Forest Inventory Technician job at Kijani Forestry

The Forest Inventory Technician supports forest inventory and soil sampling activities across Kijani Forestry's woodlots as part of a two-person Forest Inventory Team. Working closely with the Forest Inventory Coordinator, the Technician assists with establishing sample plots, measuring trees, collecting soil samples, recording field data, navigating to sampling locations, and ensuring all field activities are completed safely, accurately and efficiently.

The Technician plays a vital role in maintaining high-quality field data while supporting daily field logistics, farmer engagement and equipment management. This position is particularly well suited to individuals with strong field experience, excellent practical skills and familiarity with rural communities and landscapes.

Key Responsibilities

Field Operations

• Travel with the Forest Inventory Coordinator to assigned sampling locations.
• Navigate to field sites using GPS, Google Maps and other approved mapping tools.
• Safely operate motorcycles in rural field conditions where required.
• Daily planning and execution of field activities.
• Engage participating farmers professionally and respectfully throughout field activities.
• Support safe, efficient and professional field operations.
• Respond to forestry questions / issues raised by farmers during field activities

Forest Inventory

• Assist with establishing permanent sample plots according to project protocols.
• Measure trees including DBH, height and other required variables.
• Assist with identifying tree species using approved field guides.
• Record accurate plot metadata, GPS coordinates and geotagged photographs.
• Ensure all required measurements are completed before leaving each sampling location.

Soil Sampling

• Assist the Forest Inventory Coordinator with soil sampling activities.
• Prepare sampling equipment and materials.
• Assist with sample collection, labeling, storage and transport according to project protocols.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of sampling equipment to prevent contamination.

Data Collection

• Collect relevant data using mobile applications such as Kobo Collect and or other approved digital tools.
• Review data entries for completeness and accuracy before submission to the server.
• Immediately report any inconsistencies or equipment problems to the Forest Inventory Coordinator.
• Maintain high levels of integrity during data collection and other field based activities.
• Support daily data synchronization and submission according to project procedures.
• Maintain a manual record of all data collected as a backup in the event of digital data collection or device failure.
• Perform on-site data quality checks, cross-check measurements, validate entries before submission, report any inconsistencies or equipment issues immediately, support daily data synchronization and backup and participate in routine Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) activities

Equipment and Logistics

• Prepare and maintain field equipment before and after daily fieldwork.
• Safely transport and care for GPS units, smartphones, measuring tapes, clinometers, soil augers and other inventory equipment.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment promptly.
• Assist with organizing daily field supplies and vehicle readiness.

Reporting

• Report unusual field observations including wildfire damage, illegal tree harvesting, flooding, pest outbreaks, disease or other ecological disturbances.
• Participate in refresher training, calibration exercises and quality assurance activities.
• Support repeat measurements and independent quality control assessments when assigned.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Forest Inventory Coordinator or Forest Inventory Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE); a Certificate or Diploma in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science or a related field is an added advantage.
• Experience conducting field data collection, agricultural extension, environmental monitoring or similar field-based work.
• Experience using smartphones and digital data collection applications.
• Valid motorcycle riding permit preferred.
• Experience riding motorcycles in rural field conditions is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in remote field environments.

Required Skills and Competencies

Technical Skills

• Ability to accurately follow scientific field protocols.
• Good practical skills in field measurements and data collection.
• Ability to use GPS devices, smartphones and digital data collection platforms.
• Basic knowledge of tree identification is an advantage.
• Willingness to learn forest inventory and soil sampling methodologies.
• Ability to ride a motorcycle

Communication

• Strong written and spoken English.
• The ability to speak Acholi or Runyoro is strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact respectfully with farmers and local communities.

Professional Competencies

• High attention to detail.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Good organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision in remote locations.
• Physically fit and capable of carrying field equipment over long distances.
• Commitment to safety, professionalism and data quality.
• Adaptable, resourceful and eager to learn.

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.

• Travel with the Forest Inventory Coordinator to assigned sampling locations.
• Navigate to field sites using GPS, Google Maps and other approved mapping tools.
• Safely operate motorcycles in rural field conditions where required.
• Daily planning and execution of field activities.
• Engage participating farmers professionally and respectfully throughout field activities.
• Support safe, efficient and professional field operations.
• Respond to forestry questions / issues raised by farmers during field activities
• Assist with establishing permanent sample plots according to project protocols.
• Measure trees including DBH, height and other required variables.
• Assist with identifying tree species using approved field guides.
• Record accurate plot metadata, GPS coordinates and geotagged photographs.
• Ensure all required measurements are completed before leaving each sampling location.
• Assist the Forest Inventory Coordinator with soil sampling activities.
• Prepare sampling equipment and materials.
• Assist with sample collection, labeling, storage and transport according to project protocols.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of sampling equipment to prevent contamination.
• Collect relevant data using mobile applications such as Kobo Collect and or other approved digital tools.
• Review data entries for completeness and accuracy before submission to the server.
• Immediately report any inconsistencies or equipment problems to the Forest Inventory Coordinator.
• Maintain high levels of integrity during data collection and other field based activities.
• Support daily data synchronization and submission according to project procedures.
• Maintain a manual record of all data collected as a backup in the event of digital data collection or device failure.
• Perform on-site data quality checks, cross-check measurements, validate entries before submission, report any inconsistencies or equipment issues immediately, support daily data synchronization and backup and participate in routine Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) activities
• Prepare and maintain field equipment before and after daily fieldwork.
• Safely transport and care for GPS units, smartphones, measuring tapes, clinometers, soil augers and other inventory equipment.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment promptly.
• Assist with organizing daily field supplies and vehicle readiness.
• Report unusual field observations including wildfire damage, illegal tree harvesting, flooding, pest outbreaks, disease or other ecological disturbances.
• Participate in refresher training, calibration exercises and quality assurance activities.
• Support repeat measurements and independent quality control assessments when assigned.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Forest Inventory Coordinator or Forest Inventory Manager.

• Ability to accurately follow scientific field protocols.
• Good practical skills in field measurements and data collection.
• Ability to use GPS devices, smartphones and digital data collection platforms.
• Basic knowledge of tree identification is an advantage.
• Willingness to learn forest inventory and soil sampling methodologies.
• Ability to ride a motorcycle
• Strong written and spoken English.
• The ability to speak Acholi or Runyoro is strongly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact respectfully with farmers and local communities.
• High attention to detail.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Excellent teamwork skills.
• Good organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision in remote locations.
• Physically fit and capable of carrying field equipment over long distances.
• Commitment to safety, professionalism and data quality.
• Adaptable, resourceful and eager to learn.

• Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE); a Certificate or Diploma in Forestry, Agriculture, Environmental Science or a related field is an added advantage.
• Experience conducting field data collection, agricultural extension, environmental monitoring or similar field-based work.
• Experience using smartphones and digital data collection applications.
• Valid motorcycle riding permit preferred.
• Experience riding motorcycles in rural field conditions is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in remote field environments.