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Forest Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

Provides administrative and technical support for Urban Forestry projects. Assists with public ... Develops contacts and working relationships with property owners, vendors, contractors, engineers ...

Urban Forestry Specialist

Spokane, WA · On-site

$51K - $80K/yr

Develops contacts and working relationships with property owners, vendors, contractors, engineers ... Urban Forestry & Arboriculture * Plan Review * Municipal Code * Computer Skills * Interpersonal ...

Forest Engineer information

See Spokane, WA salary details

$36.4K

$85.6K

$116.3K

How much do forest engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest engineer in Spokane, WA is $85,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,700.00 and $114,800.00 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 Spokane, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Forest Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Forest Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA are:

What cities near Spokane, WA are hiring for Forest Engineer jobs?

Cities near Spokane, WA with the most Forest Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Forest Engineer job openings in Spokane, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Temporary. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $85,564 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

$51K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


City Of Spokane rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

CLASS SUMMARY Performs specialized, technical field and administrative assistance in Urban Forestry work; duties require applied knowledge of municipal code and departmental policies and procedures in the basic review of development plans, initial site evaluations, issuance of public and street tree permits, and assistance with Urban Forestry projects and programs. EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS This list is ILLUSTRATIVE only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the incumbent of this class. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Provides administrative and technical support for Urban Forestry projects.

Assists with public outreach, education, and events. Develops contacts and working relationships with property owners, vendors, contractors, engineers, developers, designers, other organizations and agencies on project-related issues. Answers inquiries regarding requirements of public and street tree permits, related codes and ordinances.

Reviews service requests from citizens and other City departments. Assists in review and notification of municipal code violation as determined by the Urban Forestry Supervisor. Reviews applications, conducts initial site evaluations, and issues permits.

Reviews plans of proposed residential and commercial projects for compliance with codes, regulations, and ordinances. Attends pre-construction meetings. Provides information and guidance to contractors performing public and street tree work.

Updates tree inventory database as it pertains to public and street tree work using TreeWorks software in an ArcGIS environment. Maintains records and databases, and prepares reports as necessary. Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Open Entry Requirements: Education: Two years of high school, trade school, or equivalent. Experience: One year of work experience in arboriculture, horticulture, urban forestry, or a closely related field. License and Certification: Required at the time of application: Valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Certified Arborist credential by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Required within one year of appointment: Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) as administered by ISA. NOTE: The above credentials are required to be maintained as a condition of continued employment in the position.

EXAMINATION DETAILS Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list. The examination will consist of the following: Multiple Choice 43% Skills Simulation 7% Training and Experience Evaluation 50% This is an online examination that will require a computer.

If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library. Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on August 26th, 2026.

The testing window is August 27th, 2026 - August 31st, 2026. Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com). Multiple Choice Possible subjects covered in the examination: Urban Forestry & Arboriculture Plan Review Municipal Code Computer Skills Interpersonal Skills Skills Simulation: The skills simulation exam, an assessment that replicates real job tasks in a virtual environment, will evaluate your ability to use core programs essential to the position

Training & Experience Evaluation: A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E. For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status.

As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.


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