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Forestry Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Forester

Bellemont, AZ · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Director of Forest Operations FLSA Status: Exempt Position Overview: The Senior Forester plays a ... Leadership & Team Management * Supervise and support the Forestry Team, including Compliance and ...

Lead Forester

Castle Rock, WA · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

This is a working leadership role with an estimate of 25% of the time being dedicated to management of the four person forestry team and 75% performing operational duties. The role is responsible for ...

Be Seen First

This position involves a variety of forestry-related duties, including reforestation activities, prescribed burning operations, and general land management tasks. This position requires working ...

Lead Forester

Castle Rock, WA · On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

This is a working leadership role with an estimate of 25% of the time being dedicated to management of the four person forestry team and 75% performing operational duties. The role is responsible for ...

Forestry Manager

Portland, OR

$54K - $60K/yr

Manage financial performance and oversee regional operations, including staffing, onboarding ... Degree in Forestry or related field * Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in management or ...

Forestry Manager

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$46K - $51K/yr

Manage financial performance and oversee regional operations, including staffing, onboarding ... Degree in Forestry or related field * Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in management or ...

Forestry Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Manage financial performance and oversee regional operations, including staffing, onboarding ... Degree in Forestry or related field * Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in management or ...

Forestry Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

$49K - $54K/yr

Manage financial performance and oversee regional operations, including staffing, onboarding ... Degree in Forestry or related field * Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in management or ...

Forestry Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Manage financial performance and oversee regional operations, including staffing, onboarding ... Degree in Forestry or related field * Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in management or ...

Forestry Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$59K - $65K/yr

Manage financial performance and oversee regional operations, including staffing, onboarding ... Degree in Forestry or related field * Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in management or ...

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Forestry Operations Manager information

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$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do forestry operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 does an operations forester do?

An operations forester manages forest activities such as timber harvesting, reforestation, and forest health monitoring. They plan and oversee field operations, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and use tools like GPS and GIS for mapping and planning. Strong knowledge of forestry practices and certifications like SAF are often required.

What is the highest salary in forestry?

The highest salaries for Forestry Operations Managers can exceed $100,000 annually, especially in large organizations or regions with high demand for forest management expertise. Senior managers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as SAF (Society of American Foresters) often earn the top compensation in the field.

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 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 is the highest paid job in forestry?

The highest paid jobs in forestry are typically executive roles such as Forest Operations Directors or Chief Foresters, who oversee large-scale forest management and strategic planning. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the size of the organization and location.

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 highest paying job in the forest service?

The highest paying positions in the forest service are typically senior leadership roles such as Forest Supervisor or Regional Forester, which require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and often specialized certifications. These roles oversee large areas and budgets, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. Higher salaries may also be available for specialized roles like Forest Service Chief or other executive-level positions.
More about Forestry Operations Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Forestry Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Forestry Operations Manager job openings:
What states have the most Forestry Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Forestry Operations Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forestry Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.
Forest Operations / Lean-tos, Cabins & Trails Crews

Forest Operations / Lean-tos, Cabins & Trails Crews

Paul Smith's College

Paul Smiths, NY • On-site

$18/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Paul Smith's College rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

397th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

THIS POSITION IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENTS AT PAUL SMITH'S COLLEGE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE TIMBER HARVESTING CLASS.

Position: Forest Operations / Lean-tos, Cabins & Trails Crews

Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Staff

Department: Forestry

Reports to: Forest Operations

Compensation:

  • Beginning crew members- $16.00 per hour
  • Seasoned crew members- $16.50 per hour
  • Crew Boss- $18.00 per hour

Overall Position Description:

Paul Smiths College owns and manages 12,000 acres of forest lands. These lands are managed for timber/maple syrup production and recreation. Paul Smiths College is instrumental in the management and direction of the Visitors Interpretive Center (VIC). Paul Smiths College is also dedicated to providing extensive practical hands-on experiences for its students. It is with this focus, PSC is creating a joint entity which will incorporate aspects of timber harvesting, trail construction and maintenance, lean-tos and cabins construction and repair, as well as other duties as set forth by our missions as stated below. PSC welcomes those who wish to be involved in these specialized operations to apply. Please read through all the duties, requirements, and qualifications.

