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Forest Inventory & Analysis Project Manager, School of Natural Resources: UTIA

University Of Tennessee College

University Of Tennessee College

Operations
Knoxville, TN, USA
USD 75k-80k / year
Posted on Mar 10, 2026

The FIA Project Manager is responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of research, outreach, and education projects related to natural resources and forest inventory. FIA is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data pertaining to forest land and woodlands across the United States. The successful candidate will work with UT faculty, the FIA Data Manager, and USDA Forest Service scientists, and will play a key role in facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and ensuring project milestones are met on time and within budget. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.


The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

The UT School of Natural Resources, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) unit, invites applications for a Project Manager. This is a regular, full-time, exempt staff position with full benefits, located in Knoxville, Tennessee. This position is stationed on the UT Research Park campus, working closely with FIA personnel and reporting to the Director of the School of Natural Resources.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

  • A bachelor’s degree in natural resources, project management, business management, or a related field.

Experience:

  • At least 2 years of experience in project management or coordination.

  • A federal security clearance is required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of and familiarity with project management software.

  • Knowledge of budgeting processes and project monitoring principles.

  • Experience and skill in composing periodic and annual reports and project proposals.

  • Strong organizational and communication skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

  • A master’s degree in Natural Resources, project management, business management, or related field.

Experience:

  • Experience managing federally funded research or outreach projects.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Familiarity with project management tools and software (e.g., MS Project, Trello, Asana).

  • Understanding of academic and research environments.

Work Location:

  • Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

  • UT market range: 11
  • Anticipated hiring range: $75-80k
  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit the following documents as PDF files:

  • CV or Resume outlining relevant education and experience

  • Cover Letter

  • Full contact information of three professional references

About The College/Department/Division:

The School of Natural Resources is the comprehensive natural resources program in the state of Tennessee, consisting of 35 teaching, research, and extension faculty, 16 professional staff members, 9 administrative staff members, and more than 350 students. The school’s mission is to advance the science and sustainable management of natural resources to promote their health, utilization, and appreciation in Tennessee, the region, and beyond, through programs in teaching, research, Extension and outreach.


  • Provide guidance and oversight on project development and implementation.
  • Develop project timelines and budgets and monitor progress.
  • Coordinate and oversee daily operations of natural resources projects.
  • Developing project timelines, identifying deliverables, and managing the projects to completion.
  • Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and external stakeholders on project and proposal development and report writing.
  • Ensure compliance with university and external funding agency policies.
  • Developing and maintaining FIA program documentation.
  • Developing and organizing workshops, meetings, and outreach events.
  • Collaborate on preparing grant proposals and progress reports.
  • Develop budgets and monitor expenditures in collaboration with finance staff.