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Forest Engineering Jobs in Idaho (NOW HIRING)

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Forest Engineering information

See Idaho salary details

$30.6K

$59.3K

$89.9K

How much do forest engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest engineering in Idaho is $59,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $67,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forest engineering?

Forest engineering is a specialized field that combines engineering principles with forest management and environmental science to design, build, and maintain infrastructure in forested areas. Forest engineers work on projects such as forest road construction, timber harvesting systems, watershed protection, and wildfire prevention. Their goal is to ensure that forests are managed sustainably while balancing ecological, economic, and social needs. They play a crucial role in minimizing environmental impacts and promoting safe, efficient forest operations.

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 bachelor's degree in forest engineering or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, forest measurement tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required, and professional engineering licensure can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and address complex environmental challenges. These abilities ensure sustainable forest management, efficient project execution, and adherence to environmental and safety regulations.

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

Forest engineers often face the challenge of designing and managing forest operations that meet commercial goals, such as timber production, while also ensuring the long-term health of forest ecosystems. This requires careful planning to minimize environmental impact, such as soil erosion or habitat disruption, and close collaboration with ecologists, foresters, and regulatory agencies. Staying current with sustainable forestry practices and new technologies is essential, as is adapting plans to diverse forest conditions and stakeholder needs. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial for navigating these complexities and achieving balanced outcomes.

What is the difference between Forest Engineering vs Forest Technician?

AspectForest EngineeringForest 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 field surveys, data collection, project support
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by forestry firms, government agencies, environmental consultanciesEmployed by forestry services, conservation agencies, research institutions

Forest Engineering involves designing and managing forest projects, requiring a bachelor's degree and a focus on planning and technical design. Forest Technicians support fieldwork and data collection, typically with a technical certification. Both roles are vital in forestry, but Forest Engineering is more focused on project planning and management, while Forest Technicians assist with on-the-ground tasks.

What does a forest engineer do?

A forest engineer plans, designs, and manages forest resources and land use projects, often involving sustainable harvesting, reforestation, and environmental protection. They use tools like GIS and GPS, and typically require knowledge of forestry practices, ecology, and engineering principles. Their work environment is primarily outdoor, and they may need relevant certifications or licenses depending on the region.

What is the average salary of a forest engineer?

The average salary of a forest engineer typically ranges from $50,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and level of education. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Certifications in forest management or environmental science can also influence earning potential.

What are popular job titles related to Forest Engineering jobs in Idaho?

For Forest Engineering jobs in Idaho, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forest Engineering jobs in Idaho look for?

The top searched job categories for Forest Engineering jobs in Idaho are:

What cities in Idaho are hiring for Forest Engineering jobs?

Cities in Idaho with the most Forest Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Forest Engineering job openings in Idaho as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,255 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Lead Wildland Firefighter (Hotshot/Handcrew)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Avery, ID โ€ข On-site

$52K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to lead crews performing such work. These crews perform work directly related to wildland fire suppression and control activities including suppression, preparedness, prevention, monitoring, hazardous fuels reduction, and prescribed burning.
Please see the 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 General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-04) in the Federeal Service; OR; a bachelor's degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school (120 semester/180 quarter hours) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources, outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science (no more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable); OR an appropriate combination of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester/90 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Served as a skilled wildland firefighter on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress a full range of fires and/or independently, or with one or two other crew members, carried out specialized assignments such as tree felling, mop-up, patrolling and/or burnout and/or operated and maintained equipment such as a Pulaski, shovel, McLeod, ax, chainsaw, portable pumps or drip torches for fire suppression tasks.
For the GW-06: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-05) in the Federal Service; Examples of specialized experience may include: Certified in one or many technical specializations such as felling, saw repair, long line, rappelling, or water handling used in fire suppression and prescribed burning and/or directing and leading crew members in various technical operations on wildland fires and/or and serving as a wildland or prescribed fire crew member.
Selective Placement Factors:
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) -AND- Successfully completed the additional training requirement of NWCG Course: Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
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.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
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 ARDUOUS 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:
Employment Type: OTHER