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Forestry Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$85K - $110K/yr

The Forester II oversees forest management of the commercial forest operated by Collins in Lassen, Plumas and Tehama counties, California. Duties/Responsibilities: * Responsible for the safe conduct ...

Forestry Technician

Quincy, CA · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

In this role, you will collaborate with a team of experts, such as Registered Professional Foresters, Licensed Timber Operators, state and federal agencies, to ensure forestry projects are completed ...

Forester II

Chester, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

The Forester II oversees forest management of the commercial forest operated by Collins in Lassen, Plumas and Tehama counties, California. Duties/Responsibilities: * Responsible for the safe conduct ...

Forester

Chester, ME

$45K - $85K/yr

... team of forest operators and admin support team. Essential Duties and Responsibilities ... Supervise activities of other forestry workers. * Procure timber from private landowners. * Procure ...

Forestry Technician

Quincy, CA · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

In this role, you will collaborate with a team of experts, such as Registered Professional Foresters, Licensed Timber Operators, state and federal agencies, to ensure forestry projects are completed ...

Forester II

California, MO · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

The Forester II oversees forest management of the commercial forest operated by Collins in Lassen, Plumas and Tehama counties, California. Duties/Responsibilities: * Responsible for the safe conduct ...

Forester

Chester, ME · On-site

$45K - $85K/yr

... team of forest operators and admin support team. Essential Duties and Responsibilities ... Supervise activities of other forestry workers. * Procure timber from private landowners. * Procure ...

Forester

Chester, ME · On-site

$45K - $85K/yr

... team of forest operators and admin support team. Essential Duties and Responsibilities ... Supervise activities of other forestry workers. * Procure timber from private landowners. * Procure ...

Forestry Technician

Hayward, WI

$31K - $43K/yr

POSITION: Forestry Technician JOB TYPE: Full-Term LOCATION: Hayward, WI WHO WE ARE Steigerwaldt ... Founded in 1957, Steigerwaldt is a third-generation, family owned and operated company with history ...

Forestry Technician

Hayward, WI · On-site

$31K - $43K/yr

POSITION: Forestry Technician JOB TYPE: Full-Term LOCATION: Hayward, WI WHO WE ARE Steigerwaldt ... Founded in 1957, Steigerwaldt is a third-generation, family owned and operated company with history ...

Forestry Technician

Hayward, WI · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

POSITION: Forestry Technician JOB TYPE: Full-Term LOCATION: Hayward, WI WHO WE ARE Steigerwaldt ... Founded in 1957, Steigerwaldt is a third-generation, family owned and operated company with history ...

Showing results 21-40

Forestry Operator information

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$29K

$41.5K

$53.5K

How much do forestry operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Forestry Operator jobs

What states have the most Forestry Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forestry Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Forestry Operator jobs?

For Forestry Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Forestry Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% 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.

$85K - $110K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Founded in 1855, Collins is family-owned and produces softwood and hardwood products at their facilities in Chester, California, Lakeview, Oregon and Kane, Pennsylvania. In Chester, Collins also has the Builders Supply retail hardware and building materials store. Collins is highly respected for their sustainable forest management, practiced across their 370,000 acres of FSC®-certified lands in California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

Position Summary:

The Forester II oversees forest management of the commercial forest operated by Collins in Lassen, Plumas and Tehama counties, California.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the safe conduct of logging operations on defined district within ownership.
  • Plan annual timber harvest within district.
  • Obtain approved Timber Harvesting Plans for operations within district.
  • Conduct field work associated with harvest and management of the district forests.
  • Administer contracts and oversee contract logging operations, forest stand improvement, reforestation and road management.
  • Perform log quality control functions.
  • Work with the forestry technicians and their supervisor to mark timber.
  • Implement various uneven-aged silviculture regimes including layout of Group Selection units.
  • Flag property boundaries, watercourse protection zones and other areas as needed.
  • Take a property-wide lead role by subject matter in one of the following: road construction and maintenance, herbicide application and reforestation, or fire preparedness and response.
  • Model forest growth and yield.
  • Perform additional duties as required by supervisor.
  • On-site attendance is essential to effectively perform the listed duties and responsibilities.

Required Skills and Abilities:

  • Comprehensive technical forestry skills and knowledge about mensuration, forest management, logging, silviculture, and timber harvest planning.
  • Collaborative problem-solving skills; must be comfortable with change management.
  • Proficient in Geographic Information Systems (ARC-GIS) and Microsoft 365.
  • The ability to perform rigorous, field-based work in all weather conditions, on steep, brush-filled terrain.
  • Capable of safely conducting field-based forestry work in all conditions of the northern Sierra & southern Cascade mountains.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, forest engineering, natural resource management, economics, business, plant biology, plant genetics, or agriculture sciences. or a similar field required.
  • Hold a California Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license.
  • Chainsaw experience and general mechanical know-how, and/or experience operating light and heavy equipment.

Environmental Conditions:

May be exposed to challenging terrain, dust, noise, trip hazards, and extreme weather and temperatures.

Required Personal Protective Equipment:

Individuals must be willing to wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times. Positions may require additional PPE at specific times. Examples of PPE which may be required include high visibility garments, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, a hard hat, foot protection, a face shield, and a respirator.

Salary $85,000 - $110,000 DOE

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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