ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forestry Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mountain G. Enterprises

Forestry Technician

Quincy, CA

$38K - $51K/yr

Forestry Technician Mountain Engineering is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Forestry Technicians. As a Forestry Technician, you will be responsible for various forestry ...

MGE

Forestry Technician

Quincy, CA · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Forestry Technician Mountain Engineering is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Forestry Technicians. As a Forestry Technician, you will be responsible for various forestry ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForestry JobsForestry Jobs in California

Forestry information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$41K

$52.8K

How much do forestry jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry in California is $41,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $45,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are forestry jobs?

If you work in a forestry career, your primary duties depend on your area of specialization. Forestry professionals include foresters, loggers, firefighters, and forest rangers. If you have a degree in forestry, land management, or a related subject, you may work in conservation or forestry management or serve as a policy advisor or project manager for forest preservation and rehabilitation efforts. Arborists, naturalists specializing in the forest habitat, and botanists may also work in forestry. Colleges offer associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in forestry. These degrees give you a wide range of knowledge about different forestry subjects.

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

To thrive as a Forester, you need a solid background in environmental science, forestry management, and ecology, generally with a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, forest inventory tools, and sometimes certification from organizations like the Society of American Foresters are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help foresters navigate complex land management issues and collaborate with stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring sustainable forest management, regulatory compliance, and effective conservation outcomes.

What are some common challenges forestry professionals face when working in the field, and how can they prepare for them?

Forestry professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating remote or rugged terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and ensuring personal safety while using specialized equipment. To prepare, it's important to have proper training in outdoor survival, first aid, and equipment handling. Building strong teamwork and communication skills is also essential, as forestry work frequently involves collaborating with colleagues, landowners, and regulatory agencies to manage and conserve forest resources effectively.

What is the difference between Forestry vs Arborist?

AspectForestryArborist
CredentialsForestry degree, certifications like SAFArborist certification (ISA), horticultural knowledge
Work EnvironmentForests, land management sitesUrban and suburban trees, parks, private properties
Industry UsageNatural resource management, conservationTree care, pruning, removal services

Forestry involves managing large-scale forest ecosystems, focusing on conservation, resource management, and land use planning. Arborists specialize in the care and maintenance of individual trees, often working in urban settings. While both roles require knowledge of trees, forestry emphasizes ecosystem management, whereas arborists focus on tree health and safety in developed areas.

What are careers in forestry?

Careers in forestry include roles such as foresters, forest technicians, and conservation scientists who manage and protect forest ecosystems. These jobs often require knowledge of ecology, environmental regulations, and the use of tools like GIS software, with some positions requiring relevant certifications or degrees in forestry or environmental science.

What forestry jobs pay the most?

In forestry, senior roles such as forest managers, consulting arborists, and environmental directors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Specialized positions requiring advanced certifications, technical skills, and experience in sustainable management or consulting typically offer higher pay compared to entry-level roles like field technicians or laborers.

What qualifications do I need for forestry?

Forestry professionals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of ecology, use of forestry tools and equipment, and sometimes certification in safety or specific techniques; some roles may also require physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
More about Forestry jobs

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 jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Forestry jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Forestry jobs?

Cities in California with the most Forestry job openings:

Forestry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forestry job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,000 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Forestry Technician

Mountain G. Enterprises

Quincy, CA

$38K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Forestry Technician


Mountain Engineering is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Forestry Technicians. As a Forestry Technician, you will be responsible for various forestry tasks, including conducting timber cruising, timber marking, and unit layout for timber harvest operations. In this role, you will collaborate with a team of experts, such as Registered Professional Foresters, Licensed Timber Operators, state and federal agencies, to ensure forestry projects are completed efficiently while adhering to California forest practice rules and environmental regulations. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about the outdoors, with an interest in forestry, environmental science, and strong organizational skills.


Position Details:

This is a permanent, full-time position under a multi-year federal stewardship contract. Occasional stand-downs may occur due to winter weather conditions affecting operations. The role provides an excellent opportunity for career growth in land management and forestry. Mountain Engineering offers a training path for advancement toward the Registered Professional Forester License. You will work with a variety of stakeholders, including federal, state, and private landowners, to implement timber harvest plans, mitigate hazard trees, restore post-fire landscapes, and reduce hazardous fuels.

Ideal for: Career-oriented individuals, students, or graduates focusing on forestry or related fields.

Flexible dates: Students can adjust start and end dates depending on their academic schedule.

Lodging available.


Duties & Responsibilities:

Flagging and marking unit boundaries and stream zones

Timber marking, timber cruising, and timber harvest unit layout/design

Collecting and mapping data (GIS/GPS)

Traverse uneven terrain on foot and operate 4x4 vehicles

Identifying hazard trees, tree decay, disease, and defects

Other duties as assigned based on operational needs


Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications:

Proficient with GPS and handheld data collection devices (Range Finder, Prisms)

Strong knowledge of tree biology, tree identification, and timber cruising

Familiarity with timber harvest processes and California Forest Practice Rules

Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Field Maps (ESRI), and FSCruiser

Ability to navigate in rural and forested areas using a compass

Attention to detail, particularly for data accuracy and technical requirements

Ability to hike three miles of uneven terrain carrying up to 20 pounds within one hour

Self-motivated with a positive attitude

CLEAN DRIVING RECORD REQUIRED, with the ability to pass a basic company-administered driving test

Pre-employment substance screening required


Working Conditions:

Exposure to all weather conditions, nature (plants, insects, etc.), and uneven terrain

Ability to work 10-hour days, 40+ hours per week, when requested

Willingness to travel overnight and share accommodations

Team-oriented environment


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 Disability
  • 40 Hours Accrued Paid Vacation
  • 7 Paid Holidays
  • 5 Paid Sick Days
  • 401k - 4% Match


For questions or additional information, please contact: Stephen Clifford Phone: (916) 990-2586 Email: sc10784@mgeinc.com


Pre-Employment Controlled Substances Testing of Applicants.

All applicants to whom the Company has given a conditional offer of employment are required to submit to a pre-employment Controlled Substances test and must receive a negative result as a condition of employment.


Equal Opportunity Employer

Mountain Engineering is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Individuals seeking employment at our company are considered without regards to age, ancestry, color, race, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, protected family care or medical leave status, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.


Notice to Staffing Agencies

Mountain Engineering will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Mountain Engineering, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Mountain Engineering mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Mountain Engineering employees, or to Mountain Engineering's resume database will be considered Mountain Engineering property.



Apply