1

Forestry Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forestry Field Associate

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$33K - $44K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Capital Program Forestry Field Associates are responsible for providing statewide support to the ... The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in ...

Forestry Technician

Cordele, GA · On-site

$29K - $39K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a qualified Forestry Technician to assist the Forester-Buyer in providing raw ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

Be Seen First

Dozer Operator - Prescribed Fire Crew

Lufkin, TX · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Acorn Forestry is seeking an experienced Dozer Operator to join our field operations team. This is a full-time, year-round position supporting prescribed burning, forestry site preparation, and land ...

Forestry Technician II

Oak Park, IL

$34K - $45K/yr

Operating assigned equipment . Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed ... Receives general direction from the Forestry Crew Chief EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Essential and other ...

Forestry Technician

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$41K - $49K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PARD - Forestry Opening Date: 08/06/2026 Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Central Description Help ... Regular lifting (up to 100 lbs), climbing, bending, and operating equipment. * Use of chainsaws ...

Forestry Field Associate

Marietta, GA

$32K - $44K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Forestry Field Associate (Non-Exempt SCT05-07) Job Summary The Forestry Field Associate position ... The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in ...

Forestry Field Associate

Jonesboro, GA · On-site

$32K - $43K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Forestry Field Associate (Non-Exempt SCT05-07) Job Summary The Forestry Field Associate position ... The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in ...

Forestry Field Associate

Jonesboro, GA · On-site

$32K - $43K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Forestry Field Associate (Non-Exempt SCT05-07) Job Summary The Forestry Field Associate position ... The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in ...

Showing results 41-60

Forestry Operator information

See salary details

$29K

$41.5K

$53.5K

How much do forestry operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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 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.
More about Forestry Operator jobs

What states have the most Forestry Operator jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Forestry Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% 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.

Forestry Field Associate

Southern Company

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$33K - $44K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Southern Company rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary

This posting is to fill:

  • 3 positions in Distribution Forestry
  • 1 position in Forestry Capital Program

Distribution Forestry Field Associates are responsible for providing support to Distribution foresters in their respective work territories. This support includes but is not limited to identifying and documenting vegetation-related hazards on the right-of-way, monitoring contracted tree crews, communicating with GPC customers, and assisting with work planning. 

Capital Program Forestry Field Associates are responsible for providing statewide support to the Capital Forester. This support includes but is not limited to work planning on acquired vegetation easements, performing contracted tree crew inspections and audits, and communicating with GPC customers. 

The available positions support vegetation management activities for Georgia Power in the following areas. There is no required office location for these positions, but candidates should live within the work territory selected 

  • Distribution Forestry Field Associate
    • West Georgia - Rome, Smyrna, Columbus, Jonesboro
    • Metro Atlanta - Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Atlanta, Tucker, Lithonia
    • North/East Georgia - Cartersville, Gainesville, Athens, Augusta
  • Capital Program Forestry Field Associate
    • Statewide 

Job Duties

  • Contribute to the development, planning and Implementation of an integrated vegetation management (IVM) plan across the assigned territory
  • Perform rights of way patrols, vegetation, and electrical clearance assessments
  • Communicate with customers and land owners regarding rights of way and vegetation matters
  • Assist with management of the daily work-plans of multiple contractor resources to ensure work practices are performed safely, productively, and within schedule
  • Perform on-going quality control inspections of completed work as well as work in progress to ensure compliance with contract specifications
  • Establish and maintain relationships with various federal, state, municipal, and local government agencies and departments related to vegetation management. 
  • Represent Georgia Power to various organizations such as local tree boards, neighborhood associations, professional organizations, company or industry committees, etc. 
  • Effectively communicate vegetation maintenance objectives and practices to both internal and external customers
  • Ensure all compliance and regulatory obligations are met
  • Work outside normal business hours in support of emergency restoration efforts is expected

 

Job Requirements

Education / Experience

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry or related field preferred
  • Must possess, or obtain within industry guidelines, ISA Certified Arborist certification 
  • ISA Utility Specialist desired
  • Must possess, or obtain within industry guidelines, appropriate herbicide application license
  • Knowledge of distribution and transmission utility electrical systems desired
  • Familiarity with ANSI Z-133, A-300 standards desired
  • Knowledge of NERC Standard for vegetation management, FAC 003-5, preferred
  • Utility integrated vegetation management experience desired
  • Contractor management experience desired

Competencies

  • Demonstrate commitment to personal safety and the safety of your team
  • Must be able to meet schedules and critical deadlines
  • Ability to learn basic business skills such as budgeting and finance
  • Able to value and interact with people with different perspectives and backgrounds
  • Effective communication and conflict resolution skills highly desired
  • Must be self-motivated and demonstrate ability to work without direct supervision
  • Ability to work with commonly used applications including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Access and Excel. Also, experience with mobile applications and GIS / GPS applications is a plus.
  • Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is a plus
  • Early start and extended work hours will be routine
  • Ability to perform emergency call-out response and storm restoration support is required
  • Must be able to identify the species of local vegetation and their growth characteristics

Behavioral Attributes

  • Safety focused
  • Demonstrate Our Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance daily
  • Possesses a questioning attitude
  • Function independently while serving the needs of your team

This position has been identified as a role that will require the use of a Georgia Power fleet vehicle.  The following will be required if you are selected for this position:

  • Must have at least one year of verifiable driving experience (Must hold a valid driver's license for the class vehicle to be operated. Driving permits are not typically considered a valid driver's license).

  • Must have no revocation of driving privileges within the 36 months prior to application, no convictions of major traffic violations (DUI, hit and run, reckless driving, etc.) within the 12 months prior to application, or any pending charges for a major traffic violation at the time of application.

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the Company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the Company is recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeogiaPower.com and connect with the Company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benets will also be provided during the hiring process.


Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Georgia Power

What Southern Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom