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Forester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rayonier

Harvesting Forester

Conway, AR

Rayonier is seeking a Harvesting Forester to support the execution and financial optimization of our harvesting operations in the Conway, Arkansas region. Designed for an established forestry ...

Green Diamond Resource Company

Forester I

Korbel, CA

$23 - $30.20/hr

You have a 2- or 4-year degree in Forestry or a degree in another Natural Resource related field. You have worked internships and summer seasonal jobs gaining experience in forest management ...

Itasca County

Forester

Grand Rapids, MN

$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 ...

Rayonier, Inc.

Harvesting Forester

Conway, AR · On-site

Rayonier is seeking a Harvesting Forester to support the execution and financial optimization of our harvesting operations in the Conway, Arkansas region. Designed for an established forestry ...

City of Burbank, CA

URBAN FORESTER

Burbank, CA · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

Forestry Opening Date: 05/22/2026 Closing Date: Continuous OPEN COMPETITIVE RECRUITMENT Open to all qualified candidates. Tentative examination dates for this recruitment: TBD - Performance exam TBD ...

Colorado State University

Forester - Open Pool

La Veta, CO · Hybrid

$50K - $55K/yr

The Forester is a professional, office and field-based role within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) that works across multiple CSFS program areas to deliver science-based forestry, wildfire ...

Colorado State University

Forester - Open Pool

Rifle, CO · Hybrid

$50K - $55K/yr

The Forester is a professional, office and field-based role within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) that works across multiple CSFS program areas to deliver science-based forestry, wildfire ...

Colorado State University

Forester - Open Pool

Salida, CO · Hybrid

$50K - $55K/yr

The Forester is a professional, office and field-based role within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) that works across multiple CSFS program areas to deliver science-based forestry, wildfire ...

Colorado State University

Forester - Open Pool

Forest, VA · Hybrid

$50K - $55K/yr

The Forester is a professional, office and field-based role within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) that works across multiple CSFS program areas to deliver science-based forestry, wildfire ...

Colorado State University

Forester - Open Pool

Durango, CO · Hybrid

$50K - $55K/yr

The Forester is a professional, office and field-based role within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) that works across multiple CSFS program areas to deliver science-based forestry, wildfire ...

Colorado State University

Forester - Open Pool

Alamosa, CO · Hybrid

$50K - $55K/yr

The Forester is a professional, office and field-based role within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) that works across multiple CSFS program areas to deliver science-based forestry, wildfire ...

Colorado State University

$50K - $55K/yr

The Forester is a professional, office and field-based role within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) that works across multiple CSFS program areas to deliver science-based forestry, wildfire ...

City of Burbank

URBAN FORESTER

Burbank, CA

$89K - $117K/yr

Under direction, to manage the City's urban forestry program through monitoring performance, production, and quality of work; serve as a liaison between the City and community regarding urban ...

Colorado State University

Forester - Open Pool

Golden, CO · Hybrid

$50K - $55K/yr

The Forester is a professional, office and field-based role within the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) that works across multiple CSFS program areas to deliver science-based forestry, wildfire ...

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Forester information

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$36K

$66.2K

$99.5K

How much do forester jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for forester in the United States is $66,216.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 skills in ecology, forestry techniques, and often operate tools like GPS devices and chainsaws while working outdoors in various weather conditions.

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 sustainable logging, reforestation, and land management practices. They use tools like GPS and GIS, conduct field surveys, and often hold certifications such as the Certified Forester credential. The work typically involves outdoor activity and adherence to environmental regulations.

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 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.

How much do foresters make an hour?

Foresters typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced foresters or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. The job often involves outdoor work and knowledge of forestry management tools and techniques.
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Forester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forester job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,216 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Harvesting Forester

Harvesting Forester

Rayonier

Conway, AR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 hours ago

Job description

Company Overview:

Come grow with us!We areOneRayonier, a team that works together to create value by prioritizing safety, challenging the status quo, giving back to our communities, and driving innovation through continuous learning.With nearly 100 years of experience, we're still discovering new ways to make lives better with our trees, our land, and - our most important resource - ourpeople.

At Rayonier, we strive to create an employee experience where you feel valued and proud to be part of our team. We foster a respectful, inclusive and collaborative environment that celebrates your unique talents and perspectives.Experience the Rayonier difference: We're big enough to offer exciting career paths, but small enough for you to know your colleagues by name.Come join a team that empowers you to make a difference!

