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Forest Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$66 - $110/hr

... forest engineering, natural resource management, economics, business, plant biology, plant genetics, or agriculture sciences. or a similar field required. * Hold a California Registered Professional ...

New

$55 - $75/hr

... Forest Engineering or Forest Operations Management with a minimum of 2 years' work experience in forest management or equivalent training and experience. * Strong analytical and critical thinking ...

New

$99 - $177/hr

Support forest carbon project development through technical and data-driven workstreams under ... Proficiency in Excel and familiarity with programming languages such as Python or R is preferred.

$60 - $80/hr

The Maintenance Engineer I under direct supervision is responsible for the upkeep, repair, and ... Familiarity of the wood and forest products industry. * Valid driver's license PHYSICAL DEMANDS ...

New

The field specialist develops, implements, monitors, evaluates, and reports on programming and delivers the U.S. Forest Service's Forest Stewardship Program to the forestland owners of Cheshire ...

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Showing results 1-20

Forest Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$31.3K

$73.5K

$99.9K

How much do forest engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest engineer in Kentucky is $73,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,100.00 and $98,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Forest Engineer jobs in Kentucky?

For Forest Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forest Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Forest Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Forest Engineer jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Forest Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Forest Engineer jobs in KY?

For Forest Engineer jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Forest Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,497 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

$66 - $110/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Founded in 1855, Collins is family-owned and produces softwood and hardwood products at their facilities in Chester, California, Lakeview, Oregon and Kane, Pennsylvania. In Chester, Collins also has the Builders Supply retail hardware and building materials store. Collins is highly respected for their sustainable forest management, practiced across their 370,000 acres of FSC®-certified lands in California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

Position Summary:

The Forester II oversees forest management of the commercial forest operated by Collins in Lassen, Plumas and Tehama counties, California.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the safe conduct of logging operations on defined district within ownership.
  • Plan annual timber harvest within district.
  • Obtain approved Timber Harvesting Plans for operations within district.
  • Conduct field work associated with harvest and management of the district forests.
  • Administer contracts and oversee contract logging operations, forest stand improvement, reforestation and road management.
  • Perform log quality control functions.
  • Work with the forestry technicians and their supervisor to mark timber.
  • Implement various uneven-aged silviculture regimes including layout of Group Selection units.
  • Flag property boundaries, watercourse protection zones and other areas as needed.
  • Take a property-wide lead role by subject matter in one of the following: road construction and maintenance, herbicide application and reforestation, or fire preparedness and response.
  • Model forest growth and yield.
  • Perform additional duties as required by supervisor.
  • On-site attendance is essential to effectively perform the listed duties and responsibilities.

Required Skills and Abilities:

  • Comprehensive technical forestry skills and knowledge about mensuration, forest management, logging, silviculture, and timber harvest planning.
  • Collaborative problem-solving skills; must be comfortable with change management.
  • Proficient in Geographic Information Systems (ARC-GIS) and Microsoft 365.
  • The ability to perform rigorous, field-based work in all weather conditions, on steep, brush-filled terrain.
  • Capable of safely conducting field-based forestry work in all conditions of the northern Sierra & southern Cascade mountains.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, forest engineering, natural resource management, economics, business, plant biology, plant genetics, or agriculture sciences. or a similar field required.
  • Hold a California Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license.
  • Chainsaw experience and general mechanical know-how, and/or experience operating light and heavy equipment.

Environmental Conditions:

May be exposed to challenging terrain, dust, noise, trip hazards, and extreme weather and temperatures.

Required Personal Protective Equipment:

Individuals must be willing to wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times. Positions may require additional PPE at specific times. Examples of PPE which may be required include high visibility garments, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, a hard hat, foot protection, a face shield, and a respirator.

Salary $85,000 - $110,000 DOE

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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 information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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