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Forester Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Utility Technician

Palmyra, VA · On-site

$24.71/hr

... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ... Utility Technician Trainee Entry Rate: $22.71/hr 12 Month Rate: $23.71/hr 24 Month Rate - $24.71/hr ...

... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ... Utility Technician Trainee Entry Rate: $22.71/hr 12 Month Rate: $23.71/hr 24 Month Rate - $24.71/hr ...

... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ... Utility Technician Trainee Entry Rate: $22.71/hr 12 Month Rate: $23.71/hr 24 Month Rate - $24.71/hr ...

Utility Technician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$24.71/hr

... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ... Utility Technician Trainee Entry Rate: $22.71/hr 12 Month Rate: $23.71/hr 24 Month Rate - $24.71/hr ...

... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ... Utility Technician Trainee Entry Rate: $22.71/hr 12 Month Rate: $23.71/hr 24 Month Rate - $24.71/hr ...

Showing results 21-32

Forester Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$24

$39

How much do forester trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for forester trainee in Virginia is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Forester Trainee, you typically need a degree in forestry or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of forest ecology and management practices. Familiarity with GIS software, forest inventory tools, and data collection systems is commonly expected. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders in field and office settings. These abilities are crucial for accurately assessing forest resources, implementing management plans, and ensuring sustainable and effective forestry operations.

What is a forester trainee?

Forester Trainees are entry-level professionals who work under the supervision of experienced foresters to learn the fundamentals of forest management, conservation, and ecology. They assist with tasks such as planting trees, conducting surveys, monitoring forest health, and helping to implement management plans. The role is designed to provide practical, on-the-job training and exposure to various aspects of forestry work, preparing trainees for more advanced responsibilities as they gain experience and knowledge.

What are some common challenges faced by forester trainees during their first year on the job?

Forester Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to fieldwork in varying and sometimes harsh outdoor conditions, learning to use specialized equipment, and interpreting complex environmental data. Additionally, balancing time between fieldwork, office tasks, and ongoing training can be demanding. However, support from experienced foresters and structured training programs helps new trainees build confidence and develop essential forestry skills.

What is the difference between Forester Trainee vs Forest Technician?

AspectForester TraineeForest Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer related courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, parks, and conservation areasFieldwork and office tasks related to forest management
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizations, forestry companiesGovernment agencies, forestry services, environmental firms

Forester Trainees typically focus on learning forest management and conservation practices, often as entry-level positions or internships. Forest Technicians usually perform more technical tasks, including data collection and site assessments. While both roles involve fieldwork in forest environments and share similar employer types, Forester Trainees are generally in a learning phase, whereas Forest Technicians are more experienced in technical duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forester jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Forester jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Forester Trainee jobs in Virginia? For Forester Trainee jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forester Trainee jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Forester Trainee jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Forester Trainee jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Forester Trainee job openings:

$38.11/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!
About Essential Utilities
Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.
Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.
We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.
Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.
Career Progression & Pay Ranges:
Facility Operator Trainee
Entry Rate: $23.52/hr
12-Month Rate: $24.52/hr
24-Month Rate: $25.52/hr
Facility Operator I
Entry Rate: $27.91/hr
12-Month Rate: $28.91/hr
24-Month Rate: $29.91/hr
Facility Operator II
Entry Rate: $31.22/hr
12-Month Rate: $32.22/hr
24-Month Rate: $33.22/hr
Facility Operator III
Entry Rate: $36.11/hr
12-Month Rate: $37.11/hr
24-Month Rate: $38.11/hr
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Primary Duties and Responsibilities)

  • Maintains equipment at the assigned water production facilities and booster stations.
  • Operates and maintains distribution systems including mains, valves, hydrants and service lines.
  • Maintains equipment at the wastewater treatment facilities and lift stations.
  • Operates and maintains sewer collection systems including collections mains and pump stations.
  • Troubleshoots and repairs service piping and other related equipment .
  • Performs routine water quality analysis in accordance with established processes and procedures.
  • Makes operational adjustments as needed to comply with state and federal water quality standards.
  • Adjusts chemical treatment to ensure water quality meets standards. Calculates various ratios and dosages.
  • Completes customer service work orders, updates and maintains appropriate system documentation of activities and closes work orders in accordance with department policies and procedures.
  • Performs all tasks safely, professionally and in accordance with company policies and procedures as well as local, state and federal laws, rules and guidelines.
  • Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s). QUALIFICATIONS (Required Experience, Education, Licenses, and Certifications)
  • A high school diploma or GED.
  • No previous experience required.
  • A valid U.S. Driver's License.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Familiarity with computers / tablets and the basic operation of database, spreadsheet and word processing programs preferred
  • Ability to read, understand and accurately follow operating instructions both written and verbal
  • Mathematical ability to perform calculations to determine various ratios, dosages, volumetric calculations that are required for the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plants and Water Treatment Plants
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate in writing
  • Familiarity with and understanding of the need to prevent wastewater pollution of area waters
  • Understand and maintain plan processes through computer-controlled equipment
  • A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment
Career Progression Schedule: FO Trainee -
  • FO Trainee (Entry Level) - Will be required to get either a Class 4 water or Class 4 wastewater license within 18 months of employment.
  • FO I - Minimum license requirement of Class 4 water or Class 4 wastewater.
  • FO II - Minimum license requirement of Class 4 water and Class 4 wastewater.
  • FO III - Minimum license requirement of Class 3 water and Class 3 wastewater.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and /or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
  • Working conditions include travel to work sites of Essential Utilities and/or other constituents.
  • Must be available to be on-call nights and on weekends to adequately staff a 24 hour/7day operation
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012). To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:
  • Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
  • Family members cannot work in the same department.