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Assistant Forester Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Equipment Operator

Henryville, IN

$39K/yr

Clark State Forest was used as an experimental forest for many years. More than 150 experimental ... * Assist in coordinating, scheduling, and delivering equipment, vehicles, and materials for ...

Palomino RV

Customer Service Specialist

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Customer Service Specialist Forest River, Inc., the Nation's largest manufacturer of Recreational ... The position of a Customer Service Specialist is designed to assist customers with their service ...

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Assistant Forester information

See Indiana salary details

$5

$23

$37

How much do assistant forester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant forester in Indiana is $23.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $26.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant forester, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Forester, you need a solid background in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, forest inventory software, and equipment for field data collection is typically required. Strong observation skills, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with stakeholders and reporting findings. These competencies ensure accurate resource management, regulatory compliance, and sustainable forest stewardship.

What is an assistant forester?

Assistant Foresters are professionals who support the management and conservation of forests, working under the supervision of senior foresters. They assist in tasks such as planting trees, monitoring forest health, collecting data, and implementing forestry projects. Their work helps maintain healthy forest ecosystems, support sustainable timber production, and protect natural habitats. Assistant Foresters often work outdoors and may also participate in educational outreach or fire prevention programs.

What is the difference between Assistant Forester vs Forest Technician?

AspectAssistant ForesterForest Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Forestry or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, forest management, planningFieldwork, data collection, site assessments
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, forestry companiesForestry agencies, conservation organizations

Assistant Foresters and Forest Technicians often work together in forest management, with the assistant focusing on planning and supervision, while the technician handles data collection and site assessments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, making them closely related in the forestry industry.

What are some common challenges assistant foresters face when working in the field, and how can they prepare for them?

Assistant Foresters often encounter challenges like navigating difficult terrain, unpredictable weather, and managing multiple field projects simultaneously. To prepare, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, maintain physical fitness, and stay adaptable to changing conditions. Building good communication with supervisors and field teams also helps in efficiently addressing issues as they arise. Having a solid understanding of safety protocols and being comfortable with technology used for data collection are also key to success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forester jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Forester jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Forester jobs in Indiana? For Assistant Forester jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Forester jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Forester jobs in Indiana are:
Assistant Forester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Forester job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,837 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Equipment Operator

State of Indiana

Henryville, IN

$39K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

State Of Indiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated states

Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. Clark State Forest is the oldest state forest in Indiana and encompasses over 25,000 acres and 100 miles of recreational trails.  Clark State Forest was used as an experimental forest for many years.  More than 150 experimental tree plantings, established from 1905 through 1935, can still be observed in many areas throughout the forest.  Activities include biking, camping, fishing, gun range, hiking, horse riding, and more.

Role overview

  • This position reports to Clark State Forest and serves as the heavy equipment operator for six state forests and a tree nursery located in southern Indiana. The position requires Class A CDL and experience operating small and large bulldozers and excavators, and other types of smaller equipment such as skidsteers, road graders, tractors, zero turn or side-hill mowers (i.e., dams), and other equipment as needed. The position rotates among the state forests hauling the necessary equipment on a semi. The job sites are mostly rural forested areas of the state forest. Work includes improving existing fire lanes in rugged terrain, building new fire lanes, installing log yards for upcoming timber sales, using fecon style equipment to remove brush, dredging lakes, demolition of structures for rehab or new construction, culvert replacements, and more. All job sites are located on state forest property and guidance provided by the state forest manager.
  • The position works 9-9.5 hours daily Monday – Thursday (4-day work weeks) for a total of 37.5 hours.
  • Overnight may occur using one of several overnight rooms located at each state forest. 

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $39,000.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

  • Operate equipment such as backhoes, tractors, mowers, and heavy pumps to dig drainage ditches or dig out ponds, etc.  
  • Ensure equipment is maintained and prepared for use.   
  • Ensure operator maintenance such as inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating equipment, preventive maintenance, adjustments, and changing of operating attachments is accomplished. 
  • Assist in coordinating, scheduling, and delivering equipment, vehicles, and materials for maintenance and construction projects or other approved activities. 
  • Operate snow removal equipment such as plows and rotary blowers.   
  • Perform routine duties such as cutting down trees, cleaning paths in the woods, and raking leaves.  
  • Prepare areas for roads, walks, and parking by ditching, back sloping, level blading, scarifying, using motorized grader, or other equipment as necessary and available.  
  • Perform site cleaning, excavation, backfilling, and similar work. 
  • Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

  • Must have the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL – Class A) within 6 months of employment. The Class A CDL must be retained for the duration of employment as an Equipment Operator.  
  • Working knowledge and skill in the safe operation of the necessary light and heavy equipment.  
  • Working knowledge of various safety rules and regulations.   
  • including the use of the different sets of controls and various attachments. 
  • Knowledge of the mechanics of this equipment to maintain and repair it when necessary. 
  • Knowledge of, and ability to use, proper tools in the performance of duties. 
  • Knowledge of traffic laws as they apply to light and heavy equipment. 
  • If this role is with the AGO, you must complete the IDOC training to supervise an IDOC work crew. 

A degree is not required.  However, at least two (2) years of operating heavy equipment experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

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