FIA Program Data Collection Crew Member

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), within the Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP) is looking to hire three (3) entry level field going data collection positions within the Forestry Aide classification for the 2026 field season. These are temporary, seasonal positions, based in Redding, CA with flexible start dates of April or May 2026. 

The primary responsibility for all three positions is sampling Forest Inventory & Analysis program (FIA) plots within California. The incumbents serve as members of a field-going data collection team consisting of 2-4 people and working closely with an experienced crew leader. 

Incumbents will:

• collect forestry and forest health monitoring data on permanently established fixed radius plots,
• follow standardized protocol and field procedures,
• assist in locating field plots using topographic maps, compass, GPS, and aerial imagery, and
• perform data accuracy and data quality checks.

The forestry and forest health monitoring data is collected using standardized tools. Types of data collected include, but are not limited to:

• tree growth and mortality;
• forest typing,
• stand size and stand age estimates;
• anthropogenic treatments and/or natural disturbances evaluations;
• soil attributes; and
• understory vegetation species composition using botanical keys.

Travel to plot may include automobile, foot, ATV, motorcycle, boat, small aircraft, helicopter, or horse as necessary to access field plots.  Incumbent must have and maintain a valid driver’s license. 

Duty Location: Redding, CA

Start date: April, May 2026 (flexible)

Job Type: Non-Tenured, Full Time, Seasonal

Monthly Gross Pay: $3,744.00 – $4,630.00

Application Filing ends: 01/30/2026

The advertisement and instructions on how to apply can be found at: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=504064

Questions, please contact:

Nadia Tase
(530) 573-2320
nadia.tase@fire.ca.gov

For more information about the FIA program, please visit:

CAL FIRE FIA program: https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-resource-assessment-program/forest-inventory-and-analysis

Regional FIA program: https://research.fs.usda.gov/pnw/programs/fma

National FIA program: https://research.fs.usda.gov/programs/fia