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Tree Planting Reforestation Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

WSSC Water

Watershed Environmental Supervisor

Laurel, MD

$116K - $120K/yr

Oversees planting of seedlings and/or saplings as part of ongoing watershed reforestation efforts ... Updates Forestry Management plans and Recreation Area Tree Care Plan * Contracts and supervises the ...

All JobsTree Planting Reforestation JobsTree Planting Reforestation Jobs in Washington

Tree Planting Reforestation information

See Washington salary details

$17

$33

$56

How much do tree planting reforestation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree planting reforestation in Washington is $33.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.34 and $37.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tree Planting Reforestation vs Tree Planting Restoration?

AspectTree Planting ReforestationTree Planting Restoration
CertificationsTypically requires forestry or environmental certificationsSimilar certifications, often including ecological restoration training
Work EnvironmentForests, reforestation sites, conservation areasDegraded lands, ecological restoration sites, conservation projects
Industry UsageReforestation projects to restore forest coverRestoration projects to recover ecosystems and biodiversity

Tree Planting Reforestation focuses on restoring forest cover by planting trees in deforested areas, while Tree Planting Restoration involves planting trees as part of broader ecological recovery efforts to restore ecosystems and biodiversity. Both roles require similar skills and certifications but differ in project goals and environments.

How much money can you make from planting trees?

Tree planting and reforestation jobs typically pay between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and organization. Seasonal or volunteer positions may be unpaid or offer stipends, while professional roles with certifications can earn higher wages. Skills in plant identification and environmental conservation can improve earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tree Planting Reforestation Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tree Planting Reforestation Worker, you need physical stamina, basic knowledge of ecology or forestry, and familiarity with safe planting techniques, often gained through on-the-job training or relevant certifications. Use of GPS devices, tree planting tools, and sometimes data collection apps is common in the field. Strong teamwork, adaptability to harsh outdoor environments, and a solid work ethic are valuable soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring efficient reforestation efforts, high survival rates of planted trees, and successful ecosystem restoration.

What is the highest paid job in forestry?

The highest paid jobs in forestry are often senior roles such as Forest Managers, Forest Engineers, or Consulting Foresters, which require advanced education and experience. These positions typically involve overseeing large-scale projects, managing teams, and utilizing specialized skills and certifications, leading to higher salaries compared to entry-level roles like tree planting or reforestation workers.

What is the 10 20 30 rule for tree planting?

The 10-20-30 rule in tree planting suggests planting trees at least 10 feet apart, ensuring they have enough space to grow, with a minimum of 20 feet from structures or other trees to prevent competition, and planting no more than 30 trees per acre for optimal growth and maintenance. This guideline helps reforestation projects promote healthy, sustainable forests. Proper spacing is essential for tree health, growth, and ecosystem balance.

What are some common challenges faced by tree planting reforestation workers in the field?

Tree planting reforestation workers often face physical challenges such as working in rugged terrain, variable weather conditions, and carrying heavy loads of saplings and equipment. The work can be repetitive and physically demanding, requiring stamina and good health. Additionally, workers must carefully follow planting guidelines to ensure high survival rates for the trees, which can be challenging when working quickly or in difficult soil conditions. Collaborating effectively with a team and maintaining motivation during long planting days are also important aspects of the role.

How to work in reforestation?

To work in reforestation, you can seek roles such as tree planter or reforestation technician, which often require physical stamina and knowledge of planting techniques. Gaining experience through volunteer work or seasonal planting programs, and obtaining certifications in forestry or environmental conservation, can improve job prospects. Fieldwork typically involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and using tools like shovels and planting equipment.

What is tree planting reforestation?

Tree planting reforestation is the process of planting trees in areas where forests have been depleted or destroyed, with the goal of restoring ecosystems and increasing forest cover. This job involves preparing land, selecting appropriate tree species, planting seedlings, and sometimes maintaining young trees to ensure their survival. Reforestation helps combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, supports biodiversity, and can improve soil and water quality. Tree planters often work in teams and may be employed by government agencies, environmental organizations, or private companies. The work is physically demanding but plays a vital role in environmental conservation.
What are popular job titles related to Tree Planting Reforestation jobs in Washington? For Tree Planting Reforestation jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tree Planting Reforestation jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Tree Planting Reforestation jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Tree Planting Reforestation jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Tree Planting Reforestation job openings:
Tree Planting Reforestation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tree Planting Reforestation job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,721 per year, or $33 per hour.

