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Forestry Operations Manager Jobs in Payson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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Payson, AZ ยท On-site

$21.14 - $29.49/hr

Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry or related natural resource program. * 2+ years experience developing forest planning documents and managing forestry operations. Pre-Employment Requirements:

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Forestry Operations Manager information

See Payson, AZ salary details

$28.6K

$58.6K

$109.4K

How much do forestry operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry operations manager in Payson, AZ is $58,599.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,900.00 and $71,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forestry operations manager do?

A Forestry Operations Manager oversees and coordinates the activities involved in managing forests and forest resources. Their responsibilities include planning and supervising logging operations, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, managing budgets, and coordinating with contractors and government agencies. They also focus on sustainable forestry practices, resource conservation, and the safety of workers. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, as well as knowledge of forestry regulations and best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forestry operations manager?

To thrive as a Forestry Operations Manager, you need expertise in forest management, resource planning, and regulatory compliance, typically backed by a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, forest inventory tools, and relevant certifications like SAF Certified Forester are commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively manage teams and coordinate with stakeholders. These skills ensure sustainable forest operations, legal compliance, and the achievement of organizational goals.

What are common challenges faced by forestry operations managers and how can they be addressed?

Forestry Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing sustainable harvesting practices with production targets, ensuring worker safety in remote or hazardous environments, and adapting to regulatory changes. Effective communication with team members and stakeholders, ongoing training, and staying informed about best practices in sustainable forestry are essential to overcoming these challenges. Additionally, leveraging technology for planning and monitoring operations can help streamline processes and maintain compliance.

What is the difference between Forestry Operations Manager vs Forest Technician?

AspectForestry Operations ManagerForest Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in forestry or related field; often requires experience in managementAssociate's degree or technical certification in forestry or environmental science
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and coordinates operations in forest sitesWorks in the field assisting with data collection, planting, and site assessments
Industry UsageUsed in forestry companies, government agencies, and environmental organizations for managerial roles

The Forestry Operations Manager focuses on overseeing forest projects, managing teams, and strategic planning, while the Forest Technician supports fieldwork, data collection, and site assessments. Both roles are essential in forestry operations but differ in responsibilities and required experience.

What cities near Payson, AZ are hiring for Forestry Operations Manager jobs?

Cities near Payson, AZ with the most Forestry Operations Manager job openings:

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Payson, AZ โ€ข On-site

Arizona State Hospital
Hospitalsย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$21.14 - $29.49/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT In partnership with local, county, state, and federal agencies, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) protects Arizona's people by: providing coordination and resource response for the suppression and management of wildland fire; delivering education to aid in wildland fire prevention; providing integrated management strategies, technical assistance and information through various Department programs; collaborating in forest restoration projects; and ensuring fire and life safety through permitting, plan reviews and building inspections.
Forester
Job Location:
Address: 1100 N Beeline Highway Payson, AZ 85541 or 1110 W Washington, Ste 500 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Posting Details:
Salary: $21.1449-29.4960 Grade: 21 Closing Date: August 30, 2026
Job Summary:
This position works on a team and manages the planning and implementation of forestry projects on private, state, and federal land in the assigned District. Projects include, but are not limited to, hazardous fuel reduction, forest health improvement, and watershed restoration.
Job Duties:
  • Identify projects and develop planning documents for forest and other natural resource management concerns.
  • Interpret planning documents and implement projects on-the-ground for forest and other natural resource management concerns.
  • Lead field staff and develop work plans for project oversight and monitoring; report outcomes and recommend management actions.
  • Coordinate with other forestry and fire management staff to ensure all stakeholder needs are met and concurrence in documented; draft project task orders and manage contractors and internal crews in the implementation of projects.
  • Provide technical assistance to landowners, internal staff, partners, and stakeholders; conduct forest resource surveys.
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
  • Forest planning, site specific prescription development, and the elements of a well-written plan.
  • Forest operations, including harvesting and methods used in the forest industry.
  • Arizona forest and fuel types and state and federal environmental compliance laws and regulations.
Skills in:
  • Computer applications such as MS Word, Excel, and ArcGIS-related products.
  • Strong interpersonal skills that facilitate effective communication and teamwork.
  • Training others in forestry related subjects, safety practices and protocols.
  • Timber marking, cruising and stand value estimation.
Ability to:
  • Interact effectively with others to convey thoughts, ideas, and information.
  • Track progress against goals and make adjustments in order to achieve results.
  • Lead with a positive and productive attitude.
  • Maintain written records, prepare documents and reports.
  • Drive on State business

Selective Preference(s):
The ideal candidate for this position will have:
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry or related natural resource program.
  • 2+ years experience developing forest planning documents and managing forestry operations.

Pre-Employment Requirements:
  • A valid Arizona Driver's License.
Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:
The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
  • Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
  • 10 paid holidays per year
  • Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
  • Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
  • Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
  • Deferred compensation plan
  • Wellness plans
  • Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:
  • Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
  • Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
  • Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
  • The current contribution rate is 11.98%

Contact Us:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 623-236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.