ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Usda Forest Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUsda Forest JobsUsda Forest Jobs in Michigan

Usda Forest information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$23

$36

How much do usda forest jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for usda forest in Michigan is $23.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a USDA Forest employee?

USDA Forest employees work for the United States Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, which manages public lands in national forests and grasslands. Their roles can include forest management, wildfire prevention, conservation, research, law enforcement, recreation support, and more. These professionals help maintain healthy forests, ensure sustainable resource use, and provide recreational opportunities to the public. They may work in offices, visitor centers, or directly in the field, depending on their specific job within the agency.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for someone working with the USDA Forest Service?

Working with the USDA Forest Service offers a variety of career advancement opportunities, including moving into supervisory or specialist roles, such as Forest Supervisor, District Ranger, or positions in resource management and policy. Employees are encouraged to pursue professional development through training, certifications, and higher education. The organization also supports lateral moves to different regions or specialties, allowing you to broaden your experience and skill set. Advancement is often based on a combination of experience, performance, and education.

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

To thrive as a USDA Forest Service employee, you generally need a background in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, data collection tools, and federal land management systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help individuals excel in managing natural resources and engaging with the public. These competencies are crucial for ensuring sustainable land stewardship, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration across diverse projects.

What is the difference between Usda Forest vs Forest Technician?

AspectUsda ForestForest Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification, some roles may require a bachelor's
Work EnvironmentForests, national parks, government agenciesForests, conservation areas, field sites
Employer & IndustryUSDA Forest Service, government agenciesUSDA Forest Service, state agencies, conservation organizations

Both roles involve working outdoors in forested environments, often for government agencies like the USDA Forest Service. The main difference lies in education requirements and job responsibilities, with USDA Forest roles typically requiring a bachelor's degree and more planning or management duties, while Forest Technicians often have an associate's degree and focus on fieldwork and data collection.

What are popular job titles related to Usda Forest jobs in Michigan?

For Usda Forest jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Usda Forest jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Usda Forest jobs in Michigan are:

Usda Forest jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Forest job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,906 per year, or $23 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Dozer Operator)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Oscoda, MI • On-site

$33.11/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate heavy equipment such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle-dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors to support fire, fuels management, and natural resource projects.

  • Support initial attack firefighting activities by operating equipment in adverse terrain and near obstacles.

  • Maintain work practices by keeping equipment and work areas neat, clean, and in order.

United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 856 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position is established on a Forest Unit to serve primarily as an operator of heavy equipment on initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The incumbent also operates this equipment in support of other natural resource projects.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Wage System Qualifications Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Basic Requirement:
You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator.
Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than length of experience. Eligibility will be determined by the relevance, scope and quality of all experience and training, regardless of where or how acquired. Applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified in this announcement.
Screen-out Job Element: Applicants who do not meet the screen-out job elements will not be further evaluated.
  • Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
In addition to the above requirements, applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified below:
  • Ability to operate engineering and construction equipment, such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle-dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments to push, pull, fill, pile or load gravel or earth.
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles (such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments to push, pull, fill, pile or load gravel or earth in steep, hilly, rocky, and other types of adverse terrain, close to buildings, trees, drop-offs, rocks, or other obstructions and obstacles)
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Reliability and Dependability as an Engineering Equipment Operator (to excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth to rough specifications on all types of terrain including mountains, steep slopes, graded curves and shoulders, rocky and soft ground, and hilly forests)

Selective Placement Factors
Applicants must possess and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the MODERATE level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

What United States Department Of Agriculture employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply