Registered Professional Forester - RPF

General Position Summary: 

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. We invite Foresters in Sonora, Visalia or Fresno to apply for this role.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.

Most projects, about 70%, are within a 1.5-hour drive of Sonora, CA, with the remainder across northern and Central California. We welcome candidates who are eligible to sit for the RPF exam in 2027.

At MB&G, you’ll work alongside dedicated professionals who share your commitment to sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship. Join us in shaping a healthier future for forests and communities, we can’t wait to hear from you.

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.

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 in 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.

About MB&G:

Mason, Bruce & Girard, Inc. is a full-service natural resource consulting firm, with expertise in environmental services, forestry, and geographic information systems (GIS). A set of core values guide our work, focusing our efforts on providing responsible, sustainable solutions that meet client needs.

Our areas of expertise include forestry, wildlife, fisheries, wetlands, water quality, and GIS. Our work is characterized by the highest level of client service, the application of the best science and technology, quality processes and results, integrity, and our respect for the natural environment. We provide natural resource consulting services to both industry and government and have done so since 1921.

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.