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Forestry Apprentice Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Town of Vail

Fleet Mechanic, Journey Level

Vail, CO

$36 - $40/hr

Completion of a mechanic apprentice program with a minimum of 4 years on-the-job training and 576 ... River National Forest, offering world class outdoor activities in summer and winter (skiing ...

Town of Vail

Fleet Mechanic, Journey Level

Vail, CO · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

Completion of a mechanic apprentice program with a minimum of 4 years on-the-job training and 576 ... River National Forest, offering world class outdoor activities in summer and winter (skiing ...

Town of Vail

Fleet Mechanic, Journey Level

Vail, CO

$36 - $40/hr

Completion of a mechanic apprentice program with a minimum of 4 years on-the-job training and 576 ... River National Forest, offering world class outdoor activities in summer and winter (skiing ...

All JobsForestry Apprentice JobsForestry Apprentice Jobs in Colorado

Forestry Apprentice information

See Colorado salary details

$14

$21

$31

How much do forestry apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for forestry apprentice in Colorado is $21.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $22.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a forestry technician with no experience?

To become a forestry technician with no experience, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should pursue relevant post-secondary education such as a certificate or associate degree in forestry, environmental science, or natural resources. Gaining practical skills through volunteer work, internships, or entry-level positions can also help build experience, and obtaining certifications like first aid or safety training can improve employability.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

Forestry apprenticeships are open to individuals of various ages, including those in their late 20s. Age is generally not a barrier, and employers often value diverse experiences and maturity; the focus is on skills, interest in forestry, and willingness to learn. Physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors are important considerations for forestry apprenticeships.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Forestry Apprentice and how do these contribute to long-term career development?

As a Forestry Apprentice, your daily tasks often involve assisting with tree planting, habitat management, and equipment maintenance, as well as learning to identify tree species and monitor forest health. You'll work closely with experienced foresters and participate in both fieldwork and classroom-based training, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable forestry practices. These responsibilities not only build technical skills but also foster teamwork and problem-solving abilities, laying a strong foundation for advancement to roles such as Forest Technician or Forest Manager. Regular feedback and mentoring are common, supporting your professional growth throughout the apprenticeship.

What is the highest paying apprenticeship?

Forestry apprenticeships typically offer competitive wages that increase with experience and certifications such as chainsaw operation or environmental management. While pay varies by region and employer, specialized apprenticeships in forestry, especially those involving advanced skills or certifications, tend to be among the highest paying in the trades sector.

How to start a career in forestry?

To start a career as a forestry apprentice, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, and gain knowledge of environmental science, biology, or forestry through coursework or training. Many positions require on-the-job training or apprenticeships, and obtaining relevant certifications such as chainsaw safety or pesticide application can improve job prospects. Gaining experience through volunteering or seasonal work in forestry or conservation projects also helps build skills and connections in the field.

What are Forestry Apprentices?

Forestry Apprentices are individuals who are learning the skills and knowledge required to work in forestry through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. They assist experienced foresters and technicians in tasks such as tree planting, forest maintenance, pest management, and conservation activities. The apprenticeship provides hands-on experience in managing and protecting forests while also teaching about sustainable practices and forest ecology. It's a foundational role for those interested in a career in forestry or natural resource management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forestry Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forestry Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of forestry practices, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a keen interest in environmental conservation. Familiarity with equipment such as chainsaws, GPS mapping tools, and safety certifications like first aid are often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure apprentices can safely and effectively support sustainable forestry operations while developing their expertise in the field.

What is the difference between Forestry Apprentice vs Forest Technician?

AspectForestry ApprenticeForest Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some programs may require basic certificationsAssociate degree in forestry or related field; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, conservation areas, and logging sitesFieldwork and office tasks in forest management and conservation projects
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level training programs, forestry companies, government agenciesForestry agencies, environmental organizations, logging companies

The Forestry Apprentice typically starts with basic training and on-the-job learning, focusing on gaining practical skills under supervision. In contrast, a Forest Technician usually has completed formal education and performs more technical tasks in forest management, data collection, and project implementation. Both roles are essential in forestry, but the Apprentice role is more about learning and skill development, while the Technician role involves more independent technical work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forestry jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Forestry jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Forestry Apprentice jobs in Colorado? For Forestry Apprentice jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forestry Apprentice jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Forestry Apprentice jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Forestry Apprentice jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Forestry Apprentice job openings:
Forestry Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forestry Apprentice job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,112 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Fleet Mechanic, Journey Level

