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Timber Cutter Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Timber Cutter information

See Oregon salary details

$12

$18

$25

How much do timber cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for timber cutter in Oregon is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workday look like for a Timber Cutter?

A typical day for a Timber Cutter begins early, often with a safety briefing and equipment inspection before heading into the forest or logging area. The work involves felling trees, trimming branches, and preparing logs, while adhering closely to safety protocols and environmental guidelines. Timber Cutters frequently work in teams, coordinating with equipment operators and forestry supervisors to maximize efficiency and ensure safety. The role is physically demanding and takes place outdoors in varying weather conditions, but it offers the satisfaction of working closely with nature and contributing directly to the forestry industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Timber Cutter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Timber Cutter, you need a strong understanding of forestry operations, physical stamina, and proficiency in handling chainsaws and other logging equipment, with a high school diploma often preferred. Familiarity with safety protocols, protective gear, and, in some regions, certification in chainsaw operation are typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and solid communication skills help ensure both efficiency and safety on the job site. These abilities are crucial for maintaining workplace safety, meeting timber production goals, and working effectively in demanding outdoor environments.

What is a Timber Cutter job?

A Timber Cutter is responsible for felling trees and cutting them into logs for processing or transport. They use chainsaws, handsaws, and other equipment to safely and efficiently harvest timber while following environmental and safety regulations. This job often requires knowledge of tree species, cutting techniques, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Timber Cutters may work for logging companies or as independent contractors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Timber Cutter jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Timber Cutter jobs in Oregon are:
What job categories do people searching Timber Cutter jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Timber Cutter jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Timber Cutter jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Timber Cutter job openings:
Willamette National Forest - Timber Presale Support Individual Placement

Willamette National Forest - Timber Presale Support Individual Placement

Northwest Youth Corps

Mill City, OR • On-site

$11K/mo

Temporary

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Northwest Youth Corps - 640 Hours
Individual Placement
U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest
Sweet Home Ranger & Detroit Ranger Districts
Position Title: Timber Presale Support Individual Placement - 640 hours (16 weeks)
Position Summary:
The U.S. Forest Service - Willamette National Forest is recruiting 3-4, 640 Hour Timber Presale Support Individual Placements starting July through October to provide Presale Support between the Sweet Home Ranger District and the Detroit Ranger District. The individual placements will serve with the Timber Crew. The incumbent would typically work 4 ten-hour days per week as the districts look to increase their capacity in timber sale preparation to support the Agency's goals for Active Forest Management.
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.
[BACKGROUND FROM PARTNER ON SITE OR DEPARTMENT]
Duties and Responsibilities:
This position is located in a Ranger District to perform presale, and similar duties as part of the timber organization. Specific activities include:
  • Selects and marks individual trees for harvest using well defined marking guidelines, silvicultural prescriptions, and specific instruction.
  • Traverses harvest units.
  • Designates sale area and cutting unit boundaries on the ground.
  • For timber cruising, serve as tally person and may operate electronic field data recorders. Assists in the measure of limiting distances, tree diameter, tree height, estimation of defect and quality, and related fundamental timber cruising procedures. Timber cruising is done under the direct supervision of a qualified timber cruiser.
  • Observes and reports areas of possible archeological significance, and sightings of sensitive, threatened or endangered wildlife species.
  • Participates in other aspects of resource management support work such as recreation, maintenance, silviculture, tree planting, etc.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans)
  • U.S. Citizen or lawful, permanent resident
  • Must pass a background/driver check
  • Willingness to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to work outdoors in remote settings, in inclement weather, and on steep, uneven ground.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Practical working knowledge of forestry methods and techniques, and a knowledge of resource values and their relationships.
  • Basic knowledge of timber cruising practices including: measurement techniques, defect recognition, data recording, etc.
  • Skill in the application of standard methods and standard technical guidelines in accurately recording data, and in the use of basic tools.
  • Basic knowledge of silvicultural treatments sufficient to understand marking guides. Ability to identify local tree species, diseases, defects, and other common characteristics important to selection of harvest trees.
  • Basic knowledge of logging methods, mapping techniques, and Forest Service objectives, policies and practices particular to timber sale preparation.
  • Driver's License
  • Personal transportation

Duty/Housing Location:
Duties are performed within the Willamette National Forest, focused on either the Sweet Home or Detroit Ranger Districts. Sweet Home is a full-service community with several small communities within commuting range of the Detroit office.
Government owned housing may be available during the term of this position in Detroit.
Terms of Employment:
Starting July through October, each selected individual placement will complete a term of 16 weeks of service. Additional weeks may be included depending on work needs and a mutual agreement between the individual placement and the Forest Service. The individual placement will average 40 hours of labor per week, minus holidays.
Individual Placements are responsible for providing their own personal transportation and food.
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
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
Please select "Willamette National Forest - Timber Presale Support Individual Placement" when applying.
Additional Information
If you have questions about the position, please reach Northwest Youth Corps Internship Department at or Recreation Program Manager, Matthew Peterson at .
All job offers are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check (criminal history and driving history).