ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

National Forest Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsNational Forest Service Jobs

National Forest Service information

See salary details

$29.5K

$79.1K

$129.5K

How much do national forest service jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for national forest service in the United States is $79,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to become a forest officer?

Becoming a forest officer typically requires completing a relevant degree such as forestry, environmental science, or wildlife management, and passing competitive entrance exams or recruitment processes. The process can be challenging due to the competitive nature and the need for knowledge of conservation, ecology, and field skills, but with proper preparation, it is achievable.

What is the highest paid job in forestry?

The highest paid jobs in forestry are typically senior management roles such as Forest Service Directors or Chief Foresters, who oversee large operations and strategic planning. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries. Specialized roles like forest engineers or environmental managers may also have high earning potential depending on the organization and location.

What is the National Forest Service and what do they do?

The National Forest Service, officially known as the United States Forest Service (USFS), is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that manages public lands in national forests and grasslands. Their mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands to meet the needs of present and future generations. They are responsible for activities such as protecting wildlife habitats, managing recreational opportunities, overseeing timber harvests, and fighting wildfires. The agency also works on conservation efforts and collaborates with local communities to ensure sustainable use of forest resources.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the context of the National Forest Service, most roles do not pay $2000 per day; salaries are typically based on grade, experience, and position, with high-level management or specialized consulting roles potentially reaching such daily rates. These high-paying positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, or contractual work in environmental consulting or project management. Regular field or administrative jobs generally pay less than this amount daily.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working for the National Forest Service, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Employees at the National Forest Service often face challenges such as working in remote or rugged outdoor environments, adapting to variable weather, and managing multiple priorities like conservation, recreation, and wildfire prevention. New hires can prepare by developing strong problem-solving skills, staying physically fit, and familiarizing themselves with outdoor safety protocols. Additionally, effective communication and teamwork are vital, as staff regularly collaborate with other agencies, local communities, and volunteers to achieve conservation goals.

What is the difference between National Forest Service vs Forest Ranger?

AspectNational Forest ServiceForest Ranger
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in forestry, environmental science, or related fields; certifications in firefighting and first aidRequires similar degrees and certifications; often involves specialized training in law enforcement and firefighting
Work EnvironmentGovernment agency managing national forests, working outdoors in various terrainsFieldwork in forests, parks, and wilderness areas, often performing patrols, rescues, and conservation tasks
Employer & IndustryU.S. Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of AgricultureU.S. Forest Service or state agencies, often employed as law enforcement or conservation officers

While both roles involve working in forested environments and require similar qualifications, the National Forest Service is the federal agency overseeing forest management, whereas a Forest Ranger is a job title for personnel working within or for the agency, focusing on conservation, law enforcement, and public safety tasks.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In the context of the National Forest Service, most roles require relevant experience or certifications, and high-paying positions typically need a degree. However, some specialized roles such as forest fire management or equipment operators can reach high earnings through experience and overtime, potentially earning around $10,000 monthly, especially in leadership or hazardous duty positions. These jobs often require physical fitness, safety training, and on-the-job experience rather than formal degrees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a National Forest Service role, and why are they important?

To succeed in a National Forest Service position, you generally need a background in forestry, environmental science, or natural resource management, often supported by a relevant degree or specialized training. Proficiency with GIS mapping software, field data collection tools, and knowledge of federal land management policies is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills help individuals collaborate effectively and respond to challenges in outdoor settings. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the responsible stewardship, safety, and sustainability of national forests and public lands.
More about National Forest Service jobs
What cities are hiring for National Forest Service jobs? Cities with the most National Forest Service job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Service jobs? The most popular types of Forest Service jobs are:
What states have the most National Forest Service jobs? States with the most job openings for National Forest Service jobs include:
What job categories do people searching National Forest Service jobs look for? The top searched job categories for National Forest Service jobs are:
National Forest Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Forest Service job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,083 per year, or $38 per hour.
Willamette National Forest - Timber Presale Support Individual Placement

