Stephen F. Austin State University

Chestnut Carbon is hiring two Forest Inventory Interns for the 2026 summer field season. In this role, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in the rapidly growing voluntary forest carbon industry and in forest inventory, and to develop and enhance skills in key forestry practices, including assessing tree- and site-level variables and tree species identification across a variety of forest types. Additionally, you will play a key role in supporting and executing forest inventory efforts for Chestnut’s Forest Restoration program, which plants both hardwood and softwood trees on lands previously used for agriculture or grazing, as well as our Improved Forest Management program, which enables additional carbon sequestration on existing forestland. You will work closely with the Senior Biometrician, who is remote, and with regional forestry staff.

Specific tasks will include travelling to various sites across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama; establishing forest inventory plots; collecting forest inventory data; communicating and working with property managers regarding site access and logistics; and conducting due diligence checks for site and project maintenance during site visits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support key biometrics initiatives by completing forest inventory work on Afforestation projects across Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama
• Install and measure permanent forest inventory plots
• Assess and record plot- and tree-level variables for the purpose of long-term monitoring, carbon quantification, verification, and modelling
• Complete data entry and QA/QC procedures to ensure data is collected, entered, and reported correctly

Additional Responsibilities:

• Collect forest inventory data on the Improved Forest Management program (established forests) using proprietary and cutting-edge data collection devices and software
• Complete property inspections while visiting sites to ensure gates are locked, sites are secure, and trespassing is not occurring
• Establish and measure soil carbon plots, ensuring compliance with project standards.

Requirements:

• Completed or pursuing a degree in forestry or a closely related field
• 1+ year(s) or internship experience(s) in forestry, with a preference for experience in forest inventory and tree identification
• Located or able to relocate to the Little Rock/Conway/Morrilton, Arkansas area
• Have medical and automobile insurance as required by state law
• Proficient in the use of smartphone technology, digital cameras, and hand-held GPS devices

Travel Requirements:

• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Ability to travel to sites across different states
• Occasional overnight stays may be necessary across distant locations
• Possess a vehicle capable of driving various distances

$17 - $20 an hour

• The pay range for this position is expected to be $17-$20/hour, subject to the chosen candidate’s experience and qualifications, as determined in the sole discretion of Chestnut Carbon.

The position is anticipated to resume in late May; however, we provide flexible start dates to accommodate academic calendars and summer break schedules. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to everything we do. Chestnut Carbon thrives on and celebrates different views, beliefs, and values. We are committed to our talented team and partners, regardless of background or affiliation, and to actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our business. We strive to be a place where you can be you and bring yourself to work.

Chestnut Carbon is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to affirmative action planning and encourages diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.