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Forest Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Save the Redwoods

Forest Ecologist

Mckinleyville, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

This role provides scientific and technical leadership for restoration planning, field implementation, and monitoring; translates forest science into on-the-ground action; and serves as a technical ...

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Forester

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$51.97K - $79.06K/yr

... forest science, agroforestry, or a related forestry degree; or A bachelor's degree in forest technology, forestry, forest management, forest ecosystem management, urban forestry, forest science ...

Save the Redwoods

Forest Ecologist

Mckinleyville, CA · On-site +1

This role provides scientific and technical leadership for restoration planning, field implementation, and monitoring; translates forest science into on-the-ground action; and serves as a technical ...

State of Pennsylvania

Forester (Fire)

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$51.97K - $79.06K/yr

A master's degree in forest technology, forestry, forest management, forest ecosystem management, urban forestry, forest science, agroforestry, or a related forestry degree. * Applicants will be ...

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Forester (Fire)

Harrisburg, PA · Hybrid

$51.97K - $79.06K/yr

... forest science, agroforestry, or a related forestry degree; or A bachelor's degree in forest technology, forestry, forest management, forest ecosystem management, urban forestry, forest science ...

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania

Forester (Fire)

Halifax, PA · Hybrid

$51.97K - $79.06K/yr

A bachelor's degree in forest technology, forestry, forest management, forest ecosystem management, urban forestry, forest science, agroforestry, or a related forestry degree; or * A master's degree ...

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania

Forester (Fire)

Jim Thorpe, PA · Hybrid

$51.97K - $79.06K/yr

A bachelor's degree in forest technology, forestry, forest management, forest ecosystem management, urban forestry, forest science, agroforestry, or a related forestry degree; or * A master's degree ...

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Forest Science information

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$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do forest science jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest science in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To succeed as a Forest Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, ecology, forestry, and environmental science, usually supported by a relevant degree such as a Bachelor's or Master's in forestry or natural resources. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical analysis tools, and remote sensing technology is often required, along with certifications like SAF Certified Forester. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills help Forest Scientists collaborate with stakeholders and interpret complex ecological data. These competencies are essential for managing forest resources sustainably, conducting impactful research, and informing conservation decisions.

What are some of the typical fieldwork challenges faced by professionals in Forest Science, and how are they addressed?

Forest Science professionals often encounter challenges such as working in remote or rugged terrain, dealing with unpredictable weather, and managing physical demands during data collection and surveys. To address these, teams are usually well-equipped with specialized gear, safety protocols, and robust planning to ensure fieldwork is efficient and safe. Collaboration with colleagues is crucial, as fieldwork is typically conducted in teams to share tasks and mitigate risks. Flexibility and adaptability are key traits that help professionals succeed in this dynamic environment.

What is forest science?

Forest science is the study of forests, trees, and related natural resources, focusing on their management, conservation, and sustainable use. It combines principles from biology, ecology, environmental science, and resource management to understand forest ecosystems and how they interact with human activities. Forest scientists often work on issues such as timber production, wildlife habitat, forest health, and climate change mitigation. Careers in forest science can include research, forest management, policy development, and education.

What jobs make 3000 a month without a degree?

In forest science or related environmental fields, entry-level roles such as forest technician or field assistant can sometimes earn around $3,000 per month with relevant experience or certifications. These jobs often require knowledge of forestry tools, data collection, and environmental regulations but may not require a college degree. Additional skills like GPS use or pesticide application can enhance earning potential.

What is the difference between Forest Science vs Forest Ecology?

AspectForest ScienceForest Ecology
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Forest Science, Environmental Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentForests, research labs, government agenciesForests, research sites, academic settings
Industry UsageApplied forest management, conservation, resource planningStudying ecosystem interactions, biodiversity, habitat dynamics

Forest Science focuses on the practical management and sustainable use of forest resources, while Forest Ecology emphasizes understanding ecosystem interactions and biodiversity within forests. Both roles often overlap but serve different primary objectives in forest-related work.

More about Forest Science jobs
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What states have the most Forest Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Forest Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forest Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forest Science jobs are:
Forest Science jobs near you
Forest Ecologist

Forest Ecologist

Save the Redwoods

Mckinleyville, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

PURPOSE or FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:
The Forest Ecologist advances Save the Redwoods League's capacity to plan, implement, and monitor restoration projects across California's coast redwood and giant sequoia ranges, with emphasis on forest and fire ecology, collaborative partnerships, and landscape-scale conservation.
This role provides scientific and technical leadership for restoration planning, field implementation, and monitoring; translates forest science into on-the-ground action; and serves as a technical resource within partnership efforts including Redwoods Rising and the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition.
This position can be located in McKinleyville, CA or Visalia, CA
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide scientific and technical leadership for restoration planning, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management across coast redwood and giant sequoia landscapes.
  • Develop monitoring strategies (surveillance, effectiveness, research) including questions, metrics, data standards, and coordination of field data collection and management (in collaboration with the GIS Program Manager).
  • Partner with agencies, Tribes, NGOs, and research institutions; serve as a technical advisor within collaboratives focused on forest health, fuels reduction, prescribed fire, and wildfire risk reduction.
  • Support organizational priorities by contributing to cross-team efforts (Restoration & Stewardship, Development, and Marketing & Communications) through technical input, clear communication products, and fundraising support as needed.
  • Provide training and field support to staff, contractors, and crews; represent Save the Redwoods locally and at public events; and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Graduate degree in forestry, conservation biology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years' experience in a combination of restoration forestry, fuels reduction/fire ecology, management planning, climate adaptation, and/or field research.
  • Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including ability to organize data, conduct analyses, and develop practical technical recommendations.
  • Excellent writing and science-communication skills, including ability to synthesize scientific literature and tailor messages to varied audiences.
  • Commitment to Save the Redwoods' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion values, cultural attributes, and pragmatic, non-confrontational approach to conservation.
  • Strong knowledge of California natural history and ecology.
  • Able to work independently and collaboratively, building productive relationships in complex environments.
  • Strong project-management and organizational skills; able to set priorities, stay flexible, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
  • Strong verbal communication and public-speaking skills; able to manage multiple complex tasks under time constraints.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Cultural competency and ability to work effectively across cultures and identities; additional language proficiency is a plus.
  • Understanding of federal, California, and local environmental regulatory frameworks.
  • Proficiency with GIS and Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools (SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams); R experience a plus.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • May supervise Forest Fellows; frequently manages contractors and field crews in collaboration with partners.

WORKING CONDITIONS/physical effort:
  • Frequent travel (primarily within California) with occasional evening/weekend and overnight commitments; valid driver's license and safe driving record required.
  • Work includes office-based duties and regular fieldwork in forest conditions (uneven terrain, remote locations) and occasional lifting/carrying up to 30 pounds.
  • When supporting prescribed fire activities, required certifications must be current and work must be performed within certification scope and supervision requirements (unless holding higher qualifications).

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