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Timber Cruising Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mountain G. Enterprises

Forestry Technician

Quincy, CA

$38K - $51K/yr

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 ...

MGE

Forestry Technician

Quincy, CA · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

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 ...

All JobsTimber Cruising JobsTimber Cruising Jobs in California

Timber Cruising information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$41K

$52.8K

How much do timber cruising jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for timber cruising 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 is timber cruising?

A Timber Cruising job involves assessing and estimating the volume, quality, and species of trees in a forested area. Timber cruisers collect data on tree measurements, health, and density to help forestry companies, landowners, and government agencies make informed management decisions. The job often requires working outdoors in various weather conditions, using specialized tools like clinometers and diameter tapes. Strong navigation, data recording, and physical endurance are essential skills for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in timber cruising?

To thrive in timber cruising, you need a solid understanding of forestry principles, tree identification, and measurement techniques, often supported by a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GPS devices, data collection software, and sometimes forest inventory or mapping systems is frequently required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valued soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate timber assessments, effective data reporting, and safe, efficient work in various outdoor environments.

What are some common challenges faced by timber cruisers in the field?

Timber cruisers often work in rugged, remote, or heavily forested areas where navigating difficult terrain and variable weather conditions can be challenging. The job frequently requires long periods outdoors, walking several miles while carrying equipment and ensuring precise data collection. Safety awareness is crucial due to potential hazards such as wildlife, unstable ground, and dense underbrush. Despite these challenges, many professionals find the work rewarding, especially those who enjoy fieldwork and appreciate direct contributions to sustainable forest management.

How do you become a timber cruiser?

To become a timber cruiser, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in forest measurement and timber valuation. Many professionals gain experience through forestry or logging work, and obtaining certifications such as the Forest Management Certification can improve job prospects. Familiarity with tools like clinometers and GPS devices is also beneficial.

How much do timber cruisers make?

Timber cruisers typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. The role involves assessing forest stands, often requiring knowledge of forestry tools and data collection methods.

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

The most popular types of Timber Cruising jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Timber Cruising jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Timber Cruising jobs in California are:

Timber Cruising jobs near you
Infographic showing various Timber Cruising job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person 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 7 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.



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