Timberlands Forester I

Rayonier•Warren, AR

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Rayonier is seeking a proactive Timberlands Forester I to join their team. This is a developmental role designed for recent forestry graduates or early-career professionals in forestry or natural resources. The position offers hands-on experience under the mentorship of seasoned forestry leaders, aiming to build the technical, financial, and operational skills necessary for independent land resource management. The company emphasizes safety, community involvement, innovation, and continuous learning, fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Forest Management, Natural Resources, or a related field; or an associate degree with relevant forestry experience; or an equivalent combination of education and practical forestry experience.
No prior professional forestry experience required for candidates possessing a qualifying bachelor's degree. Candidates qualifying through equivalent education and experience should demonstrate foundational experience in forestry, natural resources, logging, silviculture, or a related field.
Initiative, willingness to learn, and ability to accept and apply feedback.
Foundational knowledge of forestry and forest management principles.
Ability and willingness to develop knowledge of silviculture, harvesting, forest inventory, and land management practices.
Basic computer skills and ability to learn GIS and other forestry-related technology; working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications.
Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and accurately maintain field and operational data.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish productive relationships with employees, contractors, landowners, and other stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to field locations as required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Forestry from an SAF-accredited forestry program.
Forestry-related internship, co-op, seasonal employment, or field experience.
Exposure to GIS or other forest management technology.
Familiarity with SFI, forestry BMPs, forest inventory, silviculture, or timber harvesting operations.

Responsibilities

Assist with gathering stand- and project-level information for budgets, contracted services, expense programs, and capital programs.
Track expenditures and operational results for assigned activities and communicate potential variances.
Assist with preparing cost estimates and financial information for silvicultural investments and other forestry projects.
Develop an understanding of financial considerations and key business drivers associated with forest management decisions.
Complete assigned activities in a cost-effective manner while balancing operational and forest management objectives.
Assist with adapting site-specific plans as needed to achieve desired results and communicate significant deviations.
Assist in developing and implementing site activity plans consistent with unit-level strategies.
Support the development of annual and long-term silviculture plans.
Assist with forest inventory activities, including verifying stand delineations, collecting field information, updating databases, and supporting prescription development.
Assist with planning and executing reforestation, thinning, herbicide application, fertilization, surveying, slash management, and other silvicultural activities.
Assist harvesting teams with unit layout and other field activities as assigned.
Assist with the administration of contracts related to silviculture, land management and forestry activities.
Monitor and inspect contractor operations for compliance with site activity plans, standard operating procedures, safety requirements, Best Management Practices, and contractual requirements.
Verify completed work and assist with reviewing invoices for accuracy and payment.
Develop knowledge of contractor performance expectations, costs, and operational requirements.
Participate on forestry and resource management project teams and coordinate assigned field activities with guidance from experienced forestry staff.
Share field observations, operational information, and project updates with team members and leadership.
Build effective working relationships with contractors, employees, landowners, and other external partners.
Participate in public relations activities, presentations, property tours, research activities, and other assigned projects.
Assist with property management activities involving acquisitions, dispositions, trades, harvest sequencing, and other land management decisions.
Support property inspections and the collection of information used in property appraisals and evaluations.
Assist with assigned non-timber activities, which may include leases, special uses, surveys, and adjacent landowner interactions.
Participate in recreational use programs and other land management initiatives.
Follow all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety programs, forest stewardship principles, and Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Monitor field activities and promptly communicate safety, environmental, or operational concerns; participate in required safety training and hazard-reporting programs.
Develop working knowledge of SFI requirements, BMPs, environmental requirements, and applicable forestry regulations.
Participate in professional development opportunities and forestry-related organizations as appropriate.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Accident insurance
Disability insurance
Identity theft protection
Paid parental leave
Paid 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 with company matching contributions (60% match on the first 6% of base and bonus deferrals)
3% enhanced retirement contribution
Flexible work schedules
Hybrid work from home options (for most positions)
Minimum of three weeks paid vacation
Five paid personal days
11 paid holidays
Paid sick leave
Comprehensive employee development program
Career planning tools and resources
Mentoring program
Leadership development
Training programs
80% tuition reimbursement