Planning Forester

West Fraser; Grande Prairie; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Woodlands GIS/Planning Forester, where you'll play a crucial role in coordinating the Woodlands Information System and developing comprehensive Forest Harvest Plans. This dynamic position emphasizes safety, health, and environmental stewardship while working closely with the Woodlands Planning Team. You'll engage with various stakeholders, ensuring high-quality harvest designs and compliance with government standards. If you're passionate about forestry and sustainability, this role offers the chance to contribute to a brighter future in a supportive and inclusive environment, with competitive pay and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Medical Benefits

Dental Insurance

Pension Plan

Paid Vacation

Disability Insurance

Qualifications

• Preferred experience as a planning forester with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Accredited forest program completion and AAFMP registration eligibility required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Woodlands Information System and develop Final Harvest Plans.
• Supervise field layout contractors and ensure compliance with government standards.

Skills

Planning Forester Experience

Analytical Skills

Organizational Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

GIS Familiarity

Operational Planning

Team Collaboration

Education

Accredited Forest Related Post-Secondary Program

Tools

LRM

ESRI GIS Products

MS Office Applications

Job description

Reporting to the Planning Superintendent AB, the Woodlands GIS/Planning Forester will be engaged in a diverse and dynamic role within the Alberta Woodlands Team as the coordinator of the Woodlands Information System as well as working with the Woodlands Planning Team to complete Forest Harvest Plans. A large focus on West Fraser's commitment to safety, health, and the environment is also required.

You’ll Do:

• Full engagement and active participation in the West Fraser Safety Management system to achieve an injury-free work environment.
• Developing Final Harvest Plans. This includes, but is not limited to, completing block and road operational plans, resolving issues related to wildlife, archaeological resources, aesthetic management, watershed concerns as well as consultation with First Nations and Metis Settlements, trappers, grazing interests, and other industrial users.
• Supervising field layout contractors to ensure high-quality harvest designs are submitted to Government approval agencies, and to ensure silviculture activities meet government standards.
• Development of the General Development Plans for timber tenures and negotiating approvals with the Government of Alberta and Key Stakeholders.
• Development & submission of Annual Operating Plans; negotiating approvals with the Government of Alberta.
• Development of Layout packages and management of contractors.
• Participate in field work, including block layout and audits, and pre-harvest assessments.
• Liaising with the Operations Group to ensure operational plans are consistent with the needs of the Operations Group.
• Using and updating West Fraser’s Woodlands Information System to ensure planning-related data is kept current for use by the Woodlands Team.
• Map template creation and management.
• Data input/storage and management.
• Spatial data directive completion and submission.
• Working with Trimble to streamline woodlands data processes.
• Tool/model creation to streamline woodlands processes.
• Data entry and upkeep.

You Have:

• Planning forester experience is preferred.
• Completion of an accredited Forest related post-secondary program coupled with registration, or eligibility for registration, with the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP).
• The ideal candidate has excellent verbal and writing talents, strong analytical and organizational skills, a high energy, and commitment level in concert with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Previous operational planning experience and familiarity with GIS and information management systems are a requirement.
• Preference will be given to individuals who are eligible or are currently members of the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP) with at least 5 years of related forestry experience.
• A current Class 5 driver’s license is required.
• Proficiency with LRM, ESRI GIS products, and MS Office applications would be considered an asset.

Compensation Package:

• Salary range for this position may vary depending on experience and education.
• Benefits package including medical, dental, pension and savings plans, life insurance, disability insurance, paid vacation, and more.

About Us:

We make renewable, wood-based building products for the world, contributing to a more sustainable future. Today, West Fraser is one of the world’s largest producers of sustainable wood-based building products, with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. From responsibly sourced and sustainably managed forest resources, West Fraser produces lumber, engineered wood products (oriented strand board, laminated veneer lumber, medium-density fiberboard, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, other residuals, and renewable energy. West Fraser’s products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and boxes.

What makes us stand out is our people-first approach. We value internal growth and continuous learning. Join us, and you'll enjoy competitive pay, great benefits, and an excellent pension plan, all in a supportive environment where your voice matters.

Diversity:

At West Fraser, we strongly believe promoting diversity and inclusion is essential to our success. Our commitment to creating inclusive workplaces is reflected in our core values, and we constantly strive to foster a culture that values and respects every individual’s unique background and perspective. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to be a part of a team dedicated to shaping a brighter future by embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity. Join our team at West Fraser and help us build a more diverse and inclusive community.

Sustainability:

West Fraser is fully committed to sustainable forest management as defined in our environmental policy, which is reflected in every aspect of our work. We adopt new technologies and innovations to create exceptional building materials. Wood products are a natural, renewable, recyclable, and environmentally sustainable choice for consumers who prioritize sustainability.

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.