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Forester Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Collins

Forester II

Chester, CA

$85K - $110K/yr

The Forester II oversees forest management of the commercial forest operated by Collins in Plumas and Tehama counties, California. Duties/Responsibilities: * Responsible for the safe conduct of ...

Collins

Forester II

Chester, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

The Forester II oversees forest management of the commercial forest operated by Collins in Plumas and Tehama counties, California. Duties/Responsibilities: * Responsible for the safe conduct of ...

City of Encinitas, CA

Urban Forester

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$73K - $103K/yr

As the City's technical expert in arboriculture, the Urban Forester will manage the daily operations of the urban forestry program, including conducting tree inspections based on internal and ...

City of Burbank, CA

URBAN FORESTER

Burbank, CA · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

Forestry Opening Date: 05/22/2026 Closing Date: Continuous OPEN COMPETITIVE RECRUITMENT Open to all qualified candidates. Tentative examination dates for this recruitment: TBD - Performance exam TBD ...

City of San Marino

Urban Forester

San Marino, CA

$6.5K - $7.9K/mo

The Urban Forester also serves as the City's go-to expert on tree-related issues. You'll work directly with residents and applicants regarding tree preservation and removal requests, review private ...

City of Burbank

URBAN FORESTER

Burbank, CA

$89K - $117K/yr

Under direction, to manage the City's urban forestry program through monitoring performance, production, and quality of work; serve as a liaison between the City and community regarding urban ...

CERES

Forester I

Cameron Park, CA

$70K - $90K/yr

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 ...

American Tree Medics Inc

Team Urban Forester

Sonora, CA · On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Join Our Team as a Team Urban Forester I-2 at American Tree Medics Inc! Location: Sonora and Designated Tuolumne County Communities, California About Us American Tree Medics Inc is at the forefront ...

OMS Group

Registered Professional Forester

Redding, CA · On-site

$35.47 - $50/hr

Qualifications: o Registered by the State of California as a professional forester in good standing. o Two (2) years' experience in hazard tree removal projects along utility rights of way. o ...

OMS Group

Registered Professional Forester

Auburn, CA · On-site

$35.47 - $50/hr

Qualifications: o Registered by the State of California as a professional forester in good standing. o Two (2) years' experience in hazard tree removal projects along utility rights of way. o ...

Mountain G. Enterprises

The Registered Professional Forester (RPF) role is to coordinate with property owners and contractors, obtain necessary permits, and ensure compliance with PG&E's specifications and governmental ...

MGE

The Registered Professional Forester (RPF) role is to coordinate with property owners and contractors, obtain necessary permits, and ensure compliance with PG&Es specifications and governmental ...

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All JobsForester JobsForester Jobs in California

Forester information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$65.3K

$98.2K

How much do forester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for forester in California is $65,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you be a forester without a degree?

While a degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field is often preferred for becoming a forester, some entry-level positions may be available to those with relevant experience, certifications, or technical training. However, higher-level roles typically require formal education and knowledge of tools like GIS and GPS, along with understanding forest management practices.

What are some common challenges a forester faces when balancing conservation goals with timber production?

Foresters frequently navigate the challenge of meeting timber harvest targets while ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of forest ecosystems. This involves carefully planning harvest schedules, implementing best management practices to minimize environmental impact, and collaborating with stakeholders such as landowners, wildlife biologists, and regulatory agencies. Balancing these priorities can require creative problem-solving and a strong understanding of both ecological processes and industry regulations. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial for successfully addressing competing interests and achieving both economic and conservation objectives.

What does a forester do for a job?

A forester manages and conserves forests by planning and implementing activities such as planting, harvesting, and maintaining trees. They assess forest health, use tools like GPS and GIS, and often work outdoors in various weather conditions to ensure sustainable forest management.

What is a forester?

Foresters are tasked with the management of forests and timber, helping to preserve them for years to come. As a forester, your duties revolve around the planning, preservation, and ongoing maintenance of these forests, whether intended for public or private use. Depending on your position, you may be responsible for protecting wildlife areas that already exist within the forest or work to create new habitats for a variety of wildlife species and plant life. Foresters coordinate with many other specialists such as biologists, geologists, and soil experts, as forest conservation is not a job you can accomplish alone.

Is being a forester a good career?

A career as a forester involves managing and conserving forests, often requiring knowledge of ecology, GIS tools, and certification such as the SAF credential. It offers opportunities in environmental management, resource planning, and outdoor work, with employment prospects varying by region and industry demand. Job satisfaction depends on interest in natural resources and outdoor environments.

What is the difference between Forester vs Forest Technician?

AspectForesterForest Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in forestry or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in forestry
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, planning, management of forest resourcesFieldwork, data collection, assisting foresters
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, private forestry companies, conservation organizationsGovernment agencies, research institutions, consulting firms

Foresters typically hold a bachelor's degree and are responsible for managing forest resources, planning timber harvests, and conservation efforts. Forest Technicians usually have an associate's degree and assist foresters with data collection, surveying, and fieldwork. Both roles work closely in forestry projects, but foresters have more advanced responsibilities and decision-making authority.

More about Forester jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Forester jobs in California? The most popular types of Forester jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Forester jobs in California? For Forester jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forester jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forester jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forester jobs? Cities in California with the most Forester job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Forester jobs in CA? For Forester jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forester job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,349 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Forester II

Collins

Chester, CA

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 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 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 (CRP) 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

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