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Forest Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$70 - $95/hr

August 7, 2026 * Full-Time Locations Showing 1 location The Woodlands, TX 480 Wildwood Forest Dr ... As a Construction Engineer II at LJA in our Transportation department, you will be responsible for ...

$122 - $137/hr

This position is onsite in Forest Grove, OR Work Schedule: Either front half or back half days | 6am-6pm or 6pm-6am Senior Critical Facility Engineer: The Senior Critical Facility Engineer is ...

New

$65 - $85/hr

... Engineer , performing essential maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, and service duties on plant ... At Columbia Forest Products, we foster a family-oriented culture with a rich history of success and ...

New

$70 - $110/hr

Forest Service (USFS) and other partners. Engineer III duties include: * Schematic Design and design development for boating and fishing access areas. * Permit application development and ...

New

$98 - $144/hr

Direct the efforts of Engineers or Technicians; coordinate engineering activities with Purchasing ... and forests, as well as great schools and universities. Competitive pay. Superior benefits.

New

$98 - $144/hr

... rivers, and forests. Plus, benefit from excellent schools and universities in the area ... Pay Range Data Hardware Engineer: $97,700 - $144,400. Our compensation ranges are based on the ...

New

$85 - $120/hr

Experience in pellet manufacturing, biomass, forestry products, pulp and paper, or heavy industry * Professional certifications such as CMRP or Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) * Experience with ...

$82 - $170/hr

... differentTech Support Principal Engineer page is loaded## Tech Support Principal ... Lake Forest, California, United States of America: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of ...

New

$100 - $140/hr

Job Summary Forest Electric NJ is seeking an experienced electrical construction 3D detailer (engineer) for our Edison, NJ office to be a part of a team of coordinators and engineers that is ...

New

$92 - $193/hr

Philadelphia, PA/ Lake Forest, CA Employment Type :Full time The job AVEVA is looking for an Identity & Access Management (IAM) Engineer with a strong automation mindset to join our global IT team.

New

Showing results 21-40

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.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Morehead, KY • On-site

$33.11/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate heavy equipment such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle-dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors to support fire and fuels management activities.

  • Support initial attack, fire suppression, and fuels management activities by operating equipment in various terrains and conditions.

  • Operate equipment in support of other natural resource projects as needed.


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position is established on a Forest Unit to serve primarily as an operator of heavy equipment on initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The incumbent also operates this equipment in support of other natural resource projects.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Wage System Qualifications Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Basic Requirement:
You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator.
Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than length of experience. Eligibility will be determined by the relevance, scope and quality of all experience and training, regardless of where or how acquired. Applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified in this announcement.
Screen-out Job Element: Applicants who do not meet the screen-out job elements will not be further evaluated.
  • Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
In addition to the above requirements, applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified below:
  • Ability to operate engineering and construction equipment, such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle-dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments to push, pull, fill, pile or load gravel or earth.
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles (such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments to push, pull, fill, pile or load gravel or earth in steep, hilly, rocky, and other types of adverse terrain, close to buildings, trees, drop-offs, rocks, or other obstructions and obstacles)
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Reliability and Dependability as an Engineering Equipment Operator (to excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth to rough specifications on all types of terrain including mountains, steep slopes, graded curves and shoulders, rocky and soft ground, and hilly forests)

Selective Placement Factors
Applicants must possess and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the MODERATE level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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