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Forest Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Uasys

Forest Technician

Monticello, AR

$14 - $16/hr

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Forest Technician information

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$29K

$41.5K

$53.5K

How much do forest technician jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest technician in the United States is $41,544.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a forestry technician?

To become a forestry technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by an associate degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and developing skills in tree identification, data collection, and use of tools like GPS and GIS software are also important. Certification is not always required but can enhance job prospects.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by Forest Technicians in the field?

Forest Technicians often encounter challenges such as working in remote or rugged terrain, which can require physical endurance and adaptability to changing weather conditions. They may also face the need to accurately collect data and conduct surveys in difficult environments, requiring attention to detail and the ability to use specialized equipment. Additionally, balancing multiple tasks—such as supporting forest management, monitoring wildlife, and collaborating with other forestry professionals—can make time management and effective communication essential skills in this role.

What do forest technicians do?

Forest technicians assist with managing and conserving forested areas by collecting data on tree growth, health, and wildlife, often using tools like GPS devices and sampling equipment. They may also help with reforestation, fire prevention, and environmental monitoring, typically working outdoors in various weather conditions and following safety protocols.

What are Forest Technicians?

Forest Technicians are professionals who assist in the management, conservation, and protection of forests. They work alongside foresters and other specialists to implement forestry plans, conduct surveys, collect data, and monitor forest health. Their duties can include planting trees, controlling pests, fighting forest fires, and maintaining trails or equipment. Forest Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable forest use and preserving natural habitats. They often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may be employed by government agencies, private companies, or conservation organizations.

What is the highest paying job in the Forest Service?

The highest paying positions in the Forest Service are typically senior management roles such as Forest Supervisor or District Ranger, which require extensive experience and advanced certifications. These roles often offer higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and leadership duties, with some senior positions earning over $100,000 annually.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Forest Technician roles typically do not pay $4,000 a week without a degree; such high weekly earnings are more common in specialized trades like commercial fishing, oilfield work, or certain sales positions that may require experience or certifications. These jobs often involve physically demanding work, irregular hours, and on-the-job training rather than formal education. High-paying roles without a degree are rare and usually depend on experience, skills, and industry demand.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forest Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forest Technician, you need knowledge of forestry principles, environmental science, and data collection, often supported by an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with GIS software, GPS devices, mapping tools, and chainsaws is typically required, alongside first aid certifications. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that help you work safely and efficiently in diverse field environments. These skills ensure accurate resource management, safe field practices, and successful collaboration in maintaining healthy forests.

What is the difference between Forest Technician vs Forest Ranger?

AspectForest TechnicianForest Ranger
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationHigh school diploma; some roles may require additional training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, parks, and conservation areasFieldwork and enforcement in forests, parks, and protected areas
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizations, forestry companiesGovernment agencies, national parks, forestry departments
Job FocusData collection, forest management, research supportEnforcement of regulations, public safety, resource protection

While both Forest Technicians and Forest Rangers work outdoors in forested environments, Forest Technicians primarily focus on data collection, research support, and forest management tasks. In contrast, Forest Rangers often have responsibilities related to enforcement, public safety, and resource protection. The roles may overlap in fieldwork, but their core duties and required credentials differ.

More about Forest Technician jobs
What cities are hiring for Forest Technician jobs? Cities with the most Forest Technician job openings:
What states have the most Forest Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Forest Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forest Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forest Technician jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Forest Technician jobs? For Forest Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forest Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,544 per year, or $20 per hour.

Forest Tech 1/Forester- States Land Specialist

Georgia

Gainesville, FL

$62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Forest Tech 1/Forester- States Land Specialist

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000001541

Number of Openings:

1

Shift:

Any (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

FOREST TECHNICIAN SALARY: $47,606.00 ANNUALLY
FORESTER - STATE LANDS SPECIALIST SALARY: $62,470.46 ANNUALLY

Job Description:

Position Available: Forest Technician (SMLT 1 - NRT070) or Forester - State Lands Specialist (NRP023)

Placement: Candidates will be placed into one of the above positions based on their qualifications. Specific qualifications for each role are outlined later in this posting.

Forest Technician Salary: $47,606.00 annually

Forester - State Lands Specialist Salary: $62,470.46 annually

With limited supervision, administers GFC's State Lands Program. Responsible for and ensures Georgia's public forest are well managed, healthy, and growing sustainable forest products. Works with state partners such as US Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, DNR, UGA, DOC, GDOT, etc....to develop and accomplish forest management objectives on public land. Through data collection, assists GFC's Law Enforcement Department with investigations of timber theft.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: Under limited supervision, performs various forest management activities.

Timber Sales duties may include:

Produce timber harvest plans.

Perform Georgia Environmental Policy Act (GEPA) reviews related to timber sales.

Conduct timber cruising, timber sale area and SMZ line marking and timber marking and GPS field work.

Workup timber cruises and establish minimum acceptable bids.

Conduct timber sale bid openings.

Conduct timber harvest inspections and coordinate with timber buyers and loggers to ensure contractual compliance.

Conduct reconciliation of timber sale settlements and load card security related to timber sales.

Update and maintain timber sale records on the GFC Timber Sale System.

Forest Management duties may include:

Write and/or update forest management plans for state properties.

Assist with maintaining/updating shape files for state properties.

Supervise forest management activities on state and federal lands, to include but not limited to herbicide treatments, road construction and fire line construction.

Supervise reforestation efforts and conduct seedling survival surveys.

Develop prescribed burning plans and coordinate, supervise and conduct prescribed burning.

Diagnose insect/disease/invasive plant infestations and make recommendations.

Operate Unmanned Aerial Systems to collect information and photographs related to lands under management.

Supervise and conduct Common Stand Exam inventories on federal lands.

Operate farm tractor and cutter/bush hog in maintaining State properties.

Timber Transaction Complaint duties may include:

Supervise and conduct stump cruise field work.

Workup stump cruises.

Produce timber volumes and values related to stump cruises, produce maps of complaint areas and put in format for use by Law Enforcement Department.

As time allows from above duties, assist Dixon Memorial State Forest Manager with all aspects of forest management on the Forest.

Entry Requirements: Forest Tech requirements - Associates Degree in forestry, forest resources, or other forestry major and three years' experience in the forestry field.

Forester requirements - Bachelor's degree in forestry, forest resources, or other forestry major from a SAF accredited college or university, AND three years of experience required as a Forester. Working knowledge of timber markets, forest management, and forest ecology including conservation values such as water, wildlife management, endangered species, forest pests and other important natural resources. Knowledgeable of Best Management Practices, especially pertaining to road construction, stream crossings, and all phases of timber harvesting.

Experience developing, writing, and implementing forestry management plans. Some in-state, overnight travel will be required as well as occasional out-of-state travel.

Placement will depend on your qualifications. Candidates may be hired as either a Forest Technician (SMLT 1)(NRT070) or a Forester - State Lands Specialist, (NRP023) based on experience, credentials, and registration status. Starting salary will align with the position and qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications: A working knowledge of timber sale transactions, logger supervision, conducting timber inventories, and accounting procedures for common methods of timber sales. Proficiency in Word, Excel, standard forester field tool and use of GPS/ArcGIS for basic map creation.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in forestry, forest resources, or closely related area that includes core forestry coursework from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of job-related field forestry experience; or one (1) year of experience at the lower-level Forester 1 (NRP020) or position equivalent; or an Associate's degree in forestry, which includes forestry coursework from an SAF accredited school and be a Georgia Registered Forester. --Note: Completes agency-specific training and requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.

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