Resource Forester

TIAA • Gearhart, OR

2d

About The Position

Support and help coordinate silviculture, forest inventory, GIS, and related resource activities for Tree Farm operations. Perform this work to advance client objectives for financial returns, capital preservation, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

The role supports silviculture planning and implementation, forest inventory and field data collection, GIS data quality and mapping, and drone and remote-sensing workflows. It also helps procure and administer third-party forestry and engineering services, confirm required authorizations before fieldwork, maintain regulatory and industry-standard compliance, and communicate risks and service commitments to clients and stakeholders.

The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in forest or timberland management, forest engineering, or forest operations management through work, academic, and/or internship experience. A university degree is preferred. The role involves outdoor fieldwork over rough terrain in all weather conditions and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of forest management, timberland management, forest engineering, or forest operations management experience in a work, academic, and/or internship setting.
• Strong organization, prioritization, communication, planning, budgeting, and forecasting skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to prepare bid prospectuses and negotiate, administer, and revise contracts.
• Understanding of applicable federal, state, and local requirements, particularly the Oregon Forest Practices Act.
• Oregon Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, or ability to obtain one.
• Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Field Maps, ArcGIS Online or Enterprise, geodatabases, GIS data management, aerial imagery, and basic remote sensing.
• Familiarity with forestry inventory and cruising systems and experience working with contractors or field crews.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors over rough terrain in all weather conditions and lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• 3–5 years of forest management, forest engineering, timberland management, forest operations management, or timber industry experience.
• Bachelor of Science degree in forest management, forest engineering, or forest operations management.
• Drone/UAS experience and FAA Part 107 certification, or willingness to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Support silviculture planning and implementation, including reforestation and nursery coordination, density management, vegetation and damage control, forest health, regeneration surveys, and precommercial thinning surveys.
• Assist with forest inventory, stand measurements, plot work, field inspections, and other forestry data-collection activities.
• Maintain and quality-check GIS and forestry data for stand boundaries, roads, streams, harvest units, inventory depletions, and other operational layers using ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, and related systems.
• Build and maintain Field Maps projects and offline maps for forestry staff and contractors.
• Support drone operations, imagery collection, remote-sensing workflows, and emerging technologies such as drone-derived tree counts and heights, automated change detection, and Geo AI applications.
• Participate in procuring and administering third-party forestry and engineering services, including contractor qualification, bid analysis, negotiations, contract execution, and compliance monitoring.
• Confirm required notifications, permits, licenses, and easements are in place before fieldwork begins.
• Maintain compliance with applicable laws, licensing standards, forest-practice requirements, SFI standards, and best management practices.
• Maintain effective working relationships with contractors, regulators, partner organizations, and the public.
• Communicate environmental and financial risks promptly, respond to information requests, and support delivery of services that meet client commitments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Total Rewards package.
• Superior retirement program.
• Competitive health, wellness, and work-life offerings.
• Depending on the role, participation in an incentive program linked to performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed