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Forest Watcher information

What is a forest watcher?

A Forest Watcher is responsible for monitoring and protecting forested areas to prevent illegal activities, such as logging and poaching, and to detect environmental hazards like wildfires. They may patrol on foot or by vehicle, document changes in the ecosystem, and report any concerns to environmental agencies. Forest Watchers often work for government organizations, conservation groups, or forestry departments to ensure the health and sustainability of natural habitats. Their role is essential in preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change impacts.

What does a forest watcher do?

A typical workday for a Forest Watcher involves patrolling assigned forest areas on foot or via vehicle to monitor for signs of wildfires, illegal logging, or endangered species. You may be responsible for recording environmental data, maintaining lookout equipment, and communicating findings with forestry teams or emergency responders. Forest Watchers often work independently, but regular check-ins with colleagues and supervisors are common. The role requires adaptability due to varying weather conditions and occasional extended shifts during critical periods such as fire season. These hands-on responsibilities contribute directly to the long-term health and safety of forest ecosystems.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forest watcher?

To thrive as a Forest Watcher, you need keen observational skills, physical stamina, and a background in environmental science or forestry, often supported by relevant fieldwork experience. Familiarity with GPS devices, remote sensing technology, and basic first aid certification are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure accurate monitoring of forest conditions, timely reporting of hazards, and effective teamwork in protecting natural resources.

Can you work as a forest watcher for the forest service without a degree?

Forest watchers typically do not require a college degree, but they often need relevant experience, physical fitness, and knowledge of forestry or environmental conservation. Certification in first aid or firefighting may also be beneficial, and some positions may prefer or require a high school diploma or equivalent.
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Forest Watcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Watcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Owen Putnam State Forest

State of Indiana

Spencer, IN • On-site

$12.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

State Of Indiana rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states

Job description

Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About Owen-Putnam State Forest:
Owen-Putman State Forest is a 1,140-acre forest of hardwood of rolling hills and sandstone bluffs. Multiple trails wind through the forest a cemetery, waterfalls, and 50-foot cliffs. It is home to deer, turkey, foxes, game birds, and various small mammals. Activities include camping, hiking, hunting, and nature watching."
Salary Statement:
The hourly wage for seasonal positions varies, starting at $12.25/hour.
A Day in the Life:
The Seasonal Natural Resources Workers perform duties related to the survey, biological monitoring, and/or control of property natural resources. Seasonal Natural Resources Worker positions and their essential functions are as follows:
  • Resource Management Techs: Assists with the control of invasive plant species natural area restoration trail maintenance, brush and tree removal, signage, timber marking and/or timber stand improvement based on the property.
  • Laborers: Work to maintain and repair property buildings, grounds, and facilities. Laborers perform various duties based on property needs. Possible duties may include landscaping, mowing, firewood processing, structure maintenance, sign creation, trail upkeep, carpentry, and plumbing, based on property needs.
  • Clerks: Perform a wide variety of tasks to support property staff. Duties may include inventory, stocking, reporting, budgeting, and assisting with other administrative duties.
  • Office Assistants: Answer inquiries about the property and provide quality customer service to the park visitors. This position also assists property management with operations and administrative functions.
  • Entomology Workers (Taxonomists): sort through samples of exotic forest or tree pests of specific concern. Survey samples are collected from high risk sites to determine locations of exotic insects and pathogens in Indiana. Samples of concern are processed and forwarded to a certified taxonomist for further identification and classification.
  • Forest Worker: Assist in duties related to the survey, biological monitoring, and/or control of forestry resources.
    • Nursery Workers: Collect, weigh, test, bail, and grade seedlings for quality and use. This role also packages tree seedlings and fulfills customer orders.
  • Forestry Program Interns: Primarily conduct field inspections of forestlands and complete associated reports. Duties may include assisting with forest inventories, timber marking, educational programs, and timber stand improvement.
  • Security Officers: Monitor the activities of visitors and report problems to property management or other authorities. Security Officers patrol the property and enforce regulations in a courteous, but firm manner. This role provides security to facilities, construction sites, and logging operations as needed, including late night visits to area prone to vandalism, disturbances, and illegal activities.
  • Gate Attendants (Ferdinand State Forest Only): Provide quality customer service at assigned property station. The main responsibilities of this position the collection of revenue from fees and permits, and cash/credit card handling duties.

What You'll Need for Success:
  • High school diploma, GED, or one (1) year of work experience.
  • May be expected to work afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • May be required to wear a DNR-provided uniform.
  • May be required to travel to different properties.
  • May be required to have a valid driver's license.
  • May experience working with DOC work release crews.
  • May perform duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.).
  • May work around potentially dangerous heavy equipment (e.g. tractors, disks, mowers, planters, etc.).
  • Some positions may require:
    • Completion of some college coursework in wildlife management, natural resources, biology, ecology, forestry and/or related areas of study is required.
    • Ability to understand and apply through on the job training and using previous, relevant experience basic biological principals, ecological variables and interactions, plant identification, herbicide application, invasive plant management techniques (of conservation biology, the management of forests, wetlands, and prairie habitats), and life histories of invasive plants.
    • Ability to lift equipment, tools, or materials up to 50lbs.
    • Ability to sustain periods of strenuous physical activity.
    • Ability to carry out assignments with general instruction and limited supervision.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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