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Federal Forestry Jobs in Rathdrum, ID (NOW HIRING)

Familiarity of the wood and forest products industry. * Valid driver's license PHYSICAL DEMANDS ... federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from ...

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified ... federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from ...

Production Operator (Chilco)

Athol, ID · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified ... federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from ...

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified ... federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from ...

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified ... federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from ...

Electrical/Controls Engineer (Athol)

Athol, ID · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified ... federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from ...

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further ...

Federal Forestry information

See Rathdrum, ID salary details

$26.6K

$38.1K

$49.1K

How much do federal forestry jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal forestry in Rathdrum, ID is $38,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,700.00 and $42,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is federal forestry?

Federal forestry refers to the management, conservation, and restoration of forests that are owned or managed by the federal government. This includes overseeing national forests and grasslands, enforcing logging regulations, protecting wildlife habitats, and preventing forest fires. Professionals in federal forestry work for agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and play a key role in sustaining healthy forest ecosystems while balancing public use and resource extraction. Their work is crucial for biodiversity, recreation, and the long-term health of natural resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal forester?

To thrive as a Federal Forester, you need a degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, along with strong knowledge of ecosystem management and regulatory compliance. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, forest inventory systems, and sometimes certifications like SAF (Society of American Foresters) accreditation are typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help in coordinating with stakeholders and responding to emergencies. These competencies are vital for sustainable forest management, environmental protection, and effective collaboration within government agencies.

What are some unique challenges that professionals in federal forestry roles may encounter, and how can they be addressed?

Federal Forestry professionals often face challenges such as managing large, diverse tracts of public land, balancing competing interests (like recreation, conservation, and resource extraction), and responding to natural disasters such as wildfires or pest outbreaks. These roles require strong collaboration with local communities, other government agencies, and private stakeholders. Staying adaptable, maintaining up-to-date knowledge on ecological best practices, and developing strong communication skills are key to addressing these challenges effectively.

Is working for the Federal Forestry a federal job?

Yes, working for Federal Forestry typically qualifies as a federal job because it involves employment with a government agency such as the U.S. Forest Service. These positions often require federal employment procedures, security clearances, and adherence to government regulations. Federal Forestry jobs may include roles in conservation, firefighting, and resource management, often requiring specialized skills and certifications.

What cities near Rathdrum, ID are hiring for Federal Forestry jobs?

Cities near Rathdrum, ID with the most Federal Forestry job openings:

Infographic showing various Federal Forestry job openings in Rathdrum, ID as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,137 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

$63K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Contract
Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Forest Engineer
Full-Time or Part-time: Full-time, Term Limited
Department: Conservation
Reports To: Forest Management Manager
Employment Category: Salary/Exempt
Location: Coeur d'Alene, ID
JOB SUMMARY
The primary objective for the Forest Engineer (Engineer) is to help deliver the NWTF's conservation mission through the programmatic delivery of all elements related to the National Master Stewardship Agreement that was signed 2023. Specifically, the work of the Engineer should result in both maintenance and expansion of conservation delivery. This position serves as an engineering specialist responsible for transportation planning, road and aquatic improvement design, contract administration, survey work, and restoration project support associated with federal forest active forest management projects. The Engineer serves in a capacity to deliver partnership-related deliverables identified in the specific grant/agreement and serves in a temporary or term-limited capacity determined by project funding and performance viability. The Forest Engineer will report to the Forest Management Manager and work in cooperation and coordination, when needed, with the NWTF District Biologist(s) to help deliver the conservation mission.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Provide Engineering expertise in developing transportation plans for forest management projects.
  • Assist specialists and engineering staff with harvest planning and harvest unit delineation, road location, rock source development plans and cost analysis of alternatives.
  • Assess transportation networks for maintenance needs, plan, layout and design, and assist with design of temporary roads, road improvements, and aquatic restoration projects.
  • Assist with fish passage improvement projects, aquatic organism passage restoration, and related habitat enhancement efforts.
  • Perform engineering surveys and assist with site design using AutoCAD, GPS, total stations, and other engineering tools.
  • Support contract preparation, construction compliance, and administration for engineering and restoration-related projects. • Coordinate with U.S. Forest Service engineering staff, contractors, and stakeholders regarding project implementation.
  • Attends annual NWTF Convention, state & regional meetings, and training as necessary, and as approved by supervisor.
  • Provides relevant information to Field Operations, Development, state volunteers and NWTF Communications Department for promotion, marketing and awareness of state and district priorities and activities. Contributes to Turkey Call magazine / Turkey Call television, NWTF state newsletters, websites, podcasts, etc. as requested.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Position requires Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Forest Engineering, or a related field and a minimum of four (4) years of professional experience, and/or a Master's degree with two (2) years of professional experience or equivalent in a natural resources field.
  • Experience with construction compliance, road reconstruction, or transportation planning preferred.
  • Experience in performing engineering site surveys and compiling engineering designs preferred.
  • Knowledge of Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) bridge design methodology preferred.
  • Working knowledge of transportation planning, forest engineering, road layout, aquatic improvement projects and restoration project implementation.
  • Knowledge of federal environmental planning requirements including NEPA processes.
  • Experience with engineering survey equipment including total stations, GPS units, laser rangefinders, and topographic mapping tools.
  • Experience using AutoCAD or related engineering design software.
  • Work independently without close supervision and ability to determine work priorities daily, weekly and monthly to maximize time efficiency is required.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and engineering projects simultaneously.
  • Basic computer skills such as e-mail, Word, Excel, Microsoft Office, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to navigate in remote and rural areas and communicate with agency personnel and contractors and contracted laborers in the field.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills, excellent organizational skills, and work well as a team member.
  • Must be willing to incur moderate travel including overnight stays up to 5 nights or more.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be able and willing to work, often alone, in a diverse range of climatic and topographic conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, rain, snow, sleet, ice, biting insects, snakes, mountainous terrain, swamps, very remote areas with limited access and amenities and other extreme conditions as warranted.
  • Must be able to walk several miles per day in the conditions described above.
  • Must be able to drive and/or ride long distances frequently. May be required to ride in fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft or watercraft.
  • Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 20lbs.

REMOTE OR TELECOM STATUS
  • Position is required to report to assigned work location, may be permitted to work remotely on a limited basis.

Posting Closing Date: August 28, 2026
Salary Description
$63,795.00 Minimum Annual Salary