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Forest Surveyor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Forest Ecologist

Plummer, ID

$55K - $70K/yr

Forest Ecologist Department: NR-Forestry Compensation: DOE ($55,000 - $70,000) Additional Note ... Conduct ecological surveys to gather data on soil, vegetation, water, and wildlife habitats. * Use ...

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Forest Ecologist

Plummer, ID · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Forest Ecologist Department: NR-Forestry Compensation: DOE ($55,000 - $70,000) Additional Note ... Conduct ecological surveys to gather data on soil, vegetation, water, and wildlife habitats. * Use ...

State of Indiana

Surveyor

Marion, IN

$59K/yr

The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and ... The surveyor serves as the expert for over 1,200 miles of state forest boundary line. The position ...

State of Indiana

Surveyor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$59K/yr

The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and ... The surveyor serves as the expert for over 1,200 miles of state forest boundary line. The position ...

Mendocino Forest Products Company

Forest Manager

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

The Forest Manager works closely with Science Managers to support the collection of necessary ... Administer Timber Harvest Plans, which may include conducting or overseeing field surveys such as ...

Wiregrass Ecological Associates

Forester

Hayward, WI · On-site

Conducting forest surveys and tree measurements. * Timber marking. * Best Management Practices (BMP) compliance oversight. * Assessing potential environmental impacts of a harvest and identifying ...

DJ&A

Professional Land Surveyor

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Specializing in Transportation Design, Survey & Mapping, Sustainability, Site Development and ... Forest Service employees who saw a need for a company that uniquely understood Forest Service ...

DJ&A

Professional Land Surveyor

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Specializing in Transportation Design, Survey & Mapping, Sustainability, Site Development and ... Forest Service employees who saw a need for a company that uniquely understood Forest Service ...

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Forest Surveyor information

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$31.5K

$74.7K

$120.5K

How much do forest surveyor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest surveyor in the United States is $74,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Forest Surveyor, you need a strong background in forestry, land measurement, map reading, and data collection, usually supported by a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GPS devices, GIS software, surveying equipment, and sometimes professional certification such as from the Society of American Foresters is vital. Detail orientation, problem-solving skills, and clear communication help Forest Surveyors work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders. These abilities ensure precise data collection, safe fieldwork, and accurate reporting for forest management and conservation efforts.

What does a forest surveyor do?

A forest surveyor measures and maps forested areas to assess tree health, density, and land features. They use tools like GPS devices, compasses, and surveying equipment, often working outdoors in various weather conditions to collect data for forest management and conservation projects.

What is the highest paying job in forestry?

In forestry, the highest paying roles are often senior positions such as forest managers, forest engineers, or consulting arborists, which require advanced education, certifications, and extensive experience. These roles typically involve overseeing large projects, managing teams, and utilizing specialized tools and software, leading to higher salaries compared to entry-level surveyor positions.

What are some common challenges faced by Forest Surveyors in the field?

Forest Surveyors often work in remote and rugged environments, which can present physical challenges such as difficult terrain, varying weather conditions, and extended outdoor work hours. Navigating dense forests, dealing with wildlife, and ensuring safety while using technical equipment are all part of the job. Accurate measurement and data collection may also be complicated by obstacles like thick vegetation or inconsistent visibility. However, many surveyors find this work rewarding, as it combines technical skills with a love of nature and contributes to sustainable forest management.

What does a Forest Surveyor do?

A Forest Surveyor assesses and maps forested areas to measure land boundaries, tree density, and ecological conditions. They use tools like GPS, GIS, and remote sensing technology to collect data for conservation, logging, or land management purposes. Their work helps ensure sustainable forestry practices, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

What kind of surveyor makes the most money?

Among surveyors, civil surveyors and geomatics engineers tend to earn the highest salaries due to their specialized skills and involvement in large infrastructure projects. Forest surveyors generally earn less than these roles, as their work focuses on forestry and environmental data collection, which typically offers lower compensation. Advanced certifications and experience can increase earnings within any surveying field.

How much does a wildlife surveyor make?

