Forester I

About the role

CTL Forest Management is seeking a Forester I to join our operations team and play a key role in supporting our forest management, fuels reduction, and restoration projects across California. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated forester to take on leadership responsibilities in field planning, data analysis, and project coordination.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee field operations related to timber inventory, forest health assessments, and resource management projects, ensuring compliance with project objectives and environmental regulations.
• Independently conduct and analyze timber cruises, stand exams, and vegetation surveys; prepare technical reports and recommendations for management decisions.
• Develop and maintain GIS datasets and maps; perform spatial analysis to support project planning, harvest layout, and resource assessments.
• Prepare or contribute to the development of harvest plans, permit applications, and environmental compliance documentation in coordination with RPFs and agency partners.
• Evaluate hazard trees and conduct site assessments to identify forest health, fuels reduction, and restoration needs; recommend treatment prescriptions based on findings.
• Lead time and motion and operational efficiency studies, interpret data results, and present findings to improve field productivity and cost effectiveness.
• Cook up and oversee contract administration for thinning, mastication, reforestation, and restoration projects; monitor contractor performance and ensure adherence to specifications and safety standards.
• Serve as a field liaison between project management and contractors, providing technical guidance, verifying deliverables, and resolving operational issues.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of forestry practices, safety protocols, and operational workflows through data-driven analysis and professional judgment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of forestry experience in project management, field operations, or forest inventory.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GIS applications (ArcGIS, QGIS, or equivalent).
• Strong analytical, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to perform fieldwork in rugged terrain and adverse conditions.
• Willingness to travel regularly to project sites and stakeholder locations, including overnight stays as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Progress toward RPF licensing eligibility.
• Experience leading field crews or contractors in forestry, fuels reduction, or restoration work.
• Advanced GIS and remote sensing skills.
• Familiarity with NEPA/CEQA compliance and permitting.
• Strong problem-solving and leadership ability with demonstrated initiative.

What to Expect

As a Forester I, you’ll balance fieldwork and office-based analysis — collecting and interpreting forest resource data, developing spatial maps, and supporting operational planning. You’ll work in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions, often coordinating with RPFs, subcontractors, and agency representatives. This position involves regular travel, with occasional overnight stays depending on project requirements. You’ll thrive in this role if you’re self-motivated, technically sharp, and eager to take the next step toward RPF licensing and project leadership.

Physical Requirements and Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, and balance in varying conditions.
• Ability to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Vision abilities include close, distance, color, and depth perception.
• Willingness to wear required PPE (hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots).
• Ability to work in challenging environments, including adverse weather, rugged terrain, and mechanical exposure.
• Commitment to following all safety protocols and maintaining field readiness.

Why Join CTL Forest Management?

• A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Clear advancement paths toward Forester II and RPF-level roles.
• Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and leadership development.
• A chance to make a lasting difference in forestry management and wildfire prevention.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CTL Forest Management is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, or protected veteran status.