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Forester Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Lead Forest Ecologist

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$141/hr

Serve as forester or forest ecologist on multiple projects in multiple states, including three ongoing projects in Oregon * Identify potential new clients and project opportunities nationally with ...

WSP

Lead Forest Ecologist

Portland, OR · On-site

$141/hr

Serve as forester or forest ecologist on multiple projects in multiple states, including three ongoing projects in Oregon * Identify potential new clients and project opportunities nationally with ...

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All JobsForester JobsForester Jobs in Portland, OR

Forester information

See Portland, OR salary details

$38.2K

$70.2K

$105.5K

How much do forester jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for forester in Portland, OR is $70,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $88,000.00 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.
More about Forester jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Forester jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Forester jobs in Portland, OR are:

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For Forester jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forester jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Forester jobs in Portland, OR are:

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Cities near Portland, OR with the most Forester job openings:

Forester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forester job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,222 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Consulting Utility Forester - ISA Arborist

ArborMetrics Solutions, LLC

Portland, OR

$27 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

We are currently looking to add a Consulting Utility Forester - ISA Arborist to our team! If you are an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, values the freedom of working independently, enjoys a fast-paced environment and the challenges of a rewarding profession, consider a career in vegetation management with ArborMetrics.

Some of the most important characteristics of an AMS Consulting Utility Forester are a desire to learn, an ability to adapt, and a commitment to engage in safe, constructive interactions with the public. You are accountable for advancing a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality and value to our customers and clients. 

WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Industry competitive pay.
  • Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes. 
  • Day 1 of Employment: Medical/Dental/Vision/VOYA/Paid Holidays/EAP (Full-Time Employees). 
  • After 3 months: 401K, Life Insurance, Vacation Accrual, Short and Long-term Disability, Paid Maternity Leave. 
  • Paid Sick Time. 
  • Weekly Pay Cycle.
  • Participation in Performance Incentive and Referral Bonus Program. 
  • Company sponsored Boot and clothing program (Full-Time Employees). 
  • Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Pre-Patrol Preparation

  • Review work sites for endangered species, sensitive habitats, and vegetation.
  • Organize records, maps, and paperwork for patrol circuits; maintain accurate documentation.

Field Patrol Duties

  • Safely patrol energy corridors on foot, identifying vegetation for pruning, removal, or protection per Client standards.
  • Conduct Tree Risk Assessments based on ISA pruning techniques and ANSI line clearance standards & principles.
  • Mark vegetation and prescribe clearance actions in line with Client directives.

Landowner & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Use digital tools and maps to identify property boundaries and landowner rights.
  • Communicate work plans to property owners, agencies, and organizations.
  • Obtain permissions for vegetation work from private/public landowners and agencies.
  • Provide professional customer service and foster positive community relations.

Vegetation Management & Compliance

  • Recommend sustainable vegetation management strategies using IVM principles.
  • Audit contractor work for compliance with Client specifications.
  • Investigate tree-related outages and document findings.
  • Address customer service and internal compliance issues.

Coordination & Safety

  • Coordinate non-routine work with stakeholders and contractors.
  • Report safety concerns, incidents, and hazards immediately.
  • Follow all safety protocols, including AMS Code of Safe Practices and wildfire prevention plans.
  • Operate vehicles safely and travel to assigned work areas.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Participate in storm and emergency response as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE:

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or related discipline or equivalent work experience (education may be required dependent on client contract)
  • ISA Arborist Certification
  • Experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or tree-related green industry preferred. Utility line clearance or tree trimming experience
  • Knowledge or practical experience in tree identification
  • Knowledge of common computer applications and ability to learn new programs
  • Valid driver’s license and safe driving record
  • Experience with GIS software/technology as well as Microsoft Suite and an iPhone.
  • Must be able to work alone, outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
  • Must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong problem solving and multi-tasking abilities and show attention to detail.

     WHAT WOULD BE AMAZING TO HAVE:

    • Being Bi-Lingual (Spanish) is a plus.

    Working Environment

    Work with a team and alone; primarily in an outdoor field environment and/or low light conditions; foot patrol of energy corridors in the vicinity of power lines and/or pipelines; remote locations as well as urban, city environment; physical demands and travel from site to site, including: walking/hiking on various surfaces including flat, dry, wet, slippery, rocky, sandy, uneven, rough, unstable, steep terrain, hills and slopes, dense vegetation; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, and all types of weather extremes including snow, ice, fog, humidity, and low and high temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions, domestic and wild animals, insects, and poisonous plants. Other working conditions may include: in a vehicle or limited time in an indoor office.

    Physical

    The employee must have sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk up to 10 miles per day, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand, arm and shoulder movement in the performance of daily duties (e.g., forcefully beat down brush); carry, push and/or pull light to heavy amounts of weight, frequently lift up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 60 lbs. (sandbags); to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information with public; ability to see and hear in normal range with or without correction; operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, fyrake, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.

    Company Overview

    ArborMetrics (AMS) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Successful professionals at AMS have come from a variety of backgrounds, including forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, biology, landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery management, environmental sciences, geology, agriculture, parks & recreation management, urban forestry, geography, and more. 

    Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and a criminal background check.

    All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.

    AMS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. EOE/AA : Minority/Female/ Vets/ Disabled.