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Forest Service Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Forest Supervisor

Phoenix, AZ · On-site +1

$125K - $163K/yr

Represents the Forest Supervisor in any transaction affecting the Forest, either in-Service or out, with the same degree of authority to commit the Forest, but subject to post review by superior.

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Forest Service information

See Arizona salary details

$30.8K

$65.2K

$110.4K

How much do forest service jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest service in Arizona is $65,205.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Forest Service?

The Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for managing public lands in national forests and grasslands. Its mission includes sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Forest Service oversees activities like wildfire management, reforestation, conservation, recreation, and the protection of wildlife habitats. Additionally, it works with states, local communities, and private landowners to promote sustainable forest management practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Forest Service?

To thrive in the Forest Service, you need a background in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or specialized training. Familiarity with GIS software, fire management tools, and safety certifications such as wildland firefighting are commonly required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help individuals excel in managing diverse tasks and responding to emergencies. These skills are crucial to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources and the safety of both the public and the environment.

What are some of the main challenges faced by employees working in the Forest Service, and how are they typically addressed?

Forest Service employees often encounter challenges such as working in remote locations, unpredictable weather conditions, and balancing conservation efforts with public land use. To address these, teams emphasize strong communication, thorough safety training, and robust support systems. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams is common, and employees have access to ongoing professional development to help them adapt to evolving environmental regulations and public needs. This supportive environment helps staff manage challenges and grow within the organization.

What is the difference between Forest Service vs Forest Technician?

AspectForest ServiceForest Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires certifications in forestry or related fields
Work EnvironmentNational forests, parks, and public lands; outdoor, physically demandingFieldwork in forests, parks, and conservation areas; outdoor and hands-on
Employer & IndustryU.S. Forest Service, government agencyU.S. Forest Service, state agencies, or private contractors
Common Search & ComparisonForest Service vs Forest Technician

Both roles work within the U.S. Forest Service and involve outdoor work, but Forest Service is a broad agency position, while Forest Technicians focus on specific field tasks like data collection and trail maintenance. The qualifications are similar, emphasizing outdoor skills and certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit in forestry careers.

Can you work for the Forest Service without a degree?

The Forest Service offers some entry-level positions that do not require a college degree, such as fire fighters, laborers, and certain seasonal roles. However, many professional and technical positions typically require relevant education or specialized training, and certifications like CPR or first aid may be necessary. Having relevant skills and experience can also improve job prospects in the Forest Service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Service jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Forest Service jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Forest Service jobs in Arizona?

For Forest Service jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Forest Service jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Forest Service job openings:

Infographic showing various Forest Service job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,205 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Deputy Forest Supervisor

Forest Service

Phoenix, AZ • On-site, Remote

$125K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 294 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
These Deputy Forest Supervisor positions may be filled at one or more of the duty locations included in this announcement. Final determination of the duty location will be made at the time of the job offer.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Chris Christofferson at chris.christofferson@usda.gov.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Represents the Forest Supervisor in any transaction affecting the Forest, either in-Service or out, with the same degree of authority to commit the Forest, but subject to post review by superior.
  • Exercises final commitment authority to make administrative and technical decisions on all National Forest matters during absence of superior where authority is delegable.
  • Shares responsibility with the Forest Supervisor for providing technical and administrative leadership in and direction to all activities on the Forest.
  • Serves as a representative of the agency completing duties in a way that is trustworthy, caring, respectful, responsive, curious, and inclusive.
  • Establishes and invests in strong, productive, positive relationships inside and outside the agency.
  • Performs supervisory duties 25% or more of the time.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Subject to one-year supervisory probationary period (unless prior service is creditable). New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required new supervisory training program before the end of their probationary period.
  • Selectee is subject to financial disclosure requirements and must submit form OGE-450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.

Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS-14 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following:
  • Providing counsel to higher organizational levels concerning district, forest or equivalent natural resource program issues and their current and anticipated effects;
  • Exercising direct program responsibilities that included district, forest or equivalent program development, planning, budgeting, and identifying workforce and organizational needs to establish and meet priorities;
  • Developing and sustaining relationships with one or more of the following: external partners, members of the public, or representatives of agencies or tribal governments to anticipate and resolve natural resource management conflicts and issues.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary and term employees the opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years and the last temporary or term appointment must have been with the Forest Service. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Part-time and intermittent service will be credited only for time actually worked. Non-pay status such as leave without pay is credited for up to six months in a calendar year; anything beyond six months is not credited. Applicants are responsible for providing sufficient information/documentation to determine if the 24 month criteria is met.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Duty stations for positions filled through this announcement are located at a Forest Service office at the duty stations listed. Final determination of the duty station will be made by the selecting official at the time of the job offer. Pay rates vary depending on location. The salary shown is for the Rest of the U.S. See OPM.gov for additional information on pay rates.
We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Forest Service daycare facilities may be available.
Government Housing may be available.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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