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Forestry Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Collins

Kiln Apprentice (swing shift)

Chester, CA · On-site

$23.64/hr

Collins is highly respected for their sustainable forest management, practiced across their 370,000 ... The Kiln Apprentice learns to operate and maintain the dry kilns with the goal of developing the ...

Collins

Kiln Apprentice (swing shift)

Chester, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Collins is highly respected for their sustainable forest management, practiced across their 370,000 ... The Kiln Apprentice learns to operate and maintain the dry kilns with the goal of developing the ...

Alterra

Apprentice Instructor

Big Bear Lake, CA · On-site

$19 - $20.88/hr

  • Retirement

Big Bear Mountain Resort is located in the San Bernardino National Forest, approximately 100 miles from Los Angeles and Orange County and 150 miles from San Diego. As the home of Southern California ...

Big Bear Mountain Resort

$19 - $20.88/hr

  • Retirement

Big Bear Mountain Resort is located in the San Bernardino National Forest, approximately 100 miles from Los Angeles and Orange County and 150 miles from San Diego. As the home of Southern California ...

Cascade Custom Cutting Inc.

Be Seen First

Heavy Machine Operator

Weed, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Cascade Custom Cutting Inc.

Be Seen First

Heavy Machine Operator

Weed, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

BMD

Sales Manager

Galt, CA · On-site

... 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 ...

BMD

Sales Manager

Galt, CA · On-site

... 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 ...

WizeHire, Inc

Junior Litigation Associate

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$126 - $154/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... paper-shuffling apprenticeship. At a boutique firm, you will not spend your first two years ... We require 4 days per week in the office (Lake Forest), with 1 day per week available for remote ...

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Forestry Apprentice information

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$13

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How much do forestry apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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 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 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 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.

How to start a career in forestry apprenticeship?

To start a career as a forestry apprentice, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and an interest in forestry or environmental work. Gaining relevant skills such as knowledge of trees, equipment operation, and safety procedures, along with obtaining certifications like first aid or chainsaw safety, can improve your prospects. Applying to forestry programs, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions with forestry or conservation organizations is the next step.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forestry jobs in California?

The most popular types of Forestry jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Forestry Apprentice jobs in California?

For Forestry Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles 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:

Forestry Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forestry Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,402 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Kiln Apprentice (swing shift)

Collins

Chester, CA • On-site

$23.64/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 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 Kiln Apprentice learns to operate and maintain the dry kilns with the goal of developing the skills to become a Kiln Operator. 

Duties/Responsibilities*:

  • Comply with safety standards at all times and correct/report any observed safety hazards.
  • Learn to take daily samples from kilns to check weight and calculate the moisture content of lumber.
  • Learn to load and unload kilns and load trucks as needed.
  • Learn to perform startup and shutdown inspections. Learn to perform weekly PM inspections.
  • Clean and maintain working area and equipment.
  • Learn to perform additional duties as required by supervisor.
  • On-site attendance is essential to effectively perform the listed duties and responsibilities.

Position Requirements: Must meet position requirements to be considered a candidate for this position.

  • Ability to follow all company, state and federal safety rules when performing required job duties.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screening.

Environmental Conditions:

May be exposed to dust, noise, trip hazards, and variable 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.

 

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