1

Forester Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Deputy Director

Madison, WI ยท On-site +1

$147K - $192K/yr

New Forest Service supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period. * Selectee is subject to financial disclosure ...

New

Supervisory Budget Officer

Madison, WI ยท On-site +1

$106K - $138K/yr

Serves as the Budget Officer for a major component of the Forest Service, such as a region, with delegated authority and responsibility for the total budgetary operations. * Analyzes program and ...

New

Radiology

Janesville, WI ยท On-site

$580K - $700K/yr

Nestled along the Rock River with abundant forest preserves and green space, Rockford offers a relaxed Midwestern feel filled with diverse cultural and outdoor opportunities. The incoming Diagnostic ...

Three or more years of progressively responsible utility vegetation management, forestry, construction, or related operational experience, including leadership responsibility. * Demonstrated ...

Three or more years of progressively responsible utility vegetation management, forestry, construction, or related operational experience, including leadership responsibility. * Demonstrated ...

Radiology

Janesville, WI ยท On-site

$580K - $700K/yr

Nestled along the Rock River with abundant forest preserves and green space, Rockford offers a relaxed Midwestern feel filled with diverse cultural and outdoor opportunities. The incoming Diagnostic ...

Three or more years of progressively responsible utility vegetation management, forestry, construction, or related operational experience, including leadership responsibility.Demonstrated experience ...

Plywood Plant Manager

Oregon, WI ยท On-site

$144 - $216/hr

Responsible for communicating the Company's SFI commitment and promotion of sustainable forestry practices to employees, wood producers, and suppliers. * Responsible for staffing efficiently and ...

New

Laboratory Technician

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

The Laboratory Technician will support research at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) to advance the development and application of protein-based adhesives for wood products. The role requires ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forester information

See Madison, WI salary details

$36.3K

$66.7K

$100.3K

How much do forester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for forester in Madison, WI is $66,731.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $83,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Forester jobs in Madison, WI?

For Forester jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forester jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Forester jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Forester jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Forester job openings:

Infographic showing various Forester job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,731 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

LTE Urban Forestry Technician

City of Sun Prairie, WI

Sun Prairie, WI โ€ข On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Temporary

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Salary: $17.00 - $20.00 Hourly
Location : 2598 W Main Street, Sun Prairie, WI
Job Type: Limited Term Employment
Job Number: 2026-118
Department: Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Central
The primary responsibility of this role will be to assist the Urban Forestry Department with daily tasks related to the maintenance and upkeep of all publicly managed trees withing the City of Sun Prairie. These tasks may include tree removals, pruning, watering, mulching, planting, tree staking, plant health care (PHC) practices (e.g. EAB treatments), stump grinding, and ecological restoration activities. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with various park maintenance activities such as snow removal and special event support. This is a great opportunity for somebody currently pursuing a degree or career in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, and/or Natural Resources!
Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 6:30am-3:00 PM
Wage: $17-20/hr
Essential Job Functions
  • Safely operate handsaws, pole saws, chainsaws, brush cutters, chippers, mini-loaders and all other tools and machines common to Urban Forestry practices.
  • Assist with tree removal procedures, i.e. drag and chip brush, haul wood, perform ground rigging duties, work site management and clean up.
  • Perform pruning of public trees according to industry BMP's and ANSI A300 standards via aerial lift truck and/or rope and climbing harness.
  • Assist with stump grinding and soil remediation procedures.
  • Assist with the Spring and Fall planting sessions, i.e. site analysis, planting, tree staking, GIS tree inventory data collection/updating, watering, and mulching.
  • Update work orders and tree inventory via GIS software.
  • Remove/manage invasive species within City parks and natural areas.
  • Perform PHC practices such as trunk injections and root excavations.
  • Assist with snow removal activities, as needed.
  • Assist with parks and facility maintenance activities, as needed.
  • Assist with special event support, as needed.

Requirements of Work
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid non-probationary Wisconsin driver's license.
  • Experience in identification of tree species (scientific and common name) as well as select varieties/cultivars.
  • Ability to be on feet/walking for majority of the work day, lift and carry 50 lbs., and perform work in all types of inclement weather.
  • Ability to use several types of forestry tools and equipment including DBH tapes, calipers, clinometers, and GPS software and devices.
  • Ability to work independently and without direct supervision.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in year-round weather conditions.
  • Must be able to sustain prolonged and repetitive squatting, bending and stooping while performing tasks, such as brush collection.
  • Ability to communicate with residents in a professional manner.

Other Job Functions
  • Working towards a degree in Urban Forestry or Natural Resources preferred OR a combination of education and work experiences that provide adequate knowledge to complete the required work.
  • Opportunity for internship credit(s), depending on program requirements.
  • Opportunity to cross train in ecological restoration projects, invasive species management, parks maintenance and operations, event support, and recreational programming, if interested.
  • Additional work hours may be available on select nights and weekends.
  • Occasional exposure to construction site conditions including noise levels and other hazards (PPE provided).

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
***For more information please contact Brandon Hellenbrand, City Forester, at bhellenbrand@cityofsunprairie.com***
The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do. Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 608-825-1174 or
No benefits are offered for this position.