Forestry Director

Society of American Foresters.; Auburn (CA); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS pension

457(b) retirement plan (optional)

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Generous paid leave

80 hours annual administrative leave

Flexible/remote work schedules

Job summary

Placer Resource Conservation District is seeking a Forestry Director to lead the Forestry Department, advancing wildfire resilience and forest health across Placer County. The senior role oversees staff, budgets, and partnerships with CAL FIRE, USFS, tribes, and landowners to deliver fuels reduction, restoration, and hazard tree programs.

The ideal candidate holds a California RPF, a bachelor’s degree, 8+ years of forestry experience, and 3+ years of supervisory leadership.

Qualifications

• California Registered Professional Forester (RPF) is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related field is required.
• 8+ years of professional forestry experience with a focus in forestry or related field.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience.
• Experience developing, planning, implementing and monitoring forestry projects (timber harvest, fuels reduction, reforestation).

Responsibilities

• Lead the Forestry Department and oversee staff, grants, contracts, project budgets, and environmental compliance.
• Provide technical and strategic leadership for forestry operations and programs.
• Collaborate with CAL FIRE, U.S. Forest Service, local agencies, tribes, non-profits, landowners, and contractors.
• Develop and manage landscape-scale fuels reduction, post-fire restoration, and reforestation projects.
• Ensure safe, compliant, and high-quality delivery of forestry projects.

Skills

Forestry knowledge

Supervisory experience

Stakeholder collaboration

Project management

Communication skills

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related field

California Registered Professional Forester (RPF)

Master’s degree in forestry or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Placer Resource Conservation District is hiring a Forestry Director to lead our Forestry Department and help advance wildfire resilience and forest health throughout Placer County.

This senior-level position will oversee a dedicated forestry team and a diverse portfolio of projects, including landscape-scale fuels reduction, post-fire restoration and reforestation, and hazard tree removal. Requires close collaboration with the prescribed fire team and outreach and education programs.

The Forestry Director will provide technical and strategic leadership while overseeing staff, grants, contracts, project budgets, environmental compliance, and forestry operations. The position also works closely with CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service, local agencies, tribes, non-profit organizations, landowners, contractors, and other partners to advance regional forest health and fire resilience efforts.

We are seeking an experienced forestry professional with strong technical, management, and collaborative skills. Applicants must be a California Registered Professional Forester (RPF) and have a bachelor’s degree, at least eight years of relevant professional experience, and at least three years of supervisory experience.

Salary: $97,356–$151,032 annually, commensurate with experience

• CalPERS pension
• optional 457(b) retirement plan
• health, dental, and vision benefits
• generous paid leave
• 80 hours of annual administrative leave
• and flexible and remote work schedules.

Priority application deadline: October 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

The position will remain open until filled.

Minimum Requirements

• California Registered Professional Forester (RPF)
• Bachelor’s degree and 8 or more years of professional experience with a focus in forestry or related field
• 3 or more years of supervisory experience
• Experience developing, planning, implementing and monitoring forestry projects, including but not limited to timber harvest, fuels reduction, and reforestation
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, ArcGIS
• Valid California driver’s license and current auto insurance

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of forestry, silviculture, vegetation management, fire behavior, watershed stewardship and conservation, resource management, basic hydrology, basic soil science, native plant and animal communities.
• Strong technical, administrative, and interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work with a variety of people with diverse interests and temperaments
• Familiarity with local threatened and endangered species, including habitat needs and legal protections
• Working knowledge of CEQA, CA Forest Practice Rules, and other local, state, and federal permit requirements for forestry projects
• Highly organized and motivated self-starter with the ability to prioritize
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and follow through to completion
• Creativity, sense of humor, “can do” spirit, collegiality, flexibility

Desired qualifications

• Master’s degree in forestry or related field
• Active RPF license for 5 or more years
• Actively participates in continuing education
• Experience working with RCDs, government agencies, tribes, non-profits, and conservation groups