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-Editorial
The California Forestry Sector Jobs Initiative is dedicated to promoting careers in forestry, with a focus on forest management, wildfire prevention, and sustainability. This initiative not only aims to address workforce gaps but also actively works to engage traditionally underrepresented communities, including women, minorities, and veterans.
By providing resources on education, training, and career pathways, the initiative ensures more equitable access to forestry jobs, contributing to both community resilience and environmental stewardship across California. This initiative is funded by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Learn more at caforestryworkforce.com.
Matt Dias, President and CEO of the California Forestry Association (Cal Forests), addressed the pressing challenges and opportunities in the state’s forest product sector during a public presentation. Representing over 4 million acres of managed forest land and key manufacturing facilities such as lumber producers and bioenergy facilities, Dias emphasized the sector’s critical role in wildfire prevention, forest recovery, and environmental stewardship.
“The California forest product sector is a vital partner as we confront the wildfire crisis and a changing climate,” Dias stated. “We are working to achieve goals like fire prevention, community protection, and maintaining air, water, and wildlife habitats. But we cannot do this without a solid, skilled workforce.”
To address a significant labor shortage, Cal Forests has launched the California Forestry Sector Jobs Initiative. The program aims to train individuals, establish career pathways, and attract a diverse workforce to the forestry sector. Funded in part by a grant from Cal Fire, the initiative seeks partnerships with community organizations and the media to raise awareness of the industry’s opportunities.
Dias also highlighted the sector’s diversity, noting the wide range of forests across the state, from redwoods on the North Coast to mixed conifers and oak woodlands. “Our goal is to mirror California’s environmental and social diversity within our workforce,” he added.
The forestry sector has historically drawn workers from local Northern California communities. However, Dias acknowledged the growing need to expand recruitment statewide to sustain the sector’s contributions to wildfire prevention and forest management.
“This initiative is not just about jobs; it’s about fostering community resilience and protecting California’s environment,” Dias concluded.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is taking significant steps to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) within its workforce, according to Chief Matthew Reischman, Deputy Director of Resource Management. Speaking about the department’s latest initiatives, Reischman highlighted the critical need for representation and inclusivity in forest management and emergency services.
“This is a space we’ve focused on intensely over the last several years,” said Reischman. “Not just in the forestry sector, but across our entire department. Our goal is to diversify our workforce to better address the challenges we face and to inform our decision-making processes.”
One key initiative is a workforce development grant under CAL FIRE’s Forest Health Program, aimed at expanding opportunities in rural forestry jobs. “Traditionally, these jobs were handed down through families, limiting access to diverse candidates. This grant introduces a DE&I component, aligning with our department’s goals to broaden access and opportunities in forestry careers,” Reischman explained.
Efforts include the creation of EquipMap, a demographic dashboard showcasing department diversity and identifying service gaps, and an inclusive language guide developed with state agencies to improve communication. Additionally, CAL FIRE is revising its applications and conducting a language access survey to address linguistic barriers across California.
Reischman emphasized the importance of engaging young people in forestry careers, from operational roles like chainsaw operation to technical positions such as registered foresters. “We know we have a forest management issue and vast areas needing reforestation. Diversifying our workforce will bring fresh perspectives, enhancing our ability to manage resources and combat wildfires.”
These initiatives, Reischman noted, are crucial as California grapples with wildfire resiliency and sustainable forest management. “By diversifying and listening, we can make more informed decisions. There’s no single solution—being open to different perspectives is key.”
Reischman concluded by expressing optimism about the future. “This initiative is just the start of creating a more inclusive forestry workforce. With these efforts, we’re not only building resilience but also building trust and opportunity for all.”
California’s forests are a vital resource for the environment and the economy, and maintaining their health requires a diverse team of professionals. Britta Goldstein, Community Affairs and Communications Representative for Green Diamond Resource Company, recently shared insights about the forestry profession during a public talk.
“Green Diamond manages about 400,000 acres of redwood and Douglas fir timberlands on California’s north coast,” said Goldstein, who is also a licensed California Registered Professional Forester. “Our team of foresters, biologists, and loggers collaborates to steward these lands sustainably.”
Goldstein’s passion for forestry began at UC Berkeley, where she originally studied wildlife biology but discovered forestry’s interdisciplinary nature. “Forestry requires knowledge of hydrology, soil science, botany, and wildlife ecology,” she explained. “It’s a field for people who love tough work and a close-knit community.”
She also emphasized the growing demand for forestry professionals due to climate change and wildfire risks. “Forestry offers meaningful work, whether in the public sector, private industry, nonprofits, or tribal organizations. We need everyone, from truck drivers to biologists, to support forest health and resilience,” she said.
Goldstein highlighted the importance of diversity in this traditionally male-dominated field. “I studied in a forestry program that was 80% women, and it’s inspiring to see women challenging stereotypes and excelling in specialized roles.”
Closing with encouragement for future recruits, Goldstein said, “Forestry isn’t just a job; it’s joining an industry that values sustainability and stewardship. To everyone considering this career, welcome—we’re glad you’re here.”
