Forest Inventory & Analysis Forester 1
Location: Nashville, TN Salary: $2,513- $4,018/month
Job Description:
This position is with the Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) Forest Inventory and Analysis
(FIA) Program. This FIA unit is part of a nationwide U.S. Forest Service program that collects,
processes, analyzes, evaluates, and publishes comprehensive information on forest
resources. Field-based measurements occur on permanent plots located on a systematic
grid across public and private ownership. FIA foresters collect data about tree
measurements, forest health parameters, understory vegetation composition, habitat
types, down dead woody material, silvicultural practices, natural disturbances, and land
ownership.
The FIA Forester works in a two-person crew and reports to the FIA Program Specialist. The
FIA Forester will primarily work from the Crossville workstation. However, plots are located
statewide, and foresters may be sent to assist data collection in other areas of Tennessee
on an as-needed basis. FIA foresters must be willing to work in challenging terrain, travel to
remote plot locations (sometimes overnight), and plan their work according to weather
conditions. The work schedule has built-in flexibility during the Monday-Friday work week
to accommodate weather-related impediments, and some weekend and overnight travel
may occur.
Data is collected to defined standards, and data quality is confirmed by the U.S. Forest
Service. Standards of performance must be demonstrated annually to maintain data
collection certification. The Forest FIA Specialist will provide training and support during the
certification process. Loss of certification could result in job termination.
This job posting is for one FIA Forester 1. An applicant appointed to this position can be
reclassified to Forester 2 if s/he has at least one year of post-graduate forestry experience.
If the applicant appointed to this position does not have prior experience, then s/he can be
reclassified to Forester 2 after successful completion of a one-year training period.
FIA Forester 1-Forest Data and Analysis Unit Page 2
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in
forestry or similar natural resource curriculum that includes dendrology, forest
measurements, silviculture, and forest management.
2. Possess and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license.