1

Forest Service Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forest Service information

See Indiana salary details

$31.4K

$66.6K

$112.8K

How much do forest service jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest service in Indiana is $66,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $76,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the context of Forest Service jobs, high-paying roles such as senior management, specialized environmental consultants, or contract-based positions can sometimes reach daily rates of $2,000 or more. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and may involve consulting or temporary contract work in forestry, environmental management, or resource planning.

What forestry jobs pay well?

In forestry, roles such as forest managers, wildlife managers, and forest engineers tend to offer higher salaries due to their responsibilities and required expertise. These positions often require relevant degrees, certifications, and experience in land management, environmental regulations, or technical skills with GIS and surveying tools.

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 Forest Service and what does it do?

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 is the highest paying job in the Forest Service?

The highest paying jobs in the Forest Service are typically senior management roles such as Forest Supervisor or Regional Forester, which require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills. These positions often offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually, depending on location and responsibilities.

What jobs can I do in the forest?

Forest Service jobs include positions such as forest rangers, wildlife technicians, fire management specialists, and forestry technicians. These roles often require knowledge of ecology, conservation, and the use of tools like GPS and GIS software, with some positions requiring certifications or specialized training. Work environments typically involve outdoor conditions and variable schedules depending on the season and project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Forest Service, and why are they important?

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 the most commonly searched types of Forest Service jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Forest Service jobs in Indiana are:
What job categories do people searching Forest Service jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Forest Service jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Forest Service jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Forest Service job openings:
Infographic showing various Forest Service job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,581 per year, or $32 per hour.

Utility Forester Associate - Utility Forester

Aep

Fort Wayne, IN

$63K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Posting End Date

06-20-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Assign and recommend industry accepted management practices to provide corrective control of non-compatible vegetation conditions in utility rights of way to vegetation control contractors; inspect ongoing and completed assignments to assure contract compliance to reduce preventable vegetation interruptions of service and to provide, as much as practical, access to facilities for the purpose of repair and inspection.

Job Description

What you'll do:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • After training, patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetative conditions and recommend utility vegetation operations, maintain records of work and make the necessary arrangements with landowners for vegetation management and access to facilities.

  • Investigate and resolve landowner issues and concerns.

  • With assistance, estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for construction and rebuilding of new and existing facilities.

  • With assistance, determine future utility vegetation management requirements and recommend short and long-term vegetation management work plans and best management practices.

  • Contact governmental agencies, other utilities, landowners and others to arrange and coordinate right-of-way vegetation management work plans required.

  • Inspect vegetation management and work planning contractors for contract compliance, recommending acceptance or corrective action.

  • With assistance, recommend work plans, priorities, schedules and contractor requirements in accordance with the vegetation management program.

  • Apply and keep informed of current contract provisions.

  • Maintain records and prepare reports on costs, production and work quality. Operate the forestry computer programs and records systems.

  • Guide and train others involved with the vegetation management program in proper work practices and utility vegetation management procedures.

What we're looking for:

Minimum Requirements for Utility Forester Associate (SG 04):

  • Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field and two (2) years of experience as a contract utility forester desired.

  • OR associate's degree in one of the same fields and four (4) years' experience in utility vegetation management industry.

  • OR High school diploma and six (6) years as a contract forester or other related positions in the utility industry.

Minimum Requirements for Utility Forester (SG 05):

  • Bachelor Degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field and three (3) years of experience in utility vegetation management industry.

  • OR Associate's degree in one of the same fields and five (5) years experience in utility vegetation management industry.

  • OR High school diploma and seven (7) years as a contract forester or other related positions in the utility industry.

Licenses/Certificates:

  • Knowledge and safe use of pesticides required.
  • Possession of Certified Pesticide Applicator's license desirable.
  • Arborist certification desirable.

Other requirements:

  • Must act as a professional, employing a great deal of diplomacy to "sell" the Company's necessary right-of-way maintenance projects to the public.

  • Courses in horticulture and/or vegetation management desirable.

  • Competency in GIS systems and Microsoft Office components such as Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word in addition to other analytical tools is required.

  • Extensive travel is required to inspect and plan for the Company's right-of-way maintenance program.

  • Apply AEP Accounting Policies & Guidelines related to expense vs. capitalization for labor, services, and material in a proficient manner.

  • Valid State Driver's License.

What you'll get:

Utility Forester Associate (SG 04):

Starting pay between $54,063-$67,578

Utility Forester (SG 05):

Starting pay between $63,496-$79,369

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

At AEP, we're more than just an energy company - we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-004

Compensation Range:

$54,063.00 - $79,369.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.