Stephen F. Austin State University

Description

EFM Investments & Advisory (EFM) is seeking a Senior Forester to lead its forest management activities and coordinate field analysis for acquisitions. The Senior Forester will develop long-term and short-term forest management plans that meet net revenue goals and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification standards and move properties toward a desired future condition of increased structural and species diversity and improved forest health and productivity.

The Forester will direct a forestry team including employees, local contractors, and consultants for direct property management and supervision, including recruiting, training, and managing EFM forestry staff and local forest property managers where needed. The Senior Forester will be an integral member of EFM’s Management Team, involved in strategic planning, budgeting, acquisition and disposition of properties, and development of new business initiatives.

Primary Duties Oversee the following functions:

• Harvest planning, budgeting, unit layout, road construction & maintenance, regulatory permitting, reforestation, stocking surveys and intermediate stand treatments.
• Development and application of silvicultural prescriptions to achieve financial and ecological goals.
• Log sales & merchandising (including FSC sales), including pursuing value-added processing partnerships.
• Design and implementation of monitoring system to ensure forest properties are being managed toward desired future conditions.
• Supervise, recruit, monitor, and incentivize a growing team of field personnel and consulting foresters, including developing and monitoring contracts.
• Provide and/or coordinate field reconnaissance for due diligence and acquisition analysis for targeted timberland properties.
• Develop, execute, and monitor performance on long-term and short-term property management plans; onboard new properties and update/maintain the General Forest Management Plan.
• Stay abreast of new strategies and innovation in silviculture and property management and implement better management practices.
• Maintain compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations, Licensing Standards, Forest Practice laws, and manage annual FSC audits & recertification process.
• Anticipate, manage & mitigate risks, such as fire, insects/disease, roads, and trespass.
• Monitor expenditure and operation levels to comply with budget limitations and participate in quarterly and annual budgeting processes and impact measurements/reporting.

Supporting Functions

• Support conservation financing strategies, including acquisition of easements, sales of carbon offsets, and mitigation banking projects.
• Support the Manager of Forest Information Systems to ensure forestry spatial data systems are updated regularly for effective forest management and reporting.
• Lead/participate in investor, community, and other stakeholder communications including meetings, presentations, and property tours.

Terms and Benefits Competitive salary and benefits.

• Fulltime, 40 hours per week with flexible scheduling.
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous company match.
• Dog-friendly workplace, supportive of a hybrid work-from-home preference.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Position based in Portland, OR; can be partly remote.

Qualifications

• Significant forest management experience, including field forestry and contract supervision.
• Master’s degree in forest management, forest finance or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with the FSC Principles and Criteria for Forest Stewardship (experience managing FSC-certified forests preferred).
• Familiarity with forest regulation and forest practices in the Pacific Northwest.
• Familiarity and interest in carbon and other ecosystem service markets.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, including public agencies, conservation groups, and members of local communities.
• Demonstrated initiative and commitment to conservation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Other Requirements Commitment to periodic travel to and from the Portland office and forestland properties, including ability to work in remote locations, in variable weather conditions, and on difficult/hazardous terrain (30% of time in the field). Familiarity with forest inventory and GIS systems.