Operations Forester/Planner

#IND2026

THE OPPORTUNITY

Western Forest Products is hiring for an Operations Forester/Planner to join our Nootka Forest Operation team based in Gold River, BC.

What You’ll Do: Reporting to the TFL Forester, the Operations Forester/Planner is responsible for all activities related to the engineering and development of road construction and harvest plans within TFL 19. Working with a team of Forest Professionals, they play a crucial role in leading all aspects of forest operations planning.

Who You Are: This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced RPF or RFT searching for a rewarding career where they can have a significant impact. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who demonstrates exceptional communications skills, is well organized and has a proven ability to work in a team environment. You possess a deep understanding of operational forest management with a strong focus on improving safety, quality, and efficiency.

What We Offer

• Salary range of $87,000 - $125,000 based on skill level, qualifications, and experience
• Annual incentive plan
• Pension plan contributions - Western contributes 7% towards a pension plan, no matching required
• Extended health and dental benefits – Western pays for 100% of the employee monthly premiums
• 3 weeks’ vacation to start
• Employee family assistance program
• Financial support for learning and development opportunities

Work Environment: This role is to be performed in person at our TFL 6 Forest Operations in Port McNeill, BC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide safety leadership and direction by guiding safety improvement and ensuring adherence to Company safety policies;
• Support environmental sustainability and sound forest stewardship alongside Company certification systems;
• Lead daily engineering and planning activities of salaried employees and contractors with a focus on training and development;
• Support the development of annual road construction and production plans while acting as a key liaison between the operations planning group and production Managers and Supervisors;
• Coordinate all planning activities to secure road and cutting permits required for the annual timber harvest of the operation;
• Actively maintain mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations partners, Government agencies and both internal and external stakeholders;
• Recommend innovative strategies to reduce cost and maximize margin across the operation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in operations planning with increasingly responsible roles;
• Post-secondary degree in Forestry or related degree in Natural Resource Management, and;
• Current accreditation with the Association of BC Forest Professionals (RPF);
• Applicants with less than required experience and/or accreditation may be considered.

Skills, Knowledge and Required Competencies

• Excellent understanding and comprehension of Forest Management and Land Use Planning;
• Proven ability to work in a team environment with good communication skills and an ability to speak confidently in a public setting;
• Good working knowledge of legislation, regulations and requirements related to BC crown and private land forest operations.

YOUR CAREER

At Western Forest Products, we believe our most significant asset is our people. Investing in our people brings value and success to our business, ensuring a safe, engaged, productive and continuously improving workplace. We offer challenging opportunities working alongside the best in the industry to meet your career and professional development goals while providing competitive total rewards and recognition.

We provide a variety of on-the-job training and continuing education in many areas at Western to ensure you have the skills you need to succeed. Our promote-from-within culture recognizes high performance and we offer diverse career paths across the organization for those with the talent and will to advance.

WESTERN OVERVIEW

Western Forest Products is a leading forest products company that sustainably manages forests and manufactures high-quality wood products. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia with operations in the coastal region of BC and Washington State, Western meets the needs of customers worldwide with a specialty wood products focus and diverse product offering.

Our commitment to health and safety, environmental stewardship and community engagement is core to how we do business at Western Forest Products.

Our approach to responsible business practices in all aspects of our business is multi-faceted. We adhere to and employ the most stringent environmental practices in the world. The steps we take to ensure the forests in which we operate are renewed and remain healthy and viable for future generations are mirrored in the care we take to make certain our communities continue to grow and prosper. This includes investing in communities where we operate and continuing to forge mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations in respect of their local and cultural interests.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $87,000.00-$125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person