Logging Equipment Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Logging Operator
Location: Project Specific (CA-Based) | Travel Required
Reports To: Foreman / Superintendent
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation Range: $25 - $35 hourly (based on experience and qualifications)
Other Compensation: Per diem and lodging provided
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and travel opportunities.

About CTL Forestry

C.T.L. (Cut-to-Length) Forest Management, Inc. (CTL) is a California-based forestry operations company specializing in efficient, low-impact field execution across a wide range of forest management projects. CTL partners with public and private landowners to deliver harvesting and restoration services tailored to site-specific conditions and project goals. While best known for Cut-to-Length operations, CTL maintains a broad set of harvesting capabilities adaptable to diverse project needs. As part of the Ceres platform, CTL strengthens execution capacity and complements full-scope forest management, helping deliver forestry solutions at scale across varied landscapes.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At CTL Forestry, you are more than just an employee. You are part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, managing forests responsibly, and helping communities recover and rebuild.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, growth opportunities, travel, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you will fit right in. We do not just respond to challenges; we rise to them.

Role Overview

CTL Forestry is seeking skilled Heavy Equipment Operators to support forestry operations, debris removal, hazard mitigation, logging activities, and environmental restoration projects. This role is critical to the safe and efficient execution of field operations and does not include direct people management responsibilities.

Success in this role is demonstrated through safe equipment operation, consistent productivity, adherence to safety standards, proper equipment care, and the ability to adapt to changing field conditions while supporting mission-critical projects that improve community resilience and natural resource restoration.

What You Will Do

• Safely operate a variety of forestry and heavy equipment including excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, skid steers, harvesters, chippers, skidders, forwarders, graders, masticators, feller bunchers, spider lifts, and other specialized forestry equipment.
• Operate equipment according to manufacturer specifications and company operating procedures.
• Follow OSHA requirements, company safety standards, and applicable traffic and worksite regulations.
• Maneuver equipment safely and precisely in steep terrain, dense vegetation, post-fire environments, and other challenging conditions.
• Complete assigned work efficiently while meeting project schedules and productivity expectations.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance including greasing, fueling, oiling, and minor repairs.
• Conduct daily pre-trip and post-operation inspections and document equipment conditions.
• Report maintenance concerns and major repair needs to supervisors or mechanics.
• Load, unload, and transport equipment when properly licensed and authorized.
• Maintain a clean work area and support overall field operations as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating forestry, logging, or heavy equipment.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices in hazardous environments.
• Ability to regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round in varied weather and environmental conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A or B).
• Heavy equipment maintenance or repair certifications.
• Experience in forestry, logging, disaster recovery, fuels reduction, or debris operations.
• Willingness to work extended hours and travel as project demands require.

What to Expect

This is a hands-on field position that requires working outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions and project locations throughout California and surrounding regions. You can expect frequent travel, extended time on active jobsites, and exposure to rugged terrain, changing weather, heavy equipment, and forestry operations.

The work is physically demanding and safety-focused. Successful operators are dependable, adaptable, and capable of maintaining productivity while working closely with supervisors and team members. Your work will directly support wildfire mitigation, post-fire recovery, forest health initiatives, and environmental restoration projects that strengthen communities and natural resources.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

CTL Forestry provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law.

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, bend, and perform physical activities throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Willingness to wear required PPE including hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, high-visibility apparel, and other equipment as required.
• Ability to work in adverse weather and field conditions, including extreme temperatures, steep slopes, post-fire terrain, dense vegetation, elevated work areas, wet conditions, vibration, airborne particles, and high noise environments.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and outdoor elements.
• Commitment to following all safety standards, protocols, and company policies.

Why Join CTL Forestry?

At CTL Forestry, you will not just have a job, you will have a mission. Your expertise will directly impact how we win projects, deliver results, and protect communities through responsible forest management.

We offer:

• A collaborative, mission-driven culture built on trust and accountability.
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Real opportunities to grow professionally, technically, and as a leader.
• The chance to make a lasting difference in forestry management and community resilience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CTL Forestry is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. CTL Forestry does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position unless otherwise stated.

E-Verify: We comply with federal law by verifying the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.