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Forestry Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Maplewood, MN ยท On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

System Performance Optimization - Improve reliability, durability, and efficiency of mobile platforms operating in harsh construction, forestry, agricultural, and energysector environments. * CAD ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Shoreview, MN ยท On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

System Performance Optimization -- Improve reliability, durability, and efficiency of mobile platforms operating in harsh construction, forestry, agricultural, and energyโ€‘sector environments. * CAD ...

New

Manufacturing Engineer

Walker, MN ยท On-site

$95K/hr

If you thrive in a fast-paced shop floor setting and want to live where the lakes, forests, and ... standard operating procedures * Collaborate with the Quality department to integrate quality ...

Vehicle Test Driver - Forest Lake, MN

Hugo, MN ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is ... Working location will be in Forest Lake, MN (Note: These tasks are not intended to be all-inclusive.

Vehicle Test Driver - Forest Lake, MN

Hugo, MN ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is ... Working location will be in Forest Lake, MN (Note: These tasks are not intended to be all-inclusive.

Sales Associate

Forest Lake, MN ยท On-site

$14 - $19/hr

Forest Lake Ace Hardware is an independently owned and operated Co-op. General Summary The Sales Associate will assist in the receiving, stocking, pricing of all merchandise and help maintain a clean ...

Toolmaker - 2nd Shift

Forest Lake, MN ยท On-site

$27.80 - $41.71/hr

Velosity Forest Lake is searching for a Toolmaker on either 2nd or 3rd shift to support our ... C. machinist or EDM Sinker and Wire EDM programmer and operator * Plan and schedule tasks and ...

Arborist

Rochester, MN ยท On-site

$28.46 - $36.93/hr

Parks and Forestry Shop, 403 East Center Street, Rochester MN 55904, MN Job Type: Regular FT Job ... This position is part of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 49. Individuals in ...

Toolmaker - 2nd Shift

Forest Lake, MN ยท On-site

$28.50 - $42.75/hr

Velosity Forest Lake is searching for a Toolmaker on either 2nd or 3rd shift to support our ... C. machinist or EDM Sinker and Wire EDM programmer and operator * Plan and schedule tasks and ...

Cleaner

Forest Lake, MN ยท On-site

$27.97/hr

Forest Lake Work type: Part Time Categories: Cleaning & Guest Services, Other, Housekeeping Cleaner ... Operating specialised cleaning equipment * Cleaning premises and equipment * Cleaning at high ...

It offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, with numerous lakes and forests, making it an ideal ... The hospital features 5 operating room suites in the main OR and an additional OR on the obstetrics ...

Showing results 41-60

Forestry Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$28.4K

$40.7K

$52.4K

How much do forestry operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry operator in Minnesota is $40,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,800.00 and $45,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Forestry Operator vs Logging Equipment Operator?

AspectForestry OperatorLogging Equipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, equipment operation licensesHigh school diploma, safety certifications, equipment operation licenses
Work EnvironmentForests, logging sites, forest management areasLogging sites, forest roads, timber harvesting locations
Employer & IndustryForestry companies, government agencies, conservation organizationsLogging companies, timber harvesters, forestry contractors

Both Forestry Operators and Logging Equipment Operators require similar certifications and work in forested environments. However, Forestry Operators often oversee broader forest management tasks, while Logging Equipment Operators focus specifically on operating machinery for timber harvesting. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in the forestry industry.

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

To thrive as a Forestry Operator, you need a solid understanding of forestry practices, machinery operation, and safety protocols, often supported by vocational training or certification. Familiarity with equipment such as harvesters, skidders, chainsaws, and GPS or GIS systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible forest operations.

What is a forestry operator?

Forestry operators are skilled professionals who operate machinery and equipment to manage, harvest, and maintain forests. They play a critical role in the forestry industry by safely cutting down trees, transporting logs, and assisting with forest regeneration and conservation efforts. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining equipment, following safety regulations, and working to minimize environmental impacts. Forestry operators often work in diverse and sometimes challenging outdoor environments. They are essential in ensuring the sustainable management of forest resources.

What are some common challenges forestry operators face in maintaining safety on the job?

