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Forest Patrol Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bonneville Power Administration

Chief Forester

Kalispell, MT · On-site +1

$106K - $155K/yr

Be responsible for appraising rural and urban forest related timber. * Exercise unlimited review ... patrol and inspection services contract. * Plan work to be accomplished by subordinates, set and ...

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Forest Patrol information

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$12

$20

$37

How much do forest patrol jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest patrol in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forest patrol?

Forest patrol officers are professionals responsible for monitoring and protecting forested areas to prevent illegal activities such as poaching, logging, and forest fires. They patrol assigned regions, enforce environmental laws, and educate the public on conservation practices. Their duties often include inspecting trails, reporting hazards, and collaborating with other agencies to ensure the safety and sustainability of forest resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forest patrol officer?

To thrive as a Forest Patrol officer, you need knowledge of forestry practices, environmental regulations, and basic law enforcement, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication systems, and incident reporting software is usually required. Strong observation skills, physical fitness, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate effectively with the public are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for protecting natural resources, ensuring public safety, and responding effectively to emergencies in forested areas.

What are some common challenges faced by forest patrol officers during their routine duties?

Forest Patrol officers often encounter challenges such as navigating difficult terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and potential encounters with wildlife. Additionally, they must remain vigilant against illegal activities like poaching or unauthorized logging, sometimes responding to emergencies in isolated areas. Collaboration with local authorities, park rangers, and environmental agencies is essential to ensure both safety and effective enforcement of regulations. Adaptability and strong communication skills help officers address these varied situations efficiently.

What is the difference between Forest Patrol vs Forest Ranger?

AspectForest PatrolForest Ranger
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic conservation trainingHigh school diploma, conservation or environmental degree, certifications
Work EnvironmentForests, protected areas, patrol routesForests, parks, visitor centers, administrative offices
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, conservation organizationsGovernment agencies, national parks, forestry departments
Common Search/ComparisonForest Patrol vs Forest Ranger

Forest Patrol and Forest Ranger roles both focus on forest conservation and protection. While Forest Patrols primarily conduct surveillance and enforce regulations in the field, Forest Rangers often have broader responsibilities, including education, visitor assistance, and administrative duties. Both roles require knowledge of environmental policies and safety procedures, but Forest Rangers typically need additional certifications and a higher level of training. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position based on their skills and career goals.

Is it hard to become a forest patrol?

Becoming a forest patrol typically requires physical fitness, knowledge of environmental regulations, and sometimes a relevant certification or training. The difficulty varies depending on the region and specific job requirements, but it often involves completing a training program and gaining experience in outdoor or conservation work.
More about Forest Patrol jobs

What states have the most Forest Patrol jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Forest Patrol jobs?

For Forest Patrol jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Forest Patrol jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Patrol job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $43,217 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Utility Forester

Munster, IN

ArborMetrics Solutions, LLC
Environmental Consulting Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about ArborMetrics Solutions, LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

We are currently looking to add a Consulting Utility Forester/Work Planner to our team! If you are an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, values the freedom of working independently, enjoys a fast-paced environment and the challenges of a rewarding profession, consider a career in vegetation management with ArborMetrics.

Some of the most important characteristics of an AMS Utility Forester are a desire to learn, an ability to adapt, and a commitment to engage in safe, constructive interactions with the public. You are accountable for advancing a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality and value to our customers and clients. 

WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Industry competitive pay.
  • Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes. 
  • Day 1 of Employment: Medical/Dental/Vision/VOYA/Paid Holidays/EAP (Full-Time Employees). 
  • After 3 months: 401K, Life Insurance, Vacation Accrual, Short and Long-term Disability, Paid Maternity Leave. 
  • Paid Sick Time. 
  • Weekly Pay Cycle.
  • Participation in Referral Bonus Program. 
  • Company sponsored Boot and clothing program (Full-Time Employees). 
  • Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Pre-Patrol Preparation

  • Organize records, maps, and paperwork for patrol circuits; maintain accurate documentation.
  • Review work sites for endangered species, sensitive habitats, and incompatible vegetation.

Field Patrol Duties

  • Safely patrol energy corridors on foot, identifying vegetation for pruning, removal, or protection per Client standards.
  • Classify prescribed work in accordance with field environment and tree condition, including use of herbicide.
  • Conduct Tree Risk Assessments and analyze growth rates. 
  • Mark vegetation and prescribe clearance actions in line with Client directives and based on ISA pruning techniques and ANSI line clearance standards & principles.

Landowner & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Use digital tools and maps to identify property boundaries and landowner rights.
  • Communicate work plans to property owners, agencies, and organizations.
  • Obtain permissions for vegetation work from private/public landowners and agencies.
  • Provide professional customer service and foster positive community relations.

Vegetation Management & Compliance

  • Recommend sustainable vegetation management strategies using IVM principles.
  • Audit contractor work for compliance with Client specifications.
  • Investigate tree-related outages and document findings.
  • Address customer service and internal compliance issues.

Coordination & Safety

  • Coordinate non-routine work with stakeholders and contractors.
  • Report safety concerns, incidents, and hazards immediately.
  • Follow all safety protocols, including AMS Code of Safe Practices and wildfire prevention plans.
  • Operate vehicles safely and travel to assigned work areas.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Participate in storm and emergency response as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE:

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or related discipline or equivalent work experience (education may be required dependent on client contract)
  • Experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or tree-related green industry preferred.  
  • Knowledge or practical experience in tree identification
  • Knowledge of common computer applications and ability to learn new programs
  • Valid driver’s license and safe driving record
  • Experience with GIS software/technology as well as Microsoft Suite and an iPhone.
  • Must be able to work alone, outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
  • Must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong problem solving and multi-tasking abilities and show attention to detail.

 WHAT WOULD BE AMAZING TO HAVE:

  • Certified ISA Arborist is a plus.
  • Being Bi-Lingual (Spanish) is a plus.
  • Utility line clearance or tree trimming experience.

 

Working Environment

Work with a team and alone; primarily in an outdoor field environment and/or low light conditions; foot patrol of energy corridors in the vicinity of power lines and/or pipelines; remote locations as well as urban, city environment; physical demands and travel from site to site, including: walking/hiking on various surfaces including flat, dry, wet, slippery, rocky, sandy, uneven, rough, unstable, steep terrain, hills and slopes, dense vegetation; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, and all types of weather extremes including snow, ice, fog, humidity, and low and high temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions, domestic and wild animals, insects, and poisonous plants. Other working conditions may include: in a vehicle or limited time in an indoor office.

Physical

The employee must have sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk up to 10 miles per day, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand, arm and shoulder movement in the performance of daily duties (e.g., forcefully beat down brush); carry, push and/or pull light to heavy amounts of weight, frequently lift up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 60 lbs. (sandbags); to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information with public; ability to see and hear in normal range with or without correction; operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, fyrake, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.

Company Overview

ArborMetrics (AMS) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Successful professionals at AMS have come from a variety of backgrounds, including forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, biology, landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery management, environmental sciences, geology, agriculture, parks & recreation management, urban forestry, geography, and more. 

Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and a criminal background check.

All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.

AMS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. EOE/AA : Minority/Female/ Vets/ Disabled.