Operations & Timber Development Forester

Indigenous Perspectives Society; Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Chase; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Indigenous organization is seeking an Operations and Timber Development Forester in the Thompson-Nicola region. This role will oversee timber development and support sustainable economic initiatives, with responsibilities including planning, supervising operations, and mentoring staff. Candidates should have a degree in Forestry, a minimum of 10 years of experience, and strong safety leadership skills. The position offers a competitive salary range of $85,000-$100,000 annually and a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years in professional forestry planning and operations.
• Strong understanding of forest management and regulations.
• Dependable and high level of physical fitness.

Responsibilities

• Plan timber development activities and prepare site/harvest plans.
• Supervise logging operations and road construction.
• Mentor junior staff on forestry operations.

Skills

Communication

Safety leadership

Interpersonal skills

Drone technology

Relationship building

Education

Degree in Forestry or Natural Resource Management

RPF designation in BC

Tools

GIS software

Drone technology

Cutblock layout tools

Job description

About Us

Skwlāx te Secwepemcúĺecw (SteS) is traditionally known as Skwlāx, which translates to Black Bear in Secwépemctsín, the traditional language. SteS has a unique vision and drive; the Band has not only led the way in tourism within the Shuswap, but it has also led the way in economic development. The creation of Quaaout Lodge, Talking Rock Golf, Le7ka Spa, and Little Shuswap Gas Station has helped promote Secwepemc culture, and allowed the SteS people to develop world class accommodation and leisure activities.

About the Role

Join Skwlāx Forestry Team as an Operations and Timber Development Forester and contribute to the stewardship and growth of our forest resources. This role blends fieldwork with office-based planning, offering opportunities to shape timber development, oversee operations, and support sustainable economic initiatives. You will plan and supervise forestry activities from block layout and harvest planning to silviculture and post-harvest assessments, ensuring compliance, safety, and environmental care at every stage. Collaboration is central, as you will work alongside contractors, consultants, and internal teams to deliver high-quality results and uphold professional standards. With responsibilities ranging from log quality checks to drone data collection, the role offers a diverse scope that builds both technical expertise and leadership skills. Guided by the Forestry Manager, you will have the chance to expand your knowledge, take on increasing responsibilities, and grow your career while making a meaningful impact on sustainable forest management and community development.

This is a full-time permanent position, with the opportunity for a hybrid work environment. As a majority of the role is in-person/onsite, the successful candidate is required to be located in the Skwlāx (Kamloops, Chase, Salmon Arm) region. The salary range for this role is $85,000-$100,000 annually.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan timber development including reconnaissance, block and road layout.
• Prepare and review site/harvest plans and watercourse assessments.
• Manage cutting and permit applications submitted by consultants and contractors.
• Supervise logging operations and road construction activities.
• Collect and manage drone imagery for operational and planning purposes.
• Monitor safety and environmental performance across all forestry operations.
• Verify fieldwork conducted by consultants and contractors.
• Mentor junior staff on forestry operations.
• Participate and conduct community engagements related to forestry.
• Support internal policy and procedure implementation related to forestry operations.

Your Toolkit

• Degree in Forestry or Natural Resource Management.
• RPF designation in BC (or eligible and willing to obtain).
• Minimum 10+ years in professional forestry (planning, operations, stewardship).
• Strong understanding of forest management, regulations, and communication.
• Class 5 BC driver’s license with a clear drivers abstract.
• Preference would be given to candidates with experience in a similar capacity within the industry.
• Background in road and cutblock layout, surveying, cruising and/or scaling, a working knowledge of harvesting systems including cable yarding, tethered and heli harvesting systems.
• Previous experience in Contract supervision is an asset.
• Strong computer skills and related software knowledge including forestry applications like GIS, Phoenix, and BC government websites (ECAS, ESF, HBS, RESULTS, WASTE).
• Dependable and high level of physical fitness.
• Provide strong safety leadership and the ability to identify and reduce risk throughout the operations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with government agencies, contractors, suppliers, First Nations, and other stakeholders.
• Understanding of the Interior Appraisal Manual and the Post-Harvest Appraisal Reconciliation Model (PHARM).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with a highly interactive/energetic team environment and independently, as well as detail & results oriented.
• Eligible to work in Canada, and willing to reside in the region.
• Experience working in and/or with First Nations and/ or Indigenous organizations is an asset.

This role requires regular outdoor fieldwork in rugged terrain, with physical stamina for hiking, carrying equipment, and performing manual tasks in varied weather conditions. Foresters must also be comfortable driving on remote forest roads, using field technology such as drones and GPS, and maintaining strong safety and environmental awareness.

How to Apply

Please apply with your resume and cover letter. Additional information on this role can be found in the full job description.

If you have any questions or require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Alleta Newnham at [e-mail].

Applications will be accepted for this role until noon PST on Friday, September 19th.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, it is SteS Policy to practice preferential hiring for Indigenous peoples. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.

NOTE: While we thank you for your interest in Skwlāx te Secwepemcúlecw̓, we will only be contacting the short- listed candidates.