Planning Forester

CCI Inc.; Prince George; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in British Columbia is seeking a full-time Planning Forester to support their Forestry Division in forest development planning and execution. This role involves coordinating project teams, preparing technical documents, and ensuring compliance with provincial regulations. Ideal candidates should possess a degree in Forestry, several years of operational experience, and proficiency in GIS tools. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered, along with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Comprehensive Benefits

Professional Growth Support

Diverse Work Environment

Team Environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of operational or development forestry experience in BC.
• Registered or eligible for registration as an RPF or RFT with the BC Association of Forest Professionals.
• Proficient with GIS-based tools and GPS data collection.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate forest development planning for clients.
• Prepare and manage development plans, including cutblock and road layout.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret field data to support operational planning.

Skills

Operational forestry experience

Field crew supervision

GIS-based tools proficiency

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or Natural Resource Management

Tools

ArcGIS

Esri Field Maps

Job description

Job Description

Geoterra Integrated Resource Systems Ltd. is a leading consulting firm based in British Columbia that specializes in forestry, environmental, and natural resource services. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, safe, and practical solutions across the province.

We are seeking a full‑time Planning Forester to support our Forestry Division. The role involves forest development planning, permitting, and field execution while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary project teams. Responsibilities include leading timber development activities, preparing technical documents, coordinating field programs, and ensuring compliance with provincial forestry regulations and company standards.

Job Highlights

• Competitive Compensation: $75,000 – $110,000 per year, based on experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Extended health and dental benefits, health and wellness for you and your family.
• Professional Growth: Support for training, certifications, and payment of professional dues.
• Diverse Work: Office and field-based work across a range of project types and client profiles.
• Team Environment: Positive, safety-focused team that values integrity and innovation in forestry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate forest development planning for clients and geographical areas.
• Prepare and manage development plans, including cutblock and road layout, reconnaissance, and feasibility assessments.
• Complete timber development deliverables such as site plans, Forest Stewardship Plan consistency checks, and permitting packages.
• Oversee project schedules, budgets, reporting, and documentation management.
• Conduct and supervise fieldwork including block and road layout, riparian classification, ecosystem identification, and GPS data collection.
• Direct and support field crews to ensure quality, efficiency, and safety.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret field data to support engineering, operational planning, and silviculture requirements.
• Develop and submit operational and strategic forestry applications, including cutting permits, road permits, and associated assessments.
• Ensure compliance with provincial forestry legislation, including the Forest Act and FRPA.
• Liaise with government agencies, Indigenous groups, stakeholders, and clients to facilitate permit approvals and address regulatory requirements.
• Support environmental and safety requirements throughout planning and implementation phases.
• Prepare technical documents including development reports, site plan packages, harvesting recommendations, and mapping products.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary project team, providing forestry expertise and integrating environmental, engineering, and operational considerations.
• Offer guidance, mentorship, and quality assurance to technicians and junior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Forestry or Natural Resource Management (or equivalent).
• Minimum 3–5 years of operational or development forestry experience in BC.
• Registered or eligible for registration as an RPF or RFT with the BC Association of Forest Professionals.
• Experience with forest development planning, block and road layout, and permitting processes.
• Strong knowledge of BC forestry legislation, regulation, and planning standards.
• Experience supervising field crews and coordinating field operations.
• Proficiency with GIS‑based tools (Esri products), GPS data collection, and forestry‑related software.
• Excellent communication, organizational, problem‑solving, and technical writing skills.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.

Assets

• Advanced experience with ArcGIS, Esri Field Maps, and related spatial software.
• Training or certification in silviculture surveys, ecosystem classification, or forest engineering.
• Experience supporting forest planning for Community Forest and First Nation Woodland license tenures.
• Experience with safety training relevant to forestry operations in BC.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities or stakeholder engagement.
• Strong competency in multidisciplinary project environments.

This posting will remain open until filled.

Only short‑listed candidates will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest.

Geoterra IRS, 1323 Kelliher Road, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada