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Timber Harvesting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Collins

Forester II

Chester, CA

$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 ...

All JobsTimber Harvesting JobsTimber Harvesting Jobs in California

Timber Harvesting information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$41K

$52.8K

How much do timber harvesting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for timber harvesting 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in timber harvesting, and why are they important?

To thrive in Timber Harvesting, you need physical stamina, a basic understanding of forestry operations, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with chainsaws, feller bunchers, skidders, and safety certifications such as OSHA or CPR is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and reliable communication skills are key soft skills for success in this physically demanding and team-oriented field. Mastery of these abilities ensures safe, efficient, and sustainable timber extraction while adhering to environmental and regulatory standards.

What are the typical work conditions and daily responsibilities for someone working in timber harvesting?

Timber Harvesting professionals typically work outdoors in various weather conditions, often in remote or forested locations, and are routinely engaged in physically demanding activities like cutting, loading, and transporting logs. Daily tasks include operating heavy machinery, maintaining equipment, assessing timber quality, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Teamwork is essential, as harvesters coordinate with foresters, truck drivers, and crew supervisors to complete jobs efficiently. The schedule may involve early mornings and long hours, especially during peak harvest seasons. Applicants should be prepared for hands-on, collaborative work in a dynamic and sometimes challenging environment.

What is timber harvesting?

A Timber Harvesting job involves cutting, processing, and transporting trees for commercial use while following environmental and safety regulations. Workers use specialized equipment such as chainsaws, skidders, and harvesters to fell trees and prepare them for transport. The job may include tasks like assessing forest conditions, selecting trees for harvest, and ensuring sustainability practices. Timber harvesters often work outdoors in physically demanding conditions and may collaborate with forestry professionals, landowners, and logging companies.

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

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

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

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

Timber Harvesting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Timber Harvesting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,000 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Forester II

Collins

Chester, CA

$85K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 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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