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Forest Worker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WSP

On-Call Forest Ecologist Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

Experience working with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and/or other federal land management agencies. * Demonstrated experience supporting NEPA, CEQA, and other environmental ...

Dj

Registered Professional Forester

Folsom, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Working knowledge of the California Forest Practice Rules (14 CCR), the Forest Practice Act, and CEQA as applied to timber harvesting. * Proficiency with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS), GPS units, and ...

Djanda

Registered Professional Forester

Folsom, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Working knowledge of the California Forest Practice Rules (14 CCR), the Forest Practice Act, and CEQA as applied to timber harvesting. * Proficiency with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS), GPS units, and ...

Mountain G. Enterprises

Forestry Technician

Quincy, CA · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

... Working Locations: Plumas National Forest near Quincy, CA and/or La Porte, CA Benefits * Premium Health Coverage for Employee and Dependents (Medical, Dental & Vision) * Life Insurance * Long Term ...

Sierra Pacific Industries

Forester - District

Westwood, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

This position involves working with California Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs) to prepare ... Familiarity with the California Forest Practice Rules and fieldwork involved in Timber Harvest Plan ...

City of San Marino

Urban Forester

San Marino, CA · On-site

$6.5K - $7.9K/mo

Urban forest management plans and contract specifications. Cal/OSHA regulations and safe work ... Develop and maintain working relationships. Fully comprehend spoken communication by picking up on ...

MGE

Forestry Technician

Quincy, CA · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

... Working Locations: • Plumas National Forest near Quincy, CA and/or La Porte, CA Benefits * Premium Health Coverage for Employee and Dependents (Medical, Dental & Vision) * Life Insurance ...

Sierra Pacific Industries

Forester - District

Sonora, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

This position involves working with California Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs) to prepare ... Familiarity with the California Forest Practice Rules and fieldwork involved in Timber Harvest Plan ...

City of Burbank, CA

URBAN FORESTER

Burbank, CA · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

... Forest Master Plan; utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software and other ... effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public. Education ...

City of Burbank

URBAN FORESTER

Burbank, CA · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

... Urban Forest Master Plan; investigates, analyzes, responds to, and resolves complaints from the ... effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public. Education ...

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Forest Worker information

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How much do forest worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest worker in California is $20.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forest worker?

Forest workers are professionals who are responsible for the care, management, and conservation of forests and woodland areas. Their duties often include planting trees, maintaining forest health, preventing and managing wildfires, and harvesting timber in a sustainable manner. They may also collect data on tree growth, monitor wildlife habitats, and help with pest and disease control. Forest workers play a crucial role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems and supporting the forestry industry.

What does a forest worker do?

Forest Workers typically spend their days performing a mix of outdoor tasks such as planting seedlings, thinning trees, clearing brush, and maintaining trails or firebreaks. The work is often physically demanding and performed in varying weather conditions. Teamwork is essential, as most projects are carried out in groups to ensure safety and efficiency, and workers frequently collaborate with forestry technicians and supervisors. Open communication and adaptability are important, as priorities can shift based on weather or project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forest worker?

To thrive as a Forest Worker, you need knowledge of forestry practices, basic land management, and physical fitness, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with tools such as chainsaws, GPS devices, and sometimes certifications in safety or pesticide application is common. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and adaptability to outdoor conditions are key soft skills. These abilities are crucial for maintaining healthy forests, ensuring safety, and efficiently managing natural resources.

What is the difference between Forest Worker vs Logging Worker?

AspectForest WorkerLogging Worker
CredentialsMay require OSHA safety training, basic certificationsOften requires specialized logging certifications and safety training
Work EnvironmentForests, conservation areas, outdoor terrainsLogging sites, sawmills, outdoor terrains
Industry UsageForestry, conservation, land managementLogging, timber harvesting, wood processing

Forest Workers and Logging Workers both operate outdoors in forested environments, but Forest Workers focus on conservation, planting, and land management, while Logging Workers specialize in cutting, processing, and transporting timber. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their specific tasks and certifications required.

What jobs allow you to work in the forest?

Forest workers, also known as forestry technicians or forest rangers, work directly in forest environments performing tasks such as planting, harvesting, maintaining trees, and managing forest health. Other related jobs include logging equipment operators, forest fire fighters, and conservation scientists, all of which involve working outdoors in forested areas and often require knowledge of forestry tools and safety procedures.

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

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

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

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

Forest Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Worker job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,458 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

On-Call Forest Ecologist Technician

WSP

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated business consultants

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP USA is initiating a search for an On-Call Forest Ecologist Technician to join our Helena, MT office! We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with experience in federal land management, native habitat enhancement/restoration, biological and ecological surveys, non-native invasive species (NNIS) management, forestry management, and technical communication. The ideal candidate has experience evaluating impacts to sensitive resources on federal lands, supporting natural resource management efforts with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and other federal land management agencies, and demonstrated success in habitat restoration, federally listed species, ecology, and environmental compliance.

Your Impact
  • Serve as the primary on-call forestry and ecological resource specialist, providing technical support for projects and environmental incidents across multiple states.
  • Respond to urgent environmental, vegetation management, wildfire mitigation, NNIS eradication, and natural resource management needs, including after-hours, weekend, and holiday support when required.
  • Conduct rapid assessments and coordinate forestry and ecological field investigations to support project teams, clients, and regulatory agencies.
  • Provide technical guidance related to forest planning, NEPA compliance, vegetation management, and environmental impacts on federal and state lands.
  • Support emergency response efforts related to wildfire mitigation, storm damage, vegetation hazards, and other natural resource concerns.

  • Support biological assessments, environmental reviews, field investigations, and technical deliverables in support of ongoing and emergent projects.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, planners, GIS analysts, biologists, cultural resource specialists, permitting specialists, and construction compliance teams to address project and operational needs.
  • Support GIS data collection, management, and analysis for ecological and forestry-related projects.
  • Maintain situational awareness of project activities and environmental conditions that may require immediate technical consultation or field response.
  • Ensure timely communication with clients, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders during on-call assignments and field deployments.
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related life sciences field. 

  • 9+ years of experience working as a Restoration Ecologist. 

  • Experience working with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and/or other federal land management agencies. 

  • Demonstrated experience supporting NEPA, CEQA, and other environmental compliance processes, including the ESA and MBTA. 

  • Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to provide recommendations in time-sensitive situations. 

  • Ability to work independently and make sound decisions while supporting urgent operational and project needs. 

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively coordinate with clients, regulatory agencies, and internal teams. 

  • Proven commitment to workplace safety and adherence to company health, safety, and compliance requirements. 

  • Ability to participate in an on-call rotation and respond to project-specific needs that may arise outside of standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

  • Ability to mobilize for field assignments as required and travel in support of project and emergency response activities.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional certifications relevant to forestry, ecology, natural resources, or environmental compliance.
  • Herbicide applicator's certification.

#LI-AB2

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 

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