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Us Forest Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Lead Forest Ecologist

Portland, OR · On-site

$141/hr

US Forest Service Experience * Well-developed expertise with conducting NEPA / CEQA / other analysis and preparation of associated documentation. * Highly capable self-leadership and interpersonal ...

WSP

Lead Forest Ecologist

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$141/hr

US Forest Service Experience * Well-developed expertise with conducting NEPA / CEQA / other analysis and preparation of associated documentation. * Highly capable self-leadership and interpersonal ...

University System of New Hampshire

... US Forest Service, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. * When determined appropriate with supervisor and Extension administration, serve as the county office administrator (COA) of the ...

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How much do us forest service jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for us forest service in the United States is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $33.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in the Forest Service?

The highest paying jobs in the U.S. Forest Service are typically senior management roles such as Forest Supervisor or Regional Forester, which require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced degrees. These positions can offer salaries exceeding $150,000 annually, depending on location and responsibilities.

What is the US Forest Service?

The US Forest Service is a federal agency within the United States Department of Agriculture that manages national forests and grasslands. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency is responsible for managing public lands, protecting natural resources, supporting recreation, and ensuring sustainable use of forests. They also conduct research on forest ecosystems and provide assistance to state and private forestry programs.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the U.S. Forest Service, most positions do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily rates are typically associated with specialized consulting, contracting, or high-level executive roles outside standard federal employment. Certain contracted experts, consultants, or contractors working on large projects may earn high daily rates, but these are not common for regular federal jobs. Most federal positions pay hourly or annual salaries aligned with government pay scales.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a US Forest Service employee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a US Forest Service employee, you generally need a background in natural resource management, forestry, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS tools, wildfire management systems, and government regulatory frameworks is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important because they enable employees to manage public lands effectively, ensure safety, and promote sustainable resource use.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working for the US Forest Service, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Employees of the US Forest Service often face challenges such as working in remote locations, adapting to varying weather conditions, and managing workloads that can fluctuate seasonally. New hires should be prepared for extensive fieldwork, sometimes in rugged terrain, and should develop strong teamwork and communication skills, as collaboration with other agencies and local communities is frequent. Embracing flexibility and being proactive about safety practices are key to success in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Us Forest Service vs Forest Technician?

AspectUs Forest ServiceForest Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions require certifications in forestry or related fieldsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires forestry or natural resource coursework
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, national parks, and public lands; outdoor, physically demandingFieldwork and some office work; outdoor environment with hands-on forestry tasks
Employer & IndustryU.S. federal government, public land managementFederal agencies, state agencies, or private contractors involved in forestry and land management

The U.S. Forest Service and Forest Technicians both work in forestry and land management, often outdoors and in similar environments. While the Forest Service is a federal agency employing various roles, Forest Technicians are specific positions within or outside the agency focusing on fieldwork and technical tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and involve outdoor work, but the Forest Service encompasses a broader range of responsibilities and career paths.

Can you become a forester without a degree?

Becoming a U.S. Forest Service forester typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. While some entry-level positions may accept relevant work experience or certifications, most professional roles in forestry require formal education and knowledge of forest management, GIS tools, and conservation practices.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

In the U.S. Forest Service, most roles do not pay $10,000 a month without a degree, as entry-level positions typically offer lower wages. High-paying jobs in the agency, such as forest supervisors or specialized technical roles, often require advanced experience or education. Generally, achieving such high salaries in government agencies without a degree is uncommon and may require extensive experience or specialized skills.
What cities are hiring for Us Forest Service jobs? Cities with the most Us Forest Service job openings:
What states have the most Us Forest Service jobs? States with the most job openings for Us Forest Service jobs include:
Lead Forest Ecologist

Lead Forest Ecologist

WSP

Portland, OR • On-site

$141/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants

Job description

Job Description
This Opportunity
WSP USA is initiating a search for a Lead Forest Ecologist to join our California Earth and Environment Team! Our California-based team consists of members concentrated in California, but many live and work on projects in multiple states across the U.S. based on our team's capabilities and interests. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with federal land management, forest planning, NEPA analysis related to forests and natural resources management, biological/ecological surveys, forestry management, and scientific writing. The ideal candidate has experience with writing technical biological reports, evaluating impacts to sensitive resources on federal lands, and planning with the US Forest Service with demonstrated success in forestry and/or ecology and technical writing.
Your Impact
  • Serve as forester or forest ecologist on multiple projects in multiple states, including three ongoing projects in Oregon
  • Identify potential new clients and project opportunities nationally with internal members of the organization
  • Lead/organize forestry and/or ecology field data collection and prepare related reports
  • Advise other team members on forest planning and impact analysis related to US Forest Service and other federal agencies
  • Grow our ability to undertake vegetation modeling, including Forest Vegetation Simulation (FVS) modeling and other statistical analyses to support multiple projects
  • Participate in wildfire mitigation planning
  • Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams which could include engineers, planners, GIS analysts, recreation specialists, biologists, cultural resources specialists, permitting and environmental resource specialists, and construction compliance monitors
  • Lead or assist with GIS data generation and management, particularly for ecological data, for federal or state clients
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field.
  • 10+ years of experience working as a Forester or Forest ecologist, with at least 5 years associated with federal lands
  • US Forest Service Experience
  • Well-developed expertise with conducting NEPA / CEQA / other analysis and preparation of associated documentation.
  • Highly capable self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
  • Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Up to 20% travel may be required for field work and client meetings

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Professional certifications as applicable to technical expertise
  • Knowledge of federal and state, and local environmental regulations related to sensitive species in Washington, Oregon, California, Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Michigan

WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Ability to work remotely from any location in the US, while supporting projects nationally.
Compensation
Expected Salary: $ 95,400- $141, 680
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
#LI-LD1
About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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