Description - Forest Operations:

This position will engage in all aspects of forest operations at Paul Smiths College including, but not limited to, cutting, skidding, limbing, bucking, and selling round-wood forest products, assisting the Timber Harvesting class with felling, limbing, skidding, and production of sellable timber products, marking timber for commercial contract sale, and working in the Paul Smiths College Sugar Bush.

Description - Lean-tos, Cabins, & Trails (LTC&T): - Lean-tos, Cabins & Trails (LtC&T):

Paul Smiths College Forestry Departments Lean-tos, Cabins & Trails (LtC&T) crew is a fully functioning entity focused on creating, re-designing, and upgrading trails as well as repair and construction of existing lean-tos and cabins on PSC lands. Our mission is to extend our classroom and field instruction with real world applications thereof. This approach will set the standard for exceptional work moving forward regarding how PSC lands shall be developed, and also serve as a springboard for students wishing to continue in this profession and related fields. Accessibility in the form of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance will also be incorporated on a case-by-case basis. Students will also have the ability to continue in their positions during the academic semesters as the workload allows and will remain in good standing in academic studies. Advancement opportunities are also available.

Duties and Responsibilities (LtC&T):

Successful crew members will be instrumental in creating safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing end products. They will also be responsible for aiding in design and development of projects, including estimating time & material costs needed as well as proper tool use and maintenance. Focus should also include the impacts to the natural environment, ecosystems, and visitor experience. Understanding and applying aspects of sustainability and accessibility shall always be in the forefront.

  • Parks & Conservation students are encouraged to apply as well as those in the Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation Management, and Sustainability disciplines.
  • Prior landscaping and/or construction experience, or the willingness and desire to grasp and excel in hands-on woods work.
  • Currently possess or have the ability to acquire basic Red Cross First Aid.
  • Experience using numerous landscaping and construction hand tools. (Chainsaw experience is not necessarily required; however, students who operate chainsaws must have Game of Logging levels I & II certifications)
  • Understand and appreciate hazards and safety protocol involved in working in a natural environment.
  • Capacity to lift, carry, and maneuver 50lbs, and perform other strenuous activities.
  • Ability to work in inclement weather and on uneven terrain.
  • Capacity to perform duties independently, proactively, and accept direction from crew boss and/or crew supervisor.
  • Proof of health insurance

Duties & Responsibilities (Forest Ops):

  • Assist on-site Timber Harvesting class or similar harvesting operations.
  • Assist with felling, skidding, limbing, landing, and other forest activities associated with the instruction and performance of forest operations on the lands of Paul Smiths College.
  • Perform mechanical brush control as needed.
  • Perform landing maintenance and cleanup as necessary, including plowing.
  • Maintain harvesting equipment and perform mechanical equipment repairs when needed.
  • Perform timber marking.
  • Perform GIS/GPS work.
  • Participate in Sugar Bush production work as needed.

Requirements (Forest Ops):

  • Must be currently enrolled in the Paul Smiths College Forestry program.
  • Must have successfully completed the Timber Harvesting class.
  • May not work over 20 hours per week between all Paul Smiths College jobs when classes are in session.
  • At minimum, a team will consist of at least three crew members when felling and limbing timber. Will work in teams of two while performing tasks on the landing, and when maintaining equipment.
  • Ability to maintain and use tools and operate machines and equipment.
  • Ability to perform physical labor as needed for work and equipment maintenance.
  • Ability to successfully balance forestry work and academic workload.
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Valid Drivers License and a motor vehicle record that meets the Colleges standard of approved driver.

Paul Smiths College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V


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