Chelan or Kittitas County, WA - Forester

Do friends and colleagues come to you for solutions because you are creative and think outside the box? Are you friendly, outgoing, and communicative? Are you looking for a supportive, collaborative workplace with great teams and inspiring leaders? If so, you may be a good fit at American Forest Management!

American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM) was founded over 50 years ago and is the largest forest consulting firm in the United States. We are a private, employee-owned company. AFM currently manages over 5.7 million acres of privately owned timberland and has sold over $3.2 billion in real estate transactions under AFM Real Estate, a subsidiary of AFM. With 300+ employees operating from 52 offices in 22 states and Panama and Costa Rica, AFM's team of professionals is focused on meeting client needs by providing a complete range of forestry services. We are humbled that over 1,200 clients have entrusted us to be advisors and stewards of their land.

This position’s primary duties will focus on work with non-industrial private forest landowners. Projects usually involve timber harvesting to reduce fire hazard and improve forest health, non-commercial fuels reduction operations, and reforestation.

This position will also incorporate qualitative and quantitative assessments into Forest Stewardship Plans, NRCS CAP 106, timber management, and county tax plans. This position will be located in Central WA to focus on growing our business footprint in Chelan, Kittitas, Yakima, and Okanogan counties and will report to the Spokane District Manager. They will be responsible for forest management on multiple properties under AFM management, assist in new business development for private, tribal, and government clients, and other tasks assigned by the District and Region Managers.

Possessing an ability to build meaningful relationships and partnerships will be critical to success in this position. The applicant should also possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This individual should be able to work independently, manage variable schedules, and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This individual will have the freedom and encouragement to find new and innovative ways of conducting business.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Visit properties and assess forest health, insect and disease issues, wildfire hazards, and other resource concerns. Incorporate qualitative and quantitative assessments into Forest Stewardship Plans, NRCS CAP106 plans, timber management plans, and/or county tax plans.
• Monitor contractor harvesting, road construction and maintenance activities, reforestation and non-commercial thinning and/or fire hazard reduction operations.
• Harvest unit layout under WA DNR Forest Practice Rules.
• Conduct tree marking in diverse timber types to demonstrate harvest prescription on a variety of ownerships and management objectives.
• Assist with log marketing of harvested forest products.
• Responsible for day-to-day communications with clients, contractors, and applicable government regulators to ensure desired outcomes of assigned projects.
• Assist in new business development in Central WA.
• Participate in forest inventory and stumpage valuation projects individually or with a team
• Participation in industry meetings and co-ops to expand AFM brand
• Assist in obtainment of temporary Road Use Permits as needed to facilitate harvest activities.
• Assist in monthly and annual budget preparation

Additional Requirements:

• Working knowledge of forestry skills including the use of tools used in timber cruising, photo interpretation, timber harvesting, road construction, and other duties that pertain to forest management.
• Office and remote field environments. Utilization of various means of transportation, potentially including4x4 pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles. Required to drive, ride or walk through rough terrain in difficult weather conditions, in daylight and dark, in wet and dry environments. Involves working long periods of time outdoors, including adverse weather conditions.
• Exposure to loud noise, extreme temperatures, fumes or air borne particles, outdoor weather conditions, and inclement weather. Exposure to heavy equipment operations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to drive, walk, stand, talk, and listen. The employee is frequently required to bend, stoop, reach with hands and arms, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Potential travel and ability to function as a team member on large projects throughout the western U.S. Overnight travel is required on some projects. Overnight trips are typically 2-3 days in length and occur up to once or twice per month in the summer and less often in the winter.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or equivalent
• 5+ years field experience in the western US
• Strong knowledge of western US tree species, silviculture, wildfire behavior, risk, and mitigation strategies, and wildlife habitat improvement opportunities.
• Familiarity with WA DNR Forest Practice rules, including RMZs, WMZs, CMZs, unstable slope identification, forest road BMPs
• Highly self-motivated and able to work without consistent direct supervision
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong listening capabilities with the ability to translate communications into appropriate action
• Ability to manage multiple projects under strict time constraints. Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced work environment
• Proficiency in basic computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, and Arc GIS
• Ability to safely operate vehicles on steep and narrow mountain roads. Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Salary and Benefits:

• Expected salary range: $60,000-$85,000. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Additional compensation:
  • Company provided vehicle with unlimited personal use
  • Eligible for annual and new business bonus plans
• Paid vacations, sick time and holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision healthcare plans
• Short- & Long-Term Disability plans available
• 401(K) retirement plan with matching company contributions
• Educational Assistance
• Company assigned cellular phone

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