Watershed Environmental Supervisor

WSSC Water

Laurel, MD

$116K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Functional Title Watershed Environmental Supervisor Recruitment Category Type Standard Functional Category Production Grade GS.13 FLSA Status Non-Exempt Requisition Number 26-0240 Number of Vacancies 1 Job Level Supervisory Job Code N/A Job Description Summary Organization Name Systems Control Reports to Section Manager, Watershed Field Full or Part Time Full Time If Part Time how many hours per week Regular or Temporary Regular Position End Date (if temporary) Work Schedule
Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Position Location Brookeville
Position Summary Information
General Summary
The Watershed Environmental Supervisorperforms skilled tasks related to the general maintenance, environmental and physical health of WSSC Water's watershed and water reservoirs. This role performs inspections for the protection, and enhancement of natural resources, as well as the management of these resources. This role also Inspects and maintain recreational areas and equipment to meet safety standards, and supervises contracts for various services needed on the watershed.
Essential Functions
  • Supervises employees including selecting or recommending selection, training, assigning and evaluating work, counseling, disciplining, and/or termination or recommending termination
  • Monitors operation and maintenance of the fish nursery pond including stocking and periodic releases
  • Monitors State fish stocking for the Patuxent Reservoirs including maintenance of fish habitat structures
  • Maintains reforested/afforested areas through pruning, staking, fencing, and sheltering Plantations of seedlings and saplings
  • Oversees planting of seedlings and/or saplings as part of ongoing watershed reforestation efforts
  • Assists in the WSSC Water's Deer Management Program marking hunt areas, transporting hunters and their equipment, collection of harvested deer, and assessing deer impacts
  • Monitors and assists with volunteer efforts on the watershed
  • Monitors and manages various environmental and maintenance contracts and agreements pertaining to the watershed (e.g. logging, forestry, archaeology, hay contract, dredging, portable toilets, lawn care and emergency tree removal)
  • Coordinates with various WSSC Water and other agencies' personnel on a variety of watershed projects
  • Interacts with the Maryland Department of Agriculture on required efforts to control thistle and other noxious weeds on Watershed property
  • Monitors and devises plans to control invasive species on the watershed
  • Responsible for monitoring the maintenance of watershed access roads particularly portions which are utilized as an equestrian/hiking trail (may include the use of heavy equipment, chain saws, etc.)
  • Updates Forestry Management plans and Recreation Area Tree Care Plan
  • Contracts and supervises the application of pesticides and/ or applies pesticides
  • Conducts water quality monitoring tasks on the watershed
  • Provides oversight of daily maintenance activities on the watershed
  • Researches and prepares detailed plans and drawings for projects
  • Conducts monthly checks of all recreational areas for hazardous conditions and makes recommendations to the Watershed Field Section Manager accordingly
  • Keep monthly pesticide inventory and Monitor gasoline/diesel tanks, and order as necessary to maintain adequate levels
  • Operates tainter gates, intake valves, silt valves, and needle valves
  • Handles the process to confiscate and surplus abandoned boats
  • Oversees preventative maintenance and repairs of all watershed equipment (portable and heavy)
Other Functions
  • Assists maintenance crews to include heavy equipment operation, mowing, fence/gate repair, access road maintenance, tree removals, and azalea garden maintenance
  • Represents WSSC Water on various county or State special committees as required
  • Requisitions and purchases tools, materials and parts
  • Participates in various in-house environmental studies
  • Acts in the absence of the Watershed Field Section Manager providing administrative and technical guidance
  • Performs other related duties as assigned
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Work is performed outdoors and in office environment. This position requires more than 50% of time in the field in order to observe conditions on the watershed.
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
  • Working knowledge of current forestry, erosion and sediment control, fisheries, wildlife, hunting, and recreation maintenance practices, and boat operation and maintenance
  • Ability to exhibit good judgment during interactions with the public, WSSC Water contractors, and watershed staff
  • Ability to read and interpret contract specifications
  • Ability to function during emergency situations
  • Knowledge of Maryland hunting and trapping and fishing regulations, and general hunting practices and techniques;
  • A general understanding of ecology as related to watershed management
  • Knowledge of methods, materials, and techniques commonly used in public works maintenance operations
  • Ability to effectively instruct subordinates in carrying out unskilled and semiskilled tasks
  • Ability to interpret and accomplish written and verbal instruction and file completion reports on same
  • Working familiarity with equipment (e.g. farm tractors, chainsaws, mulchers, chippers, mowers, cement mixers, backhoes, and bulldozers)
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • 7+ years as a Conservation/Natural Resources Inspector or Natural Resources Enforcement Officer
Additional Requirements
  • Meets all requirements for Pesticide License categories 3A, 3C, and 5
  • Employees in this position are designated or considered emergency personnel; therefore, the employee must report to work as scheduled or as directed by their supervisor when WSSC Water declares an event that requires emergency personnel to report to work
Preferences
  • Bachelor's degree in a Natural Science
  • Supervisory experience
Salary $78,429 - $133,541
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
WSSC Water is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
Reasonable Accommodations: WSSC Water provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants who require assistance or an accommodation during the application or hiring process should contact us atada@wsscwater.com
Close Date 08/11/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants Additional Information
All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.

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