Transportation
Transportation careers are a critical link in the forestry and land management sector, responsible for moving raw or processed biomass, logs, and fuels across landscapes to mills, energy facilities, or project sites. This work supports forest health, fuels reduction, and wood product industries by enabling safe, timely, and cost-effective logistics. Many transportation roles require heavy equipment skills, CDL licenses, and knowledge of rural terrain and fire-sensitive routes.
Industry Insights
A high-level pulse check on talent demand, projected growth, compensation, and how work typically happens across this pathway.
Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
BLS job outlook (2024–2034)
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
Demand peaks when forests are accessible and roads are dry or frozen
Active openings across the FireUp network
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Work is supervised; assist with loading and logistics support
Job Types & Titles
- Transportation Assistant
- Loader Operator Trainee
- Biomass Crew Helper
- Logging Assistant
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
HS Degree/ No certs required/ No experience required.
Certifications
CDL License, OSHA, Basic Maintenance Cert
Experience
0 years
Position Responsibilities
Operate heavy-duty vehicles and assist with route planning and safe material transport.
Job Types & Titles
- CDL Log Truck Driver
- Lowboy/Equipment Transport Driver
- Skidder or Trailer Operator
- Dispatcher
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
AS/BS in Logistics, Supply Chain, or Forestry Ops
Certifications
CDL Class A, OSHA safety training
Experience
1-3 years
Position Responsibilities
Coordinate transportation logistics, ensure regulatory compliance, manage delivery timelines.
Job Types & Titles
- Logistics Coordinator
- Transportation Safety Officer
- Environmental Compliance Specialist (Fleet)
- Routing Analyst
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS/MS in Business, Operations, or Engineering
Certifications
Certified Transportation Professional, CSCP
Experience
3-5 years
Position Responsibilities
Oversee regional operations, fleets, compliance, and transportation contracts
Job Types & Titles
- Transportation Operations Manager
- Fleet Manager
- Director of Logistics
- Supply Chain Lead (Forestry)
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS/MS in Business, Operations, or Engineering
Certifications
CLTD, PMP, Lean Six Sigma
Experience
5-10+ years
Who Hires Transportation Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
U.S. Forest Service
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Oregon Department of Forestry
North Carolina Forest Service
Weyerhaeuser
Sierra Pacific Industries
Georgia-Pacific
Rayonier
Schneider National
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Trillium Timber Services
Burns & McDonnell
Education & Certification
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Academic Programs
Professional Certifications
Microcredentials & Specialized Training
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Jobs in Transportation
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