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Forester Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Forester

Grand Rapids, MN ยท On-site

$56K - $75K/yr

Responsible for assisting with county land management, forestry and timber programs. Provides technical and professional assistance to the district foresters, staff forester and other land department ...

Responsible for assisting with county land management, forestry and timber programs. Provides technical and professional assistance to the district foresters, staff forester and other land department ...

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Forester information

See Minnesota salary details

$35.3K

$64.9K

$97.5K

How much do forester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for forester in Minnesota is $64,853.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $81,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you be a forester without a degree?

While a degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field is often preferred for becoming a forester, some entry-level positions may be available to those with relevant experience, certifications, or technical training. However, higher-level roles typically require formal education and knowledge of tools like GIS and GPS, along with understanding forest management practices.

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 does a forester do for a job?

A forester manages and conserves forests by planning and implementing activities such as planting, harvesting, and maintaining trees. They assess forest health, use tools like GPS and GIS, and often work outdoors in various weather conditions to ensure sustainable forest management.

What is a forester?

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.

Is being a forester a good career?

A career as a forester involves managing and conserving forests, often requiring knowledge of ecology, GIS tools, and certification such as the SAF credential. It offers opportunities in environmental management, resource planning, and outdoor work, with employment prospects varying by region and industry demand. Job satisfaction depends on interest in natural resources and outdoor environments.

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 popular job titles related to Forester jobs in Minnesota? For Forester jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forester jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Forester jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Forester jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Forester job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Forester jobs in MN? For Forester jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Forester job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,853 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Forester

Itasca County, MN

Grand Rapids, MN โ€ข On-site

$56K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary : $56,721.60 - $75,712.00 Annually
Location : Itasca County Land Department, 1177 LaPrairie Ave, Grand Rapids, MN
Job Type: Regular, Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00025-EXT
Department: Land
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
POSITION SUMMARY
Department: Land
Classification: Grade 8 (Local 1626)
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Position Description: Responsible for assisting with county land management, forestry and timber programs. Provides technical and professional assistance to the district foresters, staff forester and other land department staff.
To view the job description, click hereCurrent Vacancy: 1 Regular, F/T position
Open Job Opportunity: Open to the public
WORK HOURS, WORK LOCATION
Work Hours: The normal hours of work shall be 40 hours per week, overtime as necessary and approved. Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm,
Work Location: Itasca County Land Department, 1177 LaPrairie Ave, Grand Rapids, MN and County-wide on field projects.
Itasca County offers a robust and comprehensive range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, and life insurance, MN PERA pension, eligibility for student-loan forgiveness, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits.
To view a general summary of the benefits offered to regular full-time employees,
01
As a minimum qualification, which of the following do you have? (Work experience is the equivalent of full time, paid experience.)
  • Bachelor's Degree in Forestry or Forest Management or related field (must attach transcript)
  • Associate Degree in Forestry or Forest Management or related field (must attach transcript) and 1 year forestry work experience to include any combination of the following: timber sale preparation, timber sale administration or forest inventory
  • None of the above

02
In response to the question above, tell me which educational institution(s) and/or employer(s) listed on your application I can refer to verify this education and/or work experience. If none, state N/A.
03
As a minimum qualification, do you have 1 year of education (must attach transcript) and/or work experience with geographic information system (GIS) ? (Work experience is the equivalent of full time, paid experience.)
  • Yes
  • No

04
If you answered Yes to the question above, tell me which educational institution(s) and/or employer(s) listed on your application I can refer to verify this education and/or work experience. If No, state N/A.
05
As a minimum qualification, do you have 1 year of education (must attach transcript) and/or work experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) ? (Work experience is the equivalent of full time, paid experience.)
  • Yes
  • No

06
If you answered Yes to the question above, tell me which educational institution(s) and/or employer(s) listed on your application I can refer to verify this education and/or work experience. If No, state N/A.
07
As a minimum qualification, do you have a valid driver's license and reliable means of transportation?
  • Yes
  • No

08
As a preference qualification, how many months additional work experience, beyond the minimum qualifications listed above, do you have? Work experience to include any combination of the following: timber sale preparation, timber sale administration, forest inventory. (Work experience is the equivalent of full time, paid experience.)
  • None
  • Less than 12 months
  • 12 months - less than 18 months
  • 18 months - less than 24 months
  • 24 months +

09
In response to the question above, tell me which employer(s) listed on your application I can refer to verify this work experience. If none, state N/A.
10
As a preference qualification, how many months of work experience, do you have in geographic information systems (GIS)? (Work experience is the equivalent of full time, paid experience.)
  • None
  • Less than 12 months
  • 12 months - less than 18 months
  • 18 months - less than 24 months
  • 24+ months

11
In response to the question above, tell me which employer(s) listed on your application I can refer to verify this work experience. If none, state N/A.
12
As a preference qualification, are you a graduate with a bachelor's or higher degree in forestry, forest management or a forestry-related field?
  • Yes
  • No

13
In response to the question above, tell me which educational institution(s) and/or employer(s) listed on your application I can refer to verify this education and/or work experience. If none, state N/A.
14
As a preference qualification, have you graduated from a Society of American Forester's (SAF) accredited forestry degree program?
  • Yes
  • No

15
My responses to the above Supplemental Questions are clearly documented in my application submitted for this job posting. (If I failed to document or misrepresented relevant education or paid work experience, this may result in the removal of my application from further consideration.)
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question