A wildlife surveyor's salary typically ranges from $35,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of education. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages.
More about Forest Surveyor jobs
What cities are hiring for Forest Surveyor jobs? Cities with the most Forest Surveyor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Surveyor jobs? The most popular types of Forest Surveyor jobs are:
What states have the most Forest Surveyor jobs? States with the most job openings for Forest Surveyor jobs include:
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Forest Surveyor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Surveyor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 78% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,746 per year, or $35.9 per hour.
Forest Ecologist

Forest Ecologist

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Plummer, ID

$55K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Forest Ecologist
Department: NR-Forestry
Compensation: DOE ($55,000 - $70,000)
Additional Note: Full-time, benefits, 3-year position
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
The Forest Ecologist is responsible for planning, scheduling, directing, and managing the “Landscape Scale Fee Restoration” program, which includes developing forest management plans, administrating forest restoration projects, and conducting ecological surveys on Tribal Fee and Trust Lands. The incumbent should be familiar with the five core values of the Tribe and how those core values are expressed within the actions of the Program and the duties of this position. Must show the highest level of professional standards and promote a positive image of the Tribe and its administration at all times. Major duties include:
  • Responsible for administrating a $300,000 Forest Service grant award through FY2026-2029.
  • Work alongside Fish amp; Wildlife, Environmental Programs Office, and Water Resources to create desired forest structure for multiple wildlife species and their habitats, and ensure protection and restoration of biodiversity and water quality on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation.
  • Conduct ecological surveys to gather data on soil, vegetation, water, and wildlife habitats.
  • Use statistical software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze data and identify patterns.
  • Prepare detailed scientific reports, technical documents, and presentations for various stakeholders.
  • Develop and implement forest management plans (FMP), and environmental analyses (EA) that focus on sustainability, biodiversity, and align with Tribal values.
  • Track the effects of climate change, invasive species, and human activities on forest ecosystems.
  • Ensure Tribal lands are maintained in accordance with administrative objectives, Tribal values and goals.
  • Monitor forest road usage and check for Tribal permits.
  • Enforce trespass and theft of timber resources on Fee and Trust Lands.
  • As qualified, develop and oversee research projects to address specific ecological questions.
  • As qualified, assist in fire suppression and prescribed burning.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of stand conditions, environmental considerations, forest ecology, and silviculture of the major forest cover types found on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation.
  • Experience with Forest Projection and Planning System (FPS) and/or Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS)
  • Ability to interact tactfully and diplomatically with other departments, Tribal members, Tribal leadership, employees, and contractors.
  • Ability to write technical reports, prepare maps and graphs, analyze data, and to summarize results, reports, and findings to multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access, Excel, ArcGIS and/or ArcPro.
  • Knowledge and experience in firefighting and/or prescribed burning techniques.
  • Knowledge of ecological sampling techniques.
Desired Qualifications
  • A Master’s Degree in Forestry, Forest Ecology, or related field of science. However, a Bachelor’s Degree might be considered with extensive experience.
  • A minimum of five years of experience in forest management, silviculture, and/or ecology. Preferably, at least two years of the required experience was with a Tribal natural resource management program.
  • Must possess a valid State driver's license and maintain a good driving record, capable of being insured.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and written/verbal communication skills are essential.
  • Expertise in forest ecology, conservation methods, and the impacts of climate change.
  • Good physical condition and the ability to traverse forestlands for long periods of time.
  • Must not have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty within the past five years.
Work Environment
  • Roughly 75% of the work will be performed in the office with the Forestry Program at the Department of Natural Resources Building in Plummer Idaho. The remaining 25% will be spent working with other programs such as Fish amp; Wildlife, Land Services, and/or the Forest Service, and will require working in the field on restoration projects, administrating forest regulations, and conducting ecological surveys.
  • This position will report to the Forestry Manager, and will not have supervisory responsibilities.
Guidelines are provided by the Coeur d'Alene Policies and Procedures Manual, Forest Management Plan, federal laws and regulations, Bureau of Indian Affairs manuals and handbooks and technical publications. Other guidance includes scientific literature, environmental assessments, silvicultural prescriptions, written and oral communication from the Forest Manager and other employees of the Natural Resources Department. Professional judgement within those guidelines is necessary to meet landowner objectives, field conditions and special situations.
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An applicant may be asked to participate in an interview to establish whether he/she meets the minimum qualifications. Interviews do not create a right to employment and provide no promise or guarantee of employment with the Tribe.
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe reserves the right to hire according to its Indian Preference Policy. Applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug test and at-random testing following employment. Positions with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe are subject to a 6-month orientation period.

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