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Forestry Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Heavy Machine Operator

Weed, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Minimum of one year of relevant experience; completion of a heavy machinery operator apprenticeship ... Recommendations for Forest Timber Removal * Environmental Considerations: Assess the ecosystem ...

... the Forest Products industry * Proven leadership experience in EWP and siding sales * Strong ... benefits, training, and apprenticeship. BMD, Inc makes hiring decisions based solely on ...

Be Seen First

Heavy Machine Operator

Weed, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Minimum of one year of relevant experience; completion of a heavy machinery operator apprenticeship ... Recommendations for Forest Timber Removal * Environmental Considerations: Assess the ecosystem ...

... the Forest Products industry * Proven leadership experience in EWP and siding sales * Strong ... benefits, training, and apprenticeship. BMD, Inc makes hiring decisions based solely on ...

PAPE' MACHINERY, INC. - CONSTRUCTION & FORESTRY DIVISION - FREMONT, CA TECHNICIAN TRAINEE : Do you ... In the Technician Trainee role, you will be a part of our "Learn while you Earn" apprenticeship ...

Union or Company Apprenticeship * Trade School * Journeyman level Machinist * Previous refinery or ... and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers (USW ...

Millwright Mechanic

Martinez, CA · On-site

$46 - $58.69/hr

Union or Company Apprenticeship * Trade School * Journeyman level Machinist * Previous refinery or ... and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers (USW ...

Machinist Mechanic

Martinez, CA · On-site

$55.33/hr

Union or Company Apprenticeship * Trade School * Journeyman level Machinist * Previous refinery or ... and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers (USW ...

Union or Company Apprenticeship * Trade School * Journeyman level Machinist * Previous refinery or ... and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers (USW ...

Crane Operator

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$34.41 - $68.18/hr

OE3 Apprentice rates are as follows: $34.41-$53.18 OE3 Operator rates are as follow: $58.04-$68.18 ... forests and communities of Southeast Alaska. We serve the twin goals of economic prosperity and ...

OE3 Apprentice rates are as follows: $34.41-$53.18 OE3 Operator rates are as follow: $58.04-$68.18 ... forests and communities of Southeast Alaska. We serve the twin goals of economic prosperity and ...

OE3 Apprentice rates are as follows: $34.41-$53.18 OE3 Operator rates are as follow: $58.04-$68.18 ... forests and communities of Southeast Alaska. We serve the twin goals of economic prosperity and ...

Crane Operator

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$34.41 - $68.18/hr

OE3 Apprentice rates are as follows: $34.41-$53.18 OE3 Operator rates are as follow: $58.04-$68.18 ... forests and communities of Southeast Alaska. We serve the twin goals of economic prosperity and ...

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Forestry Apprentice information

See California salary details

$13

$19

$29

How much do forestry apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for forestry apprentice in California is $19.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a forestry apprentice and how do these contribute to long-term career development?

As a Forestry Apprentice, your daily tasks often involve assisting with tree planting, habitat management, and equipment maintenance, as well as learning to identify tree species and monitor forest health. You'll work closely with experienced foresters and participate in both fieldwork and classroom-based training, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable forestry practices. These responsibilities not only build technical skills but also foster teamwork and problem-solving abilities, laying a strong foundation for advancement to roles such as Forest Technician or Forest Manager. Regular feedback and mentoring are common, supporting your professional growth throughout the apprenticeship.

What is a forestry apprentice?

Forestry Apprentices are individuals who are learning the skills and knowledge required to work in forestry through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. They assist experienced foresters and technicians in tasks such as tree planting, forest maintenance, pest management, and conservation activities. The apprenticeship provides hands-on experience in managing and protecting forests while also teaching about sustainable practices and forest ecology. It's a foundational role for those interested in a career in forestry or natural resource management.

