ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forest Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Save the Redwoods

Forest Ecologist

Mckinleyville, CA ยท 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 ...

Save the Redwoods

Forest Ecologist

Mckinleyville, CA ยท 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 ...

Tamus

Assistant Professor - Forestry

Temple, TX ยท On-site

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University * Texas A&M Forest Service * Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture ...

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Forest Ecologist

Plummer, ID ยท On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Prepare detailed scientific reports, technical documents, and presentations for various stakeholders. * Develop and implement forest management plans (FMP), and environmental analyses (EA) that focus ...

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Forest Ecologist

Plummer, ID ยท On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Prepare detailed scientific reports, technical documents, and presentations for various stakeholders. * Develop and implement forest management plans (FMP), and environmental analyses (EA) that focus ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForest Science Jobs

Forest Science information

See salary details

$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do forest science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 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 can you do with a forest science degree?

A forest science degree prepares individuals for careers such as forest technician, conservation scientist, forest manager, or environmental consultant. These roles involve managing forest resources, conducting research, and applying ecological principles, often requiring fieldwork, data analysis, and knowledge of forestry tools and regulations.

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.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the field of forest science, high-paying roles such as senior forest managers, environmental consultants, or research directors can reach or exceed $400,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, and a strong understanding of ecological management and policy.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

In forest science or related fields, high-paying roles such as independent consulting, specialized forestry contractors, or environmental project managers can reach or exceed $10,000 per month without a formal degree, often relying on experience, certifications, and skills in areas like GIS, surveying, or forest management. These positions typically require extensive field experience, technical knowledge, and sometimes industry-specific certifications rather than formal academic credentials.

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 pay $2000 a day?

In forest science, high-paying roles such as senior forest consultants, environmental project managers, or specialized researchers can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and project-based work. These positions often require expertise in ecological assessment, GIS tools, and regulatory compliance, and may involve consulting or contract work in remote or field environments.

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.
More about Forest Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Forest Science jobs? Cities with the most Forest Science job openings:
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
Infographic showing various Forest Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Forest Ecologist

Forest Ecologist

Save the Redwoods

Mckinleyville, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 29 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


ESSENTIALDUTIES 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).

Apply