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State Forestry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Forester

Martinsville, IN · On-site

$42K/yr

Urban Forestry, Fire Management, Forest Health, Forest Legacy, and Forestry Education. The Morgan-Monroe State Forest encompasses more than 25,000 acres. It is forested with some of the state ...

State of Indiana

Forester

Martinsville, IN · On-site

$42K/yr

Urban Forestry, Fire Management, Forest Health, Forest Legacy, and Forestry Education. The Morgan-Monroe State Forest encompasses more than 25,000 acres. It is forested with some of the state ...

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$29K

$41.5K

$53.5K

How much do state forestry jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for state forestry 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 by professionals working in State Forestry, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Professionals in State Forestry often face challenges such as managing large, diverse tracts of land, responding to wildfires, and balancing conservation with public access and resource extraction. New hires may also need to adapt to working outdoors in varying weather conditions and collaborating with a range of stakeholders, from government agencies to local communities. Preparing by gaining practical field experience, understanding state and federal forestry regulations, and developing strong communication skills can help new team members succeed and adapt more quickly to the role.

What is the difference between State Forestry vs State Park Ranger?

AspectState ForestryState Park Ranger
Required CredentialsForestry degree or related certificationPark management or environmental education background
Work EnvironmentForests, conservation areas, fieldworkState parks, visitor centers, public engagement
Employer & IndustryState forestry departments, conservation agenciesState parks, recreation departments
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

State Forestry professionals focus on forest management, conservation, and resource sustainability, often working in forests and conservation areas. State Park Rangers primarily oversee park safety, visitor services, and educational programs within state parks. While both roles serve public land management, State Forestry emphasizes resource conservation and forest health, whereas State Park Rangers concentrate on visitor experience and park safety.

What does a state forestry worker do?

A state forestry worker is responsible for managing and protecting forests owned or regulated by the state. Their duties often include planting and caring for trees, fighting forest fires, managing wildlife habitats, enforcing forestry regulations, and educating the public about conservation. They may also be involved in timber harvesting, disease control, and maintaining trails or recreational areas. The goal of state forestry workers is to ensure sustainable use and long-term health of forest resources for both environmental and public benefit.

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

To thrive in State Forestry, you generally need a background in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant certifications such as SAF Certified Forester. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, forest inventory systems, and fire management tools is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills are crucial for working with diverse stakeholders and managing conservation projects. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring sustainable forest management, resource protection, and effective public service.
More about State Forestry jobs
What cities are hiring for State Forestry jobs? Cities with the most State Forestry job openings:
What states have the most State Forestry jobs? States with the most job openings for State Forestry jobs include:
State Forestry jobs near you
Infographic showing various State Forestry job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,544 per year, or $20 per hour.

Forest Tech 1/Forester - State Lands Specialist

Georgia

Gainesville, FL

$62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Forest Tech 1/Forester - State Lands Specialist

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000000236

Number of Openings:

0

Shift:

Any (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

FOREST TECHNICIAN SALARY: $47,606.00 ANNUALLY
FORESTER - STATE LANDS SPECIALIST SALARY: $62,470.46 ANNUALLY

Job Description:

Position Available: Forest Technician (SMLT 1 - NRT070) or Forester - State Lands Specialist (NRP023)

Placement: Candidates will be placed into one of the above positions based on their qualifications. Specific qualifications for each role are outlined later in this posting.

Forest Technician Salary: $47,606.00 annually

Forester - State Lands Specialist Salary: $62,470.46 annually

With limited supervision, administers GFC's State Lands Program. Responsible for and ensures Georgia's public forest are well managed, healthy, and growing sustainable forest products. Works with state partners such as US Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, DNR, UGA, DOC, GDOT, etc....to develop and accomplish forest management objectives on public land. Through data collection, assists GFC's Law Enforcement Department with investigations of timber theft.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: Under limited supervision, performs various forest management activities.

Timber Sales duties may include:

Produce timber harvest plans.

Perform Georgia Environmental Policy Act (GEPA) reviews related to timber sales.

Conduct timber cruising, timber sale area and SMZ line marking and timber marking and GPS field work.

Workup timber cruises and establish minimum acceptable bids.

Conduct timber sale bid openings.

Conduct timber harvest inspections and coordinate with timber buyers and loggers to ensure contractual compliance.

Conduct reconciliation of timber sale settlements and load card security related to timber sales.

Update and maintain timber sale records on the GFC Timber Sale System.

Forest Management duties may include:

Write and/or update forest management plans for state properties.

Assist with maintaining/updating shape files for state properties.

Supervise forest management activities on state and federal lands, to include but not limited to herbicide treatments, road construction and fire line construction.

Supervise reforestation efforts and conduct seedling survival surveys.

Develop prescribed burning plans and coordinate, supervise and conduct prescribed burning.

Diagnose insect/disease/invasive plant infestations and make recommendations.

Operate Unmanned Aerial Systems to collect information and photographs related to lands under management.

Supervise and conduct Common Stand Exam inventories on federal lands.

Operate farm tractor and cutter/bush hog in maintaining State properties.

Timber Transaction Complaint duties may include:

Supervise and conduct stump cruise field work.

Workup stump cruises.

Produce timber volumes and values related to stump cruises, produce maps of complaint areas and put in format for use by Law Enforcement Department.

As time allows from above duties, assist Dixon Memorial State Forest Manager with all aspects of forest management on the Forest.

Entry Requirements: Forest Tech requirements - Associates Degree in forestry, forest resources, or other forestry major and three years' experience in the forestry field.

Forester requirements - Bachelor's degree in forestry, forest resources, or other forestry major from a SAF accredited college or university, AND three years of experience required as a Forester. Working knowledge of timber markets, forest management, and forest ecology including conservation values such as water, wildlife management, endangered species, forest pests and other important natural resources. Knowledgeable of Best Management Practices, especially pertaining to road construction, stream crossings, and all phases of timber harvesting.

Experience developing, writing, and implementing forestry management plans. Some in-state, overnight travel will be required as well as occasional out-of-state travel.

Placement will depend on your qualifications. Candidates may be hired as either a Forest Technician (SMLT 1)(NRT070) or a Forester - State Lands Specialist, (NRP023) based on experience, credentials, and registration status. Starting salary will align with the position and qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications: A working knowledge of timber sale transactions, logger supervision, conducting timber inventories, and accounting procedures for common methods of timber sales. Proficiency in Word, Excel, standard forester field tool and use of GPS/ArcGIS for basic map creation.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in forestry or closely related field from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited college or university OR Associate's degree in forestry or closely related field from a Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited college or university AND working knowledge of basic forest management practices AND Three years of related experience AND a valid driver's license required OR Three years of experience required at the lower level Forest Tech 3 (NRT072) or position equivalent. Note: A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements are only required for positions that operate commercial vehicles that legally require the operator to have them.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.

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