ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forest Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forest Service

Assistant Forest Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$89K - $116K/yr

Participates with the Forest Engineer/Staff Officer in the formulation of policies, objectives, work programs, and plans by providing authoritative input on Engineering activities of the National ...

Forest Service

Forestry Technician (Recreation)

Afton, WY · On-site +1

$19.52/hr

... or forest engineering, or wildland fire science (no more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable); OR combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForest Engineer Jobs

Forest Engineer information

See salary details

$36K

$84.6K

$115K

How much do forest engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest engineer in the United States is $84,623.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forest engineer do?

As a forest engineer, your job is to support forestry and land management efforts. In this role, you may support sustainability plans, help determine the best routes for roads or rail systems, and oversee engineering projects that take place in or near forests. Many details of this job depend on the type of engineering work you perform. Forest engineers may work in areas like hydrology, survey crews, regional planners, or even as construction managers. These jobs often require different skills, so where you choose to focus your education and early career can affect your later job choices. Forest engineers usually work near larger forests, which limits this job to areas of the country with a lot of trees.

What is the difference between Forest Engineer vs Forest Technician?

AspectForest EngineerForest Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Forest Engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in forestry
Work EnvironmentDesigning and managing forest projects, fieldwork, planningAssisting with data collection, field surveys, supporting forest management
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, consulting firms, forestry companiesForestry departments, environmental agencies, research institutions

Forest Engineers focus on planning, designing, and managing forest projects, requiring a bachelor's degree. Forest Technicians support fieldwork and data collection, typically with technical certifications. Both roles work in similar environments and industries but differ in education level and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by forest engineers when balancing environmental sustainability with commercial objectives?

Forest Engineers often navigate the challenge of implementing sustainable forestry practices while meeting commercial production goals. This requires careful planning to ensure that harvesting methods protect ecosystems, maintain biodiversity, and comply with environmental regulations, all while optimizing timber yield and minimizing costs. Collaboration with ecologists, government agencies, and logging crews is essential to develop management plans that address both conservation and economic interests. Adapting to evolving environmental standards and new technologies is also a key part of the role.

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

To thrive as a Forest Engineer, you need a solid background in forestry, environmental science, and civil engineering, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, forest management systems, and sometimes professional certification like SAF (Society of American Foresters) accreditation is important. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse stakeholders and addressing complex environmental challenges. These competencies ensure sustainable forest management, regulatory compliance, and the successful execution of forestry projects.

What is a forest engineer?

Forest engineers are professionals who apply engineering principles to the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of forest roads, infrastructure, and equipment. They work to ensure that forest operations are efficient, environmentally sustainable, and safe. Their responsibilities may include designing road systems for logging, developing erosion control measures, and implementing technologies for forest management. Forest engineers often collaborate with foresters, environmental scientists, and government agencies to balance resource extraction with conservation goals.
More about Forest Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Forest Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Forest Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Forest Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Forest Engineer jobs? The top employers for Forest Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Forest Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Forest Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forest Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forest Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Engineer jobs? For Forest Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forest Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,623 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Forest Engineer

National Wild Turkey Federation

Coeur D Alene, ID • On-site

$63K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 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

Apply