Contract Fuel Reduction Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Forester I
Location: Cameron Park, CA
Reports to: Operations Manager
Compensation Range: $70,000 – $90,000 annually (based on experience and qualifications)
Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and travel opportunities

CTL Forest Management – A Ceres Company

CTL (Cut-to-Length) Forest Management utilizes the most efficient and low-impact logging techniques to compete in the forest management industry. CTL is an expert in post-fire hazard tree removal, wildfire fuel reduction, logging operations, vegetative and erosion control, and wetland and natural resource restoration.

Currently, CTL is pursuing a bold and measurable strategy to become the national leader at the intersection of private enterprise and public need. This involves working closely with federal and state agencies, tribal partners, and conservation organizations, while also building strong relationships with downstream mills, biomass facilities, and emerging wood product innovators.

The Ceres Global Commitment

Open Doors. Secure Millions. Rebuild Communities.

Ceres Global is a network of companies delivering integrated solutions in infrastructure, power, environmental services, and community resilience. Founded in 1976, Ceres has grown from a Midwest operation to a global enterprise with nine offices across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, India, and New Zealand.

With $2 billion in bonded project capacity and nearly 50 years of experience, Ceres Global serves clients worldwide through specialized units in disaster recovery, electrical infrastructure, power generation, heavy civil construction, environmental restoration, and materials recovery. These units operate as one cohesive force, combining local insight, shared resources, and global expertise to create lasting impact

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At Ceres Global, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope and helping communities recover and rebuild.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We don’t just respond to challenges - we rise to them.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, growth opportunities, travel, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork.

What We Are Looking For

CTL Forest Management is seeking a Forester I to join our operations team and play a key role in supporting our forest management, fuels reduction, and restoration projects across California. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated forester to take on leadership responsibilities in field planning, data analysis, and project coordination.

The Forester I will work closely with Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs), Project Managers, and Business Development leads to deliver high-quality forestry and vegetation management services. This is an exempt, salaried position that requires a mix of fieldwork, planning, and data-driven decision-making.

Success in this role will be measured by effective field execution, operational efficiency, and contribution to project planning and compliance objectives. The position involves regular travel to project sites, bid meetings, and stakeholder locations throughout the county.

What You Will Do

• Plan and oversee field operations related to timber inventory, forest health assessments, and resource management projects, ensuring compliance with project objectives and environmental regulations.
• Independently conduct and analyze timber cruises, stand exams, and vegetation surveys; prepare technical reports and recommendations for management decisions.
• Develop and maintain GIS datasets and maps; perform spatial analysis to support project planning, harvest layout, and resource assessments.
• Prepare or contribute to the development of harvest plans, permit applications, and environmental compliance documentation in coordination with RPFs and agency partners.
• Evaluate hazard trees and conduct site assessments to identify forest health, fuels reduction, and restoration needs; recommend treatment prescriptions based on findings.
• Lead time and motion and operational efficiency studies, interpret data results, and present findings to improve field productivity and cost effectiveness.
• Coordinate and oversee contract administration for thinning, mastication, reforestation, and restoration projects; monitor contractor performance and ensure adherence to specifications and safety standards.
• Serve as a field liaison between project management and contractors, providing technical guidance, verifying deliverables, and resolving operational issues.
• Support and occasionally lead interdisciplinary field teams; provide mentorship and technical direction to field staff and seasonal employees.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of forestry practices, safety protocols, and operational workflows through data-driven analysis and professional judgment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of forestry experience in project management, field operations, or forest inventory.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GIS applications (ArcGIS, QGIS, or equivalent).
• Strong analytical, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to perform fieldwork in rugged terrain and adverse conditions.
• Willingness to travel regularly to project sites and stakeholder locations, including overnight stays as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Progress toward RPF licensing eligibility.
• Experience leading field crews or contractors in forestry, fuels reduction, or restoration work.
• Advanced GIS and remote sensing skills.
• Familiarity with NEPA/CEQA compliance and permitting.
• Strong problem-solving and leadership ability with demonstrated initiative.

What to Expect

As a Forester I, you’ll balance fieldwork and office-based analysis — collecting and interpreting forest resource data, developing spatial maps, and supporting operational planning. You’ll work in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions, often coordinating with RPFs, subcontractors, and agency representatives.

This position involves regular travel, with occasional overnight stays depending on project requirements. You’ll thrive in this role if you’re self-motivated, technically sharp, and eager to take the next step toward RPF licensing and project leadership.

Physical Requirements and Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, and balance in varying conditions.
• Ability to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Vision abilities include close, distance, color, and depth perception.
• Willingness to wear required PPE (hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots).
• Ability to work in challenging environments, including adverse weather, rugged terrain, and mechanical exposure.
• Commitment to following all safety protocols and maintaining field readiness.

Why Join CTL Forest Management?

At CTL, you won’t just have a job — you’ll have a mission. Your work directly supports forest restoration, wildfire mitigation, and community resilience across California and beyond.

We offer:

• A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Clear advancement paths toward Forester II and RPF-level roles.
• Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and leadership development.
• A chance to make a lasting difference in forestry management and wildfire prevention.

CTL Forest Management is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, or protected veteran status.

E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.

Work Authorization 

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. CTL Forest Management does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position unless stated otherwise. 

E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.