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Timber Cruising Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Cruising timber to evaluate quality and volumes; negotiating timber contracts and developing forest management plans; marking timber and establishing harvest boundaries; administering timber sales ...

Timber Cruising information

See Michigan salary details

$25.3K

$36.2K

$46.6K

How much do timber cruising jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for timber cruising in Michigan is $36,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,100.00 and $40,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by timber cruisers in the field?

Timber cruisers often work in rugged, remote, or heavily forested areas where navigating difficult terrain and variable weather conditions can be challenging. The job frequently requires long periods outdoors, walking several miles while carrying equipment and ensuring precise data collection. Safety awareness is crucial due to potential hazards such as wildlife, unstable ground, and dense underbrush. Despite these challenges, many professionals find the work rewarding, especially those who enjoy fieldwork and appreciate direct contributions to sustainable forest management.

How do you become a timber cruiser?

To become a timber cruiser, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in forest measurement and timber grading. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in forestry, logging, or related fields, and obtaining certifications such as the Forest Resources or Timber Cruising certification can improve job prospects.

What is timber cruising?

A Timber Cruising job involves assessing and estimating the volume, quality, and species of trees in a forested area. Timber cruisers collect data on tree measurements, health, and density to help forestry companies, landowners, and government agencies make informed management decisions. The job often requires working outdoors in various weather conditions, using specialized tools like clinometers and diameter tapes. Strong navigation, data recording, and physical endurance are essential skills for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in timber cruising?

To thrive in timber cruising, you need a solid understanding of forestry principles, tree identification, and measurement techniques, often supported by a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GPS devices, data collection software, and sometimes forest inventory or mapping systems is frequently required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valued soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate timber assessments, effective data reporting, and safe, efficient work in various outdoor environments.

How much do timber cruisers make?

Timber cruisers typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. The role involves assessing forest stands, often requiring knowledge of forestry tools and data collection methods.
What are the most commonly searched types of Timber Cruising jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Timber Cruising jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Timber Cruising jobs in Michigan? For Timber Cruising jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Timber Cruising jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Timber Cruising jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Timber Cruising job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,210 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Forester - Procurement

pca

Filer City, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Packaging Corporation Of America rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Procurement Forester

Responsibilities include:

Experienced forestry graduate.  Cruising timber to evaluate quality and volumes; negotiating timber contracts and developing forest management plans; marking timber and establishing harvest boundaries; administering timber sales and merchandising the products on that sale; maintaining compliance with PCA wood certification programs; being familiar with and following the SFI guidelines for Michigan.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Forest Management required    
  • Applicants must have 2 years’ experience in forestry
  • Experience using Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Pulp and Paper Industry experience preferred 

Knowledge-Skills-Abilities

  • Demonstrate working knowledge of the technical and professional aspects of forestry
  • Demonstrate working knowledge of land resource management
  • Ability to regulate and communicate with wood suppliers, private landowners and state and federal agencies
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule
  • Safety and forestry related continued education courses

Competitive pay and benefit package.

 

Please apply to:  www.careers.packagingcorp.com


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