FIA foresters travel the state, taking measurements on long-term fixed radius research plots. Oklahoma established many of these sites in 1936 and our data collection enables us to monitor forest health, observe disturbances and ecological responses to those disturbances, track succession, assess sustainability, quantify carbon balances, and more. 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 job requires outdoor work 95% of the time and significant travel up to four days per week. Duty station is flexible but strongly prefer eastern Oklahoma. Some locations have already been filled and duty station will depend on current staff positions.

Oklahoma is a wildly diverse state with alligators and bald cypress in the SE, black bears and red oaks in the NE, honey mesquite and horny toads in the SW, and pronghorn, mesas, and ponderosa pine in the NW. FIA cruisers get to see it all! Base salary for a Forester I is $48,290 plus retirement and comprehensive benefits, a work vehicle, and per diem for out of town travel (typically a tax-free $680 per month). FIA foresters work 4x10 hour days. You must be willing to work outside in most conditions and must be willing to learn. I highly recommend sending me an email if you are interested: joshua.bradley@ag.ok.gov 

This position requires a two year commitment due to a 6-12 month paid training period.

Qualifications for this position include a BS in Forestry or similar (course work should include dendrology, silviculture, and forest measurements). It is preferred to see work experience outdoors and ability to self direct and self motivate. Candidates must be willing to learn (first 6 months are spent as a trainee and you will need to be certified by the US Forest Service before taking on the full responsibilities of the job).
It is very important to email me with your resume after you apply - HR can erroneously screen qualified candidate.