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National Forest Service information

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$29.5K

$79.1K

$129.5K

How much do national forest service jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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.

What is the National Forest Service?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a National Forest Service role?

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.

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.

Is it hard to become a National Forest Service officer?

Becoming a National Forest Service officer typically requires a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and passing a series of exams and background checks. The process can be competitive and may involve physical fitness tests and specialized training, such as completing the Forest Service Academy.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,083 per year, or $38 per hour.

Forestry Technician (Lookout)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Prospect, OR • On-site

$17.82/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Corps graduates are encouraged to apply
This position is located within a National Forest.This position is established on a Forest Service unit to provide for the detection and reporting of fires from a lookout station.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.
GS-04: Applicants must have six months of general experience (any type of work that demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation) AND six months of specialized experience that is directly related to the work of the position; OR successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science (no more than 3 semester hours in mathematics is creditable); OR an appropriate combination of experience and education above high school as described above. The education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university and include courses that are related to the occupation of the position.
Examples of General Experience includes: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding and tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; Cleaned tools and equipment; Worked in a greenhouse or nursery moving, watering, and tending plants and performing other general labor; Worked on a landscape or construction crew; Other work experience, paid or unpaid, that demonstrates an ability to learn and perform the work of this position.
Examples of specialized experience include: Forestry aid or technician work. Or forest or range fire lookout, dispatch, prevention or suppression work.
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.
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:Employment Type: OTHER

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