Manager, Forest Productivity and Optimization

Rayonier•Yulee, FL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Manager, Forest Productivity & Optimization, you will champion efforts to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and long-term sustainability of our forestry operations. In this role, you will lead high-impact process improvement projects, leverage data analysis to uncover optimization opportunities, and establish operational best practices across the organization. You will serve as the vital technical link between research and practice—translating tree improvement, nutrition, and silvicultural research into actionable field strategies that empower our foresters and maximize timberland value.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Forest Management, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in forestry operations or a M.S in Forestry or closely related field with a minimum of three (3) years of experience.
Knowledge and experience in one or more sun-disciplines of Forestry, such as genetics, or soils, or biometrics, or entomology, or pathology is desired.
Strong understanding of silvicultural practices, harvesting operations, and forest management principles.
Knowledge of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in forest management.
Strong GIS skills with experience in ArcGIS Enterprise Systems.
Analytical skills including statistical analysis of forestry data with R.
Experience with MS Office programs including Word and Excel.
Experience with data analysis, process improvement methodologies, and project management.
Ability to independently manage projects and initiatives, establish priorities, and proactively seek direction when needed to ensure alignment with business objectives.
Valid driver's license required.

Nice To Haves

A Master of Science in Forestry or a related discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and resource allocation while eliminating process bottlenecks.
Structure and manage continuous improvement projects; develop and scale cost-efficiency initiatives across forestry operations.
Design and implement field trials to evaluate emerging technologies, silvicultural practices, tree improvement, and forest nutrition. Manage and mentor contractors and employees involved in research activities.
Partner with university and industry research cooperatives, coordinating activities to maximize operational and financial benefits.
Collect and analyze financial and operational forestry data to identify trends, establish benchmarks, and drive strategic decision-making.
Oversee project budgets and forecasts, maintain strict cost controls, and perform quarterly variance reporting.
Act as a technical advisor to silviculture managers, field foresters, and contractors, ensuring research findings are effectively adopted in daily operations.
Actively promote our culture of Safety. Ensure all productivity initiatives integrate our sustainability commitments and environmental stewardship goals.

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
life
accident
disability
identity theft protection
paid parental and caregiver leave
health savings account
dependent care spending account
employee assistance plan
wellness reimbursements
employee discount programs
annual health screenings
wellness incentives
wellness seminars
financial counseling and planning tools
401(k) retirement savings plan includes company matching contributions (60% match on the first 6% of base and bonus deferrals) as well as a 3% enhanced retirement contribution that does not require an employee contribution.
flexible work schedules
hybrid work from home options (for most positions)
a minimum of three weeks paid vacation
five paid personal days
11 paid holidays
paid sick leave each year
comprehensive employee development program which provides career planning tools and resources, mentoring program, leadership development, training programs
80% tuition reimbursement