Willamette National Forest - Timber Presale Support Individual Placement

Northwest Youth Corps

Mill City, OR • On-site

$11K/mo

Temporary

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Northwest Youth Corps - 640 Hours
Individual Placement
U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest
Sweet Home Ranger & Detroit Ranger Districts
Position Title: Timber Presale Support Individual Placement - 640 hours (16 weeks)
Position Summary:
The U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest is recruiting 3-4, 640 Hour Timber Presale Support Individual Placements starting July through October to provide Presale Support between the Sweet Home Ranger District and the Detroit Ranger District. The individual placements will serve with the Timber Crew. The incumbent would typically work 4 ten-hour days per week as the districts look to increase their capacity in timber sale preparation to support the Agency's goals for Active Forest Management.
About Northwest Youth Corps (NYC):
Northwest Youth Corps was created in 1984 to offer teenagers and young adults an education-based, work experience modeled after the historic Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. Today, we serve over 1,000 youth and young adults each year across a four-state region who restore critical habitat, build trails, lead volunteers, and educate youth and young adults to learn, grow and experience success.
[BACKGROUND FROM PARTNER ON SITE OR DEPARTMENT]
Duties and Responsibilities:
This position is located in a Ranger District to perform presale, and similar duties as part of the timber organization. Specific activities include:
  • Selects and marks individual trees for harvest using well defined marking guidelines, silvicultural prescriptions, and specific instruction.
  • Traverses harvest units.
  • Designates sale area and cutting unit boundaries on the ground.
  • For timber cruising, serve as tally person and may operate electronic field data recorders. Assists in the measure of limiting distances, tree diameter, tree height, estimation of defect and quality, and related fundamental timber cruising procedures. Timber cruising is done under the direct supervision of a qualified timber cruiser.
  • Observes and reports areas of possible archeological significance, and sightings of sensitive, threatened or endangered wildlife species.
  • Participates in other aspects of resource management support work such as recreation, maintenance, silviculture, tree planting, etc.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
  • U.S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
  • Must pass a background/driver check
  • Willingness to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to work outdoors in remote settings, in inclement weather, and on steep, uneven ground.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Practical working knowledge of forestry methods and techniques, and a knowledge of resource values and their relationships.
  • Basic knowledge of timber cruising practices including: measurement techniques, defect recognition, data recording, etc.
  • Skill in the application of standard methods and standard technical guidelines in accurately recording data, and in the use of basic tools.
  • Basic knowledge of silvicultural treatments sufficient to understand marking guides. Ability to identify local tree species, diseases, defects, and other common characteristics important to selection of harvest trees.
  • Basic knowledge of logging methods, mapping techniques, and Forest Service objectives, policies and practices particular to timber sale preparation.
  • Driver's License
  • Personal transportation

Duty/Housing Location:
Duties are performed within the Willamette National Forest, focused on either the Sweet Home or Detroit Ranger Districts. Sweet Home is a full-service community with several small communities within commuting range of the Detroit office.
Government owned housing may be available during the term of this position in Detroit.
Terms of Employment:
Starting July through October, each selected individual placement will complete a term of 16 weeks of service. Additional weeks may be included depending on work needs and a mutual agreement between the individual placement and the Forest Service. The individual placement will average 40 hours of labor per week, minus holidays.
Individual Placements are responsible for providing their own personal transportation and food.
Program Benefits:
Individual placement will earn $11,520 living allowance dispersed on a monthly basis throughout the 16 weeks. This position includes a $300 gear reimbursement fund. The living allowance are taxable.
Application Instructions
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Interviews: Will occur as qualified applications are received.
Type of position: Individual Placement
Service Dates: July through October
Length of Term: 16 Weeks (640 Hours)
How to apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references and completely fill out the application form found at
Please select "Willamette National Forest - Timber Presale Support Individual Placement" when applying.
Additional Information
If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Department at or Recreation Program Manager, Matthew Peterson at .
All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).

Apply