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Forest Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Roland Machinery Co

Technical Solutions Expert

De Forest, WI · On-site

$60K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... forestry equipment; expanding across 5 states and 17 locations. Responsibilities & Duties: This candidate will manage the businesses grade control division. This will include coordinating grade ...

The Weather Channel

Senior Data Scientist

Madison, WI · On-site

Experience using/implementing non-parametric regression such as Neural Net, SVM, Random Forest ... Programming capabilities including C++, Java, Python is a plus but not necessary. Additional ...

Varsity Tutors

Machine Learning Tutor

Madison, WI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of supervised learning, unsupervised learning, feature engineering, model selection ... Ability to explain linear regression, decision trees, random forests, support vector machines, and ...

All JobsForest Engineer JobsForest Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Forest Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$36.3K

$85.3K

$115.9K

How much do forest engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest engineer in Madison, WI is $85,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $114,400.00 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.

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The top searched job categories for Forest Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:

Forest Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,268 per year, or $41 per hour.

LTE Urban Forestry Technician

City of Sun Prairie, WI

Sun Prairie, WI • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Temporary

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Salary: $17.00 - $20.00 Hourly
Location : 2598 W Main Street, Sun Prairie, WI
Job Type: Limited Term Employment
Job Number: 2026-118
Department: Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Central
The primary responsibility of this role will be to assist the Urban Forestry Department with daily tasks related to the maintenance and upkeep of all publicly managed trees withing the City of Sun Prairie. These tasks may include tree removals, pruning, watering, mulching, planting, tree staking, plant health care (PHC) practices (e.g. EAB treatments), stump grinding, and ecological restoration activities. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with various park maintenance activities such as snow removal and special event support. This is a great opportunity for somebody currently pursuing a degree or career in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, and/or Natural Resources!
Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 6:30am-3:00 PM
Wage: $17-20/hr
Essential Job Functions
  • Safely operate handsaws, pole saws, chainsaws, brush cutters, chippers, mini-loaders and all other tools and machines common to Urban Forestry practices.
  • Assist with tree removal procedures, i.e. drag and chip brush, haul wood, perform ground rigging duties, work site management and clean up.
  • Perform pruning of public trees according to industry BMP's and ANSI A300 standards via aerial lift truck and/or rope and climbing harness.
  • Assist with stump grinding and soil remediation procedures.
  • Assist with the Spring and Fall planting sessions, i.e. site analysis, planting, tree staking, GIS tree inventory data collection/updating, watering, and mulching.
  • Update work orders and tree inventory via GIS software.
  • Remove/manage invasive species within City parks and natural areas.
  • Perform PHC practices such as trunk injections and root excavations.
  • Assist with snow removal activities, as needed.
  • Assist with parks and facility maintenance activities, as needed.
  • Assist with special event support, as needed.

Requirements of Work
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid non-probationary Wisconsin driver's license.
  • Experience in identification of tree species (scientific and common name) as well as select varieties/cultivars.
  • Ability to be on feet/walking for majority of the work day, lift and carry 50 lbs., and perform work in all types of inclement weather.
  • Ability to use several types of forestry tools and equipment including DBH tapes, calipers, clinometers, and GPS software and devices.
  • Ability to work independently and without direct supervision.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in year-round weather conditions.
  • Must be able to sustain prolonged and repetitive squatting, bending and stooping while performing tasks, such as brush collection.
  • Ability to communicate with residents in a professional manner.

Other Job Functions
  • Working towards a degree in Urban Forestry or Natural Resources preferred OR a combination of education and work experiences that provide adequate knowledge to complete the required work.
  • Opportunity for internship credit(s), depending on program requirements.
  • Opportunity to cross train in ecological restoration projects, invasive species management, parks maintenance and operations, event support, and recreational programming, if interested.
  • Additional work hours may be available on select nights and weekends.
  • Occasional exposure to construction site conditions including noise levels and other hazards (PPE provided).

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
***For more information please contact Brandon Hellenbrand, City Forester, at bhellenbrand@cityofsunprairie.com***
The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do. Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 608-825-1174 or
No benefits are offered for this position.

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