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Forestry Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MNL

Construction Equipment Operator

Otsego, MN · On-site

$30/hr

... and forestry work. We operate across Minnesota and the Midwest, turning technical plans into ... The Opportunity We are looking for an experienced Equipment Operator to join our growing ...

State of Indiana

Equipment Operator

Henryville, IN · On-site

$39K/yr

Clark State Forest was used as an experimental forest for many years. More than 150 experimental ... This position reports to Clark State Forest and serves as the heavy equipment operator for six ...

State of Indiana

Equipment Operator

Henryville, IN

$39K/yr

Clark State Forest was used as an experimental forest for many years. More than 150 experimental ... This position reports to Clark State Forest and serves as the heavy equipment operator for six ...

Burford's Construction

Equipment Operator

East Palatka, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential Functions:

Pike Corporation

Equipment Operator

Jasper, FL · On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential Functions:

Pike Corporation

Equipment Operator

Jasper, FL

$16.75 - $23/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential Functions:

Pike Corporation

Equipment Operator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential Functions:

MSCCN

Equipment Operator (Oncor) - Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential Functions:

Pike Corporation

Equipment Operator

Fort Pierce, FL · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential Functions:

Burford's Construction

Equipment Operator

Fort Pierce, FL · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential Functions:

Pike Corporation

Equipment Operator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential Functions:

Burford's Construction

Equipment Operator

Fort Pierce, FL

$17 - $23.50/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential Functions:

Burford's Construction

Equipment Operator

Jasper, FL

$16.75 - $23/hr

As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential Functions:

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsForestry Equipment Operator Jobs

Forestry Equipment Operator information

See salary details

$29K

$41.5K

$53.5K

How much do forestry equipment operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry equipment operator in the United States is $41,544.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges does a forestry equipment operator face on the job?

Forestry Equipment Operators often work in rugged, remote environments where weather and terrain can make machinery operation challenging. Navigating uneven or slippery ground, maintaining equipment in the field, and adhering to strict safety protocols require adaptability and vigilance. Operators must also coordinate closely with other crew members to ensure the safe and efficient removal of timber. Staying focused in physically demanding conditions and responding quickly to unexpected obstacles are essential for maintaining productivity and minimizing risks in this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forestry equipment operator?

To thrive as a Forestry Equipment Operator, you need proficiency in operating heavy machinery such as harvesters, skidders, and loaders, along with a high school diploma or equivalent. Occupational safety certifications, knowledge of forestry-specific equipment, and sometimes a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible timber harvesting operations and seamless coordination with logging crews.

What is a forestry equipment operator?

A Forestry Equipment Operator is responsible for using and maintaining machinery to harvest, transport, and process trees in forests or logging sites. They operate equipment such as skidders, feller bunchers, loaders, and harvesters to cut down trees safely and efficiently. Their job also includes inspecting and maintaining equipment, following safety regulations, and ensuring minimal environmental impact. Operators typically work outdoors in various weather conditions and must have strong mechanical skills.

What careers are there in forestry equipment operation?

Careers in forestry equipment operation include roles such as logging equipment operators, forest machinery operators, and tree harvesters. These jobs typically require knowledge of operating heavy machinery like skidders, feller bunchers, and harvesters, often with certification or training in equipment safety and operation. They are usually performed in forested environments and may involve working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
More about Forestry Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Forestry Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Forestry Equipment Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forestry Equipment Operator jobs? The most popular types of Forestry Equipment Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Forestry Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Forestry Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forestry Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forestry Equipment Operator jobs are:
Forestry Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forestry Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,544 per year, or $20 per hour.

Construction Equipment Operator

MNL

Otsego, MN • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Do you take pride in skilled equipment operation and enjoy seeing a job site transformed by your work?Are you confident running dozers, skid loaders, and excavators in the field? Do you like working outdoors in a team setting where your craft contributes directly to ecological restoration? If so, this could be a great fit for you.
About Us
MNL is a full-service ecological restoration company dedicated to Healing the Earth. Our services include native seed and plant production, shoreline and wetland restoration, prescribed burns, conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise.
Our Construction division plays a hands-on role in restoring natural ecosystems through site preparation, grading, seeding, planting, erosion control, and forestry work. We operate across Minnesota and the Midwest, turning technical plans into thriving landscapes.
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced Equipment Operator to join our growing construction division based out of Otsego, MN. This role will operate a range of large and small equipment across a variety of ecological restoration projects - from shoreline builds and prairie restorations to wetland mitigation and forestry operations. You'll be a key contributor to field execution, safety, and craftsmanship.
This is a field-based role that includes regular travel to project sites, including overnight stays, especially during the busy spring-fall season. We're looking for someone who enjoys both running equipment and jumping in to help with installation tasks when needed.
What You Will Do
  • Operate a variety of large equipment, such as dozers, excavators, scrapers, off-road trucks, and forestry equipment to complete site grading, earthwork, and restoration tasks.
  • Run small and mid-sized equipment including tractors, skid loaders, ATV/UTVs, and implements for vegetation installation, soil prep, and invasive species removal.
  • Carry out ecological restoration activities such as native seeding, planting, erosion control installation, and shoreline stabilization.
  • Assist with hauling and transporting equipment to/from job sites.
  • Read and follow maps, construction drawings, and site specifications to complete tasks accurately.
  • Communicate daily project goals and updates with project leaders and field team members.
  • Perform basic equipment maintenance and safety inspections.
  • Follow MNL safety and compliance procedures across all worksites.
  • Support non-operating duties as needed during project installation or downtime.
  • Travel frequently to in-state and occasional out-of-state sites; overnight stays are required, especially during peak season.

What You Will Need To Be Successful
  • 2+ years of experience operating equipment in construction, agriculture, landscaping, or a related industry.
  • Strong ability to follow detailed instructions from project foremen and superintendents.
  • Demonstrated skill in the safe and efficient operation of equipment ranging from large earthmoving machines to compact tools and attachments.
  • Comfort reading site plans, maps, and specifications.
  • Willingness to travel regularly and work long hours in field conditions.
  • Must have, or be willing to obtain within 3 months (with company assistance):
    • Class A commercial driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsements.
  • Strong communication skills and a team mindset.
  • Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft Office products and project management software.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs., stand or sit for extended periods, and work in varying weather conditions.

The pay range for this role is:
30 - 33.75 USD per hour (Otsego Headquarters)

Apply