Forestry Operators often work in challenging outdoor environments with heavy machinery, steep terrain, and changing weather conditions. Ensuring safety requires constant vigilance, adherence to safety protocols, and regular maintenance of equipment. Operators must also communicate effectively with their team to manage risks, such as falling trees or equipment malfunctions, and participate in ongoing safety training to stay updated on best practices.
What are popular job titles related to Forestry Operator jobs in Minnesota? For Forestry Operator jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Forestry Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,689 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Zen Sherpa LLC

Maplewood, MN โ€ข On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

A leading engineering design organization based in Little Canada, MN, we specialize in the development of industrial systems, heavy mobile equipment, and advanced mechanical technologies for demanding field environments. Our work centers on designing and engineering robust, highperformance mobile machinery used across the construction, forestry, agricultural, and energy sectors.

We engineer equipment and mechanical systems that must perform reliably under extreme loads, harsh climates, and continuous duty cycles. Our engineering teams combine deep mechanical design expertise, handson prototyping, and rigorous validation to solve complex structural, hydraulic, drivetrain, and motioncontrol challenges. If you excel at designing largescale mobile platforms, offhighway machinery, or fielddeployed mechanical systems, you will thrive here.

This role requires daily onsite collaboration at our Little Canada, MN facility to support prototype builds, design reviews, equipment teardowns, and crossfunctional engineering activities.

Role Overview

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will lead the design, optimization, and validation of advanced mobile mechanical systems used in demanding industrial and oil & gas applications. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys handson problemsolving, mechanical creativity, and building equipment that performs reliably in highpressure, highload, and highcycle environments.

This position is 100% onsite at our Minneapolis-St. Paul facility. No remote or hybrid work is available.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities
  • Mobile Equipment Design - Engineer and develop heavy mobile mechanical systems including hydraulic circuits, structural frames, lifting mechanisms, powertrain components, and offhighway machine assemblies.
  • System Performance Optimization - Improve reliability, durability, and efficiency of mobile platforms operating in harsh construction, forestry, agricultural, and energysector environments.
  • CAD Modeling & Drafting - Produce detailed 3D models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings using Inventor (preferred), ProE/Creo, or SolidWorks.
  • Prototype Build & Validation - Support onsite prototype fabrication, testing, and iterative refinement; validate designs against structural, hydraulic, and functional performance requirements.
  • Field Issue Troubleshooting - Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, and structural issues on mobile equipment; implement corrective actions to reduce downtime and improve field reliability.
  • CrossFunctional Collaboration - Work closely with customer's manufacturing, fabrication, electrical/hydraulic engineering, and fieldservice teams to deliver robust, fieldready equipment.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master's a plus).
  • 5+ years of mechanical design experience in heavy mobile equipment, offhighway machinery, or related industries (construction, forestry, agriculture, mining, or energy).
  • Proficiency in Inventor, ProE/Creo, or SolidWorks for complex assemblies and largescale mechanical systems.
  • Strong understanding of hydraulic systems, power units, drivetrains, structural weldments, and mobile mechanical assemblies.
  • Demonstrated ability to take designs from concept through prototype, testing, and production release.
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and technical reporting skills for design reviews, engineering change processes, and crossteam collaboration.
Work Environment
  • 100% OnSite at our Little Canada, MN engineering and prototyping facility-daily presence required.
  • Handson collaboration with mechanical engineers, hydraulic specialists, fabricators, machinists, and field technicians.
  • Direct involvement in prototype builds, equipment teardowns, design reviews, and onsite testing.
  • Occasional travel (~10%) to customer sites, fieldtesting locations, and fabrication partners.

Benefits

We value our team's well-being and offer a robust benefits package to support your professional and personal growth:

  • Competitive Compensation:ย An attractive Base Salary and Performance bonuses, commensurate with experience.
  • Personal Time Off (PTO):ย Paid holidays, PTO, and flexible time off to recharge and maintain work-life balance.
  • Retirement Savings:ย 401(k) plan with company match to secure your future.
  • Health and Wellness:ย Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
  • Disability Protection:ย Short-term and long-term disability plans for peace of mind.