RPF | California Timber Plans & Field Operations Lead

Society of American Foresters.; Folsom (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DJ&A in California is seeking a Registered Professional Forester to join our forestry team and lead THP preparation, submission, and administration in compliance with the California Forest Practice Rules and CEQA. This role balances office work with extensive field work on timberland properties, combining technical forestr y skills with regulatory navigation.

You will hike rugged terrain, delineate boundaries and protection zones, supervise crews, and stay current with changes in state policy.

Qualifications

• Active RPF license issued by the California Board of Forestry
• Valid California driver's license; ability to travel to timberland properties
• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources Management, or 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, Forest Practice Act, and CEQA as applied to timber harvesting
• Proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS), GPS units, and standard timber cruising
• Ability to hike steep, rugged terrain for extended periods while carrying field equipment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

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 California Forest Practice Rules, Board of Forestry policy, and CEQA requirements as applied to timber operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

RPF license

Field reconnaissance

THP preparation

GIS (ArcGIS)

GPS proficiency

Regulatory docs

Communication skills

Terrain navigation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry or Natural Resources

Tools

ArcGIS software

GPS devices

Job description

DJ&A in California is seeking a Registered Professional Forester to join our forestry team and lead THP preparation, submission, and administration in compliance with the California Forest Practice Rules and CEQA. This role balances office work with extensive field work on timberland properties, combining technical forestr y skills with regulatory navigation.

You will hike rugged terrain, delineate boundaries and protection zones, supervise crews, and stay current with changes in state policy.