Harvesting Forester

Rayonier•Conway, AR

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Rayonier is seeking a Harvesting Forester to support the execution and financial optimization of our harvesting operations in the Conway, Arkansas region. Designed for an established forestry professional with progressive experience in land management, this role requires a strong track record in harvesting and forest operations administration. You will collaborate closely with the district forestry team to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable timber production. Reporting directly to the District Manager, you will provide the operational expertise needed to implement tactical harvest plans, manage harvesting budgets and forecasts, and lead field-level contract administration. Accountable for maintaining compliance with environmental, legal, and company standards, you will oversee contractor relationships while identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Through regular field inspections, you will ensure proper timber harvesting, sorting, merchandising, and delivery practices, verify compliance with delivered wood and stumpage sale agreements, and support the maximization of timber value and revenue.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource field (or equivalent experience in forestry operations).
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in land management, with a track record in harvesting and forest operations administration.
Strong understanding of market driven log and pulpwood demand, sustainable forestry practices, safety procedures and environmental compliance.
Experience navigating financial analysis, budgeting, and cost control systems.
Proficient in leveraging technology, including GIS applications and forest inventory tools, to drive field efficiency.
Proven ability to maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

A graduate degree in Forestry or Business is preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyze long-term, strategic harvest plans for operability, volume, and accessibility.
Assist in prioritizing harvest units, developing annual harvest budgets, and implementing site-specific harvesting prescriptions designed to maximize financial returns.
Strive to achieve operational excellence through process optimization, continuous improvement, and enhanced productivity by incorporating the latest decision tools.
Ensure effective resource allocation across personnel, equipment, and budgets to reduce costs while maximizing productivity and district revenue.
Leverage advanced technology and innovative approaches to continuously optimize field operations.
Oversee the contract process to ensure strict compliance with all legal and company standards while managing regular communication and building strong relationships with contractors.
Assess contractor capabilities to identify areas for training and development, while proactively identifying and mitigating contractor capacity risks.
Identify operational cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or productivity.
Monitor operational costs against monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets and forecasts; prepare comprehensive variance reports for leadership.
Maintain excellent working relationships with adjacent landowners, contractors, regulatory agencies, and public agencies.
Embrace and promote Rayonier’s safety culture by maintaining a safe work environment for all company personnel, contractors, and field stakeholders.
Ensure that all operational strategies and actions are fully aligned with and actively support the company's sustainability commitments, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship goals.