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Area Forester Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Works with PGE transmission forester to coordinate herbicide applications in assigned area. Coordination- * Coordinates vegetation clearance with line restoration crews during emergency periods.

Millwright

Coquille, OR · On-site

$26.75 - $35/hr

Description About Roseburg Forest Products Founded in 1936, Roseburg Forest Products is a privately ... Vocational or technical school certificate in related area * Past employment experience in ...

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Area Forester information

See Oregon salary details

$44.4K

$68.4K

$113.7K

How much do area forester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for area forester in Oregon is $68,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $70,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an area forester?

Area Foresters are professionals responsible for managing and conserving forests within a specific geographic area. They oversee activities such as timber harvesting, reforestation, fire prevention, pest control, and habitat protection. Area Foresters work with landowners, government agencies, and the public to ensure sustainable forest management and compliance with environmental regulations. Their role often includes conducting field inspections, developing management plans, and providing education on best forestry practices. The goal is to balance ecological health, economic benefits, and community needs.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an area forester?

To thrive as an Area Forester, you need a solid background in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant certifications. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, forest inventory tools, and data analysis systems is commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills help build relationships with landowners and coordinate conservation initiatives. These skills are vital to effectively manage forest resources, ensure environmental compliance, and promote sustainable land practices.

What challenges do area foresters face when managing multiple forest tracts?

Area Foresters often oversee several forest tracts, which can present challenges such as balancing diverse landowner objectives, coordinating silvicultural operations across varying landscapes, and responding to pest or wildfire threats in a timely manner. Effective communication and time management are essential, as the role requires frequent travel and collaboration with landowners, contractors, and regulatory agencies. Staying organized and up-to-date with best management practices helps Area Foresters address these challenges while ensuring sustainable forest management.

What is the difference between Area Forester vs Forest Technician?

AspectArea ForesterForest Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in forestry or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in forestry
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, managing forest areas, planning timber harvestsFieldwork, assisting with forest management tasks
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, private forestry companiesForestry agencies, environmental organizations

While both roles involve outdoor work and forest management, the Area Forester typically has a higher level of responsibility, overseeing larger areas and making strategic decisions, whereas the Forest Technician supports field operations and data collection. Both positions require related credentials and work in similar environments, but the scope and level of responsibility differ.

What are popular job titles related to Area Forester jobs in OR?

For Area Forester jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Area Forester job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,393 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Portland General Electric rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven't stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We're always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

Forester

Job Function:

Forestry: Manage vegetation in proximity to electrical facilities to promote resiliency of transmission services.

Key Job Information:

Job Title/Code: Forester/6275

Grade/Exemption: Grade 7/EX

Career Level: P3- Individuals at this level requires in-depth knowledge and experience. They use best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products or services. They solve complex problems, taking a new perspective using existing solutions. They work independently, receiving minimal guidance. They act as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Scoping-

  • Performs safety and contractor performance audits (Quality Assurance/Quality Control)
  • Conducts scoping
  • Work layout(s)
  • Notifies customers and all stakeholders of impending work and helps to manage and review work processes.
  • Analyzes risks and prioritizes jobs according to urgency and location.

Scheduling-

  • Plan and coordinate vegetation clearance activities.
  • Prioritizes work in accordance with the company and department strategy.
  • Schedule contracting vegetation crews.
  • Schedules work assignments and contract crews based on manager/supervisor priorities.
  • Helps to organize and maintain tasks and the ability to track progress throughout multiple projects.

Vendor Management-

  • Ensures contract crew performance meets PGE standards and specifications.
  • Continually analyzes and monitors crew productivity to ensure PGE is receiving benefits for vegetation clearance expenditures relative to statement of work.
  • Reviews and corrects as needed tree pruning practices to ensure conformance to PGE's vegetation clearance policy.
  • Adapts tree pruning practices as needed to optimize resource use.

Consultation-

  • Advises region engineering with capital job vegetation clearance needs and problems.
  • Represents PGE's Forestry department to contractors impacted by/impacting company operations.
  • Serves as subject matter expert on projects.
  • Proactively analyzes issues and resolves complex problems in collaboration with stakeholders.
  • Works with PGE transmission forester to coordinate herbicide applications in assigned area.

Coordination-

  • Coordinates vegetation clearance with line restoration crews during emergency periods.
  • Collaborates with regional line operations to determine and schedule maintenance and construction vegetation clearance needs.
  • Coordinates vegetation clearance and selective herbicide applications with city, county and state agencies.

Compliance-

  • Reviews new standards, regulations and agreements and analyzes work processes to ensure compliance.
  • Adapts work direction as needed to meet changing standards.


Education/Experience/Certifications:

Education-

Requires a bachelor's degree in earth science, horticulture, geology, forestry, natural resources or similar field or equivalent experience.

Experience-

Typically five or more years in utility tree trimming, private tree trimming, arborist work, nursery work or related field including vendor management and project management.

Certifications, Licenses and Training-

Valid driver's license and ISA Arborist Certification required. ISA Utility Specialist credential and Valid Oregon State Pesticide Consultant license preferred and required within six months of obtaining position. ISA TRAQ preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Expert knowledge of utility forestry processes and procedures.
  • Thorough knowledge of forestry best practices and procedures.
  • Thorough knowledge of proper arboriculture pruning practices and herbicide/pesticide applications.
  • Intermediate Knowledge of Pacific Northwest vegetation species, growth rates, insects/disease problems, and failure risk potentials.
  • Thorough knowledge of regulations impacting vegetation management
  • Thorough knowledge of vendor management principles
  • Intermediate skills in critical thinking, including analysis and problem solving
  • Working skills in using database and documentation tools
  • Intermediate decision-making skills
  • Working skills in critical thinking, including analysis, problem solving and prioritization
  • Intermediate Interpersonal Skills
  • Intermediate written and oral communication skills
  • Intermediate presentation skills
  • Intermediate organizational awareness

Physical and Cognitive Demands:

  • Cognitive Level Substantial: Consistent use of logic or scientific thinking to define problems, collect information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions (for example, engineer, HR director, plant manager, etc.).
  • Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines, and time-sensitive tasks
  • Ability to follow accuracy standards
  • Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks
  • Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment
  • Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress
  • Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change
  • Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback
  • Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement
  • Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks
  • Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, supervisors, managers and others within the organization
  • Demonstrates sound memory
  • Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks

Schedule/Attendance:

  • Ability to work long hours
  • Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance
  • Ability to work shift schedule
  • Must be able to serve on call at all times

Physical Capabilities

  • This position requires a valid driver's license and a history of safe driving practices.
  • Daily Driving/travel/commute within the service territory
  • Occasional Overnight inside/outside the service territory
  • Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)
  • Lifting/pushing/pulling/carrying up to 50lb
  • Walking on unstable surfaces requiring balance
  • Elevated areas (i.e., catwalks, roofs and high buildings)
  • Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)
  • Stairs (over 10steps)

Environment- Indoor/Outdoor: Office, Field

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.

Join us today and power your potential!

Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.

PGE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel connected, valued, and empowered to thrive. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Recruiter associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting talentacquisition@pgn.comor by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process.

To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date. Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled.


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