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Timber Cruising Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Specific knowledge of plant taxonomy, habitat typing, timber cruising, log scaling, harvesting systems, data collection and sampling techniques. * Road design and layout. * Fire behavior, fire ...

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Working knowledge of forestry skills, including the use of tools in silviculture, forest product utilization, timber harvesting, logging systems, road construction, timber cruising, and other duties ...

Cruising timber to evaluate quality and volumes; negotiating timber contracts and developing forest management plans; marking timber and establishing harvest boundaries; administering timber sales ...

Experience should be in cruising, timber sale administration, logging contractor relationship management. Principal Duties Include:  Conduct and supervise timber inventories, timber-sale ...

Experience should be in cruising, timber sale administration, logging contractor relationship management, and will reside near one of these five (5) West Virginia communities: Elkins, Buckhannon ...

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Timber Cruising information

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$29K

$41.5K

$53.5K

How much do timber cruising jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for timber cruising in the United States is $41,544.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What is a Timber Cruising job?

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 the Timber Cruising position, and why are they important?

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 the most commonly searched types of Timber Cruising jobs? The most popular types of Timber Cruising jobs are:
What states have the most Timber Cruising jobs? States with the most job openings for Timber Cruising jobs include:
Infographic showing various Timber Cruising job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,544 per year, or $20 per hour.
Forest Manager

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Mendocino Redwood Company, LLC. (MRC) is seeking an experienced Forest Manager to join their forestry team based in Ukiah, CA! This is an exempt position, the base salary for this position is $140,000.00 to $150,000.00.  Your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic locations, skills, education, and/or experience.  Please keep in mind the range published is the full base salary. This position includes full benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K matching and life insurance. To learn more about our benefits click Here.

The Mendocino Companies (Mendocino Forest Products Company, Mendocino Redwood Company, Humboldt Redwood Company, Humboldt Sawmill Company, and Allweather Wood) own nearly 450,000 acres of Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C031337) certificated redwood and Douglas-fir timberland, constitute the largest waterborne wood treater in the Western USA, and is the largest producer of redwood lumber in the world. Collectively providing 950 employees and their families with excellent wages and benefits in communities throughout the Western USA. Additionally, the Mendocino Companies own and operate a 25-megaWatt biomass cogeneration power plant and wood pellet plant.


The Forest Manager collaborates with the Director of Forestry to develop and implement annual and long-term plans, forecasts, and operational schedules. This role is responsible for obtaining all required local, state, and federal permits and for coordinating and administering contracts to effectively and efficiently achieve land management objectives. Works closely with Science Managers to support the collection of necessary scientific and monitoring data and partners with the Log Resource Manager to ensure consistent log deliveries and maintain log quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The key areas of focus for this position are as follows;   

  • Manage and supervise a team of professional foresters.
  • Perform supervisory responsibilities including, but not limited to, interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; and addressing employee concerns and resolving issues.
  • Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures across all areas of operation.
  • Implement annual operational plans, including Timber Harvest Plan (THP) preparation, timber harvest contracting, road construction and maintenance, vegetation management, and reforestation activities.
  • Support the Director of Forestry in developing annual forecasts for log deliveries, operational expenses, and capital investments.
  • Obtain and administer all required permits necessary for the implementation of land management plans.
  • Maintain accurate and complete records of all land management activities.
  • Collaborate with the Management Team to represent company interests with local agencies, regulatory bodies, and community organizations.
  • Prepare and administer logging contracts, ensuring compliance and satisfactory completion of all contractual obligations.
  • Oversee the preparation, development, submittal, and review of Timber Harvest Plans (THPs).
  • Administer Timber Harvest Plans, which may include conducting or overseeing field surveys such as watercourse classification (including fisheries and amphibian surveys), raptor surveys, botanical surveys, spotted owl surveys, and archaeological surveys.
  • Supervise field crews performing activities such as timber cruising, marking, and flagging, and road layout.
  • Review and monitor road construction, restoration, and maintenance projects in the field.
  • Coordinate grant planning and implementation in partnership with the Grant Manager and Director of Forestry.

  • Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Forestry or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university required.
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of related experience, including progressive leadership responsibilities.
  • Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license required.
  • Proficiency in spatial (e.g., GIS), spreadsheet, and word processing software required.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and remain eligible to operate a company vehicle in accordance with company policy.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with disabilities. 

  • With appropriate training, the employee is required to operate all-terrain vehicles, including running, maneuvering, navigating, and driving safely and effectively in various types of terrain, in accordance with company policies and safety guidelines.
  • The position requires the ability to safely traverse steep, uneven, and difficult terrain, which may include frequent strenuous hiking throughout the workday.
  • The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. These activities may include climbing trees or ladders, entering and exiting vehicles or trucks, and operating all-terrain vehicles. Climbing and/or crawling through steep, brushy, or uneven terrain may be required.
  • The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds of debris, tools, or forestry/logging equipment, with or without assistance.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and may involve extensive period of sitting at a desk working on computer as well.
  • The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, dust, and airborne particles while operating four-wheel-drive all-terrain vehicles, chainsaws, and other equipment when in the field.
  • This position may require the following equipment when in the field: eye protection, hearing protection, leather/rubber gloves, safety shoes, and a hard hat.
  • Will occasionally work alone in remote areas and navigate using a map and compass when in the field.

Competencies

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback' contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Oral and Written Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

Planning/Organizing and Project Management - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Maintains accurate and complete records of activities. Manages project team activities.

Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.

Conflict Resolution – Effectively resolves conflict in a professional, non-confrontational manner while maintaining company interests; Communicates concerns to company leadership. Promotes open door policy.  

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on any, or a combination of, the following characteristics: race (including hair texture and styles), color, caste, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other characteristic protected by state or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.