Harvesting Forester

Rayonier Operating Company LLC; Conway (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental and vacation leave

Flexible work schedules

Employee development programs

Job summary

Rayonier Operating Company LLC, located in Conway, Arkansas, is seeking a dedicated professional to oversee strategic harvest planning and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in land management and a strong understanding of sustainable forestry practices.

This role involves driving process optimization, managing contractor relations, and ensuring compliance with legal standards while promoting a safety culture within the company. A minimum of five years of progressive experience and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in land management and harvesting operations.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, and cost control.
• Strong understanding of safety procedures and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze long-term harvest plans and develop annual budgets.
• Drive process optimization and reduce operational costs.
• Oversee contract processes and ensure compliance with standards.
• Maintain relationships with landowners and public stakeholders.
• Promote a safety culture and ensure environmental commitments.

Skills

Market-driven log and pulpwood demand understanding

Sustainable forestry practices knowledge

Strong relationship management

Financial analysis proficiency

GIS and forest inventory tools expertise

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

Company Overview

One Rayonier is a long‑standing forestry company that prioritizes safety, innovation, and community engagement. We collaborate to create value and foster an inclusive, respectful work environment where employees are valued and proud to contribute.

Responsibilities

Strategic Harvest Planning & Execution

Analyze long‑term harvest plans for operability and volume, prioritize harvest units, develop annual budgets, and implement site‑specific harvesting prescriptions to maximize financial returns.

Operational Excellence & Value Maximization

Drive process optimization and continuous improvement, allocate resources efficiently across personnel and equipment, reduce costs, and leverage technology to enhance field productivity.

Contractor Management & Relations

Oversee contract processes, ensure compliance with legal and company standards, manage communications, build strong contractor relationships, and identify training needs and capacity risks.

Financial Management

Monitor operational costs against budgets and forecasts, prepare variance reports, and support overall financial stewardship of the district.

Stewardship & Stakeholder Collaboration

Maintain relationships with landowners, contractors, regulatory agencies, and public stakeholders to support sustainable timber production.

Safety & Sustainability

Promote a safety culture, maintain a safe work environment for all personnel, and ensure all strategies align with sustainability, regulatory, and environmental commitments.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource field; graduate degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in land management and harvesting operations administration.
• Operational expertise: Understanding of market‑driven log and pulpwood demand, sustainable forestry practices, safety procedures, and environmental compliance.
• Technical and business acumen: Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, cost control, GIS, and forest inventory tools.
• Relationship management: Proven ability to maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Role requires extensive physical activity, including daily movement between office and field, walking, hiking, and traversing uneven terrain. Tasks include standing, bending, lifting, and working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability insurance.
• Health savings account and dependent care spending account.
• Employee assistance program and wellness reimbursements.
• Comprehensive 401(k) with company match up to 60% of the first 6% of base and bonus deferrals, plus a 3% enhanced contribution requiring no employee contribution.
• Paid parental, caregiver, and bonding leave; minimum three weeks paid vacation, five paid personal days, 11 paid holidays, and paid sick leave.
• Flexible work schedules, hybrid work‑from‑home options, and an employee development program supporting career planning, training, and 80% tuition reimbursement.

Health & Wellness

Rayonier supports employee wellness through annual health screenings, wellness incentives, mental and physical health programs, financial counseling, and the StayStrong initiative.