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Forester Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing ...

The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing ...

The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing ...

The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing ...

The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing ...

The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing ...

Our Roving Utility Forester position is ideal for candidates with a background in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, environmental studies and natural resources, or a related discipline.

Degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, or related field, or equivalent experience in utility line clearance * Ability to obtain ISA Arborist Certification within 1 year of start ...

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Forester information

See Indiana salary details

$34.3K

$63K

$94.7K

How much do forester jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for forester in Indiana is $63,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you get as a forester?

A forester can work in roles such as forest technician, forest manager, conservation scientist, or environmental consultant. These jobs typically involve managing forest resources, conducting field surveys, and applying knowledge of ecology and forestry tools. Certification and knowledge of GIS and sustainable practices are often required.

What does a forester do?

A forester manages and conserves forests by planning and implementing activities such as planting, harvesting, and maintaining trees. They use tools like GPS and GIS technology, often working outdoors in various weather conditions, and may require certifications like a forestry degree or license. Their goal is to promote sustainable forest management and environmental health.

What are some common challenges a Forester faces when balancing conservation goals with timber production?

Foresters frequently navigate the challenge of meeting timber harvest targets while ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of forest ecosystems. This involves carefully planning harvest schedules, implementing best management practices to minimize environmental impact, and collaborating with stakeholders such as landowners, wildlife biologists, and regulatory agencies. Balancing these priorities can require creative problem-solving and a strong understanding of both ecological processes and industry regulations. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial for successfully addressing competing interests and achieving both economic and conservation objectives.

What Are Foresters?

Foresters are tasked with the management of forests and timber, helping to preserve them for years to come. As a forester, your duties revolve around the planning, preservation, and ongoing maintenance of these forests, whether intended for public or private use. Depending on your position, you may be responsible for protecting wildlife areas that already exist within the forest or work to create new habitats for a variety of wildlife species and plant life. Foresters coordinate with many other specialists such as biologists, geologists, and soil experts, as forest conservation is not a job you can accomplish alone.

What forestry job pays the most?

The highest-paying forestry jobs are often in forest management, consulting, or specialized roles such as forest engineers or environmental managers, with salaries exceeding $80,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced education, certifications, and experience in forestry, environmental science, or related fields.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the forestry field, highly specialized roles such as senior forest managers, consulting foresters, or environmental project leaders can potentially earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and project scope. These positions often require advanced skills, industry knowledge, and sometimes consulting or contract work arrangements.

What is the difference between Forester vs Forest Technician?

AspectForesterForest Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in forestry or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in forestry
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, planning, management of forest resourcesFieldwork, data collection, assisting foresters
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, private forestry companies, conservation organizationsGovernment agencies, research institutions, consulting firms

Foresters typically hold a bachelor's degree and are responsible for managing forest resources, planning timber harvests, and conservation efforts. Forest Technicians usually have an associate's degree and assist foresters with data collection, surveying, and fieldwork. Both roles work closely in forestry projects, but foresters have more advanced responsibilities and decision-making authority.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forester jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Forester jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Forester jobs in Indiana? For Forester jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Forester jobs in IN? For Forester jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Forester job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,009 per year, or $30.3 per hour.
Forester Specialist

Forester Specialist

State of Indiana

Lagro, IN • On-site

$47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


State Of Indiana rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 183 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd 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 the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations.  Some key initiatives of the forestry program include: Urban Forestry, Fire Management, Forest Health, Forest Legacy, and Forestry Education.

The Indiana Division of Forestry's Community Urban Forestry Program provides guidance and grants to communities for the development and caretaking of urban forests.  An urban tree canopy is part of a community’s infrastructure and creates valuable environmental, economic, and social benefits. Well-managed urban forests pay back nearly three times the cost to plant and maintain them.

Role Overview

85% of forestland in Indiana is privately owned. District Foresters (Forest Specialists 2) work one-on-one with private forest owners to help them understand the importance of the resource they own and how to manage it for future generations and for the environmental benefits forests provide for all Hoosiers. District foresters administer the Classified Forest & Wildlands Program (https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/programs/classified-forest-and-wildlands/) in a multiple county area. They write management plans and practice plans (tree planting, timber stand improvement, invasive species) for landowners. District Foresters provide technical assistance for federal incentive programs through Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service. 


Salary Statement

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

​The essential functions of this role are as follows: 

  • You will collect technical forest resource data on state managed lands, private property, and/or urban areas. 
  • You will analyze resource data an develops plans including inventory summaries, resource management guides, and practice plans for invasive control, timber stand improvement, tree planting, and prescribed burns. 
  • You will Administer and implement forestry practices and programs which may involve federal, state, and local agencies and private individuals/ businesses. 
  • You will establish and maintain public relations with landowners, communities, organizations, wood-using industries and the public. 
  • You will conduct educational programs and develop educational materials for public and staff. 
  • You will provide specialized guidance and coordination in area of expertise, making recommendations to division heads for program objectives. 
  • You may supervise intermittent employees and/or volunteers when needed.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

  • Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of forest resources management, tree species and forest types native to Indiana. 
  • Specialized knowledge of tree and herbaceous plant identification, fire behavior and suppression, and/or educational programming development. 
  • Thorough knowledge of program area and program administration, including rules and regulations. 
  • Specialized knowledge of computer operations including Microsoft Office and GIS software. 
  • Extensive knowledge of forestry programs and ability to incorporate this knowledge in program planning. 
  • Basic knowledge of land surveying. 
  • Ability to supervise and direct work of others. 
  • Ability to maintain cooperative work relationships. 
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both verbal and in written. 
  • Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work to achieve desired program outcomes, and apply technical knowledge to a wide variety of land situations. 
  • Ability to successfully complete basic wildfire courses (red card certification) and prescribed burning course within 2 years of employment. 

A degree is not required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

You must satisfy the following requirements to continue employment: 

  • Obtain and retain an Indiana driver’s license.  
  • Obtain a pesticide applicator license and appropriate category within the first year of employment and retain. 
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

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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