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Area Forester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forest Biology -- examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest ...

Forest Biology -- examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest ...

Forest Biology -- examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest ...

Forest Biology -- examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest ...

Management of Renewable Resources -- examples of creditable courses in this area include silviculture, forest management operations, timber management, wildland fire science or fire management ...

District foresters administer the Classified Forest & Wildlands Program ( in a multiple county area. They write management plans and practice plans (tree planting, timber stand improvement, invasive ...

Forester Specialist

Lagro, IN · On-site

$47K/yr

District foresters administer the Classified Forest & Wildlands Program ( in a multiple county area. They write management plans and practice plans (tree planting, timber stand improvement, invasive ...

The original settlers of the area cleared and attempted to farm the ridges but were frustrated by ... Forester Degree is required. Salary Statement : The salary for this position traditionally starts ...

Lead Project Forester

Golden, CO · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

The Lead Project Forester is a supervisory, field based role within the Colorado State Forest ... Ensures area staff have the most current information needed for the implementation and promotion of ...

Forester

Salem, OR · On-site +1

$40K - $86K/yr

Forest Biology examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest ...

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Area Forester information

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$42K

$64.7K

$107.5K

How much do area forester jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for area forester in the United States is $64,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Area Foresters 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Area Forester, and why are they important?

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 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 Area Foresters?

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.
More about Area Forester jobs
What cities are hiring for Area Forester jobs? Cities with the most Area Forester job openings:
What states have the most Area Forester jobs? States with the most job openings for Area Forester jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Area Forester jobs? For Area Forester jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Area Forester job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,687 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Job description

You will serve as a Forester.

These positions are located in the Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Offices located in Grant Pass, Klamath Falls, Medford, North Bend, Prineville, Roseburg, Salem, Springfield, and Tillamook, Oregon.
Pay will vary based on grade level and/or duty location for which you're selected. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Qualifications:All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 07/29/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. If qualifying based on education, a copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application.

Basic Educational Requirements: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included the following major field of study and specific course requirements as stated below:

  • A. Degree: Forestry; or a related subject-matter field that included a total of at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours of course work was in forestry. The curriculum must have been sufficiently diversified to include courses in each of the following areas:
    • Management of Renewable Resources -- examples of creditable courses in this area include silviculture, forest management operations, timber management, wildland fire science or fire management, utilization of forest resources, forest regulation, recreational land management, watershed management, and wildlife or range habitat management
    • Forest Biology -- examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest pathology.
    • Forest Resource Measurements and Inventory -- examples of creditable courses include forest biometrics, forest mensuration, forest valuation, statistical analysis of forest resource data, renewable natural resources inventories and analysis, and photogrammetry or remote sensing.

-OR-

  • B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major in forestry, or at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours were in forestry. The requirements for diversification of the 24 semester hours in forestry are the same as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH GRADE: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience and/or education for the respective grade level in which you are applying:


GS-07:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing three or more of the following in a developmental capacity: (1) assisting with the development or implementation of forest management plans such as timber sale planning, logging system, reforestation, timber stand improvement, or landscape forestry; (2) preparing/analyzing logging and harvest plans, silvicultural treatments, or timber sale contracts to ensure compliance; and (3) interacting with various groups of people to investigate, exchange, or report information related to forest programs
-OR-
Education: Have successfully completed 1 full year of graduate level education. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of transcripts.
-OR-
Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Successfully completed a bachelor's degree in a directly related field AND meet one of the following: (1) Class Standing: rank in the upper 3rd of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, based on the completed courses; OR (2) Grad-Point Average (GPA): earn a GPA of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) based on 4 years of education, or based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum -or- (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field, or the required courses completed during the final two years. Note: GPA will be rounded to the one decimal place, for example, 2.95 = 3.0, 2.94 = 2.9; OR (3) Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society.


GS-09:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing three or more of the following: (1) preparing and/or implementing timber sale or silvicultural service contracts; (2) executing long range forest management plans such as logging systems, road layout, harvesting, and tree improvement; (3) developing forest management plans such as: forest inventory analysis, environmental assessments, or forest history reports; and (4) preparing data, briefings, or trainings to explain and exchange forest management information.
-OR-
Education: Have 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree that included a major field of study or specific course requirements generally as stated in the basic requirements. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. (NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts as proof of any claimed education).
-OR-
Combination education and experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. Note: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
GS-11:
Specialized Experience: Have one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing the following: (1) Planning and/or maintaining long-range forest management programs including timber sale and silvicultural service contract administration; (2) Providing program oversight on all projects related to special forest products, landscape forestry, reforestation, silvicultural treatments, etc.; (3) Developing plans, assessments, and recommendations for environmental assessments; (4) Conducting briefings or trainings on forest management activities/plans to other agencies, special interest groups, or the general public.
-OR-Education:...Qualifications continued
Education: Have 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree that included a major field of study or specific course requirements generally as stated in the basic requirements. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. (NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts as proof of any claimed education).
-OR-
Combination education and experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. Note: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualificationsEmployment Type: OTHER