Forester

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Forester position reports to the Timber Manager, requires a degree in forestry, and encompasses a range of responsibilities aimed at managing and maintaining forested areas. The role involves effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with stakeholders, groups, and individuals including landowners, government agencies, and community members. The ability to work well independently and with a team is crucial for success. Proficiency in utilizing GPS, directional compasses, and topography maps is essential for navigating forested terrain and conducting day to day tasks. Key responsibilities include conducting high-quality timber cruises, accurately identifying species, and grading logs. The successful candidate will demonstrate self-directed work ethic, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to sustainable forestry practices.

Freres Engineered Wood is actively seeking to expand its team by adding a skilled Forester to its department in Lyons, Oregon. As a crucial member of the team, the selected candidate will primarily focus on timber sale acquisition, utilizing their expertise as a timber cruiser, alongside engaging in diverse job functions. This role offers a dynamic blend of field and office work, with approximately 80% of the time spent outdoors conducting timber cruising and assessments, and the remaining 20% dedicated to office-based tasks. This full-time exempt position offers a competitive salary based on candidate’s skills, experience and education level.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Consistently promote high standards through personal example.

• Cruise, inspect and value logs from specific sales.

• Determine species, diameter class and corresponding values.

• Ability to design and implement a timber cruise.

• Project layout, using aerial photos, maps, GIS systems, and ground reconnaissance.

• Perform supervision of logging, cutting, maintenance and other activities while fully complying with the contract and regulations.

• Direct quality control concerning harvesting activities, as well as felling, bucking, and sorting procedures.

• Ensure full and appropriate compliance with Oregon Forest Practice Laws.

• Maintain good communication and excellent working relationships with outside agencies and companies including ODF, BLM, USFS, ODFW, County Departments and private timberland owners.

• Stay abreast of industry technology, trends, new regulations, and laws, attend meetings as necessary.

• Ability to manage multiple projects to final completions efficiently and effectively.

• Fire preparedness, firefighting, suppression, and other functions as required.

• Good work history/ attendance record.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities are not limited to the above-mentioned and may include assisting other branches with reasonable and related tasks. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, or hear.

• Required to hike distances in densely forested terrain.

• Exposed to varying outdoor weather conditions.

BENEFITS

We offer a highly competitive wage, PTO, health, dental and life insurance, Section 125, 401K, profit sharing, Holiday Pay and discretionary quarterly bonuses. As a Forester, you will also have access to a company pickup truck and cell phone.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

A.A./B.A./B.S. in Forestry

• Work experience in Forestry or logging (2-5 years) preferred.

• Must have valid driver’s license and clean DMV record.

• Must live within 40 miles radius of Freres’ Lyons main office.

• Good interpersonal communication skills and ability to work well with others.

• Must have ability to use GPS, directional compass, and topographical maps.

• Ability to work independently.

• Timber cruising skills, knowledge of log grading, and species identification.

• Must be eligible to operate company vehicles in accordance with company guidelines up to 50,000 miles per year.

• Proven leadership skills.

• Good analytical, problem-solving skills and math skills.

• Ability to make important decisions under pressure.

• Time management skills.

Computer literacy in commonly used business software products such as email, spreadsheets, and word processing.

• Excellent team player.

Schedule:

Mon – Fri; some weekends; 40-60 hours per week

Status: Full-time; Salaried Position

Wage Range: TBD- Dependent upon skills and experience

OUR COMPANY

Freres Engineered Wood, formerly Freres Lumber Co., Inc. was established in 1922 in Lyons, Oregon as a family-owned and operated wood products manufacturing business. Three generations of family management have led the Company’s veneer and plywood manufacturing facilities to sustain in the Santiam Canyon and we are committed to operating for another 100 years.

Freres Timber owns and operates over 18,000 acres of timberland. Harvesting is performed on a sustained yield basis and is managed to provide high quality timber for current and future generations.

We operate six processing plants, including a small log veneer plant, large log veneer plant, veneer drying facility, plywood plant and cogeneration facility. We are dedicated to reinvesting in our modern manufacturing facilities, providing high-quality wood products, and providing family wage jobs within our communities. We specialize in creating the highest quality wood products, from raw log to finished products, including: hog fuel, bark fines, chips, shavings, specialty veneer, grade lumber, high-quality sheathing grade plywood and even electricity.

Our passion for continuous improvement aligned with our innovative approach to manufacturing has led us to become the sole producer and developer of a unique, patented wood product, the Mass Plywood Panel. If you have a growth mindset and thrive under pressure, you’re probably a great fit for our team!