1

Forest Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Forester II

Chester, CA

$85K - $110K/yr

Collins is highly respected for their sustainable forest management, practiced across their 370,000 acres of FSC ® -certified lands in California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. Position Summary: The ...

Forester II

Chester, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Collins is highly respected for their sustainable forest management, practiced across their 370,000 acres of FSC ® -certified lands in California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. Position Summary: The ...

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 ...

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 ...

Forester - District

Burney, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

This milestone was decades in the making, reflecting our commitment to sustainable forest management and ensuring we have forests not just for today, but for generations to come. Sierra Pacific ...

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 ...

L. (Cut-to-Length) Forest Management, Inc. (CTL) is a California-based forestry operations company specializing in efficient, low-impact field execution across a wide range of forest management ...

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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forest Management information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$64.2K

$108.6K

How much do forest management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest management in California is $64,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forest management?

Forest management is the process of planning and implementing practices for the stewardship and use of forests to meet environmental, economic, social, and cultural objectives. It involves activities such as timber harvesting, reforestation, conservation of biodiversity, wildfire prevention, and maintaining ecosystem health. The goal is to balance resource extraction with long-term sustainability, ensuring forests can provide benefits for current and future generations. Forest management can be applied to public, private, or community-owned forests, each with specific policies and objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in forest management?

To thrive in Forest Management, you need a background in forestry, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and knowledge of sustainable land management practices. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, forest inventory systems, and sometimes relevant certifications like Certified Forester are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and leadership skills help in working with diverse stakeholders and managing field teams. These skills ensure responsible stewardship of forest resources, balancing ecological health, economic goals, and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in forest management, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Forest Management often face challenges such as balancing conservation goals with economic interests, addressing the impacts of climate change, and managing conflicts among diverse stakeholders. These challenges require strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as up-to-date knowledge of sustainable forestry practices and regulations. Teamwork is essential, as forest managers frequently collaborate with government agencies, private landowners, scientists, and community groups to develop and implement effective management plans.

What is the difference between Forest Management vs Forest Technician?

AspectForest ManagementForest Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in forestry or natural resources
Work EnvironmentPlanning, policy development, and overseeing forest operationsFieldwork, data collection, and assisting with forest management activities
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, private forestry companies, environmental organizationsForestry services, conservation projects, government agencies

Forest Management involves strategic planning and decision-making to sustainably oversee forest resources, often requiring higher education. In contrast, Forest Technicians support field operations, data collection, and implementation of management plans. Both roles are essential in forestry, but they differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

What can you do with a forest management degree?

A forest management degree prepares individuals for careers in managing and conserving forests, including roles such as forest ranger, conservation scientist, or forest technician. Graduates can work in government agencies, private landowners, or environmental organizations, often utilizing skills in GIS, forestry equipment, and environmental regulations.

What do forest management professionals do?

Forest management professionals plan, oversee, and implement practices to sustain and improve forest health, productivity, and biodiversity. They may conduct field surveys, develop management plans, and use tools like GIS and GPS, often requiring knowledge of environmental regulations and certifications such as SAF or ISA. Their work involves collaboration with stakeholders to ensure sustainable resource use and conservation.

What are popular job titles related to Forest Management jobs in California?

For Forest Management jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forest Management jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Forest Management jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Forest Management job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,174 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Founded in 1855, Collins is family-owned and produces softwood and hardwood products at their facilities in Chester, California, Lakeview, Oregon and Kane, Pennsylvania. In Chester, Collins also has the Builders Supply retail hardware and building materials store. Collins is highly respected for their sustainable forest management, practiced across their 370,000 acres of FSC®-certified lands in California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

Position Summary:

The Forester II oversees forest management of the commercial forest operated by Collins in Lassen, Plumas and Tehama counties, California.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the safe conduct of logging operations on defined district within ownership.
  • Plan annual timber harvest within district.
  • Obtain approved Timber Harvesting Plans for operations within district.
  • Conduct field work associated with harvest and management of the district forests.
  • Administer contracts and oversee contract logging operations, forest stand improvement, reforestation and road management.
  • Perform log quality control functions.
  • Work with the forestry technicians and their supervisor to mark timber.
  • Implement various uneven-aged silviculture regimes including layout of Group Selection units.
  • Flag property boundaries, watercourse protection zones and other areas as needed.
  • Take a property-wide lead role by subject matter in one of the following: road construction and maintenance, herbicide application and reforestation, or fire preparedness and response.
  • Model forest growth and yield.
  • Perform additional duties as required by supervisor.
  • On-site attendance is essential to effectively perform the listed duties and responsibilities.

Required Skills and Abilities:

  • Comprehensive technical forestry skills and knowledge about mensuration, forest management, logging, silviculture, and timber harvest planning.
  • Collaborative problem-solving skills; must be comfortable with change management.
  • Proficient in Geographic Information Systems (ARC-GIS) and Microsoft 365.
  • The ability to perform rigorous, field-based work in all weather conditions, on steep, brush-filled terrain.
  • Capable of safely conducting field-based forestry work in all conditions of the northern Sierra & southern Cascade mountains.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, forest engineering, natural resource management, economics, business, plant biology, plant genetics, or agriculture sciences. or a similar field required.
  • Hold a California Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license.
  • Chainsaw experience and general mechanical know-how, and/or experience operating light and heavy equipment.

Environmental Conditions:

May be exposed to challenging terrain, dust, noise, trip hazards, and extreme weather and temperatures.

Required Personal Protective Equipment:

Individuals must be willing to wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times. Positions may require additional PPE at specific times. Examples of PPE which may be required include high visibility garments, hand protection, eye protection, hearing protection, a hard hat, foot protection, a face shield, and a respirator.

Salary $85,000 - $110,000 DOE