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Hourly Forestry Mulching Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Hourly Forestry Mulching information

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$29K

$41.5K

$53.5K

How much do hourly forestry mulching jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for hourly forestry mulching 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 are some common challenges faced in an hourly forestry mulching role, and how can they be managed?

Hourly forestry mulching professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating uneven terrain, managing equipment maintenance, and working in varying weather conditions. It's important to stay vigilant about safety protocols, regularly inspect machinery, and communicate clearly with team members to address obstacles efficiently. Developing problem-solving skills and maintaining flexibility in scheduling can help you adapt to unexpected changes in the work environment.

What is the difference between Hourly Forestry Mulching vs Hourly Tree Trimming?

AspectHourly Forestry MulchingHourly Tree Trimming
CredentialsTypically requires safety certifications and equipment operation trainingRequires safety training and sometimes arborist certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, wooded areas, often on large land parcelsUrban or suburban landscapes, around buildings and power lines
Job FocusClearing land, removing brush, and controlling undergrowthPruning, shaping, and removing specific tree branches
Tools & EquipmentMulching machines, skid steers, safety gearChainsaws, pruning shears, ladders

Hourly Forestry Mulching involves land clearing and vegetation management using specialized machinery, while Hourly Tree Trimming focuses on pruning and maintaining individual trees. Both roles require safety training and outdoor work, but they serve different purposes in land and tree care.

What is hourly forestry mulching?

Hourly forestry mulching is a land-clearing service where specialized equipment is used to grind trees, brush, and undergrowth into mulch, and clients are charged based on the number of hours the service is provided. This method is environmentally friendly, as it leaves nutrient-rich mulch on the ground, which helps reduce erosion and promote healthy soil. Forestry mulching is commonly used for clearing overgrown land, creating trails, or managing invasive plants, and is often preferred for its efficiency and minimal disturbance to the landscape.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an hourly forestry mulching operator?

To thrive as an Hourly Forestry Mulching Operator, you need hands-on experience with land clearing, equipment operation, and a solid understanding of forestry practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as mulchers, skid steers, and brush cutters, as well as safety certifications like OSHA training, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help operators manage challenging terrain and coordinate with team members. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible land management operations.
More about Hourly Forestry Mulching jobs
What cities are hiring for Hourly Forestry Mulching jobs? Cities with the most Hourly Forestry Mulching job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forestry Mulching jobs? The most popular types of Forestry Mulching jobs are:
What states have the most Hourly Forestry Mulching jobs? States with the most job openings for Hourly Forestry Mulching jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hourly Forestry Mulching jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hourly Forestry Mulching jobs are:
Hourly Forestry Mulching jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hourly Forestry Mulching job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% 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.

LTE Urban Forestry Technician

City of Sun Prairie, WI

Sun Prairie, WI • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Temporary

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: $17.00 - $20.00 Hourly
Location : 2598 W Main Street, Sun Prairie, WI
Job Type: Limited Term Employment
Job Number: 2026-118
Department: Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Central
The primary responsibility of this role will be to assist the Urban Forestry Department with daily tasks related to the maintenance and upkeep of all publicly managed trees withing the City of Sun Prairie. These tasks may include tree removals, pruning, watering, mulching, planting, tree staking, plant health care (PHC) practices (e.g. EAB treatments), stump grinding, and ecological restoration activities. Additional responsibilities may include assisting with various park maintenance activities such as snow removal and special event support. This is a great opportunity for somebody currently pursuing a degree or career in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, and/or Natural Resources!
Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 6:30am-3:00 PM
Wage: $17-20/hr
Essential Job Functions
  • Safely operate handsaws, pole saws, chainsaws, brush cutters, chippers, mini-loaders and all other tools and machines common to Urban Forestry practices.
  • Assist with tree removal procedures, i.e. drag and chip brush, haul wood, perform ground rigging duties, work site management and clean up.
  • Perform pruning of public trees according to industry BMP's and ANSI A300 standards via aerial lift truck and/or rope and climbing harness.
  • Assist with stump grinding and soil remediation procedures.
  • Assist with the Spring and Fall planting sessions, i.e. site analysis, planting, tree staking, GIS tree inventory data collection/updating, watering, and mulching.
  • Update work orders and tree inventory via GIS software.
  • Remove/manage invasive species within City parks and natural areas.
  • Perform PHC practices such as trunk injections and root excavations.
  • Assist with snow removal activities, as needed.
  • Assist with parks and facility maintenance activities, as needed.
  • Assist with special event support, as needed.

Requirements of Work
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid non-probationary Wisconsin driver's license.
  • Experience in identification of tree species (scientific and common name) as well as select varieties/cultivars.
  • Ability to be on feet/walking for majority of the work day, lift and carry 50 lbs., and perform work in all types of inclement weather.
  • Ability to use several types of forestry tools and equipment including DBH tapes, calipers, clinometers, and GPS software and devices.
  • Ability to work independently and without direct supervision.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in year-round weather conditions.
  • Must be able to sustain prolonged and repetitive squatting, bending and stooping while performing tasks, such as brush collection.
  • Ability to communicate with residents in a professional manner.

Other Job Functions
  • Working towards a degree in Urban Forestry or Natural Resources preferred OR a combination of education and work experiences that provide adequate knowledge to complete the required work.
  • Opportunity for internship credit(s), depending on program requirements.
  • Opportunity to cross train in ecological restoration projects, invasive species management, parks maintenance and operations, event support, and recreational programming, if interested.
  • Additional work hours may be available on select nights and weekends.
  • Occasional exposure to construction site conditions including noise levels and other hazards (PPE provided).

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
***For more information please contact Brandon Hellenbrand, City Forester, at bhellenbrand@cityofsunprairie.com***
The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do. Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 608-825-1174 or
No benefits are offered for this position.

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