Forestry Technician, Northeast Region

Job Description

Job Description

Forest Carbon Works and Chestnut Carbon help U.S. forest landowners unlock the financial and conservation benefits of voluntary carbon markets. By combining practical forestry, rigorous data collection, and innovative technology, we enable landowners to participate in high-quality carbon projects that reward long-term stewardship.

We are seeking a motivated, independent Forestry Technician to support our forest carbon inventory program. This is a field-based role ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, traveling to forest properties, and contributing directly to climate and conservation outcomes.

Chestnut was founded and backed by Kimmeridge, a US-based private equity firm with offices in New York and Denver.

 

Position Summary:

The Forestry Technician supports carbon project development by conducting forest inventories using Forest Carbon Works’ smartphone-based inventory platform. Technicians are responsible for collecting accurate tree level and plot level data, documenting forest conditions, and supporting data quality and verification needs. This role involves regular travel, work in rugged terrain, and independent fieldwork, with coordination and communication with a distributed forestry team.

This position is well suited for forestry students, early career professionals, or experienced technicians seeking flexible, seasonal, or contract-based field work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Travel independently to assigned forest properties within the Northeastern United States including NY, VT, NH, and ME to conduct field inventories.

• Collect accurate tree level and plot level data using smartphone, GPS, and digital tools

• Measure, identify, and photograph trees following established cruise and plot protocols

• Permanent plot monumentation including marking plot centers with rebar, PVC and metal tree tagging

• Occasional traditional forest inventory measurements including DBH, height, and species identifications

• Navigate and work safely in varied terrain including dense forests, wetlands, brushy understories, and steep slopes

• Process and assist with quality control of collected inventory data, including photo digitization and species identification

• Assist with QA/QC inventory work supporting carbon verification and inventory software improvements

• Communicate regularly with supervisors and team members regarding assignments, progress, and field conditions

• Engage professionally with landowners and represent Forest Carbon Works and Chestnut Carbon in the field

• Participate in overnight travel and camping as required for multi day inventory projects

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (college coursework or degree in forestry or related field preferred)
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle (4x4 required for many projects)
• Ability to work independently in remote areas and variable weather conditions
• Strong tree species identification skills (regional experience in the Northeastern United Stated preferred)
• Proficiency with smartphone technology, GPS devices, and digital cameras
• Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills
• Physical ability to hike long distances and work full days in rugged terrain

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1–3 years of forest inventory or field forestry experience
• Experience with traditional forest mensuration (DBH, height, cores, decay classification) and permanent plot monumentation
• Progress toward or completion of a degree in forestry, environmental science, or related field
• Experience troubleshooting basic field technology issues
• Backcountry, wilderness, orienteering, wildland firefighting, or first responder experience

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, sit, or walk frequently throughout the day, including over uneven or steep terrain. 
• Capacity to walk 3–8 miles during a typical workday, sometimes carrying a backpack, equipment, or tools weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• Occasional lifting and carrying of items weighing up to and including 50 pounds, such as field equipment. 
• Frequent use of both hands for simple grasping and fine manipulation, including the ability to operate GPS devices, compasses, and clinometers. 
• Physical stamina and endurance to work long hours outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, humidity, and in remote or wooded environments. 
• Ability to drive vehicles for up to several hours per day. 
• Physical agility and coordination to bend, stretch, twist, and reach, as well as to maintain balance on unstable or slippery surfaces. 

Pay Structure: Hourly or per plot compensation depending on project and experience Typical Rates:

• Hourly: approximately $25–$30/hour
• Per plot: approximately $40–$50 per plot, depending on terrain and remoteness [expect to complete 4-5 plots/day]

Time Commitment: Varies by project; typically, 32–45 hours per week during active field periods Reimbursements:

• Contractors will receive a daily per diem payment of $125 dollars (USD) for each day worked. This daily per diem is intended to cover the Contractor’s mileage and all other routine travel-related expenses incurred in the performance of services, and no additional mileage reimbursement will be provided unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company.

Contract Term: Seasonal or project-based work will primarily take place in the Northeast, but varies by region and season, and may occasionally be outside of this region.

Commitment to Inclusion

Forest Carbon Works and Chestnut Carbon are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We value the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our team members and partners. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.