Rayonier is seeking a Harvesting Forester to support the execution and financial optimization of our harvesting operations in the Conway, Arkansas region. Designed for an established forestry professional with progressive experience in land management, this role requires a strong track record in harvesting and forest operations administration. You will collaborate closely with the district forestry team to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable timber production.

Reporting directly to the District Manager, you will provide the operational expertise needed to implement tactical harvest plans, manage harvesting budgets and forecasts, and lead field-level contract administration. Accountable for maintaining compliance with environmental, legal, and company standards, you will oversee contractor relationships while identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Through regular field inspections, you will ensure proper timber harvesting, sorting, merchandising, and delivery practices, verify compliance with delivered wood and stumpage sale agreements, and support the maximization of timber value and revenue.

How You Will Contribute

Strategic Harvest Planning & Execution: Analyze long-term, strategic harvest plans for operability, volume, and accessibility. Assist in prioritizing harvest units, developing annual harvest budgets, and implementing site-specific harvesting prescriptions designed to maximize financial returns.

Operational Excellence & Value Maximization: Strive to achieve operational excellence through process optimization, continuous improvement, and enhanced productivity by incorporating the latest decision tools. You will ensure effective resource allocation across personnel, equipment, and budgets to reduce costs while maximizing productivity and district revenue. Additionally, you will leverage advanced technology and innovative approaches to continuously optimize field operations.

Contractor Management & Relations: Oversee the contract process to ensure strict compliance with all legal and company standards while managing regular communication and building strong relationships with contractors. You will assess contractor capabilities to identify areas for training and development, while proactively identifying and mitigating contractor capacity risks. Additionally, you will identify operational cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or productivity.

Financial Management: Monitor operational costs against monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets and forecasts; prepare comprehensive variance reports for leadership.

Stewardship & Stakeholder Collaboration: Maintain excellent working relationships with adjacent landowners, contractors, regulatory agencies, and public agencies.

Safety & Sustainability: Embrace and promote Rayonier's safety culture by maintaining a safe work environment for all company personnel, contractors, and field stakeholders. Additionally, ensure that all operational strategies and actions are fully aligned with and actively support the company's sustainability commitments, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship goals.

What You Bring to the Team

Required Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource field (or equivalent experience in forestry operations). A graduate degree in Forestry or Business is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in land management, with a track record in harvesting and forest operations administration.

Operational Expertise: Strong understanding of market driven log and pulpwood demand, sustainable forestry practices, safety procedures and environmental compliance.

Technical and Business Acumen: Experience navigating financial analysis, budgeting, and cost control systems. Proficient in leveraging technology, including GIS applications and forest inventory tools, to drive field efficiency.

Relationship Management: Proven ability to maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

If you thrive at the intersection of operational excellence, collaboration, and contractor management and want to drive sustainable timber production, we want to hear from you.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

This role is physically active, requiring regular movement throughout the day with varied tasks split between an office setting and outdoor environments. Office work involves utilizing computers and standard office equipment, alongside regular travel to field locations or industry events. Outdoor responsibilities require extensive walking, hiking, and traversing diverse landscapes-such as uneven ground, slopes, wetlands, and dense vegetation-while maintaining stability, climbing over obstacles, and occasionally working in precarious positions. Candidates must be able to spend extended periods standing, bending, lifting, and working outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, wind, and precipitation.

What We Offer

  • We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, accident, disability, identity theft protection, and paid parental and caregiver leave. We also offer a health savings account, a dependent care spending account, and an employee assistance plan. We provide wellness reimbursements, employee discount programs, annual health screenings, wellness incentives, wellness seminars, and financial counseling and planning tools.
  • Our 401(k) retirement savings plan includes company matching contributions (60% match on the first 6% of base and bonus deferrals) as well as a 3% enhanced retirement contribution that does not require an employee contribution.
  • We recognize the importance of work-life integration and offer flexible work schedules and hybrid work from home options (for most positions), along with a minimum of three weeks paid vacation, five paid personal days, 11 paid holidays and paid sick leave each year.
  • We provide a comprehensive employee development program which provides career planning tools and resources, mentoring program, leadership development, training programs and an 80% tuition reimbursement.

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