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Forest Entomology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resource Management Opening Date: 05/18/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Position Number:: LECTURER Description Title: Lecturer (Entomology) Position Number:

Manager, Forest Productivity and Optimization

Yulee, FL ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Knowledge and experience in one or more sun-disciplines of Forestry, such as genetics, or soils, or biometrics, or entomology, or pathology is desired. Core Forestry Knowledge: Strong understanding ...

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forest entomology information

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$31K

$42.1K

$56K

How much do forest entomology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest entomology in the United States is $42,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forest entomology?

Forest entomology is the scientific study of insects that live in forest ecosystems. It focuses on understanding the biology, behavior, and ecological roles of insects in forests, including both beneficial species and pests. Forest entomologists often work to manage insect populations that can harm trees, such as bark beetles, while also researching pollinators and decomposers that contribute to forest health. Their work is essential for maintaining healthy forests and managing the impacts of invasive insect species.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forest entomologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forest Entomologist, you typically need a strong background in entomology, forestry, ecology, and a relevant degree such as a master's or PhD in these fields. Familiarity with GIS software, insect sampling equipment, statistical analysis tools, and sometimes pesticide applicator certification is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities set outstanding professionals apart. These skills are vital for accurately assessing insect impacts on forest ecosystems, developing management strategies, and collaborating with stakeholders to promote forest health.

What are some common challenges faced by forest entomologists when conducting field research?

Forest entomologists often encounter challenges such as difficult terrain, unpredictable weather, and seasonal variability in insect populations, which can complicate fieldwork and data collection. Additionally, working in remote forest areas can require long hours and close collaboration with forestry professionals and researchers from other disciplines. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as entomologists may need to quickly adjust research plans based on findings, pest outbreaks, or environmental changes. These challenges are balanced by the opportunity to make significant contributions to forest health and integrated pest management strategies.

What is the difference between Forest Entomology vs Forest Pest Management?

AspectForest EntomologyForest Pest Management
CredentialsDegree in Entomology, Forestry, or related fieldDegree in Entomology, Forestry, or Pest Management
Work EnvironmentResearch, field studies in forests, academic or government labsFieldwork, pest control operations, forest treatment sites
Industry UsageResearch and understanding insect ecology in forestsControlling and managing pest outbreaks in forests
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding insect roles in forestsManaging pest issues in forestry

Forest Entomology focuses on studying insects within forest ecosystems, including their ecology and impact. Forest Pest Management emphasizes controlling and mitigating pest outbreaks to protect forest health. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and objectives differ, with entomologists often involved in research and pest managers in active pest control.

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What cities are hiring for Forest Entomology jobs?

Cities with the most Forest Entomology job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Entomology jobs?

The most popular types of Forest Entomology jobs are:

What states have the most Forest Entomology jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forest Entomology jobs include:

Infographic showing various Forest Entomology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,105 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Forester - South Dakota

National Wild Turkey Federation

Rapid City, SD โ€ข On-site

$54K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Contract
Description
The National Wild Turkey Federation is seeking qualified candidates for a forester position, to be located in Rapid City or Custer, South Dakota. The position will be a cooperative position and will be responsible for promoting forest & riparian management on private lands in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. This is a full time, term position expiring September 2027, with the potential to extend the term.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Assists partners in promoting management of privately owned forested lands and riparian areas for multiple resource benefits, including forest health, wildlife habitat, fuels reduction and water quality; provides forestry assistance to private landowners, communities and public agencies to achieve optimum environmental, economic and social benefits from forest resources; implements silvicultural practices and delivers technical assistance and financial assistance programs under the direction of cooperating partners.
DUTIES:
  • Provide multiple resource management planning that addresses significant forest and riparian health concerns on private lands through the delivery of technical assistance and available federal and state financial assistance programs
  • Develop consensus among partners and provide recommendations for working in oak, aspen and other hardwood stands and riparian areas to ensure these critical habitats are included in private lands management planning
  • Work with local conservation districts to identify and plan multi-partner landscape level conservation projects
  • Provide expertise related to management of wildlife habitat beneficial to wild turkeys, elk, deer and other wildlife species with emphasis placed on forest health, including forest thinning, proper grazing regimes and riparian improvements
  • Prepare and implement forest management plans based on accepted silvicultural practices
  • Prepare forest management project contracts, providing specifications and prescriptions for thinning, mastication, slash treatments, and other forest management activities
  • Obtain Tree Farm Inspector Certification and work to promote and maintain certification of Tree Farms in the region
  • Develop and deliver innovative forest management techniques to landowners and cooperators through workshops, written materials, field days and educational programs
  • Provide internal review and input as requested on need, purpose and design during all stages of USDA-NRCS program forest management project planning and implementation
  • Promote awareness and collaboration of state, federal and local conservation programs and planning, and acquire project support through engagement with conservation organizations, local conservation groups, industry and local communities
  • Develop relationships and working partnerships with the USDA-NRCS offices, USDA-U.S. Forest Service, SD Game Fish and Parks Dept., SD Dept. of Agriculture Resource Conservation & Forestry, Conservation NGO's, County Weed and Pest Management, County Commissioners, Private Forest Industry, Mountain Pine Beetle Conservation Leaders Group, Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group and Tree Farm committee

Requirements
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Preferred candidates will possess experience working in ponderosa pine ecosystems, riparian communities and knowledge of wild turkeys, forest wildlife and their habitat requirements; knowledge of forest entomology, pathology, forest management and planning for major silvicultural types of the region; knowledge of basic surveying principles, map reading and GIS/GPS technology, ArcGIS skills; ability to apply professional scientific techniques to the land for which responsibilities are assigned; ability to effectively cooperate with private landowners, the general public, cooperators and peers; skills in the use and operation of forestry field equipment and ATVs; skills in communicating both orally and in written form to convey clear, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others; proficient skills in the use of Microsoft Office applications
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Demonstrated knowledge of forestry and wildlife biology
  • Strong organizational skills and capability to work independently with little direct supervision
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree in Forestry from a SAF-Accredited Program or other natural resource degree with a strong forestry emphasis, or relevant experience (Applicants with a Master's degree in forestry or education/experience in wildlife management are preferred) .
  • Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Outlook

This position will remain posted until filled.
Salary Description
$54,757 Minimum Annual Salary