About Forest Solutions:

Forest Solutions Inc. (FSI) has been the leading forestry company in Hawaiʻi for the past 25 years. We specialize in diverse variety of forest management needs from native forest silviculture, invasive weed management, timber plantations establishment and maintenace, forest inventory, long-term wood supply modeling, third-party log scaling, tradititional agroforestry establishment, forest planning and permitting, and community engagement.  We are a team-oriented company with 6 foresters and natural resource specialist that each contribute experience and insight into resource management challenges in Hawaiʻi in a collaborative work environment.

Our work is always practical, based on best available science, informed by field observations and experience, and connected to Hawai‘i’s biocultural hertiage. We have 3 field crews undertaking a variety of forest management work across thousands of acres of native forests. Our senior professional staff have been with us for over 10 years.

As a part of our diverse team, you can have a role in shaping the future of large-scale forest management in Hawaiʻi!  For example, in support of our client’s projects, FSI planted over 1,000,000 native plants across 3,500 acres, including the largest native forest restoration project in the state.

If you value Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resources, enjoy working in the rugged outdoors in beautiful locations, and want to engaged in worthwhile conservation work - this position is for you!

About the Job:

We are seeking an operations forester to help with scaling and improve our forest management projects that are primarily located on Hawai‘i Island. This is an entry to mid-level position that reports to a Senior Forester. The position focuses on project implementation, planning, and problem solving (e.g.: planting, weed control, access maintenance, and forest product projects); crew supervision and safety; safe application of herbicides; heavy equipment operations; and remote data collection. Experience in these areas is desirable.

The work location is generally within 30 minutes to 2 hours off-road in the Kohala, Ka‘ū, and Kona regions on Hawaiʻi Island. However, the day to day locations can change as our client mix and project priorities change. We have projects throughout Hawaiʻi Island and help each other out when needed.

The position involves extended off-road driving in remote locations, sometimes alone or supervising work crews, supporting project implementation, record progress and quality of work. Considerable cross-country hiking/traversing is regularly needed, sometimes as far as 6 miles. Some of the work is in thick forests, in the rain, sometimes both. We anticipate 2-3 helicopter flights per year, either to/from remote work locations or to assist in field operations.

Time in the office/in town is limited, likely less than 1 day per week, related to ordering and procurement of supplies, downloading and cleaning up GPS and drone information, filing of equipment maintenance records and progress report preparation. You will also regularly interact with other land management professionals in writing or telephone to coordinate projects, request access, and report on field conditions.

Work is project-based and highly responsive to client needs and timelines. Flexibility, a sense of purpose, and self-motivation are essential, in addition to technical skills. This is a full time, year-round position with supervisory responsibilities. The position is expected to be 80% or more outdoor work and 20% or less office time.

Candidate selection criteria

The successful candidate will have bachelor’s degree in forestry, botany, natural resource management, biology, or related field or 4 years of equivalent field experience with some formal training; plus a master's degree in related fields or 2 years of equivalent progressive responsible work experience.

Essential qualifications:

• Willingness and ability to work alone or in small teams in remote locations, with little or no mobile phone coverage.
• Physically able to walk long distances in rugged terrain, over sharp lava fields or in thick forests for a full workday collecting field data in all weather.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Experience operating small powered tools safely such as weed eaters, chain saw, etc.
• Experience in the use of a computer and Microsoft Office suite, basic knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS software, able to upload/download GPS data.
• Willing to mix and apply pesticides and chemical fertilizers in strict accordance with label requirements.
• Able to drive 4WD, manual transmission vehicles on rough roads, valid US driver’s license at the time of hire.
• Able to legally work in the United States at the time of hire.

Desirable qualifications:

• Knowledge of the ecology of native Hawaiian flora and fauna
• Experience with field equipment – bulldozer, excavator, UTV/ATV, tractor
• Supervisory experience, including as a team leader
• Speak or understand languages other than English

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation based on experience, with competitive wages; vehicle allowance with stipend provided for off-road work; 401K retirement plan; healthcare including general, dental, and vision; and PTO policy plus holiday pay.