Operations Forester

Simpcw Resources Group•Area A (Wells Gray Country), BC

2d•CA$75,000 - CA$90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Simpcw Resources Group (SRG) is seeking an experienced Operations Forester to join its Forestry Division. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing operational forestry activities, including timber harvesting, road construction and maintenance, fibre development, permitting, and contractor management. The Forester will work closely with internal staff, contractors, Indigenous partners, tenure holders, and regulatory agencies to ensure operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations, company objectives, and sustainable forest management principles. This position offers an opportunity for a forestry professional to balance field leadership with operational planning and contribute to the growth of SRG's Forestry Division.

Requirements

Diploma or Degree in Forestry, Forest Engineering, Natural Resource Management, or a related discipline.
Minimum 5 years of operational forestry experience, including harvesting supervision, road construction, road maintenance, and timber development.
Registered, or eligible for registration, with the Association of BC Forest Professionals (RPF or RFT) or Engineers and Geoscientists BC (P.Eng.).
Strong knowledge of BC forestry legislation, permitting processes, operational planning, and environmental compliance requirements.
Experience developing and administering Cutting Permits, Road Permits, site plans, and related operational documentation.
Experience managing forestry contractors and multiple concurrent field operations.
Sound understanding of forest road engineering principles, maintenance requirements, and hauling logistics.
Demonstrated ability to interpret maps, engineering drawings, and operational plans.
Proficiency with GIS applications, mapping software, Microsoft Office Suite, and digital reporting tools.
Strong budgeting, planning, organizational, and project management skills.
Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building abilities.
Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence with a clean drivers abstract.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with First Nations communities and incorporating cultural values into forestry practices is considered an asset.
Knowledge of the Simpcw First Nation community and Simpcw Territory is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and oversee operational forestry activities including harvesting, road construction, road maintenance, hauling, and fibre recovery initiatives.
Develop and administer Cutting Permit and Road Permit applications, ensuring compliance with legislation, tenure requirements, Forest Stewardship Plans, and company objectives.
Coordinate timber harvesting activities to meet production targets while maintaining environmental and safety standards.
Plan, supervise, and coordinate forest road construction, maintenance, deactivation, rehabilitation, bridge installations, and stream crossing projects.
Develop annual and seasonal road maintenance programs, including grading, drainage management, culvert maintenance, dust control, snow removal, and surface repairs.
Coordinate contractors, equipment, and resources to support safe, efficient, and cost-effective forestry operations.
Conduct regular field inspections to ensure compliance with operational plans, permit requirements, environmental commitments, and safety standards.
Monitor harvesting performance, road construction progress, fibre utilization, production volumes, and contractor effectiveness.
Manage contractor performance, review completed work, monitor costs, and approve invoices.
Work closely with planning, engineering, GIS, silviculture, and forestry professionals to support operational execution and long-term forest management objectives.
Collaborate with Indigenous Nations, government agencies, tenure holders, and stakeholders to support project planning and delivery.
Monitor operational budgets, schedules, and key performance indicators, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Maintain accurate operational records and prepare reports related to production, permitting, compliance, road activities, contractor performance, and project status.
Support responsible fibre stewardship by maximizing fibre utilization and promoting sustainable resource management practices.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and contribute to local value creation within the forestry sector.
Promote a strong culture of safety through field inspections, coaching, incident investigations, safety meetings, and compliance with WorkSafeBC requirements.
Provide technical guidance and professional judgment to support sustainable forest management and the successful delivery of annual operating plans.
Foster positive working relationships with contractors, staff, community members, and external stakeholders.