Registered Professional Forester

Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc. (MB&G); Sonora (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Remote work options

Above-average benefits

Job summary

A forestry consulting firm is seeking a Registered Professional Forester to join their Sonora, CA office. This role involves assessing forest conditions, overseeing timber harvesting, and leading restoration projects. Ideal candidates will thrive in a collaborative environment, hold an active RPF license or be eligible for one, and possess a strong background in forestry and natural resource management. The position offers a balanced mix of fieldwork and office responsibilities, along with flexible scheduling and remote work options.

Qualifications

• Active California RPF license or eligibility to sit for the exam by 2027.
• Solid knowledge of California Forest Practice Rules.
• Experience with forest management and timber operations.
• Ability to complete physically demanding fieldwork in challenging terrain.

Responsibilities

• Assess forest conditions and develop treatment prescriptions.
• Plan, lay out, and oversee forest restoration and timber harvesting.
• Conduct field reconnaissance, mapping, and feasibility analysis.
• Administer restoration contracts and oversee timber sale prep.
• Lead field crews and manage projects of various sizes.

Skills

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Fieldwork

GIS Mapping

Communication

Prioritization

Education

B.A./B.S. in Forestry, Natural Resources, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Esri ArcGIS

Job description

Mason, Bruce & Girard (MB&G) is expanding and seeking a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) to join our collaborative, passionate team based out of our Sonora, CA office. This is an opportunity to lead meaningful work that makes an impact on California’s forests and communities while building your own career within a supportive and flexible company culture.

As an RPF with MB&G, you’ll take the lead on projects focused on forest health and fuels reduction. You’ll support all phases of timber harvest planning, sale preparation and administration, contractor oversight, and more. This is a dynamic position for professionals who enjoy a balanced mix of field and office work: approximately 50% field / 50% office.

Why MB&G?

• Tackle diverse, challenging projects that expand your skills.
• Be part of an established, respected team known for leading large, ambitious projects.
• Enjoy flexible scheduling and remote work options for office-based tasks.
• Above‑average benefits and a workplace that values employees.

What Makes an Ideal Candidate?

You thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy creative problem‑solving, and value continuous learning. You bring a positive attitude, strong prioritization skills, and genuine passion for forest health and restoration.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess forest conditions and develop treatment prescriptions.
• Plan, lay out, and oversee forest restoration, fuels reduction, and timber harvesting on private and public lands.
• Conduct field reconnaissance, mapping, layout, and feasibility analysis.
• Prepare timber harvest documents (THPs, Exemptions, Emergency Notices).
• Perform biological/botanical scoping for NEPA/CEQA compliance.
• Administer restoration contracts, including thinning and mastication.
• Use GIS for project mapping and analysis.
• Perform unit layout, timber cruising, marking, and data QA/QC.
• Oversee timber sale prep and administration.
• Conduct hazard tree assessments.
• Lead field crews and guide forest technicians.
• Serve as primary client contact and manage projects of various sizes.
• Assist with proposal development and project bidding.
• Supervise forest operations and subcontractors in the field.
• Split between field and office work.
• Field work includes steep, rough terrain, and all weather conditions.
• Some potential exposure to herbicides may occur, as work may take place in areas where herbicides are being applied by licensed applicators.
• Some overnight travel and work throughout the Sierra foothills is required.

Work Environment

• Split between field and office work.
• Field work includes steep, rough terrain, and all weather conditions.
• Some potential exposure to herbicides may occur, as work may take place in areas where herbicides are being applied by licensed applicators.
• Some overnight travel and work throughout the Sierra foothills is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active California RPF license or eligibility to sit for the exam by 2027.
• B.A./B.S. in Forestry, Natural Resources, or related field.
• Solid knowledge of California Forest Practice Rules.
• Experience with forest management and timber operations.
• Competency in Microsoft Office and Esri ArcGIS.
• Excellent communicator and enthusiastic team player.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to complete physically demanding fieldwork in challenging terrain.

Mason, Bruce & Girard is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and we do not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status or consideration protected by local, state and federal laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies. Equal opportunity applies to hiring, promotion, training, compensation, and any other organizational action. MB&G’s written affirmative action plan is available to all employees and job applicants upon request.

MB&G is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.