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Forest Patrol Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Forest Patrol information

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$37

How much do forest patrol jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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.

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 are forest patrol officers?

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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Forest Patrol jobs
What states have the most Forest Patrol jobs? States with the most job openings for Forest Patrol jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forest Patrol job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,217 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
SEASONAL FIREFIGHTER 2 - UNDERFILL - ELKO/ELY/CARLIN

SEASONAL FIREFIGHTER 2 - UNDERFILL - ELKO/ELY/CARLIN

State of Nevada (NV)

Carson City, NV

$48K - $71K/yr

Other

Posted 23 hours ago


State Of Nevada rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states


Job description

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*** Job Summary This recruitment is for the Seasonal Firefighter 2 underfilling Seasonal Firefighter 3 in the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) Fire Program in Elko, Ely and Carlin. This recruitment is open to fire and fuels crews, and engine program.

The Seasonal Firefighter performs in a trainee capacity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities in this occupation. The incumbent is responsible for supporting safe and effective wildfire response, facilitating fire adapted community improvements and maintaining healthy and resilient forest, rangeland and watershed ecosystems. When not assigned to a wildland fire, a Seasonal Firefighter's duties will be working as a crew member to implement hazardous fuel reduction and ecosystem restoration projects.

This will involve thinning excess vegetation, piling thinned material, using prescribed burning, applying herbicides, seeding and planting, and other methods that reduce the risk of wildfires, restore health ecosystems and protect communities in the wildland urban interface. This agency does not fight structure fires. Seasonal Firefighters assist in wildland fire suppression, fire prevention and education, medical and hazardous materials emergencies, pre-suppression, hazardous fuels management, wildland fire aviation, equipment and facility maintenance, and forestry and fire law enforcement activities.

Essential Qualifications Graduation from high school or equivalent education, completion of certifications as required by the agency, and one year of firefighting experience; OR one year of experience as a Seasonal Firefighter II in Nevada State service. Job Duties Assist in wildland and structural fire suppression operations; lay hose and direct hose streams; construct and patrol fire control lines; protect property and natural resources. Assist in structural and vehicle fire suppression operations; raise and climb ladders; use fire extinguishers; ventilate structures; perform overhaul and salvage work.

Participate in pre-suppression activities; conduct inspections of division and volunteer fire department equipment; perform daily clean-up and maintenance of equipment, buildings, and vehicles; check inventory and supplies in order to maintain equipment and prepare for fire suppression response. Participate in hazardous fuels management projects; operate woodchippers, chainsaws and other forestry tools and equipment to mitigate fire hazard and improve forest health. Participate in wildland fire aviation; manifest cargo and passengers; load and unload helicopters; coordinate helicopter bucket drops and sling loads.

Instruct students, campground users, and public groups in fire prevention; post, paint, install and maintain danger and prevention signs; conduct home defensible space inspections to identify hazards and recommend corrective measures; patrol areas to identify and reduce potential hazards in order to reduce the incidence of wildland fires. Assist in forestry and fire law enforcement; observe people or vehicles and their activities in order to detect and report violations; preserve evidence and protect and control fire scenes. Assist with medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and traffic accidents; provide first aid and cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation (CPR); operate rescue and extrication tools; assist with other all-risk emergencies to protect life and property.

Perform related duties as assigned. Under supervision, Seasonal Firefighter III's have completed all necessary certifications required by the agency, serve as Engine Boss or Lead Helitak Crewmember, and perform the full range of duties outlined above. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive.

Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level. Working knowledge of: hand and power tools, and facilities maintenance. Ability to: perform basic maintenance to vehicles and equipment; haul and pack fire equipment and supplies; read and follow written procedures and operations guidelines; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others; demonstrate manual dexterity and stamina in performing physical labor for extended periods of time.

Recruiter Contact Information: Quinn Ashley - q.ashley@admin.nv.gov The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.


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About State of Nevada

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Nevada isn't a company in the traditional sense, but rather a governing body that manages and directs the operations of the state of Nevada. Its headquarters are located in Carson City, NV, United States. The organisation is engaged in various sectors like education, transportation, business and industry, health and human services, conservation and natural resources, and many more. It is responsible for implementing and maintaining the law and order of the state, in addition to providing essential services to its residents.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carson City, NV, US

Year founded

1864