Forester
American Forest Management, Inc.
Yakima County, Washington
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $65,000 - $95,000 per year |
| Min. Experience | 2 - 4 years |
Join the vibrant team at American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM) as a Forester in Central Washington.
This position will play a pivotal part in accomplishing the District’s work with a variety of clients, project objectives, and locations. Projects usually involve timber harvesting to reduce fire hazard and improve forest health, non-commercial fuels reduction operations, and reforestation. The forester works with a number of client types, including non-industrial private landowners, city, county, state, and federal government agencies, non-profit conservation organizations, lumber mills, and tribes.
This position will also incorporate qualitative and quantitative assessments into Forest Stewardship Plans, NRCS CPA106 plans, timber management plans, and county tax plans. They will be responsible for forest management on multiple properties under AFM management, assist in new business development for private, tribal, and government clients, and other tasks assigned by the District and Region Manager.
This position will be located in Central WA to focus on growing and maintaining our business footprint in Chelan, Kittitas, Yakima, and Okanogan counties and will report to the Spokane District Manager. They will be responsible for forest management on multiple properties under AFM management, assist in new business development for private, tribal, and government clients, and other tasks assigned by the District and Region Managers.
Possessing an ability to build meaningful relationships and partnerships will be critical to success in this position. The applicant should also possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This individual should be able to work independently, manage variable schedules, and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This individual will have the freedom and encouragement to find new and innovative ways of conducting business.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Visit client properties and assess forest health, insect and disease issues, wildfire hazards, and other resource concerns. Incorporate qualitative and quantitative assessments into Forest Stewardship Plans, NRCS CPA 106 plans, timber management plans, and/or county tax plans.
- Monitor contractor harvesting, road construction and maintenance activities, reforestation and non-commercial thinning and/or fire hazard reduction operations.
- Complete harvest unit layout under WA DNR Forest Practice rules.
- Conduct tree marking in diverse timber types to demonstrate harvest prescription on a variety of ownerships and management objectives.
- Assist with log marketing of harvested forest products.
- Responsible for day-to-day communications with clients, contractors, and applicable government regulators to ensure desired outcomes of assigned projects.
- Assist in new business development in Central WA.
- Participate in forest inventory and stumpage valuation projects individually or with a team.
- Participation in industry meetings and co-ops to expand AFM brand
- Assist in obtainment of temporary Road Use Permits as needed to facilitate harvest activities.
Additional Requirements:
- Working knowledge of forestry skills including the use of tools used in timber cruising, photo interpretation, timber harvesting, road construction, and other duties that pertain to forest management.
- Office and remote field environments. Utilization of various means of transportation, potentially including 4x4 pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side by sides (UTVs), and snowmobiles. Required to drive, ride or walk through rough terrain in difficult weather conditions, in daylight and dark, in wet and dry environments. Involves working long periods of time outdoors, sometimes alone, including adverse weather conditions.
- Exposure to loud noise, extreme temperatures, fumes or air borne particles, outdoor weather conditions, and inclement weather. Exposure to heavy equipment operations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to drive, walk, stand, talk, and listen. The employee is frequently required to bend, stoop, reach with hands and arms, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Potential travel and ability to function as a team member on large projects throughout the western U.S. Overnight travel is required on some projects. Overnight trips are typically 2-3 days in length and occur up to once or twice per month in the summer and less often in the winter.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or equivalent
- 3+ years field experience in the Western US
- Strong knowledge of western US tree species, silviculture, wildfire behavior, risk, and mitigation strategies, and wildlife habitat improvement opportunities.
- Familiarity with WA DNR and/or Idaho Forest Practice rules, including RMZs, WMZs, CMZs, unstable slope identification, forest road BMPs
- Highly self-motivated and able to work without consistent direct supervision
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong listening capabilities with the ability to translate communications into appropriate action
- Ability to manage multiple projects under strict time constraints. Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced work environment
- Proficiency in basic computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, and Arc GIS
- Ability to safely operate vehicles on steep and narrow mountain roads. Valid driver’s license and good driving record
- Soft Skills: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, attention to detail, time management and decision-making.
Work Environment:
This role balances office work with remote field assignments. Fieldwork often involves solo ventures into remote forest lands accessed by private unimproved roads, necessitating off-road driving skills. Expect extended periods outdoors, including adverse weather conditions like summer heat and extreme cold. Travel to properties across Washington is required, potentially involving out-of-town and overnight stays to projects in Central Washington, North and Central Idaho, Western Montana, and NE and Central Oregon (expenses covered).
Salary and Benefits:
• Expected salary range: $65,000-$95,000 annually.
• Additional compensation:
o Company provided vehicle with personal use
o Eligible for annual and new business bonus plans
o May be overtime eligible depending on salary
• Paid vacations, sick time and holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision healthcare plans
• Parental Leave
• Short- & Long-Term Disability plans available
• 401(K) retirement plan with matching company contributions
• Educational Assistance Reimbursement Program
• Company assigned cellular phone
Join us in our commitment to forest management excellence and a dynamic work environment. Apply now to contribute your expertise to our team!
About AFM
Founded in 1966, American Forest Management, Inc. is a nationally recognized land and natural resource consulting firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. AFM provides sustainable land management, consulting, and real estate services for a diverse range of land assets - including timberland, farmland, and other privately held lands - serving landowners throughout the United States, Panama, and Costa Rica.
AFM’s team of experienced professionals works closely with clients to understand and achieve their objectives through a comprehensive suite of land management and advisory services. With 50 regionally based offices managing almost 6 million acres, AFM offers strong local expertise, while its national platform supports collaboration among multidisciplinary teams of foresters and technical specialists to manage large and complex land projects.
AFM’s services include land and wildlife management; land sales and acquisitions; forest inventory, planning, and design; growth and yield modeling; cash-flow projections; environmental and farmland services; appraisal; forest resource data management; and harvest scheduling.
For 60 years, American Forest Management has helped landowners manage, buy, sell, improve, and enjoy millions of acres of land. At AFM, employees have the opportunity to make a real impact by helping clients unlock the full potential of their property while building lasting relationships based on trust and shared success.
We are committed to sustainable land and forest management, responsible environmental stewardship and high-quality client service. Our six core values—Integrity, Stewardship, Innovation, Dedication, Respect, and Knowledge—guide everything we do and create a culture where employees can grow, collaborate, and make meaningful contributions to both the land and the communities we serve.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.
To apply, please click here
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/65DD45F56BAC510864472A0B887E3262/jobs/70979
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| Category | Forestry |
| Tags | GIS , Environmental Consulting |