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Forestry Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Forester

Martinsville, IN · On-site

$42K/yr

Urban Forestry, Fire Management, Forest Health, Forest Legacy, and Forestry Education. The Morgan-Monroe State Forest encompasses more than 25,000 acres. It is forested with some of the state ...

Urban Forestry, Fire Management, Forest Health, Forest Legacy, and Forestry Education. The Morgan-Monroe State Forest encompasses more than 25,000 acres. It is forested with some of the state ...

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Forestry information

See Indiana salary details

$27.6K

$39.5K

$50.9K

How much do forestry jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry in Indiana is $39,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,800.00 and $44,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are forestry jobs?

If you work in a forestry career, your primary duties depend on your area of specialization. Forestry professionals include foresters, loggers, firefighters, and forest rangers. If you have a degree in forestry, land management, or a related subject, you may work in conservation or forestry management or serve as a policy advisor or project manager for forest preservation and rehabilitation efforts. Arborists, naturalists specializing in the forest habitat, and botanists may also work in forestry. Colleges offer associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in forestry. These degrees give you a wide range of knowledge about different forestry subjects.

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

To thrive as a Forester, you need a solid background in environmental science, forestry management, and ecology, generally with a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, forest inventory tools, and sometimes certification from organizations like the Society of American Foresters are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help foresters navigate complex land management issues and collaborate with stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring sustainable forest management, regulatory compliance, and effective conservation outcomes.

What are some common challenges forestry professionals face when working in the field, and how can they prepare for them?

Forestry professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating remote or rugged terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and ensuring personal safety while using specialized equipment. To prepare, it's important to have proper training in outdoor survival, first aid, and equipment handling. Building strong teamwork and communication skills is also essential, as forestry work frequently involves collaborating with colleagues, landowners, and regulatory agencies to manage and conserve forest resources effectively.

What is the difference between Forestry vs Arborist?

AspectForestryArborist
CredentialsForestry degree, certifications like SAFArborist certification (ISA), horticultural knowledge
Work EnvironmentForests, land management sitesUrban and suburban trees, parks, private properties
Industry UsageNatural resource management, conservationTree care, pruning, removal services

Forestry involves managing large-scale forest ecosystems, focusing on conservation, resource management, and land use planning. Arborists specialize in the care and maintenance of individual trees, often working in urban settings. While both roles require knowledge of trees, forestry emphasizes ecosystem management, whereas arborists focus on tree health and safety in developed areas.

What are careers in forestry?

Careers in forestry include roles such as foresters, forest technicians, and conservation scientists who manage and protect forest ecosystems. These jobs often require knowledge of ecology, environmental regulations, and the use of tools like GIS software, with some positions requiring relevant certifications or degrees in forestry or environmental science.

What forestry jobs pay the most?

In forestry, senior roles such as forest managers, consulting arborists, and environmental directors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Specialized positions requiring advanced certifications, technical skills, and experience in sustainable management or consulting typically offer higher pay compared to entry-level roles like field technicians or laborers.

What qualifications do I need for forestry?

Forestry professionals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of ecology, use of forestry tools and equipment, and sometimes certification in safety or specific techniques; some roles may also require physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forestry jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Forestry jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Forestry jobs in Indiana?

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

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Forestry jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Forestry job openings:

Infographic showing various Forestry job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,532 per year, or $19 per hour.

Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Forestry Health

State of Indiana

Vallonia, IN • On-site

$12.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


State Of Indiana rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the DNR Forestry Division:
The Division of Forestry promotes and practices good stewardship of natural, recreational, and cultural resources on Indiana's public and private forest lands. This stewardship produces continuing benefits, both tangible and intangible, for present and future generations. Some key initiatives of the forestry program include:
  • Urban Forestry promotes the planting, health, and ordinances of trees in urban areas
  • Fire Management seeks to combat and eliminate wildland fires
  • Forest Health monitors forest health and protects them from harmful insects and diseases
  • Forest Legacy provides long-term protection to important forest lands
  • Forestry Education prepares citizens to make responsible decisions about natural resource management

Salary Statement:
The hourly wage for seasonal positions varies, starting at $12.25/hour.
A Day in the Life:
The Seasonal Natural Resources Workers perform duties related to the survey, biological monitoring, and/or control of property natural resources. Seasonal Natural Resources Worker positions and their essential functions are as follows:
  • Resource Management Techs: Assists with the control of invasive plant species natural area restoration trail maintenance, brush and tree removal, signage, timber marking and/or timber stand improvement based on the property.
  • Laborers: Work to maintain and repair property buildings, grounds, and facilities. Laborers perform various duties based on property needs. Possible duties may include landscaping, mowing, firewood processing, structure maintenance, sign creation, trail upkeep, carpentry, and plumbing, based on property needs.
  • Clerks: Perform a wide variety of tasks to support property staff. Duties may include inventory, stocking, reporting, budgeting, and assisting with other administrative duties.
  • Office Assistants: Answer inquiries about the property and provide quality customer service to the park visitors. This position also assists property management with operations and administrative functions.
  • Entomology Workers (Taxonomists): sort through samples of exotic forest or tree pests of specific concern. Survey samples are collected from high risk sites to determine locations of exotic insects and pathogens in Indiana. Samples of concern are processed and forwarded to a certified taxonomist for further identification and classification.
  • Forest Worker: Assist in duties related to the survey, biological monitoring, and/or control of forestry resources.
    • Nursery Workers: Collect, weigh, test, bail, and grade seedlings for quality and use. This role also packages tree seedlings and fulfills customer orders.
  • Forestry Program Interns: Primarily conduct field inspections of forestlands and complete associated reports. Duties may include assisting with forest inventories, timber marking, educational programs, and timber stand improvement.
  • Security Officers: Monitor the activities of visitors and report problems to property management or other authorities. Security Officers patrol the property and enforce regulations in a courteous, but firm manner. This role provides security to facilities, construction sites, and logging operations as needed, including late night visits to area prone to vandalism, disturbances, and illegal activities.
  • Gate Attendants (Ferdinand State Forest Only): Provide quality customer service at assigned property station. The main responsibilities of this position the collection of revenue from fees and permits, and cash/credit card handling duties.

What You'll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
  • High school diploma, GED, or one (1) year of work experience.
  • May be expected to work afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • May be required to wear a DNR-provided uniform.
  • May be required to travel to different properties.
  • May be required to have a valid driver's license.
  • May experience working with DOC work release crews.
  • May perform duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.).
  • May work around potentially dangerous heavy equipment (e.g. tractors, disks, mowers, planters, etc.).
  • Some positions may require:
    • Completion of some college coursework in wildlife management, natural resources, biology, ecology, forestry and/or related areas of study is required.
    • Ability to understand and apply through on the job training and using previous, relevant experience basic biological principals, ecological variables and interactions, plant identification, herbicide application, invasive plant management techniques (of conservation biology, the management of forests, wetlands, and prairie habitats), and life histories of invasive plants.
    • Ability to lift equipment, tools, or materials up to 50lbs.
    • Ability to sustain periods of strenuous physical activity.
    • Ability to carry out assignments with general instruction and limited supervision.
    • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Current Employee? Click here to apply.

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