Timberland Forester II

Rayonier•Lufkin, TX

33d•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you a forestry professional ready to take the next step in driving sustainable land management and operational excellence? Rayonier is seeking a proactive Timberlands Forester II to join our Southwest team. In this role, you will play a key part in planning and executing harvesting, silviculture, and resource management activities while optimizing financial performance, safety, and long-term asset value of our forests.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a related field, or equivalent experience in forestry operations.
One (1) to three (3) years of forestry experience.
Knowledge of forest management principles, including the ability to interpret deeds and legal descriptions; a thorough understanding of Sustainable Forestry Initiative requirements, Best Management Practices, and applicable safety laws; and experience planning and estimating costs for forestry projects.
Experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and cost control, with the ability to understand key business drivers and incorporate financial considerations into operational decisions.
Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems and Microsoft 365 applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors and regulatory agencies.
Strong analytical, multitasking, planning, and organizational skills; initiative and innovation in improving business processes; and the ability to lead projects, coordinate work across teams, and deliver technical guidance.

Responsibilities

Prepare stand- and project-level budget inputs for annual operating, expense, and capital programs.
Track operational expenditures against approved budgets and performance milestones.
Develop financial projections for short- and long-term silvicultural investments.
Adapt site-specific plans to meet financial targets and communicate variances promptly.
Integrate cost-benefit considerations into operational decisions to maximize asset value.
Design site activity plans aligned with broader regional land management strategies.
Contribute data and field insights to one- and five-year silviculture and harvest schedules.
Execute forest inventory plans by verifying stand boundaries, assigning prescriptions, and updating the forest management database.
Plan and oversee silvicultural treatments, including reforestation, thinning, herbicide application, fertilization, and animal control.
Assist with harvest layout, tactical marketing, and monitoring active operations to meet customer delivery commitments.
Appraise, negotiate, and administer operational contracts for silviculture, harvesting, and resource management.
Conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with activity plans, safety protocols, and environmental standards.
Supervise harvesting operations to support proper log sorting, quality control, merchandising, and volume targets.
Review contractor invoices for accuracy against completed fieldwork and assign the appropriate General Ledger coding.
Lead project teams and provide technical training to employees and contractors.
Evaluate contractor performance and document results to support vendor management decisions.
Support external relations by leading public tours, stakeholder presentations, and community outreach activities.
Support land transaction strategy by identifying, evaluating, and appraising parcels for acquisition, disposition, or trade.
Manage non-timber property assets, including leases, special-use permits, boundary surveys, and neighboring landowner relationships.
Participate in professional resource management organizations and represent Rayonier in occasional research studies and surveys.
Promote compliance with all applicable Standard Operating Procedures, safety programs, forest stewardship principles, and Best Management Practices.
Participate in safety reporting systems, safety committees, and hazard-identification programs.
Represent the company in professional forestry associations, research cooperatives, and industry surveys.