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Forest Entomology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FORESTER

Quantico, VA · On-site

$85K/yr

Examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest pathology.

FORESTER

Quantico, VA · On-site

$85K/yr

Examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest pathology.

College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resource Management Opening Date: 05/18/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Position Number:: LECTURER Description Title: Lecturer (Entomology) Position Number:

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Forest Entomology information

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$31K

$42.1K

$56K

How much do forest entomology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest entomology in the United States is $42,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Forest Entomology vs Forest Pest Management?

AspectForest EntomologyForest Pest Management
CredentialsDegree in Entomology, Forestry, or related fieldDegree in Entomology, Forestry, or Pest Management
Work EnvironmentResearch, field studies in forests, academic or government labsFieldwork, pest control operations, forest treatment sites
Industry UsageResearch and understanding insect ecology in forestsControlling and managing pest outbreaks in forests
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding insect roles in forestsManaging pest issues in forestry

Forest Entomology focuses on studying insects within forest ecosystems, including their ecology and impact. Forest Pest Management emphasizes controlling and mitigating pest outbreaks to protect forest health. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and objectives differ, with entomologists often involved in research and pest managers in active pest control.

What is forest entomology?

Forest entomology is the scientific study of insects that live in forest ecosystems. It focuses on understanding the biology, behavior, and ecological roles of insects in forests, including both beneficial species and pests. Forest entomologists often work to manage insect populations that can harm trees, such as bark beetles, while also researching pollinators and decomposers that contribute to forest health. Their work is essential for maintaining healthy forests and managing the impacts of invasive insect species.

What are some common challenges faced by forest entomologists when conducting field research?

Forest entomologists often encounter challenges such as difficult terrain, unpredictable weather, and seasonal variability in insect populations, which can complicate fieldwork and data collection. Additionally, working in remote forest areas can require long hours and close collaboration with forestry professionals and researchers from other disciplines. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as entomologists may need to quickly adjust research plans based on findings, pest outbreaks, or environmental changes. These challenges are balanced by the opportunity to make significant contributions to forest health and integrated pest management strategies.

How to become a forest entomologist?

To become a forest entomologist, one typically needs a bachelor's degree in entomology, forestry, biology, or a related field, followed by advanced education such as a master's or Ph.D. for research roles. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in insect identification and data analysis, and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance job prospects in this specialized field.

Are forest entomologists in high demand?

Forest entomologists are in moderate demand, primarily within government agencies, research institutions, and environmental organizations focused on forest health and pest management. Employment opportunities depend on regional forestry needs and funding for ecological research, with skills in pest identification, sampling, and data analysis being valuable. Overall, job growth is steady but limited compared to other environmental science fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forest entomologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forest Entomologist, you typically need a strong background in entomology, forestry, ecology, and a relevant degree such as a master's or PhD in these fields. Familiarity with GIS software, insect sampling equipment, statistical analysis tools, and sometimes pesticide applicator certification is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities set outstanding professionals apart. These skills are vital for accurately assessing insect impacts on forest ecosystems, developing management strategies, and collaborating with stakeholders to promote forest health.
More about Forest Entomology jobs
What cities are hiring for Forest Entomology jobs? Cities with the most Forest Entomology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Entomology jobs? The most popular types of Forest Entomology jobs are:
What states have the most Forest Entomology jobs? States with the most job openings for Forest Entomology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forest Entomology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,105 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

$85K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


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Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of Specialized experience at or equivalent to the (GS-09) grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Applying principles and concepts in silviculture, wildland fire control, prescribed burning, and pest management to expertly manage complex military base forest lands, balancing multi-resource demands including timber, wildlife, water, recreation, and soils while advising on wildland fire use, fuels, and smoke management.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/forestry-series-0460/
and
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.Education:In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience:
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
In addition to meeting specialized experience/education the Basic requirements are also needed for this position.
1. Degree: forestry; or a related subject-matter field that included a total of at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours of course work were in forestry. The curriculum must have been sufficiently diversified to include courses in each of the following areas:
  • Management of Renewable Resources -- study of the science and art of managing renewable resources to attain desired results. Examples of creditable courses in this area include silviculture, forest management operations, timber management, wildland fire science or fire management, utilization of forest resources, forest regulation, recreational land management, watershed management, and wildlife or range habitat management.
  • Forest Biology -- study of the classification, distribution, characteristics, and identification of forest vegetation, and the interrelationships of living organisms to the forest environment. Examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest pathology.
  • Forest Resource Measurements and Inventory -- sampling, inventory, measurement, and analysis techniques as applied to a variety of forest resources. Examples of creditable courses include forest biometrics, forest mensuration, forest valuation, statistical analysis of forest resource data, renewable natural resources inventories and analysis, and photogrammetry or remote sensing.
OR
2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in forestry, or at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours were in forestry. The requirements for diversification of the 24 semester hours in forestry are the same as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Employment Type: OTHER

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