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Forester Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PAPE' MACHINERY, INC. - CONSTRUCTION & FORESTRY DIVISION - FREMONT, CA TECHNICIAN TRAINEE : Do you love turning wrenches? Are you looking to further establish your career as a Technician? As a ...

Collins is highly respected for their sustainable forest management, practiced across their 370,000 ... The Powerhouse Assistant Operator Trainee is in the beginning phases of learning to operate and ...

New

Collins is highly respected for their sustainable forest management, practiced across their 370,000 ... The Powerhouse Assistant Operator Trainee is in the beginning phases of learning to operate and ...

... junior analysts, and trainees in medicine, economics, and public health studies Constructing ... random forests, random survival forests, cluster analysis, latent class analysis, and other ...

Biostatistician 2

Stanford, CA · On-site

$115K - $134K/yr

... and trainees in medicine, economics, and public health studies • Constructing complex data ... random forests, random survival forests, cluster analysis, latent class analysis, and other ...

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Forester Trainee information

See California salary details

$5

$24

$39

How much do forester trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for forester trainee in California is $24.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forester trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forester Trainee, you typically need a degree in forestry or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of forest ecology and management practices. Familiarity with GIS software, forest inventory tools, and data collection systems is commonly expected. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders in field and office settings. These abilities are crucial for accurately assessing forest resources, implementing management plans, and ensuring sustainable and effective forestry operations.

What is a forester trainee?

Forester Trainees are entry-level professionals who work under the supervision of experienced foresters to learn the fundamentals of forest management, conservation, and ecology. They assist with tasks such as planting trees, conducting surveys, monitoring forest health, and helping to implement management plans. The role is designed to provide practical, on-the-job training and exposure to various aspects of forestry work, preparing trainees for more advanced responsibilities as they gain experience and knowledge.

What are some common challenges faced by forester trainees during their first year on the job?

Forester Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to fieldwork in varying and sometimes harsh outdoor conditions, learning to use specialized equipment, and interpreting complex environmental data. Additionally, balancing time between fieldwork, office tasks, and ongoing training can be demanding. However, support from experienced foresters and structured training programs helps new trainees build confidence and develop essential forestry skills.

What is the difference between Forester Trainee vs Forest Technician?

AspectForester TraineeForest Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer related courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, parks, and conservation areasFieldwork and office tasks related to forest management
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizations, forestry companiesGovernment agencies, forestry services, environmental firms

Forester Trainees typically focus on learning forest management and conservation practices, often as entry-level positions or internships. Forest Technicians usually perform more technical tasks, including data collection and site assessments. While both roles involve fieldwork in forest environments and share similar employer types, Forester Trainees are generally in a learning phase, whereas Forest Technicians are more experienced in technical duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forester jobs in California? The most popular types of Forester jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Forester Trainee jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forester Trainee jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forester Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Forester Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Forester Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,651 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Technician Trainee

Pape Machinery Inc C&F

Fremont, CA

$29.79 - $48.74/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

PAPE’ MACHINERY, INC. – CONSTRUCTION & FORESTRY DIVISION – FREMONT, CA

TECHNICIAN TRAINEE:

Do you love turning wrenches? Are you looking to further establish your career as a Technician? As a premier capital equipment dealer in the West, Pape’ Machinery is ready to hire a motivated Technician Trainee to their team in Fremont, CA. All levels of experience are accepted!

At Pape’, you can count on us to invest heavily in your Technician career through training, resources, and support. We want to see you grow your skill set and experience, and in turn, provide excellent compensation, work-life balance, and benefits for you and your family. Come join our team!

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

In the Technician Trainee role, you will be a part of our “Learn while you Earn” apprenticeship program. Every day you will work on heavy equipment under the guidance of senior technicians, all while you continue building your skills, knowledge, and experience as a Technician. To thrive in this job, you must be a self-starter, a team player, and be willing to learn.

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • One or more years of experience working on equipment OR an Associate Degree or Certificate in Auto/Diesel Technology is preferred.
  • Must have a starter set of general tools.
  • Ability to operate a lift truck and other heavy equipment – We will train you!
Compensation: $29.79-48.74/hr (Depending on Experience)

(This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement)

Why work for Pape’:
  • Competitive pay based on your skills, training and experience level.
  • Great benefits including healthcare and pension.
  • Advancement – Pape’ is a dynamic, growth oriented organization with a focus on promoting from within.
  • Stability and reputation — Pape’ is a family-owned, fourth-generation company with over 160 locations, over 4,000 members and 85 plus years of experience. Pape’ is known for their stability, honesty and integrity.
  • Equipment – Pape’ has the largest equipment inventory in the West and an unparalleled parts inventory!
  • Employee impact – Enjoy an open-door policy where your voice will be heard and your opinions will matter.
  • Training – You will be provided with training and mentoring to prepare you for your role and continued learning to grow your skills.
The Pape’ Group maintains a drug-free workplace and as such, requires candidates to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test.