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Timber Harvesting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dj

Registered Professional Forester

Folsom, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Prepare and administer Timber Harvesting Plans (THPs). * Conduct field reconnaissance, timber cruising, resource assessments, and field evaluations. * Delineate and flag harvest unit boundaries ...

Djanda

Registered Professional Forester

Folsom, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Prepare and administer Timber Harvesting Plans (THPs). * Conduct field reconnaissance, timber cruising, resource assessments, and field evaluations. * Delineate and flag harvest unit boundaries ...

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-Pine-Company-

Forester II

Chester, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

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 Sep 8, 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 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 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 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 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,000 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Registered Professional Forester (RPF)

Society of American Foresters.

Folsom, CA • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

As a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) for DJ&A, you will join our talented forestry team and be responsible for preparing, submitting, and administering Timber Harvesting Plans (THPs) and related timber operation documents in compliance with the California Forest Practice Rules (14 CCR) and the Professional Foresters Law (Public Resources Code §§ 750–783). You will be comfortable splitting time between office-based plan preparation and extensive field work on timberland properties, combining your strong technical forestry skills with hands‑on experience navigating California's regulatory review process.

Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare and administer Timber Harvesting Plans (THPs).
  • Conduct field reconnaissance, timber cruising, resource assessments, and field evaluations.
  • Delineate and flag harvest unit boundaries, watercourse and lake protection zones (WLPZs), equipment exclusion zones, and other plan‑required features in the field.
  • Crew oversight and supervision and conformance with approved plans and Forest Practice Rules.
  • Participate in work planning and forecasting during team calls.
  • Stay current on changes to the California Forest Practice Rules, Board of Forestry policy, and CEQA requirements as applied to timber operations.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Active Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license issued by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection
  • Valid California driver's license and ability to travel regularly to timberland properties in a company‑provided truck.
  • Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of 3 years of professional forestry experience, including direct experience preparing and administering California THPs.
  • Working knowledge of the California Forest Practice Rules (14 CCR), the Forest Practice Act, and CEQA as applied to timber harvesting.
  • Proficiency with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS), GPS units, and standard timber cruising
  • Ability to hike steep, rugged terrain for extended periods in variable weather conditions while carrying field equipment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, technically accurate regulatory documents.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Established working relationships with CAL FIRE review teams and other California regulatory agencies.
  • Experience with Modified THPs, Exemptions, Emergency Notices, and/or Nonindustrial Timber Management Plans (NTMPs).
  • Familiarity with timberlands in the Sierra Nevada and greater Sacramento region.
  • Experience supervising or mentoring foresters‑in‑training (RPF candidates).
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