Field Interviewer

Chico State Enterprises, an auxiliary of CSU, Chico, is seeking dependable individuals to assist with the National Visitor Use Monitoring Program (NVUM), a project sponsored by the USDA Forest Service. The position is mostly field-based, with extensive travel and ample opportunities to explore and enjoy the national forests of California.

About the role

Survey locations include various recreation sites across the 18 National Forests in California. Three Southern California forests are being surveyed during Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), which runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026: Angeles National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, and Inyo National Forest. Three Central Sierra forests will be surveyed during Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27), which runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027: Sierra National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest, and El Dorado National Forest. There will be no survey sites in or near Chico or Butte County.

Candidate must be a California resident. Chico State Enterprises is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e., H-1B Visas).

Pay

$17.50 - $21.50 per hour

Schedule

Non-benefitted position with variable hours; up to 30-40 hours per week during the shoulder and high season (May-October) and 0-40 hours during the low season (November-April). Fieldwork hours vary based on project needs and will fluctuate on a weekly or seasonal basis but will not exceed 1,500 hours per calendar year. Survey schedules are developed by the project sponsor before fieldwork begins. We schedule between 660 and 900 six-hour field sessions each year.

Responsibilities

• Interview recreation users exiting general forested areas, trailheads, picnic areas, wilderness areas, campgrounds, or scenic highways.
• Drive to predetermined forest locations, prepare the survey site, interview exiting visitors for a six-hour period, and complete summary reporting.
• Communicate effectively through phone, text, and email with supervisory staff, coworkers, and agency personnel.
• Understand survey protocol and diligently count recreation use.
• Handle scheduling, site scouting, and data transfer requirements.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and treat all equipment properly to extend property life and increase safety.
• Safely set up survey sites (signage, cones, etc.) according to USFS survey protocol.
• Provide job-shadowing opportunities and field training for new employees.
• Keep accurate records.
• Adhere to all safety rules and regulations.

Requirements

• Must be a California resident.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record throughout employment.
• Must successfully complete Defensive Driver Training and obtain a Campfire permit.
• Must be at least 18 years of age with reliable transportation, or over 21 to operate a rental vehicle.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently as well as in team settings.
• Ability to use a tablet device for data collection and transfer.
• Able to speak comfortably with people and communicate effectively with the survey team.
• Ability to administer questionnaires to National Forest visitors and understand basic questionnaire protocol.
• Ability to scout survey sites and prepare data entry forms for others to use.
• Capacity and willingness to work in extreme weather conditions and independently in remote backcountry settings.
• Must be personable and friendly, comfortable standing outside in varying weather conditions, able to follow an established and detailed survey protocol, remain alert during periods of low visitor activity, safely drive on varying road types, and drive and work in varied weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with the NVUM survey processes and protocols, including Survey123 (instrumentation and data transfer), but training is available.
• Experience navigating remote roads and trails using maps and GPS.
• Technical driving skills for unpaved and unmaintained roads.
• Willingness to work combinations of weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Enjoyment of outdoor recreation is a plus. During the summer, interviewers frequently camp for multiple nights in campgrounds or open forest areas.

Benefits

• Sick leave (up to 5 days/year)

Compliance Requirements

• Candidate must be in possession of a valid driver's license and automobile liability insurance.
• Participation in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program (driving record) is required.
• The candidate will be required to update their insurance with Chico State Enterprises Human Resources when necessary.