional heavy lifting is required.
• Environmental exposures are adverse weather, forest pests, hunters, falling limbs, intense heat, rough terrain, dust & smoke.
• Some work functions require evening, holiday, and/or weekend work.
• Work requires overnight travel at least one week per month.
• Position requires overnight camping in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

Residency requirements discussed at time of interview.
Duty Station location: Morganton Forestry Center, 220 Old Colony Road, Morganton, NC 28655

• Must have or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire, a valid NC Driver’s License.
• Telephone required.
• Must have or be able to obtain NC Forester Registration.
• Successful candidates must be able to complete USDA Forest Service FIA training and pass certification testing.
• Must also be able to maintain good plot production levels and acceptable levels of data collection accuracy as a condition of employment.

Official NC Forest Service uniform and a State-owned vehicle will be provided to support everyday job responsibilities.

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

• Professional knowledge of scientific principles and concepts, and practical knowledge of conventional forest management and measurement methods and techniques.
• General knowledge of the Forest Inventory & Analysis program.
• Ability to identify North Carolina tree species and associated vegetation.
• Ability to identify species composition and terrain features from aerial photographs and other remote sensing technology.
• Ability to use GPS and electronic data recorder technology.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both.

Bachelor s degree in forestry from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited institution; or registered by the North Carolina Board of Registration for Foresters; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirement: Those not registered at the time of hire must obtain registration as a Forester from the NC Board of Registration for Foresters within two years of employment.

Supplemental and Contact Information

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.

All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.

* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *

Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.