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$29.5K

$79.1K

$129.5K

How much do national forest service jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 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 - Forestry Technician (Recreation/Trails) Individual Placement

Willamette National Forest - Forestry Technician (Recreation/Trails) Individual Placement

Northwest Youth Corps

Blue River, OR • On-site

$34K - $46K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Northwest Youth Corps – 640 Hours

Individual Placement

U.S. Forest Service

Willamette National Forest

Detroit, McKenzie River and Middle Fork Ranger Districts

Position Title: Forestry Technician (Recreation/Trails) Individual Placement – 640 HR

Position Summary:

The Willamette National Forest is recruiting 10-15, 640-hour (16 week) Forestry Technicians (Recreation/Trails) individual placements beginning July through October 2026 to provide recreation and trails support on the Detroit, McKenzie River and Middle Fork Ranger Districts. Individual placements working with the trails program will work alongside the trail crew on trail maintenance tasks, including tread work, logging out, and brushing; projects may include building trail bridges and other trail structures. Recreation individual placements will work alongside Forest Service staff and maintain, clean and improve outdoor recreation facilities (campgrounds, trailheads, day use sites), conduct patrols and make visitor contacts, collect fees, and perform facility repairs and maintenance projects, such as installing kiosks and signage, replacing picnic tables and fire rings.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties include working alongside Forest Service employees and independently to operate and maintain campgrounds, day use sites, trailheads, and cabin rentals and/or conducting trail maintenance using saws and hand tools in the Forest's recreation program.

Trails: duties include maintaining motorized and non-motorized trails, such as logging out trails using chainsaws and/or cross-cut saws, removing brush from alongside trails, rebuilding the trail tread, and repairing or building new trail infrastructure, such as trail bridges, puncheon, boardwalks, walls, etc.

Developed Recreation: duties will include maintaining and operating recreation sites, which includes cleaning facilities, removing garbage, interacting with visitors and educating about rules and regulations and Leave No Trace, routine maintenance projects, such as repairing, painting/staining, removing signage, picnic tables, restroom facilities, etc. Assists with compliance checks at fee sites. Routine maintenance and clean up at dispersed recreation sites.

Typical schedule is working 4 10-hour days per week, including the possibility of weekend work. This work may require working in hot, cold, buggy, sunny, windy, smokey, wet, or snowy conditions. Projects will include using power tools such as chainsaws (if training can be completed) and hand tools including hand saws, loppers, power drills, and other similar tools to clear trails and/or complete small carpentry and maintenance projects. The Forest Service will provide all required tools and training. Training opportunities may include chainsaw operations, crosscut saw, ATV, UTV, cross-country skiing, and more.

Required Qualifications:

  • Driver's License
  • Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
  • U.S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
  • Must pass a background/driver check
  • Willingness to work as part of a small team
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Experience or interest in recreating outdoors
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to work outdoors in remote settings and inclement weather, and on uneven ground
  • Ability to hike 4-8 miles in a day in rugged country
  • Ability to do hard physical labor for up to 10 hours per day

Desired Qualifications:

  • Wilderness First Aid or other medical training
  • Experience with chainsaws (trails) and power tools.
  • Recreation site or trail maintenance experience or a willingness to learn
  • Coursework in recreation management, forestry, natural resources or related field
  • A strong interest in resource management
  • Personal transportation

Duty Locations:

Positions will be based out of the Middle Fork, McKenzie River, and Detroit Ranger Districts. Government housing or a housing fund may be available but is not guaranteed for all positions.

Middle Fork Ranger Station; Westfir, OR. Oakridge and Westfir sit at the base of the Cascade Mountains, situated along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. The area is surrounded by the Willamette National Forest and numerous recreation opportunities. There are 500 miles of trails in the area for hiking, mountain biking, cross country and downhill skiing, snow shoeing, horseback riding and OHV. There are lakes, rivers and reservoirs for fishing and boating, three wilderness areas, numerous campgrounds, and several important scenic destinations such as Salt Creek Falls and Waldo Lake. You can see why Oakridge is known as "The Center of Oregon Recreation." Visit the website: www.ci.oakridge.or.us/recreation/page/outdoor-recreation. The district office is only a 35 minute drive to Springfield and Eugene.

McKenzie River Ranger Station, McKenzie Bridge, OR. The beautiful McKenzie River Hwy is a 100 mile long corridor stretching between Sisters on the east and Springfield on the west. Renowned for fishing, the McKenzie River supports spring Chinook salmon, winter steelhead and summer steelhead as well as native rainbow, cutthroat and bull trout. Paralleling the river is the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail and much of the district is within the Mt. Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness areas, making the McKenzie River Corridor an outdoor sports paradise. The West Cascades and Santiam Pass-McKenzie Pass National Scenic Byways have some of the most spectacular scenery in Oregon. The area includes the popular Terwilliger Hot Springs, Sahalie Falls, Clear Lake, and Hoodoo Ski Area. Visit the website https://www.mckenziechamber.com/

Detroit Ranger Station, Detroit, OR. The City of Detroit is home of Detroit Lake located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Detroit Lake (busiest boating reservoir in the State of Oregon) and the surrounding area offers, fishing, camping, boating, hiking, hunting, skiing and many other recreational opportunities. The West Cascades National Scenic Byway, has some of the most spectacular scenery in Oregon. The area includes the popular Breitenbush Hot Springs, Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway, Mt Jefferson (the second highest mountain in Oregon) as well as high mountain lakes are in the area. Highway 46 provides backcountry connection to Mt Hood NF. Visit the website https://detroitoregon.us/

Terms of Employment:

One individual placement will complete a term of service (length dependent on commitment of hours), starting July through October 2026 for a total of 16 Weeks. The intern will average 40 hours of labor per week, minus holidays.

Individual placements are responsible for providing their own personal transportation and food. Government housing or a housing fund may be available but is not guaranteed for all positions.

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 2026

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 https://nwyouthcorps.workbrightats.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Internships

Please select "Willamette National Forest - Forestry Technician (Recreation/Trails) Individual Placement" when applying.

Additional Information

If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Department at interns@nwyouthcorps.org or Recreation Program Manager, Matthew Peterson at matthew.peterson1@usda.gov.

All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).

Apply