Job Descriptions

Arborist

Education: At least some college training in aboriculture, horticulture, or a related field is preferred
Description: Arborists plant, care for, and remove trees in an urban setting. The job requires training in proper use of dangerous equipment, knowledge of plant pathology, and knowledge of how to properly trim and care for a variety of tree species.

Archaeologist

Education: College degree in archaeology, specialized training in archaeology of the region in which you work
Description: Archaeologists look for artifacts such as Native American arrowheads or old mine entrances. They have the responsibility of documenting and preserving these sites. They work with other resource managers and the public, so good writing and verbal communication skills are essential. Archaeological sites must be documented before a Timber Harvest Plan can be passed by the state of California.

Environmental Interpreter

Education: At least two years of college with an emphasis on environmental science or communications is preferred
Description: Interpreters help people understand the environment around them. This is accomplished through public speaking, writing, development of signage or interpretive displays, or other forms of communication such as drama.

Feller

Education: Licensed Timber Operator training preferred in California
Description: The feller is the person who cuts down trees marked for harvest. Fellers must plan the best way to fell the tree so that there is little damage to the surrounding environment and the tree itself. After the tree has been harvested the feller usually removes the limbs and cuts the log into sections that can be hauled to a mill.

Fisheries Biologist

Education: College degree in biology, wildlife biology, or a related field; graduate work in fisheries biology is preferred
Description: Fisheries biologists research aquatic ecology. They manage stocking projects including raising fish from egg to adult. They are responsible for tracking the health of water bodies where fish live. They also catch fish in order to determine the health of the population. Sometimes foresters consult with fisheries biologists on how to avoid damage to fish habitat while harvesting timber. They also frequently participate in public education projects, which require good communication skills.

Forest Hydrologist

Education: College degree in hydrology
Description: Understands the effects of forest management activities on hydrologic systems. Studies health of aquatic systems in the forest. May advise foresters on mitigation or rehabilitation activities.

Forestry Field Technician

Education: Some college education in forestry or natural resource management is preferred
Description: Forestry field technicians assist in forestry activities. Many are responsible for surveying the quantity and type of tree species in a forest. Responsibilities may also include wildlife surveys or watershed assessment activities. This job is a good way to get the experience needed to become a Registered Professional Forester.

Licensed Timber Operator (LTO)

Education: Completion of two-day training session offered by Cal Fire and proof of 3,000 hours of field experience
Description: Licensed Timber Operators ensure that Timber Harvest Plans are carried out correctly. They perform harvesting operations. They communicate with both RPFs and harvesting crews.

Livestock Packer

Education: Extensive experience handling horses and mules, wilderness living, truck driving/livestock-hauling skills, preference for horseshoeing and medical aid knowledge, minor veterinary knowledge.
Description: Livestock packers lead extended wilderness trips guiding clients on horseback, establishing wilderness camps, and caring for livestock. They have to be in excellent physical condition and know how to lead strings of mules/horses and load cargo. The job may involve cooking for groups of people while in the wilderness.

Log Truck Driver

Education: Truck driver training; class A drivers license
Description: Log truck drivers face the challenge of driving on steep mountain roads with very heavy loads of logs. They pick the logs up in the woods where harvesting activity is taking place and take them to a sawmill. They have to understand the dynamics of such an unusually shaped load in order to safely transport timber.

Park Ranger

Education: 2 years of college
Description: Park rangers have peace officer authority. They advise park visitors regarding rules and regulations. In case of emergency a ranger may perform first aid or operate emergency equipment.

Registered Professional Forester (RPF)

Education: College degree in forestry or natural resource management; three years of experience working under a Registered Professional Forester; successful completion of Registered Professional Forester examination.
Description: Registered Professional Foresters are licensed to write Timber Harvest Plans in the state of California. This job requires extensive knowledge of forest ecology, silvicultural practices, watershed management, wildlife management, and the California Forest Practice Rules. Foresters conduct surveys of forested areas and write management plans, usually including the harvest of timber. They work with other scientists to determine the best way to care for the forest and provide wood products sustainably. For more info, go here.

Tree Nursery Manager

Education: Training in horticulture or crop science.
Description: Nursery managers are responsible for supplying vast amounts of tree seedlings. They grow trees from seed to reforest areas after harvest or natural disaster. Nursery managers must have vast knowledge of diseases, fungus, and pests that commonly plague young trees. They use agricultural equipment to propagate seedlings. Managers also need business skills to manage profit from tree sales.

Urban Forester

Education: College degree in forestry, horticulture, or related field; aboricultural training preferred
Description: Urban foresters work with the public to develop forests within urban environments. In some areas an urban forester might educate the public about making their town fire safe by creating defensible space. An urban forester may head Arbor Day programs or reforestation efforts. They usually work with certified arborists to care for trees.

Wildland Firefighter

Education: No educational requirements, however training in medical aid or fire science is preferred.
Description: Wildland firefighters practice fire suppression using a variety of firefighting equipment. They also respond to emergency situations. All firefighters must be able to do heavy physical work in rough terrain for long hours. Most positions are seasonal. Full time positions require field experience.

Wildlife Biologist

Education: College degree in wildlife biology, zoology, or related field
Description: Wildlife biologists conduct research to determine how best to manage for wildlife species. They observe animals in nature, determine the available amount of food for different species, track the habits and movement of species, and perform any other activity necessary to make management decisions. Wildlife biologists commonly communicate with RPFs to guide forest management for species health and diversity.