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Operations Forester Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Collins

Forester II

Chester, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

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 ...

Collins

Forester II

Chester, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

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 ...

Sierra Pacific Industries

Forester - District

Burney, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Administer contracts for field operations including logging, road construction, professional ... Perform forestry-related project work in a wide range of weather and field conditions * Hike in ...

Sierra Pacific Industries

Forester - District

Sonora, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Administer contracts for field operations including logging, road construction, professional ... Perform forestry-related project work in a wide range of weather and field conditions * Hike in ...

CERES

Forester I

Cameron Park, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Forester I Location: Cameron Park, CA Reports to ... Operations Manager Compensation Range: $70,000 - $90,000 annually (based on experience and ...

Mountain G. Enterprises

Mountain Engineering is seeking experienced candidates to support PG&E Vegetation Management Forestry Operations (VMFO) in North Coast, North and South.The Registered Professional Forester (RPF) role ...

Mountain G. Enterprises

Forestry Technician

Quincy, CA · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

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 ...

MGE

Forestry Technician

Quincy, CA · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

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 ...

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All JobsOperations Forester JobsOperations Forester Jobs in California

Operations Forester information

What is an operations forester?

Operations foresters are professionals responsible for managing and overseeing forestry operations such as timber harvesting, reforestation, and forest maintenance. They work to ensure that these activities are conducted sustainably, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental regulations. Operations foresters often collaborate with landowners, contractors, and government agencies to develop management plans, monitor forest health, and implement best practices. Their role is essential in balancing economic objectives with ecological stewardship in forested landscapes.

What are some typical challenges operations foresters face when balancing fieldwork and administrative duties?

Operations Foresters often juggle a mix of outdoor fieldwork and office-based administrative tasks, such as preparing harvest plans, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating with logging crews. One common challenge is efficiently managing time during peak seasons, when field visits and reporting deadlines overlap. Additionally, Operations Foresters must keep detailed records and communicate effectively with both field teams and management, requiring strong organizational and multitasking skills. Staying current with industry regulations and technology can also present ongoing learning opportunities.

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

To excel as an Operations Forester, you need expertise in forestry management, environmental regulations, and resource planning, typically supported by a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping, timber cruising software, and forest inventory systems, as well as relevant certifications like Registered Professional Forester (RPF), are important. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate field crews, interact with stakeholders, and adapt to changing conditions. These abilities ensure sustainable forest management, regulatory compliance, and efficient operations within forestry projects.

What is the difference between Operations Forester vs Forest Technician?

AspectOperations ForesterForest Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in forestry or related field; certifications may be preferredAssociate's degree or relevant technical training; often requires forestry-related certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, managing operations, planning timber harvestsFieldwork assisting foresters, collecting data, implementing plans
Employer & Industry UsageForestry companies, government agencies, logging firmsForestry agencies, environmental organizations, consulting firms

Operations Foresters typically hold a bachelor's degree and oversee forest management operations, while Forest Technicians usually have technical training and support field activities. Both roles work in forest environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Operations Forester jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Operations Forester jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Operations Forester jobs?

Cities in California with the most Operations Forester job openings:

Operations Forester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operations Forester job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Forester II

Chester, CA • On-site

Collins
See more jobs at Collinsexternal

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 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 Lassen, 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 (RPF) 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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