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State Forestry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

California Licensed Foresters Assn

RPF

Mendocino, CA · On-site

... state forestry grants • Professional map creation and geodatabase management • Administer all types of forestry operations Required Qualifications • Timber harvest plan writing and ...

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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.
Director - Nebraska Forest Service

Director - Nebraska Forest Service

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Director - Nebraska Forest Service
Department
Nebraska Forest Service-0889
Requisition Number
F_260069
Posting Open Date
07/02/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
08/10/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications and nominations for a visionary, collaborative, and dynamic leader to serve as the Director of the Nebraska Forest Service and State Forester.
Nebraska holds a unique and proud place in forestry history. As the birthplace of Arbor Day and home to the nation's largest hand-planted forest, innovation, development, and stewardship are woven into our state's forestry identity. The Director will lead a premier, 21st-century conservation agency embedded within a world-class land-grant university. This distinct structure allows the Director to seamlessly bridge cutting-edge research, extension education, and statewide operational impact. The ideal candidate will be an elite blend of an administrator, a public agency executive, and a passionate champion for natural resources. The successful candidate will be a strategic leader ready to champion forest health, pioneer climate-resilient landscapes, and protect communities from wildland fire threats across a diverse and beautiful geography.
The Role & Strategic Mandate
The Director provides leadership for a multi-faceted statewide organization with offices across the state. Managing an agile team of professionals and a complex budget comprising state, federal, and private funding, the Director will oversee key program areas:
  • Wildland Fire Protection: Partnering with rural fire districts to provide training, equipment, and fire suppression strategies.
  • Community Forestry & Sustainable Landscapes: Partnering with communities to elevate urban canopy through training, funding and outreach. Overseeing PlantNebraska - formerly the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, a member-based nonprofit organization.
  • Rural Forestry: Assisting private landowners with forest management, wildfire mitigation, agroforestry, and wood product utilization.
  • Forest Health: Diagnosing and mitigating threats to forest health.

Key Responsibilities
  • Administrative Leadership: Provide strategic direction, operational management, and financial stewardship for the agency's personnel, facilities, and diverse funding portfolio.
  • Partnership & Advocacy: Cultivate deep, trusted relationships with the U.S. Forest Service, Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF), the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), state legislators, commodity groups, and private landowners.
  • University Integration: Align NFS goals with the broader research, teaching, and Extension missions of IANR and the School of Natural Resources.
  • Public Voice: Serve as the primary advocate and public face of the Nebraska Forest Service.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • A Master's degree.
  • A Degree in Forestry, Natural Resources Management, Fire Science, Public Administration, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated administrative experience within a forestry, natural resources, or public agency.
  • A proven track record of managing and operationalizing substantial budgets, including grants and cooperative agreements.
  • A proven track record of leadership experience managing people, resources, and complex projects across multiple programs or divisions.
  • Demonstrated experience advocating for agency priorities, funding, and/or policy support.

Preferred Qualifications
  • A Master's degree in forestry.
  • A Ph.D. in forestry, fisheries and/or wildlife, or closely related field.
  • Proven experience working in forestry, wildland fire, or forestry-related professions.
  • Proven leadership in a public service agency, including transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources.
  • Demonstrated excellence in communicating with internal and external audiences.
  • Experience setting and carrying out the strategic direction for an organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead employees in a way that supports and encourages professional growth and career advancement.
  • Demonstrated success securing external funding and developing strategic partnerships to advance organizational priorities, expand capacity, and support long-term sustainability.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets and distributing resources to accomplish strategic goals.
  • Experience leading organizations through crisis situations, emergency response, or complex operational challenges.
  • Demonstrated understanding of National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards, Incident Command System (ICS) principles, and interagency wildland fire management practices.
  • Experience working in an academic institution.

Work Location (City, State)
Lincoln, NE
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required
Posted Salary
How to Apply
Click "Apply for this Job" and then "Faculty Application." Complete the application and attach the following required documents:
  1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job.
  2. Your curriculum vitae.
  3. Contact information for three professional references.
  4. A statement describing your philosophy and approach to:
    • Budget and resource management.
    • Addressing current and emerging challenges in Forestry and Natural Resources.
    • Establishing intermediate and long-term goals for the Nebraska Forest Service.
  5. A statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to environments where every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum). See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement.

Please combine the statements (items 4 and 5) into a single document and attach as "Other Document."
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Rachel Szelag
rszelag2@unl.edu
Job Category
Job Category (old)
Academic Administrative
Job Type
12 Month (Faculty Only)
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date
Appointment End Date
Organizational Location
Default Location

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