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Forest Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Lead Forest Ecologist

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$141/hr

US Forest Service Experience * Well-developed expertise with conducting NEPA / CEQA / other analysis and preparation of associated documentation. * Highly capable self-leadership and interpersonal ...

Tamus

Forester

Conroe, TX

$4K/mo

Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle ...

The Texas A&M University System

Forester

Conroe, TX · On-site

$4K/mo

Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle ...

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How much do forest service jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest service in the United States is $69,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $80,500.00 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 do you need to work in the Forest Service?

To work in the Forest Service, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience or education in forestry, environmental science, or related fields, and often must pass background checks and physical fitness tests. Some positions require specialized certifications such as firefighting or first aid, and a valid driver's license is usually necessary. The work environment involves outdoor conditions and may require seasonal or temporary employment depending on the role.

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

Lead Forest Ecologist

WSP

Portland, OR • On-site, Remote

$141/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP USA is initiating a search for a Lead Forest Ecologist to join our California Earth and Environment Team!  Our California-based team consists of members concentrated in California, but many live and work on projects in multiple states across the U.S. based on our team's capabilities and interests. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with federal land management, forest planning, NEPA analysis related to forests and natural resources management, biological/ecological surveys, forestry management, and scientific writing.  The ideal candidate has experience with writing technical biological reports, evaluating impacts to sensitive resources on federal lands, and planning with the US Forest Service with demonstrated success in forestry and/or ecology and technical writing.

Your Impact
  • Serve as forester or forest ecologist on multiple projects in multiple states, including three ongoing projects in Oregon
  • Identify potential new clients and project opportunities nationally with internal members of the organization
  • Lead/organize forestry and/or ecology field data collection and prepare related reports
  • Advise other team members on forest planning and impact analysis related to US Forest Service and other federal agencies
  • Grow our ability to undertake vegetation modeling, including Forest Vegetation Simulation (FVS) modeling and other statistical analyses to support multiple projects
  • Participate in wildfire mitigation planning
  • Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams which could include engineers, planners, GIS analysts, recreation specialists, biologists, cultural resources specialists, permitting and environmental resource specialists, and construction compliance monitors
  • Lead or assist with GIS data generation and management, particularly for ecological data, for federal or state clients
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
  • 10+ years of experience working as a Forester or Forest ecologist, with at least 5 years associated with federal lands
  • US Forest Service Experience
  • Well-developed expertise with conducting NEPA / CEQA / other analysis and preparation of associated documentation.
  • Highly capable self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Up to 20% travel may be required for field work and client meetings

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Professional certifications as applicable to technical expertise
  • Knowledge of federal and state, and local environmental regulations related to sensitive species in Washington, Oregon, California, Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Michigan

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Ability to work remotely from any location in the US, while supporting projects nationally.

Compensation

Expected Salary: $ 95,400- $141, 680

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

#LI-LD1
 

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 

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