The Forest Monitoring Technician 

Job Title: Forest Monitoring Technician 

Location: Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, Errol, New Hampshire 

Status: Seasonal, full-time, May 27, 2025-August 15, 2025 (exact end date is somewhat flexible depending on individual candidate availability) 

Compensation: $20.06/hour 

Application Deadline: March 9th, 2025 

The Forest Stewards Guild (the Guild) is hiring two forest monitoring technicians to support monitoring and tracking of forest vegetation, habitat, and health through long-term monitoring plots on National Wildlife Refuges in northern New England. This program is made possible through the Northern Forest National Wildlife Refuge Stewardship Partnership, a collaboration between the Guild and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).  This is a seasonal, full-time position starting on May 27 through mid-August 2025 (exact end date is somewhat flexible depending on individual candidate availability), based in northeastern New Hampshire. On-site shared housing will be available for participating crew members at no additional cost. The position offers a unique opportunity to work with the Guild’s broad array of project partners, contribute to the conservation of critical forest systems, and ensure the success of a monitoring program to sustain future forest resilience. 

About the Guild 

The Forest Stewards Guild, a national organization of foresters and allied natural resource professionals, is dedicated to practicing and promoting responsible forestry as a means of sustaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and the human communities dependent upon them. The Guild has approximately 700 members, over half of whom are professionals who manage over 42 million acres of forestland in the United States and Canada.  

About the Position 

The forest monitoring technicians will support the work of the Guild and USFWS in the Northeast by installing permanent, long-term monitoring plots and implementing a monitoring protocol. These plots will provide important data on forest lands to track tree species composition, coarse woody material, and regeneration over time. The Guild will oversee employee training and provide supervision in coordinating the field season, facilitating crew needs and conducting data quality checks. As part of this role, the technicians will:  

• Install long-term monitoring plots while navigating off-trail to sampling sites 
• Collect field data across diverse forest ecosystems. Measurements include but are not limited to tree identification, diameter measurements, seedling abundance, and volume of coarse woody material 
• Accurately enter field data into established databases and maintain organized data records  
• Collaborate with team members to ensure data integrity, quality assurance, and timely reporting 
• Practice safety awareness and ecologically responsible behavior while in remote locations 
• Complete all required training including but not limited to defensive driving, first-aid and CPR.  
• Gain related skills, such as plant species identification, workflow planning, data management, and forestry terminology 
• Maintain field gear (including GPS units, cameras, tablet and computer, field guides, and measurement tools) 
• Support Guild staff with communicating monitoring results to project partners    

Position Requirements 

The ideal candidates will have a demonstrated interest in forestry, natural resources, ecology, and/or conservation in the northeastern U.S. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work independently and with a team, have a strong familiarity with northeastern forest ecosystems, and possess excellent written and verbal communication and teamwork skills. Candidates should have a valid driver’s license and be prepared to work predominantly outdoors in varied weather conditions and difficult terrain.  

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High school diploma and experience in forestry and/or ecology-based fieldwork.  
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for accurate data recording 
• Able to perform strenuous work outdoors for long hours in rough country and inclement weather 
• Possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record and the ability to navigate rough or off-road terrain safely 
• Clear verbal and written communication skills 
• Ability to work independently and with a team 
• Experience using a map and/or GPS to navigate off-trail and off-road. 
• Willing to live in shared housing in a remote, rural location 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Completed college coursework in forestry, ecology, and/or a related field 
• First aid and CPR certifications 
• Knowledge of northeastern forests, including vegetation ID and field safety 
• Experience conducting ecological monitoring 
• Experience with GPS/ArcGIS Field Maps 
• Experience in an outdoor leadership position 

Additional Information 

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, from May 27th-mid August. There is some flexibility for the start and end date. Accessing monitoring plots will require off-road travel (work vehicle provided). Monitoring technicians will be in regular (daily and weekly) communication with Northeast Guild staff, with periodic site visits by Guild and USFWS staff.  

Compensation: 

• The position pays $20.06 per hour   
• Paid holidays occurring during pay period   
• Workers' compensation  
• Accrued sick time (1 hour per 30 hours worked)  
• Compassionate leave after first day of employment 
• Free shared housing at the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge in Errol, NH 

The Forest Stewards Guild is an equal opportunity employer.  

The Guild is dedicated to providing an open and transparent organization and workplace. We strive for clear, open, and kind communication and are committed to recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and supporting practitioners across all communities. We are dedicated to building a work culture that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports a healthy work-life balance, and provides an environment that supports personal growth.