Forest Inventory Team (FIT) Coordinator job at Kijani Forestry

Position Summary

The Forest Inventory Team (FIT) Coordinator leads a two-person field inventory team responsible for collecting high-quality forest and soil data across Kijani Forestry's woodlots. The Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all sampling activities are conducted according to established scientific protocols and the collected data meets the standards required for carbon accounting, ecological monitoring, and scientific analysis.

Working closely with a Forest Inventory Technician, the Coordinator will establish sample plots, conduct tree measurements, collect soil samples, manage field logistics, engage with participating farmers, and ensure the completeness, accuracy, and integrity of all data collected.

This role requires a strong technical background in forestry, agronomy, natural resource management, or a related discipline, with particular attention to rigorous field methodology, data quality, and scientific protocols.

Key Responsibilities

Field Operations

• Lead a two-person Forest Inventory Team during daily field operations.
• Plan and execute daily sampling activities according to individual/assigned work plans.
• Navigate to assigned sampling locations using GPS, digital maps and project navigation tools.
• Engage farmers professionally and obtain informed consent prior to field activities.
• Ensure safe, efficient and professional conduct of all field operations.
• Respond to forestry questions / issues raised by farmers during field activities
• Ensure that daily, weekly and monthly KPIs are consistently achieved and where possible exceeded

Forest Inventory

• Establish permanent sample plots according to project protocols.
• Measure and record tree variables including species, DBH, height and other required attributes.
• Accurately identify tree species using approved field guides and reference materials.
• Record complete plot metadata, GPS coordinates and required geotagged photographs.
• Ensure all forest inventory measurements meet project quality standards.

Soil Sampling

• Lead soil sampling activities according to established project protocols.
• Collect, label, store and transport soil samples while maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures.
• Ensure sampling depths, locations and handling procedures comply with project standards.
• Maintain the integrity and traceability of all soil samples from collection through submission.

Data Quality

• Accurately record field data using Kobo Collect and other approved digital tools.
• Review all data for completeness and consistency before leaving each sampling location.
• Resolve field discrepancies whenever possible and document any unresolved issues.
• Ensure all collected data meet project quality assurance requirements.

Equipment Management

• Maintain and safely operate field equipment including GPS units, smartphones, diameter tapes, clinometers, rangefinders, soil augers and sampling equipment.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment promptly.
• Ensure field equipment is properly maintained and calibrated where required.

Team Leadership

• Coordinate daily activities of the assigned Forest Inventory Technician.
• Ensure all team members adhere to project protocols, safety procedures and ethical standards.
• Provide on-the-job coaching and support to less experienced field staff.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, teamwork and scientific integrity.

Reporting

• Prepare daily field reports and submit completed datasets according to project timelines.
• Document unusual field observations including wildfire damage, illegal tree harvesting, flooding, pest outbreaks, disease or other ecological disturbances.
• Participate in calibration exercises, refresher training and quality assurance audits.
• Support repeat measurements and independent verification activities as required.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Forest Inventory Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Forestry, Agronomy, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting scientific field data collection.
• Experience with forest inventory methods or ecological monitoring is strongly preferred.
• Experience with soil sampling and soil handling protocols is highly desirable.
• Experience using GPS devices, smartphones and digital field data collection platforms (such as Kobo Collect).
• Valid motorcycle riding permit preferred.
• Experience riding motorcycles in rural field conditions is highly desirable.

Required Skills and Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of forest inventory principles and sampling methodologies.
• Knowledge of tree identification and field measurement techniques.
• Understanding of soil sampling procedures and sample handling protocols.
• Ability to accurately follow detailed scientific protocols.
• Strong digital data collection skills.
• Ability to ride a motorcycle

Communication

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• The ability to speak Acholi or Runyoro is strongly preferred.
• Ability to communicate professionally with farmers and community members.

Professional Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• High standards of scientific integrity and data quality.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate small field teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Adaptability to changing field conditions.
• Commitment to safety, professionalism and ethical conduct.

Working Conditions

• Full-time field-based position.
• Frequent travel throughout Kijani Forestry's project areas.
• Daily travel by motorcycle to rural communities.
• Extensive outdoor work under varying weather conditions.
• Frequent walking over uneven terrain while carrying field equipment.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

• Lead a two-person Forest Inventory Team during daily field operations.
• Plan and execute daily sampling activities according to individual/assigned work plans.
• Navigate to assigned sampling locations using GPS, digital maps and project navigation tools.
• Engage farmers professionally and obtain informed consent prior to field activities.
• Ensure safe, efficient and professional conduct of all field operations.
• Respond to forestry questions / issues raised by farmers during field activities
• Ensure that daily, weekly and monthly KPIs are consistently achieved and where possible exceeded
• Establish permanent sample plots according to project protocols.
• Measure and record tree variables including species, DBH, height and other required attributes.
• Accurately identify tree species using approved field guides and reference materials.
• Record complete plot metadata, GPS coordinates and required geotagged photographs.
• Ensure all forest inventory measurements meet project quality standards.
• Lead soil sampling activities according to established project protocols.
• Collect, label, store and transport soil samples while maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures.
• Ensure sampling depths, locations and handling procedures comply with project standards.
• Maintain the integrity and traceability of all soil samples from collection through submission.
• Accurately record field data using Kobo Collect and other approved digital tools.
• Review all data for completeness and consistency before leaving each sampling location.
• Resolve field discrepancies whenever possible and document any unresolved issues.
• Ensure all collected data meet project quality assurance requirements.
• Maintain and safely operate field equipment including GPS units, smartphones, diameter tapes, clinometers, rangefinders, soil augers and sampling equipment.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment promptly.
• Ensure field equipment is properly maintained and calibrated where required.
• Coordinate daily activities of the assigned Forest Inventory Technician.
• Ensure all team members adhere to project protocols, safety procedures and ethical standards.
• Provide on-the-job coaching and support to less experienced field staff.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, teamwork and scientific integrity.
• Prepare daily field reports and submit completed datasets according to project timelines.
• Document unusual field observations including wildfire damage, illegal tree harvesting, flooding, pest outbreaks, disease or other ecological disturbances.
• Participate in calibration exercises, refresher training and quality assurance audits.
• Support repeat measurements and independent verification activities as required.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Forest Inventory Manager.

• Strong understanding of forest inventory principles and sampling methodologies.
• Knowledge of tree identification and field measurement techniques.
• Understanding of soil sampling procedures and sample handling protocols.
• Ability to accurately follow detailed scientific protocols.
• Strong digital data collection skills.
• Ability to ride a motorcycle
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• The ability to speak Acholi or Runyoro is strongly preferred.
• Ability to communicate professionally with farmers and community members.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• High standards of scientific integrity and data quality.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate small field teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Adaptability to changing field conditions.
• Commitment to safety, professionalism and ethical conduct.

• Bachelor's Degree in Forestry, Agronomy, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting scientific field data collection.
• Experience with forest inventory methods or ecological monitoring is strongly preferred.
• Experience with soil sampling and soil handling protocols is highly desirable.
• Experience using GPS devices, smartphones and digital field data collection platforms (such as Kobo Collect).
• Valid motorcycle riding permit preferred.
• Experience riding motorcycles in rural field conditions is highly desirable.