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Local Forestry Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Boiler Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$24.34 - $34.43/hr

We are focused on delivering quality products through continuous investment in our people, our forest products, our local communities and the most up-to-date technology. Our employees work in some of ...

Millwright

Nashville, TN · On-site

$22.33 - $32.02/hr

We are focused on delivering quality products through continuous investment in our people, our forest products, our local communities and the most up-to-date technology. Our employees work in some of ...

Showing results 41-60

Local Forestry information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.1K

$38.4K

$51.3K

How much do local forestry jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for local forestry in Tennessee is $38,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,300.00 and $42,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is local forestry?

Local forestry refers to the management, conservation, and restoration of forests at a community or regional level. Professionals in local forestry work to maintain healthy forest ecosystems, support biodiversity, and ensure sustainable use of forest resources. Their responsibilities may include managing public woodlands, advising landowners, fighting forest pests and diseases, and educating the public about forest conservation. Local forestry plays a crucial role in environmental protection, climate regulation, and supporting local economies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in local forestry roles?

Professionals in local forestry often face challenges such as balancing conservation efforts with the needs of the community, managing invasive species, and responding to environmental threats like wildfires or disease outbreaks. The role also involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions and sometimes performing physically demanding tasks. Additionally, collaborating with stakeholders—such as landowners, government agencies, and local residents—to develop sustainable management plans is a key part of the job, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in local forestry, and why are they important?

To thrive in Local Forestry, you need knowledge of environmental science, forestry management practices, and usually a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, chainsaws, GPS devices, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills ensure the sustainable management of forest resources, safety in field operations, and successful collaboration with stakeholders and the community.

What is the difference between Local Forestry vs Forest Technician?

AspectLocal ForestryForest Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in forestry, environmental science, or related fieldUsually requires an associate's degree or relevant certification in forestry or natural resources
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, parks, and conservation areas; community engagementFieldwork and data collection in forested areas; assisting with forest management tasks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizations, forestry companiesForestry services, government agencies, environmental consulting firms

Both roles involve working outdoors in forested environments, but Local Forestry often encompasses broader community and conservation efforts, while Forest Technicians focus more on technical data collection and supporting forest management activities.

Can you work in local forestry without a degree?

Many entry-level positions in local forestry, such as forest technician or laborer, do not require a college degree and often prioritize relevant skills, physical fitness, and certifications like OSHA safety training. However, higher-level roles or specialized positions may require a degree in forestry, environmental science, or related fields. Practical experience and knowledge of tools like GPS or GIS can also be valuable for employment in this field.

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

The most popular types of Forestry jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Local Forestry job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,411 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Senior Firefighter)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$48K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit..
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot, helitack or hand crew.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the specific contact information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-04: You must have six (6) months of general work experience or military service that demonstrated the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform or learn to perform the duties of the position. AND six (6) months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-03 in the federal service or equivalent. -OR- Successful completion of a two (2)-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study is qualifying for GW-4. OR an appropriate combination of experience and education.
Examples of General Experience may include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities and/or worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants and/or animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store and/or volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc.
Examples of specialized experience may include : Performed natural resource support work, e.g., forestry, range, park technician, wildland firefighter, or similar jobs; performed routine support assignments in a forestry specialty area, e.g., wilderness, timber, fire prevention/control, etc.
For the GW-05: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-04 in the Federal service.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Patrolled areas of controlled fires to mop-up by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material; Served on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress the full range of difficult and complex fires; Operated specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of FireFighter Type 1 (FFT1) -AND- Successfully completed the NWCG Course S-290.
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.Employment Type: OTHER

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