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

To thrive as a Forestry Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of forestry practices, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a keen interest in environmental conservation. Familiarity with equipment such as chainsaws, GPS mapping tools, and safety certifications like first aid are often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure apprentices can safely and effectively support sustainable forestry operations while developing their expertise in the field.

What is the difference between Forestry Apprentice vs Forest Technician?

AspectForestry ApprenticeForest Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some programs may require basic certificationsAssociate degree in forestry or related field; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, conservation areas, and logging sitesFieldwork and office tasks in forest management and conservation projects
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level training programs, forestry companies, government agenciesForestry agencies, environmental organizations, logging companies

The Forestry Apprentice typically starts with basic training and on-the-job learning, focusing on gaining practical skills under supervision. In contrast, a Forest Technician usually has completed formal education and performs more technical tasks in forest management, data collection, and project implementation. Both roles are essential in forestry, but the Apprentice role is more about learning and skill development, while the Technician role involves more independent technical work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forestry jobs in California? The most popular types of Forestry jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Forestry Apprentice jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forestry Apprentice jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forestry Apprentice jobs? Cities in California with the most Forestry Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Forestry Apprentice job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,402 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter Apprentice

US Department of the Interior

Willows, CA • On-site

$44K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

411th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority

This Wildland Firefighter Apprentice position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-3/4/5 working in the following location(s):

  • Burbank, Washington
  • Columbia, South Dakota
  • Devils Lake, North Dakota
  • Hartford, Kansas
  • Willows, California
Qualifications:

In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.

Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Only experience and education obtained by close date will be considered
To Qualify for the GW-0456-03: 6 full months of general experience which consisted of: (1) Work that demonstrates the ability to perform the work of the position (fire prevention, suppression, monitoring), or (2) Experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter (fire prevention, suppression, monitoring).
OR
Successful completion of 1 year of study above high school in an accredited college or university that included at least 6 semester hours in a combination of courses such as range management or conservation, agriculture, forestry, wildlife management, engineering, biology, mathematics, or other natural or physical sciences.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and experience that equals 100%.
To Qualify for the GW-0456-04:
6 months general experience AND 6 months specialized experience. 6 full months of general experience which consisted of: farming or ranching work that involved application of cultural, soil and water conservation practices, including safety and use of equipment, and that provided a basic understanding of land use; or forest or range fire control, prevention, or suppression work; AND 6 full months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-3 level in the Federal Service. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: forestry aid or technician work; range, or soil conservation technician work that involved application of cultural, resource conservation, or land management practices; farming or ranching work that provided a basic understanding of land use and involved the application of cultural and soil and water conservation practices; forest or range fire control, prevention, or suppression work.
OR
Successfully completed two years or more of education above high school (60 semester hour or 90 quarter hours) that included at least twelve semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science.
OR
A combination of the education and work experience described above. For example, I have three months of general experience and three months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement), and 45 semester hours or 68 quarter hours of college study that included at least 9 semester hours courses as described above (50% of the education requirement).
To Qualify for the GW-0456-05:1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-4 level in the Federal Service demonstrated by performing range or forest fire control, prevention, or suppression work. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include leading firefighting crews in prescribed burning and wildfire suppression field operations and performing wildland fire suppression, preparedness, prevention, monitoring, hazardous fuels reduction and prescribed fire as wildland firefighter crewmember
OR
Completed least a full 4-year course of study above high school (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture or a subject-matter field directly related to the position (e.g., fire science, suppression and prevention), or that included at least 24 semester hours of course work in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science. No more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable toward the 24 hours.
OR
Combination of education and experience that when combined meet 100% of the qualification requirements. For example, I have 6 months of the specialized experience described in A above (50% of the experience requirement), and three years of college study from an accredited institution, which included at least 12 semester hours of related coursework as specified in B above (50% of the qualifying education). NOTE: Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: If you are using education to qualify you must submit a legible copy of your transcripts (A copy of your official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty, if selected).Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education:PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).Employment Type: OTHER

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