Forest Property Appraiser

Job Description and Duties

All applicants will be considered, however SROA/Surplus candidates will be given priority.

Are you interested in making life better for Californians? Are you looking for a career and not just a job? Do you want to create a meaningful impact in your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) has a career opportunity waiting for you! California not only needs you, it wants you as part of the growing workforce. New employees, new ideas, and new creative perspectives are needed in all areas at the CDTFA. We value staff and are dedicated to employee career development. Our agency supports the development of staff by offering training to flourish in their position and programs to promote and explore upward mobility. To learn more about us, please see CDTFA Gateway to New Opportunities video

As an Associate Forest Property Appraiser (AFPA), you will play a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of California’s timber yield tax program while working directly in the state’s diverse and dynamic timberlands. Under the guidance of the Senior Forest Property Appraiser, you’ll immerse yourself in the forest products market—tracking trends, evaluating harvest operations, and preparing key valuation data that supports counties statewide.

This is a hands on, field forward position where your expertise helps ensure fair taxation, accurate reporting, and consistent statewide administration. You’ll collaborate with professional foresters, timber owners, licensed timber operators and various other stakeholders; conduct on site reviews of harvest activities and timber cruises; and analyze market information to produce the preliminary harvest values that drive revenue distribution to timber producing counties.

If you enjoy blending analytical work with meaningful field assignments, navigating rugged outdoor environments, and contributing to essential statewide programs, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a measurable impact. Field work is a core component of the position—up to sixty five percent (65%)—giving you the chance to experience California’s forest regions firsthand while advancing your professional forestry and appraisal skills.

How did you hear about this opportunity? 

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

• Requires being in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods of time.

• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.

• Conducts field work in forest mountain environments.
• Telework is partially available. 

Special Requirements

• This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to

• Position requires employee to be fingerprinted and successfully pass a background investigation.

• Travel may be required up yo sixty-five (65%) of the time.

• Position requires employee to have and maintain a valid CA Drivers License & CA RPF license issued by the BOF. 

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Appraisal experience a benefit, but will train.

Benefits

CDTFA appreciates and proudly celebrates diversity with an emphasis of an inclusive atmosphere in all levels of the organization. CDTFA is a participant in The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) Capitol Cohort to advance racial equality and advance opportunities for all in California. Employees of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, disabilities, gender orientations and personal experiences are welcomed to contribute to the success of CDTFA.

The CDTFA was presented with the Large State Employer of the Year Award for 2018 from The Association of California State Employees with Disabilities (ACSED); showcasing CDTFA’s support of employment, promotion, and fair treatment of persons with disabilities.

CDTFA values its staff and is dedicated to employee career development. Our agency supports the development of staff by offering training to flourish in their position and programs to promote and explore upward mobility.

For more information about the outstanding benefits offered to State Employees

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Additional Instructions for Applicants

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.  

A completed state application (STD. 678) and any documents list under “Required Application Documents” must be submitted with your application package. Applicants who are relying on additional documentation (e.g. transcripts, copy of degrees, certifications, licenses, etc.) in order to prove that they meet the minimum qualifications listed in the Classification Specification (located on the right under “Additional Documentation) must submit those documents with their application package. Failure to submit these documents may result in your application being disqualified. Applications must include a description of the duties performed for each position held; reference to a resume in place of a description of the duties performed will not be accepted.

Applicants must state their basis of eligibility (List Eligibility, Lateral Transfer, Reinstatement, T&D, or Surplus/SROA), and the Job Control (JC) number and/or position number in the “Examination(s) or Job Title(s), For Which You Are Applying” section on the STD. 678. Surplus/SROA candidates should submit a copy of their letter with their application . Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth, etc.) as well as any information regarding your LEAP eligibility and/or exam scores from your documents prior to submission.

If applying electronically, please note that CalCareers no longer allows applicants to withdraw their applications. If you need assistance to withdraw your application, please contact the Certification Section at View email address on calcareers.ca.gov

For all other questions regarding your CalCareer account, please contact CalHR’s CalCareers Unit at Show phone number or View email address on calcareers.ca.gov .

For more information on the recruitment process please email  View email address on calcareers.ca.gov

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other - Copy of Valid RPF License.