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Federal Forestry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Key West, FL

URBAN FORESTRY MANAGER

Key West, FL · On-site

$91K - $118K/yr

Researches information for federal, state and local environmental grants as required in ... Ability to plan and develop forestry and horticultural programs. * Ability to enforce ordinances ...

A2

Public Works Technician - Forestry

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$30.49/hr

Public Works Technician - Forestry Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please ...

Weyerhaeuser Company

Lead Forester

Castle Rock, WA · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Forestry or related field with five years of experience OR High school Diploma/GED with eight years of experience in forestry work. * Knowledge of state and federal ...

Weyerhaeuser Company

Forester

Aberdeen, WA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Execution of the forestry plan, in compliance with the regional and area harvesting strategy and ... Ensure compliance with state and federal safety statues, environmental requirements and ...

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Federal Forestry information

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$29K

$41.5K

$53.5K

How much do federal forestry jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal forestry in the United States is $41,544.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Forester, and why are they important?

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.

How much does the USFS pay?

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) pays federal forestry employees according to the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with starting salaries typically ranging from GS-5 to GS-7, which equate to approximately $30,000 to $45,000 annually. Salaries increase with experience, education, and promotions, and seasonal or entry-level positions may pay less. Benefits often include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

What forestry job pays the most?

In forestry, senior roles such as Forest Managers, Forest Service Directors, or specialized consulting positions tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and strong leadership skills, and may involve overseeing large-scale operations or policy development.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In federal forestry, high-paying roles such as forest fire management specialists or certain seasonal positions can pay around $4,000 weekly, especially with overtime or specialized skills. These jobs often require experience, physical fitness, and certifications like wildfire suppression training, but may not always require a college degree.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In federal forestry, high-paying roles such as senior forest management directors or specialized environmental consultants can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often involve overseeing large-scale projects, policy development, or executive-level decision-making within government agencies or private firms. Compensation at this level is typically supplemented by bonuses, incentives, or benefits based on performance and scope of responsibility.

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.
More about Federal Forestry jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Forestry jobs? Cities with the most Federal Forestry job openings:
What states have the most Federal Forestry jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Forestry jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Forestry jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Forestry jobs are:
Federal Forestry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Forestry job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,544 per year, or $20 per hour.
Stewardship Forester - Kennard, TX

Stewardship Forester - Kennard, TX

National Wild Turkey Federation

Kennard, TX • On-site, Remote

$51K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Stewardship Forester
Full-Time or Part-time: Full-time, Term Limited
Department: Conservation
Reports To: Forest Management Manager
Employment Category: Salary/Exempt
Location: Kennard, Texas
JOB SUMMARY
The primary objective for the Stewardship Forester (Forester) 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 in 2023 with the US Forest Service. Specifically, the work of the Forester should result in both maintenance and expansion of conservation delivery. This position serves as a project specialist responsible for assisting with project planning, timber sale layout, restoration implementation, contract compliance, monitoring, stakeholder coordination, and public engagement activities. The position supports commercial and non-commercial restoration projects on federal lands. The Forester 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 performance and funding viability.
The Forester 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.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Assist in the planning, layout, implementation, and monitoring of federal forest restoration projects/ contracts.
  • Prepare and administer commercial and non-commercial restoration contracts including timber sale contracts and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Conduct timber presale activities including sale layout, road location, timber marking, and cruising. Must be or willing to become a certified US Forest Service cruiser, if needed for the position.
  • Conduct harvest inspection activities including monitoring logging activities, temporary road placement, ground-moisture conditions and other activities in alignment with timber sale implementation specifications. Complete harvest inspection reports. Must be or willing to become a US Forest Service certified harvest inspector, if needed for the position.
  • Duties performed by this position require daily decision making that have impacts to project success. Boundary determination and locating issues as related to NEPA documentation within project units is a key role of this position.
  • Coordinate restoration project layout activities with US Forest Service specialists and agency staff.
  • Review and implement federal environmental laws and policies including NEPA and related environmental compliance requirements.
  • Operate GPS and mapping tools to identify project boundaries, road locations, and treatment areas. Proficient in GIS and capable of making maps, accessing shapefiles and preparing data for contractors.
  • Support development of project proposals and contract documentation for restoration activities.
  • Completes assigned and agreed upon deliverables for contracts and agreements regarding specific project activities.
  • Provide outreach and education support related to restoration and conservation projects.
  • Attends annual NWTF Convention, state & regional meetings, and training as necessary, and as approved by supervisor
  • Provides input to the respective state Super Fund Committee and Habitat subcommittees regarding habitat funding opportunities as requested.
  • Identifies funding sources such as grants & stewardship contracts, as directed to assist with implementation of projects; includes state and federal grants, financial agency support of project work and other matching funds for NWTF Super Funds
  • Works with the NWTF Communications and US Forest Service staff to tell the conservation story to increase public support for active forest management and project support.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Requirements
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Position requires a Bachelor's degree in forestry, or other natural resource field with a strong forestry/wildlife emphasis.
  • One or more years of professional experience in natural resource management is preferred.
  • Experience in timber sale layout, timber sale monitoring, contract compliance, fuels management, or restoration project implementation preferred
  • Working knowledge of forestry practices, timber sale layout, restoration implementation, and natural resource management on US Forest Service lands.
  • Knowledge of environmental planning principles, NEPA processes, and federal land management procedures.
  • Employee must possess a solid working knowledge of the ecosystems where they will beworking
  • Work independently without close supervision and ability to determine work priorities daily, weekly and monthly to maximize time efficiency is required.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Basic computer skills such as e-mail, Word, Excel, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and ArcGIS Pro.
  • Proficient writer and capable of thorough documentation.
  • Ability to navigate in remote and rural areas and communicate with agency personnel, 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, topographic, and ecological conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, rain, snow, sleet, ice, biting insects, snakes, mountainous terrain, swamps, thick underbrush, 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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT
  • This position requires frequent travel to remote forested properties. Candidates must have a valid driver's license and access to reliable personal transportation capable of safely traveling on gravel roads, unimproved roads, and other terrain commonly encountered in forestry work.

Salary Description
$51,500.00 Minimum Annual Salary

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