Work in the Pacific Northwest · Forestry

Forestry Technician Jobs in the Pacific Northwest

USFS Region 6 positions across Oregon and Washington — the largest concentration of federal forestry technician jobs in the country. Timber, fire, recreation, and wildlife roles, pay ranges, and how to get hired.

Why the Pacific Northwest Is the Center of Federal Forestry Work

USFS Region 6 — covering Oregon and Washington — manages 17 national forests totaling over 24 million acres. It is the largest single USFS region by timber volume and one of the largest by total acreage. The Willamette, Mount Hood, Gifford Pinchot, Okanogan-Wenatchee, and Deschutes National Forests are among the most active employers of seasonal forestry technicians in the country. The combination of active timber programs, wildfire suppression, recreation management, and watershed restoration creates a broader range of forestry technician roles here than in any other region.

Types of Forestry Technician Positions

Timber and Silviculture Technicians (GS-3 to GS-7)

These positions support timber sales, reforestation, and silvicultural treatments. Duties include tree planting, stand exams, pre-commercial thinning layout, and timber sale administration. Entry-level positions (GS-3/4) require no prior experience. GS-5 and above typically require one season of relevant experience or a forestry-related degree.

Forestry Technician (Firefighter) — GS-3 to GS-6

Fire-qualified forestry technicians are the most common seasonal hire in Region 6. Entry-level positions require passing the Pack Test (3 miles, 45 lbs, 45 minutes). Many forests hire engine crew, hand crew, and helitack positions. The Gifford Pinchot, Umpqua, and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests are among the largest fire employers in the region.

Recreation Technicians (GS-3 to GS-5)

Recreation technicians maintain trails, campgrounds, and visitor facilities. The Mount Hood and Willamette National Forests hire heavily for recreation positions due to high visitor use near Portland and Eugene. These positions are often the most accessible entry point for workers without a forestry background.

Wildlife and Fisheries Technicians (GS-3 to GS-7)

The Pacific Northwest's salmon recovery programs and spotted owl monitoring create consistent demand for wildlife and fisheries technicians. These positions often require biological coursework or prior field experience. The Olympic, Gifford Pinchot, and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests hire wildlife technicians each season.

Pay in the Pacific Northwest

Federal pay in Oregon and Washington uses the Rest of US locality pay adjustment (~16% above base GS rates). A GS-3 step 1 earns approximately $18.18/hr; GS-5 step 1 earns approximately $20.94/hr. Fire positions add hazard pay (25% of base) during active assignments. A full 6-month seasonal appointment at GS-4 with fire hazard pay and overtime typically totals $28,000–$40,000.

Hiring Season and How to Apply

Most Region 6 seasonal positions are posted on USAJOBS between January and March. The most competitive positions — particularly fire and recreation roles near Portland, Seattle, and Bend — fill by late February. Apply as early as possible. A complete USAJOBS profile with a federal-format resume is required. Many forests also use the Pathways Recent Graduates program for entry-level permanent positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find Forestry Technician Jobs in the Pacific Northwest on OGS

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