Forest Inventory Technician - LTE or Internship

POSITION:  Forest Inventory Technician

JOB TYPE:  Limited-Term or Internship

LOCATION:  Hayward, WI

TERM:  Eligible for full or partial summer term. (Will accommodate Treehaven/forestry summer camp sessions.) 

WHO WE ARE

Steigerwaldt Land Services, Inc., is a full-service resource solution company, offering a wide range of appraisal, analysis, real estate, right-of-way, environmental, and forestry services to our clients in the Lake States region and beyond.  Founded in 1957, Steigerwaldt is a third-generation, family owned and operated company with history and experience spanning more than 65 years.   Steigerwaldt employs a staff of over 60 people, with offices in Tomahawk and Hayward, Wisconsin; and Marquette, Michigan.

Becoming a member of Steigerwaldt is more than just an opportunity to follow your passion in forestry. It is an opportunity to be a part of an organization that fosters professional growth, nurtures your talent, and allows you to take ownership of your career path. A strong sense of brand, culture, and values define our company and our team. Our office culture is one that values synergy in the office and in the field.

Steigerwaldt creates a transparent and inclusive environment that involves you in team decision-making, cross-department learning, career path exploration, and hands-on experiences for you to grow your breadth of knowledge. 

 If this sounds like the supportive, passion-driven, professional environment you will thrive in, please apply to join our team. We are currently seeking a limited-term, full-time Forest Inventory Technician at our Hayward office location. This is considered an entry-level position, although previous professional experience is helpful. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

This position resides in our  Inventory and Geospatial Solutions department and will function as a part of a Critical Response Team that supports forest inventories throughout the country in addition to local inventory efforts and natural resource management projects.  Interest in travel and learning about emerging markets and forest carbon related services is preferred. As a member of the Critical Response Team, it is likely and an expectation for weekend work and significant overtime.

• Daily and weekend field-focused work in all weather conditions (95% field work)
• First line response for in-state and out-of-state forest inventories 
• Inventory data collection with necessary level of speed and precision dependent upon project requirements
• Detailed tree data recording of field observations (using a tablet and internal software)
• Make calls on tree diameters, heights, species, and product sections within plots
• Utilize sub-meter GPS for applications including plot location collection, monumentation, and accessing boundaries
• Coordinate with property managers to understand any concerns, hazards, and access details
• Collaborate with other inventory foresters to maximize efficiency and operate safely
• Periodic travel on project may exceed ±50 percent (in and out of state)
  

• Other duties as assigned
  

WHO YOU ARE

You are a supportive and reliable team member that engages in building a great team and work culture.  You are driven and motivated to be a part of a successful team and provide high-quality service and results.  You show persistence, tenacity, and grit every day, through tough conditions and deadlines with energy and enthusiasm.  You are curious and open-minded in exploring solutions and opportunities.  You are a caretaker of resources, people, and company. You thrive working in a fast-paced, highly driven environment and can adapt quickly to changing conditions and priorities.  You must have an adventurous side and enjoy travel. You value contribution to goals and team, you are energized by a challenge, and you are confident and can work in the woods independently.   

• Engage in active listening to understand and act on the expectations of peers, supervisors, and clients.
• Embrace change and can modify behavior and plans to effectively achieve goals. Adaptability, flexibility, and change agility is necessary. 
• Has the drive, energy, and initiative to work independently in varied settings, both in the field and with clients and other professionals.
• A team player who is an ambassador of integrity, respect, curiosity, and flexibility.
• An individual who uses Steigerwaldt’s mission of ‘Quality work fast, with honesty and integrity; rooted in our passion for stewardship of resources and relationships.’ as a benchmark for decision making and standard of work.
• An effective problem solver that can identify the root of a problem, provide productive solutions, act decisively, and show good judgement.    
  
  

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Desire to develop a career as a professional forester in a fast-paced and diverse consulting business
• Working towards a 2 or 4 year degree in forestry or natural resource management
• Ability to work independently in varied settings, both in the field and with clients and other professionals
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Competent with Microsoft Office software
• Experience with GPS data collecting and processing
• Experience with ESRI GIS software and GIS mapping and data collection principles
• Ability to travel and conduct overnight work away from the office – travel up to 25-40 percent or more
• Current valid driver’s license with personal vehicle suitable for forestry work (mileage is reimbursed)
• ATV and snowmobile certifications
• A team player who is confident, respectful, curious, flexible, and able to work with other professionals in a growing, successful, and respected business

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Due to the nature of the team approach to our field work and needed access to equipment and company vehicles, the Forester position is considered a resident or office-based position with remote work possible, upon approval from the supervisor.  The position is roughly 95 percent field work and 5 percent office work. 

COMPENSATION

Wage commensurate with experience.

POSTING DATE  

Position will be filled within one to three months. Interviews will be scheduled throughout this time period.  Expected start is May 2026, dependent upon candidate availability. Please note that these positions may be filled sooner, as there is flexibility in the start date.  

CONTACT

For any hiring questions, please reach out to Travis Polinske at travis.polinske@steigerwaldt.com or 715-409-8535.

Steigerwaldt is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.