Fleet Mechanic, Journey Level

Town of Vail

Vail, CO

$36 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

The Town of Vail is Hiring a Journey Mechanic

Employee Housing Available 

Up to $3,000 Sign On Bonus*

Relocation Assistance May Be Available

Expected Hiring Range: $36.00/hr - $40.00/hr

The Town of Vail is seeking a service oriented Journey-level Mechanic to perform preventative maintenance and repairs on all vehicles and equipment owned by the Town with emphasis on Fire trucks, Police cars, Plow trucks, and Transit buses. Mechanics monitor the two-way radio and respond to road calls and perform field repairs as necessary. Additionally mechanics are responsible for evaluating work requisitions, determining if vehicle/equipment is safe to operate and prioritize work requests.  This is a fast paced work environment that offers highly motivated individuals the opportunities to grow and develop their career as a mechanic.  The Town of Vail offers great training and truly believes in investing in our employees through training.  Do you enjoy the mountain lifestyle?  The fleet maintenance "shop" is located 1 mile from Vail Village / Vail Mountain and has incredible views of Gore Range (we promise it never gets old). 

Looking for a four-day work week? Apply today!

*Sign on bonus depends on qualifications. Journey Mechanic - $2,500, Master Mechanic - $3,000

Skills / Requirements

Vail is a guest service oriented and resort destination community. We realize that to set the standard for world-class alpine resorts, our employees make all the difference! That is why we are looking for passionate individuals who strive for excellence in all that they do. Qualified applicants must be self-motivated and have the ability to work individually without direct supervision to accomplish multiple tasks.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge and ability to inspect and determine the safety status of Fire trucks, Police cars, Plow trucks, Buses, and any other Town owned vehicle or piece of equipment.
  • Knowledge and ability to perform preventative maintenance and to diagnose and repair failures on all Town vehicles/equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret schematics and service manuals, utilizing books, computers, computer scan software, and the internet.
  • Mechanical aptitude, ability to problem solve failures on vehicles/equipment and to determine proper repair procedures.
  • Must have adequate set of hand tools in a roll-around toolbox.
  • Ability to operate customized Fleet maintenance computer software.
  • Ability to utilize a computer and computerized scan tools in a proficient manner.

Education, Experience and Certificates* 

  • Completion of a mechanic apprentice program with a minimum of 4 years on-the-job training and 576 classroom training or combined experience and training equivalent to a mechanic apprentice program.
  • Must be ASE certified and DOT certified and maintain certifications in heavy-duty brakes, or ability to obtain ASE certification and DOT certification in heavy-duty brakes within 1 year.
  • Must be certified and maintain certification as a DOT Annual Vehicle Inspector, or ability  to obtain DOT certification as an Annual Vehicle Inspector within 1 year.
  • Must have a Colorado driver's license, a Colorado class B CDL with a P2 endorsement is required within one year of employment.

 *required to have all prior to applying. 

Culture / Lifestyle / Benefits

Are you interested in living and working in Vail, CO?  Vail, which is centrally located in the Rocky Mountains, offers easy access to Denver (100 miles to the east) and is surrounded by the White River National Forest, offering world class outdoor activities in summer and winter (skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, white water).

When asked, most of our employees say that working for the Town of Vail feels like family.  Our values-based culture is nurtured by the employees' strong desire to foster teamwork, take ownership in Vail's future and an overall pride for serving their community.  Let's not forget that our efforts not only benefit the community but also allow us to enjoy the spectacular amenities and culture in the Vail Valley which we call home! To find out more about our community, please visit our website www.vailgov.com and click on Vail Information.

The Town of Vail offers an excellent benefits and compensation package to our Full-time employees. This includes health and dental coverage, town-funded retirement, 457 pre-tax savings plan, life/survivor insurance, tennis pass, golf pass and other wellness benefits.

What's more, the town offers many other benefits to help employees make Vail their "home" including employee housing options, home buyer/renter assistance programs, day care assistance, professional development opportunities and much, much more.  We also have on-site parking for all of our mechanics.

We Believe Diversity Makes Us Stronger!

The Town of Vail is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply