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Forest Fuels information

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$23

How much do forest fuels jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest fuels in the United States is $16.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are forest fuels?

Forest fuels refer to any organic materials in a forest environment that can burn in the event of a wildfire. These include living vegetation like trees and shrubs, dead wood, fallen leaves, pine needles, and even decomposing plant material on the forest floor. The amount, type, and arrangement of these fuels play a crucial role in how wildfires start and spread. Managing forest fuels is essential for reducing wildfire risk and protecting ecosystems and communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forest fuels specialist?

To thrive as a Forest Fuels Specialist, you need expertise in fire ecology, forest management, and environmental science, often backed by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, fire modeling tools, and certifications such as Wildland Firefighter (FFT2) are typically required. Strong decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills help coordinate with landowners, agencies, and emergency responders. These competencies are crucial for effectively reducing wildfire risk, preserving ecosystems, and ensuring public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in forest fuels management, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in forest fuels management often encounter challenges such as balancing ecological health with fire risk reduction, working in remote or rugged terrain, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders including landowners, government agencies, and fire crews. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a solid understanding of both forestry and fire science. Collaborating closely with team members and staying up-to-date on best management practices can help ensure that fuel reduction projects are effective and sustainable.

What is the difference between Forest Fuels vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectForest FuelsForest Firefighter
CertificationsWildfire safety, chainsaw operation, prescribed burn trainingWildfire suppression, first aid, safety training
Work EnvironmentForests, controlled burn sites, outdoorFire scenes, forests, emergency response
Employer & IndustryForestry services, government agencies, conservation groupsFire departments, emergency services, forestry agencies

Forest Fuels specialists focus on managing and reducing combustible materials in forests through prescribed burns and fuel reduction projects. Forest Firefighters are trained to respond to wildfires, perform suppression activities, and ensure safety during fire emergencies. While both roles work in forest environments and require wildfire safety training, Forest Fuels primarily work on prevention and management, whereas Forest Firefighters respond to active fires.

More about Forest Fuels jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Fuels jobs?

The most popular types of Forest Fuels jobs are:

What states have the most Forest Fuels jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forest Fuels jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Forest Fuels jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Forest Fuels jobs are:

Forest Fuels jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Fuels job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,272 per year, or $16 per hour.

Forestry Sawyer

Markit! Forestry Management LLC

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Markit! Forestry is looking to gather qualified applicants to fill future Forestry Sawyer positions.

Summary: As a member of Markit! Forestry’s sawyer team you will be working on forest health, forest fuels reduction, post-fire rehabilitation, and defensible space projects on private, state and federal lands. Markit! is positively changing the way forests are managed and the Sawyer plays an impactful role in the success of our projects and progress. We are looking for career minded individuals who are dedicated to reliably making a difference in the Forestry industry.
Location: Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado; projects may be located in Colorado, and surrounding states Including Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California.

Travel: 75-90%

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Chainsaw Operation – felling operations, directional felling, hazard felling, limbing and bucking
  • Slash management – lop-and-scatter, chipping operations, and hauling material
  • Erosion Control – contour felling, LEB creation and installation
  • Assisting with project layout and marking
  • Chainsaw and tool maintenance
  • General forestry labor
  • Understand and implement different cutting prescriptions
  • Direct sub-contractors to perform fuels mitigation practices and cutting prescriptions

Requirements:

  • At least 21 years of age.
  • A valid driver’s license or ability to acquire one upon employment.
  • 1 to 2 years of outdoor work experience in forest management and restoration activities .
  • Ability to travel is a must for this position and will include extended periods on the road, dependent on current ongoing projects.
  • A National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S-212, or equivalent certificate. Non-certified professionals with over two years of experience in forestry and logging operations will still be considered. If lacking S-212, Markit! will support in gaining that certification within your first year.
  • Physically fit, able to bend, squat and lift up to 50 pounds and able to handle back country hikes with heavy gear loads in elevations ranging from 6,000 to +10,000 feet. Frequently away from vehicles or amenities for the entire course of the day.
  • Ability and desire to perform strenuous outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions, away from amenities for entire day.

Preferred Background & Experience:

  • NWCG S 130/190 Wildfire Training.
  • Saw mechanic experience.
  • An associates or bachelor’s degree in forestry or related natural resources field, current enrollment in a forestry degree program or similar is acceptable.
  • Ability to accurately identify tree species .
  • Ability to calculate basal area.
  • Experience working with helicopter logging.
  • Experience operating Heavy Equipment such as logging machinery and/or willingness to learn.
  • First aid, CPR, Wilderness First Aid, or other medical certifications.
  • Background in Sawyer certification.

Language:

  • English required.
  • Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Benefits:

  • Competitive wages based on experience and qualifications.
  • Annual reviews.
  • Health insurance including medical, dental and vision.
  • Supplementary insurance including life, short and long term insurance.
  • Paid holidays, vacation and personal time.
  • Retirement with company match.
  • Company provided training for career advancement.

Markit! Forestry is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

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